About Teena Palathanam

My name is Teena Palathanam and I am a Client Services Specialist for the Mission Delivery team. I graduated with an MPH degree from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. My favorite one liner is " When life gives you lemons, make lemonade."

Smiling Through the Storm

Posted on November 25, 2024 by Teena Palathanam

Life is full of ups and downs. We all have experienced plans that have gone haywire, and curveballs thrown at us at the most unexpected of times. Everyone goes through tough times at some point in life, it is just the intensity, frequency, duration and type that differs. Always remember that it is alright to go through failures because failures are the steppingstones towards success. Instead of diving into despair and gloom, viewing challenges as opportunities to grow can transform your whole outlook on life. Below are a few thoughts that may help you during difficult times:

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Fall-ing In Love

Posted on October 23, 2024 by Teena Palathanam

Fall is officially here. It takes some time for our body clocks to reset and adjust to the fewer hours of sunlight and the cooler temperatures. All these changes can bring changes to how we feel physically and mentally and for individuals with MS, seasonal changes can result in flare-ups. With the change in weather, make sure to incorporate a balanced diet, hydration, regular exercise and adequate sleep into your daily routine. Everyone reacts differently to seasonal changes, so figure out what works for your body and mind by experimenting with different strategies. Here are some ways to enhance your fall experience and make the most of this season:

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Selfless Self Care

Posted on September 27, 2024 by Teena Palathanam

The significance of self-care is undermined in individuals going through MS. MS can wreak havoc on your life as it leads to physical, behavioral and cognitive changes over time. Below are some ideas for self-care that will improve your brain and body’s wellbeing while battling this disease:

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Embracing The Vacation

Posted on August 23, 2024 by Teena Palathanam

Travelling with MS can be overwhelming, especially if you are travelling to a new destination. Not knowing where the restrooms are or having a place to relax when your legs give way can cause a lot of anxiety for individuals with MS. The unpredictability that comes with MS adds to the stress. Although unexpected hiccups can happen to anyone, planning your itinerary ahead of time will eliminate a great deal of anxiety. Below are some tips to keep in mind when you are planning for a vacation:

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Surviving Summer

Posted on July 24, 2024 by Teena Palathanam

This summer has been incredibly hot across the nation. Possibly due to global warming. Heat waves have been unusually common this year. Staying active in summer can be a challenging task but there are ways you can beat the heat. With some of the tips below, these tips may ensure you are able to continue with your daily routines and exercise regimes.

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Navigating Your Finances

Posted on June 24, 2024 by Teena Palathanam

Everyone’s financial journey is unique, though we all face roadblocks at some point of time. Having control of your finances will pave the way to attain financial goals in the long run. Rather than focusing on unrealistic expectations, tailor your goals to meet your specific needs. The key is to strategically distribute your income and budget for your needs, rather than your wants.

Here are some practical insights on managing your finances:

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Growing Pains

Posted on May 20, 2024 by Teena Palathanam

When you become a parent, it feels like you are running on a racetrack. Rushing to doctor’s appointments, having to take time off work when they are sick, driving them to activities, non-stop cooking and huge piles of laundry seem like never-ending tasks. As they grow older, it is a whole new ball game. There is a different type of challenge for each phase from infancy to adulthood. Let’s admit it, some days it may feel like you are losing your mind with the stress.

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Beat The Stress

Posted on April 22, 2024 by Teena Palathanam

We are living in a fast-paced world and to fit ourselves in society, we dive right into the whole rigamarole often forgetting that stressing over something that we cannot control is not going to improve the situation. Everyone has their threshold of handling stress. When you start noticing subtle signs like changes in appetite, breathing, energy levels, sleep, etc., that is your body’s signal to slow down. Don’t let stress take control over your life, rather figure out ways to combat it. It is rather easy to get overwhelmed, so the next time you feel bogged down by stress, keep these tips handy:

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Stay Connected

Posted on March 11, 2024 by Teena Palathanam

Having supportive connections is vital for coping and managing the daily struggles that come with MS. Establishing those connections early can greatly impact your well-being, especially during difficult times in your MS journey. Below are ways to make those connections that will help a great deal in feeling empowered and more confident to cope with challenges:

Connecting with MS support groups

Support groups can be a powerful tool as they can help you not feel lonely while navigating through the different facets of your MS journey. They can equip you with information, knowledge, and support. You can also find friends for life who share similar interests and passions as yourself. Such social networks provide a safe space to interact and learn from other MS warriors through their personal experiences and feedback.

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A Wish List

Posted on February 22, 2024 by Teena Palathanam

Getting diagnosed with MS can be scary and overwhelming. Not knowing what lies on the road ahead of you can be very frustrating. MS being an unpredictable disease comes with its own set of twists and turns as symptoms can highly vary from individual to individual. Here are some things I wish people knew about MS:

An individual with MS goes through a lot of challenges daily. Simple activities like showering, meal prep, washing dishes, etc. can seem like daunting tasks.
MS can make one feel isolated and lonely especially if one doesn’t have a strong support system. There might be some days when fatigue is ruthless, those are the times when individuals going through MS might need someone to just listen and maybe extend a helping hand.
The price of medications is skyrocketing every year. Many are not able to continue their treatment regimens as they find it difficult to afford them.
Medications cannot cure the disease, just slow the progression.

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