By Dr. Eva Jackson
Summer is often marked by joy, laughter, family traditions, and road trips. Taking a moment to sit on your porch and listening to birdsong can provide an effective respite from the stresses and demands of a busy day. A simple walk around the outside of your home to get a daily dose of nature can provide someone living with multiple sclerosis a simple dose of much needed Vitamin D and improve overall health. These activities are also great for meditating and mindfulness exercises.
For me, summer is a time to enjoy the ability to improve upon my overall physical health. Being someone with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, I enjoy this time being active. You learn to appreciate this time if you use a walker consistently or have trouble with abnormal gait. I was once that person who relied on a walker fulltime. Through learning wellness activities that are safe for me, I have been able to maintain a level of mobility that allows me to enjoy the summer rays of sun. I am also able to enjoy a walk down my driveway and I now appreciate the ability to stay active. My activity doesn’t look like it may have looked 20 years ago when I took a trip to the mountains or walked on a beach. However, I can appreciate and enjoy a quiet day in nature. A short drive in my convertible VW beetle where my hair blows in the summer wind. Or just sit and watch the kids play a game of kickball, baseball or volleyball. Just enjoying their youth.
To those of you who may not currently spend time enjoying the summer: I encourage you to find a wellness program available to you in your local community. Or simply take a seat in your yard or park and appreciate nature. Take a short walk in your neighborhood. If you can’t walk by yourself, ask a family member or care giver to escort you. I promise that you will appreciate having the courage to enjoy the rays of sunshine and improve upon your wellness at the same time.
If you feel that mobility issues are preventing you from enjoying summer activities, now might be the perfect time to consult your physician about a referral to your local rehabilitation facility. Don’t give up! Use this season to regain your confidence, independence, and overall physical and mental well-being. I promise you; you’ll look forward to enjoying many more summers!
Hello. My name is Dr. Eva Jackson, and I am currently a guest blogger for MSAA. I completed a Doctorate in Management, Organizational Development and Change at Colorado Technical University in Denver, Colorado. My academic background also includes a Master of Science in Leadership and a Bachelor of Art in Social Services from Belhaven College in Jackson, Mississippi. I have previously co-owned an event planning, catering, and decorating business called NikLiz Designs with my husband of 31 years Tim Jackson. After being diagnosed with MS, my career path changed, but I continue to provide management consulting services. In addition, I participate in crafting activities and volunteer as a Peer Connections Leader and an MS activist for the National MS Society.
