About Melissa Young

A Little about me: My name is Melissa Young and I am Senior Director of Mission Delivery, Client Services/MRI. I have my MSW from the University of Pennsylvania. In my spare time I enjoy playing golf and tennis, cooking, and spending time with my family and friends.

Stress Management Tips

Posted on November 16, 2016 by Melissa Young

The holiday season is fast approaching. This time of year brings lots of great things like family traditions, fun activities, and opportunities to celebrate with friends. Unfortunately, holidays can also be stressful and unpredictable. Dealing with fatigue and managing your MS symptoms can add to your stress if you aren’t careful.

So, here are four tips to help you manage the stresses of the season so you can have happy holidays!

Plan ahead

Planning your holiday schedule of activities in advance can help to reduce anxiety and limit fatigue. Planning ahead will also help you identify the things you really want or need to do and weed out anything unnecessary or unpleasant.

Relax

It is important during the holidays to take time for YOU. Even just a few minutes to relax and recharge can reduce stress levels and help you cope with all of the chaos.

Eat healthy

We all know that holidays bring sweet and savory treats, late nights and unusual schedules. Be sure to stick to a healthy eating plan and reward yourself by having a few treats during the holidays.

Support

If you are feeling lonely or stressed, make sure you have a close friend, family member or someone you trust that you can call on. Maybe attend a local support group or call the MS Friends helpline to talk about how you are feeling. Multiple Sclerosis Friends: 1-866-673-7436

The holidays don’t have to be stressful. Take a step back and organize your schedule for the holidays, and make sure to take time for yourself. By doing so, you can enjoy time with family and friends.

Hazelnut English Toffee Bars

Posted on October 31, 2016 by Melissa Young

Happy Halloween! While handing out candy to the kids in your neighborhood, enjoy this treat for yourself! This easy-to-make recipe is courtesy of MSAA’s President & CEO, Gina Murdoch.

Makes approximately 24 bars

Preheat oven to 350°

Crust:

2 cups flour
1 cup softened butter (not melted)
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tbs. vanilla

Toffee Sauce:

1 cup dark brown sugar
¼ cup Frangelica (optional)
¾ cup butter
2 tbs. vanilla

Toppings:

1 ¼ cup butterscotch chips
½ Skor toffee chips
1 ¼ cup chopped and roasted hazelnuts

Directions:

Spray 13” x 9” pan with Pam. Make sure pan has high sides
Chop hazelnuts and put in oven while preheating
Mix all ingredients until dough is formed
Use Saran Wrap to press dough into pan evenly and smooth is out
Take out hazelnuts
Cook dough for 23 minutes (dough will still be light in color)
Combine all toppings ingredients in saucepan and bring to a boil
Set oven to 400
Pour toffee sauce over dough
Put toppings on in this order. Sprinkle over evenly
1. Butterscotch chips
2. Toffee chips
3. Hazelnuts
Press toppings lightly into crust with spatula
Put pan back in over for 5 minutes at 400 degrees
Remove and let fully cool
Refrigerate when cool
Cut into bars

“We hope you enjoy our Recipe of the Month selections on MS Conversations. Just remember: these entries may not necessarily be a part of an MS-specific diet; these are simply recipes compiled from MSAA staff either from their own family recipe collection or based on recipes we think our audience would enjoy. As always, make sure to consult your doctor about any food or nutrition questions as they relate to your MS.”

Fall Celebrations

Posted on September 23, 2016 by Melissa Young

Well, Fall is finally here even if in most parts of the country it doesn’t feel like it. Most people associate Autumn with its two main holidays: Halloween and Thanksgiving. I know that if you were to play a word association game with me, I’d tell you that Fall makes me think of warm apple cider, jack o’lanterns, pumpkin pie, turkey and trick or treating. All those things are connected to the holidays.

I thought to myself that there had to be more to the season. Guess what? There is so much more to celebrate. I came across a website (http://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/october/) that lists all of the “National Days” that you might hear mentioned on the morning news or radio. Some are serious, but most are a bit silly. I, for one, don’t think you can have too much silly in your life. So, while there were so many for the season, I thought I’d share my favorites for October.

October 4^th – National Taco Day. Have Mexican food for lunch or dinner to celebrate!
October 8^th – National Fluffernutter Day. Make yourself a peanut butter and marshmallow fluff sandwich. If that’s not your speed, celebrate National Pierogi Day instead!
October 10^th – National Kick Butt Day. This is the day to give yourself a kick in the pants and get yourself moving on something you’ve been meaning to do for a while.
October 12^th – National Bring Your Teddy Bear to Work Day. Get all of your co-workers involved and have a slumber party!
October 14^th – National Take Your Parents to Lunch Day. Make sure your kids know you expect them to celebrate this day! And, have the pie or ice cream at the end because it’s also National Dessert Day!
October 17^th – National Clean Your Virtual Desktop Day. This might be the easiest cleaning chore of them all! Click and clean!
October 18^th – National Chocolate Cupcake Day. Buy yourself a chocolate cupcake as a reward for all of the hard work you did yesterday!
October 22^nd – National Nut Day. Peanuts, walnuts, almonds, pistachios…so many nuts and only 24 hours to celebrate!
October 28^th – National Breadstick Day. I wonder if Olive Garden knows about this day? It might be fun (and tasty) finding out!
October 30^th – National Candy Corn Day. Finally, a reason to dig into the Halloween candy early!
October 31^st – National Knock Knock Jokes Day. Have some fun with the trick or treaters by telling funny and corny knock knock jokes all day. You’ll have a captive audience because they’ll want the candy!

This website serves as a reminder that there is always something in life worth enjoying. Plus, there is no law against you creating your own day of fun for your friends and family. In the end, it’s just important that we, as the website’s motto says, “Celebrate Every Day”.

Warm Panzanella

Posted on September 16, 2016 by Melissa Young

Autumn is almost here! The air is getting cooler and the leaves are starting to fall. When you go to the store, it seems that everything is apple or pumpkin spiced. Fall is a great time to make delicious dishes, savory sides and fruity desserts that will warm your heart and soul. Below is a recipe idea that is easy to make and is delicious to eat as a side dish or even a meal.

Ingredients:

Butter, for greasing and to dot the top
1/4 cup olive oil
2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
2 peppers-any ones you like (the sweeter the better)
1 red onion, chopped
1 pint cherry tomatoes
Salt and pepper
8 eggs
1 pint cream or half-and-half
1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh flat leaf parsley, chopped (you can also use dry herbs)
Small handful fresh basil leaves, torn or sliced (you can also use dry herbs)
6 cups chopped or torn stale bread

Directions:

Grease a casserole dish with some butter, set aside.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with the olive oil. Add the garlic, peppers, and onions together and then stir.
Cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
Add the tomatoes and season with salt and pepper.
Remove from the heat and cool.
Whisk together (in a separate bowl) the eggs, cream and half of the cheese, add parsley, basil and some more salt and pepper.
Layer the bread and cooled vegetables in the casserole dish, it will mound up a bit. Pour the egg mixture over top of the casserole and top with the remaining cheese.
Add a few dots of butter.
Cover and chill overnight.To serve, bring the casserole to room temperature. Then bake at 375 degrees until cooked through. It will need to cook for about 1 hour. Serve warm. Serves 6-8 people.

New Recipe of the Month – Homemade Banana Bread

Posted on August 17, 2016 by Melissa Young

Do you often think about trying a new recipe or like to watch the cooking channels? MSAA is proud to announce the New Recipe of the Month! Each month a new recipe will be shared with you to try and enjoy.

The first recipe I would like to share with you is my homemade Banana Bread. I like simple-to-follow recipes, and this is definitely one of them. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare and one hour to bake.

Ingredients:

½ cup vegetable oil
1 cup sugar
2 eggs, beaten
3 medium extra ripe bananas, finely mashed
2 cups wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 tablespoons milk
Chocolate chips or nuts optional. Hand mix into batter

Directions:

Cream together eggs, vegetable oil and sugar.
Add mashed bananas.
Combine well.
Sift together wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Add to creamed mixture.
Add vanilla and milk.
You can also add chocolate chips or nuts if you would like.
Pour into greased and floured loaf pan.
Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Happy Baking!

*We hope you enjoy our Recipe of the Month selections on MS Conversations. Just remember: these entries may not necessarily be a part of an MS-specific diet; these are simply recipes compiled from MSAA staff either from their own family recipe collection or based on recipes we think you might enjoy. As always, make sure to consult your doctor about any food or nutrition questions as they relate to your MS.

Feeling Good About Change

Posted on August 5, 2016 by Melissa Young

Ever think and reflect on your life and think why change is so hard, the fear of the unknown, scared to move forward, afraid of being judged?

You are not alone. Some people know that they need to make changes in their lives. But often, they find themselves taking the path of least resistance and don’t make the changes even if it means remaining unsatisfied. People stay in relationships that aren’t good for them. They keep jobs that bring them no joy. There is nothing wrong with change, especially when it has the potential to bring happiness.

If you do not have the life you desire, you need to make changes to reach your goals. Change can be difficult and stressful but when you embrace change and recognize all of the good which it can bring to your life; change is no longer frightening. Remember, nothing good was ever achieved without taking a chance and making changes. The key to successful change is to embrace change for all that it is worth and move forward with your goals. Know that there will be setbacks along the way but you have the ability to overcome them.

Getting Back to Nature

Posted on July 22, 2016 by Melissa Young

Did you know that across our country there are amazing State Parks you can visit and enjoy? What a great way to explore new parts of the country or even a local state park in your own back yard.

Now that summer is here, hopefully you have a little extra free time. A great way to use that free time is to get out and enjoy nature. Whether sitting in your backyard or going to a local park, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of nature can be very relaxing and therapeutic.

State Parks are also a great place to become one with nature. While they might be a little further away, they are well worth the trip.

The state park entrance pass system works differently in each state. Many states offer some sort of pass that allows for unlimited entry at most state parks, while others offer park passes on a park-by-park basis. A few states do not charge entry fees to their state parks at all if you are a resident of that state. Most states even offer a Disability Discount Pass for people who have documented disabilities. All fifty states are listed below, with a link to their official state park website and information on their state park entrance pass program. Find your state, order an entrance pass, and enjoy unlimited access to the natural beauty your state has to offer!

The Best Part of Summer – Barbecues!

Posted on June 27, 2016 by Melissa Young

Summer is finally here! Unfortunately, in most parts of the country, that also means the heat is here too. This can obviously put a damper on the season. But there are many positive, enjoyable things about the summer time. Family vacations. Travel. Baseball games. The 4^th of July. Fireworks. And barbecues!

For me, barbecues are the best part of the summer. Whether I am entertaining or attending as a guest, I really enjoy spending time with family and friends in a relaxed setting. Plus, barbecues can be enjoyed in many ways. My husband and his friends man the grill. The kids play in the pool, play wiffle ball, and create their own games. My mom sits in the shade with her friends and they talk about the “good old days”. As host, it’s my duty to make sure everyone is comfortable and well fed.

In that spirit, here is a recipe for one of my favorite barbecue side dishes: Deviled Eggs!

Easy Deviled Eggs

6 hard-boiled eggs
salt and pepper
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
2 tablespoons dill pickle relish (you can also use sweet pickle relish)
paprika

Directions

Peel shells off of the hard boiled eggs and slice in half (lengthwise).
Using a spoon, gently remove the yolks from the whites and place all the yolks in a small bowl. Mash the yolks into small pieces. Add the mayonnaise, mustard, and relish to the yolks and mix until well combined and creamy. Fill the empty egg white shells with yolk mixture and sprinkle with paprika.

What is your favorite food to serve or bring to a barbecue or picnic?

Emotional Wellness

Posted on May 9, 2016 by Melissa Young

Taking care of your emotional health is as important as taking care of your physical health. Really, they go hand in hand. Eating and sleeping well and exercising regularly can help you feel better about yourself. Conversely, if you are in a good mood, you are more likely to make good decisions related to your physical health. For example, when you feel good, you’ll look forward to exercise and not view it as a chore.

When I think about emotional wellness, several words come to mind:

Happiness – Are you making choices and doing things that bring you joy? Life is too short to waste it on things (and even people) that bring you down.

Acceptance – When things don’t go your way or you have a personal setback, you shouldn’t be so hard on yourself. Take a step back, learn from your mistake and then make a plan to move forward.

Optimism – It’s emotionally draining if you always think the worst will happen. It can cause serious mental and physical health problems. So, try being more optimistic; focusing on the positives rather than the negatives in people and situations.

Resiliency – Life is full of setbacks. What defines us is how we respond to them. As the band Chumbawamba sang in their 1997 hit Tubthumping, “I get knocked down, but I get up again. You are never gonna keep me down”. These are simple words to live by.

Positivity – Much like optimism and happiness, it’s important to have a positive outlook on life. It is so much easier to attack challenges in life with vigor rather than dread.

According to the Mayo Clinic, positive thinking is linked to a wide range of health benefits including:

Longer life span
Less stress
Lower rates of depression
Increase resistance to the common cold
Better stress management and coping skills
Lower risk of cardiovascular disease-related death
Increase physical well-being
Better psychological health

This doesn’t mean that everything in your life will always be positive. It’s normal to have a variety of emotions. However, working to replace unhealthy thought patterns with positive ones will help prevent you from getting stuck in negativity. Give it a try and see what happens. I’m positive you’ll think it’s a better way to live!

Spring Clean Up

Posted on April 18, 2016 by Melissa Young

SPRINGTIME Spring is the time of year when we think of new beginnings. Before moving forward, the first thing a lot of us think about is getting our current situation in order. In a lot of cases, that can be a daunting task. But it is an important one. Clutter can lead to health-related issues and affect one’s wellness. There is a link between disorganization and thoughts of low self-esteem and worth.

Clutter can weigh you down and cause you to make poor decisions that can impact your health. On the other hand, getting organized can lead to healthier choices, improve your relationships, improve sleep and it can actually help you feel happier and more relaxed.

When you do decide to start, take it slow at first. You don’t want to get too overwhelmed. Start small. Pick a small area or task that can be completed in 15 minutes the first few days.
Completing the task is important so you get a sense of accomplishment. Don’t make piles and walk away so you need to come back and finish later.
Be sure to separate piles of papers that you need to keep versus papers that can be recycled. When you’re finished, make sure the trash makes it to the trash can and important papers get filed neatly and logically so you can find them later.
Create some rules to use to help you get through things quicker. For example, if you haven’t used an item or worn a piece of clothing in a year, it is time to donate it. Remember, your items can be donated to a good cause to help others in need (plus if you keep good records of what you donate, you may get an added deduction on your taxes).
Lastly, don’t buy anything new until you finish your organizing to see what you already have. You don’t want to buy something you already own, but forgot you had!

Happy Spring cleaning!

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