Spring is finally here and it’s time to enjoy the delicious fruits available this time of year.
If you’re looking for a last-minute dish that’s healthy and requires zero cooking, this fruit salad is your new go-to. It’s crisp, refreshing, and looks beautiful on a picnic table.
I have realized that every time I go to a doctor’s appointment, I walk in already feeling guilty — mentally preparing to defend myself, almost expecting judgment. Before the doctor starts asking about my exercise routines and eating habits, I am literally saying in my mind, “Guilty as charged”. But guilt doesn’t move us forward. Conscious choices do.
Continue reading
I am a creature of habit. I naturally stick to routines that work, and it is hard for me to change them once they feel comfortable. Routines can be helpful, but sometimes they make life feel automatic, like you are on autopilot, going through the motions without really noticing what is happening. One way I shake up that feeling is with micro-adventures.
Micro-adventures are small, simple, and surprisingly powerful ways to break out of habits. They invite curiosity, spark creativity, and give your day a fresh perspective. The best way to escape autopilot and that stuck feeling is by trying something different.
Continue readingBy Angel Blair
When it comes to wellness and how we take care of our minds and bodies, there’s definitely some leeway as to what works for each person and what type of wellness is being referred to. If we’re being honest, I was never a big fan of physical exercise and fitness for myself. Not that I don’t think it’s important, because it truly is. I just never had enough drive or motivation to stick to a particular exercise regimen. I don’t take physical wellness for granted or disregard it in any way. It just took me some time to realize that physical wellness is merely one cog that makes up the wellness machine.
Mental and emotional wellness are two other vital pieces in the realm, and I found that these are the ones I can get on board with. Without knowledge of it, I was fostering these facets of wellness with things that I do in my day-to-day. And they’re things that I enjoy, go figure! They may not be obvious examples of wellness but that’s the great part about this theory. It can look so different and represent various things to people. There’s no “right” way to achieve wellness goals. What matters is that they support your body’s needs and promote good health.
I’ve always enjoyed writing, ever since I was young. It helps me to process things and allows me a space to be creative and honest. I also love to read. This activity provides a quiet restfulness and a chance to slow things down. The other surprising endeavor that I found nurtures my personal wellness is cleaning. I know, it sounds odd and a bit atypical compared to other wellness activities. But there’s something familiar and relaxing about it. I like the feeling of accomplishment it provides, and it also lets me jam out to my favorite music.
Maybe these activities wouldn’t work for you, or maybe they would. You may already have certain routines or tasks that bring you joy, positive physical effects, or a sense of purpose and accomplishment. But you may not have realized that these satisfying ventures are concurrently supporting your personal wellness too. Perhaps because you thought wellness had to look a certain way. What a pleasant surprise!
My name is Angel Blair, I am a mom to beautiful twin girls and hold degrees in counseling from schools outside of the Philadelphia area. I’ve worked with the MS community in the past, and am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had in helping others. I enjoy spending time with my family, writing, reading, and traveling.
Any person who has seen a healthcare professional has probably felt a certain way when being asked any question that pertains to their personal wellness. It stands to reason then, that those who see a healthcare professional more often because of their diagnosis get to feel that feeling a whole lot more. What feeling? Well, if you’re like me, the questions…
“Do you exercise?”
“How many hours do you exercise? ”
“Do you eat fast food? How many times a week?”
“How often do you have soft drinks? ”
“What does your diet look like?”
…evoke a sinking feeling I can only describe as guilt mixed with defensiveness. I imagine the “right” answers. The “perfect” healthy lifestyle that would result in my doctor beaming with pride while writing down my answers, maybe giving me a gold star and an A+ on my ‘Life’ report card.
Continue readingSpeaking up is so important for anyone going through a chronic illness like MS. Being a self-advocate while going through MS can be so challenging, as individuals going through MS are often misunderstood. This misunderstanding often stems from the invisible nature of MS. To further add to this issue, symptoms greatly vary among individuals. Many individuals face a lack of empathy from loved ones who cannot fully grasp and understand what these individuals are physically, mentally, and emotionally going through.
Being a self-advocate while living with MS can bring about a whole new perspective of this illness by instilling empowerment and awareness among MS individuals. Through your self-advocacy efforts, people around you can learn to be more sensitive and empathetic about your situation. Here are some strategies to effectively become a self-advocate for MS:
Continue reading
Working at the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA), I am often asked if I have a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). While MS is not part of my personal journey, speaking with people living with MS has given me a unique perspective on the importance of listening deeply, respecting each person’s experiences, and recognizing the power of self-advocacy. Their courage in navigating uncertainty and speaking up for their needs has helped me see how vital advocacy is in every health journey. Every conversation reminds me that every voice matters and that advocacy, whether for oneself or on behalf of others, plays a powerful role in navigating life’s challenges.
Continue readingSelf-advocacy is more than just a buzzword; it is the act of speaking up for yourself, clearly communicating your needs, and taking action to get what you want in life. At its core, it is about recognizing your own worth and ensuring your perspective is heard and respected.
When you learn to advocate for yourself, you transition from being a passive observer to an active participant in your own MS journey.
Here are a few tips to start being your own best advocate:
Continue reading
MSAA proudly recognizes March as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month and is pleased to present the MS community with helpful and encouraging resources and programs throughout the month.
Our MS Awareness Month theme in 2026 – Your MS, Your Voice: The Power of Self-Advocacy – focuses on what advocating for oneself really looks like in everyday life. Throughout March, explore self-advocacy from both the clinician and lived-experience perspective as we share practical tools to help the MS community. Please join us for the following free MS Awareness Month activities:
Continue readingFor a heart-healthy win that feels like spring on a plate, you can’t beat this easy sheet pan Lemon-Herb Salmon & Spring Greens. Salmon is packed with Omega-3 fatty acids that support cardiovascular health.
Continue reading