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."

Connecting to Your Creativity

Self-expression is a tool that can unleash your creativity in a unique way. It is not just a way to beat your internal stress; it is a self-defense mechanism that is powerful and can reveal a lot about our inner selves. Everyone has a unique way of expressing themselves and the best part of self-expression is it does not have to be perfect. I serve as a primary example of that. From that statement, I mean that I am no artist, but I like to draw and paint for fun. Art is therapeutic for me in more than just one way. For me, it is all about self-care and there are so many reasons why I enjoy the process. I like the sound of my sharpened pencil grazing on my paper. I like how I can translate my thoughts on a blank canvas. I like to see how different colors mix on a palette to create different shades. It helps me to relax and distract myself from a continuous string of thoughts crossing my mind. I find happiness in the fact that I was able to dedicate some quiet moments to myself. I like to use Paint-by-Number art, which are DIY structured painting kits. They are pre-designed with pictures and come with easy-to-follow instructions. It is great option for beginners who would like to experiment with colors and art.

If you are looking for a new hobby, try to explore different avenues that spark your creativity. Origami, pottery, sculpting, crocheting etc. are great mediums for artistic expression. Whatever you decide to do, feel free to express yourself in ways that speak volumes and give yourself permission to try something new without judgement. Nurture your passions and discover more about yourself each day.

As Albert Einstein once quoted — “Creativity is intelligence having fun.”

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Back to School Success

As the school year has officially started, going back to school can be stressful for some families. Students may be battling stresses associated with academic performance, peer pressure, social anxiety, etc. On the other hand, parents are anxiously hoping that their children will have a productive year at school. It is important to set realistic expectations for your child and be prepared to anticipate challenges along the way. If you are a parent with MS, fatigue and exhaustion can hit any time. Planning and being organized is the key.

Here are some tips that can help alleviate stress associated with the transition back to school:

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Building your Fortress

An individual going through a chronic illness like MS may be hit with a multitude of emotions like loneliness, helplessness, confusion, anguish, anger, and sadness at different points in time. The uncertainty associated with MS can be immensely stressful. Having a support system, whether it be friends, family, coworkers, or therapists, can help you navigate through the toughest times. Reaching out for help from your support network is not a sign of weakness. Rather, it shows that you have a strong support system to back you up in hard times. Below are some tips to build a strong and thriving safety net:

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Soak Up the Sun

Living with MS comes with a unique set of challenges. Heat intolerance can cause setbacks that can lead to a lot of discomfort for those experiencing it. Hot weather can exacerbate MS symptoms and lead to potential flare-ups. As the core body temperature increases, one may notice increased fatigue, weakness, changes in vision, tremors, and more. Heat-related changes are usually temporary and could get better as the body cools down.

Below are some strategies to beat the heat and manage symptoms:

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Power of Empowerment

There are a lot of uncertainties one must face while battling MS, and its symptoms vary widely among individuals. For newly diagnosed individuals, this can be a scary and unsettling journey without knowing what to expect down the road. Below are a few things you can suggest to someone who has been recently diagnosed with MS:

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An Attitude of Gratitude

Life is one roller coaster of a ride. I realize that each life experience has a mix of emotions attached to it. At this point in life, I think I have experienced it all – anger, frustration, joy, happiness, embarrassment, peace, sadness, laughter, grief, and so forth. I have been overwhelmed many times, not knowing how to handle it all.

Having a good support system has always been my foundation, and it has helped me get through those tough times. I am proud of the little victories and the small successes that I have encountered in my journey through life.

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Springtime Cheer

Spring is that transitional time of the year that signifies new beginnings. Nature is at its best version of creativity and rejuvenation. The days start getting longer, warmer weather sets in, pretty flowers start blooming, trees start growing their leaves back, birds are building their nests, and squirrels and bunnies are running around in yards.

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Being An MS Warrior

Being diagnosed with MS can be disheartening news for many since the road ahead can be so scary and unpredictable. If left undiagnosed, it can lead to severe disability over time.

It is of utmost importance that you schedule your appointments with your neurologists and other care providers regularly so that they can help with managing your symptoms and keeping your MS at bay. The high costs associated with the treatment make medical coverage crucial as over time, MS may unfortunately place a financial strain on individuals and families. Fortunately, there are organizations like the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) can direct you to valuable resources while navigating the bumps along the way.

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Learning to Love Yourself

I truly believe that the more I care about my needs, the more effectively I can take care of others around me. The more compassion I show myself, the more empathy I can show to others. This means that if I want fruitful relationships with others around me, the transformation must start from within me. Taking care of oneself is not selfish and it often translates to prioritizing yourself. Below are some things to keep in mind while learning to love yourself.

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A New Chapter

The wheel has spun again. Lying ahead are 365 days filled with possibilities to make life better for us as well as for those around us. These are a few things I plan on doing differently to be more effective and productive this year:

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