Springtime Strawberry Salsa

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The springtime is here and I begin to crave juicy and delicious fruits.   Fresh strawberry salsa is the perfect springtime treat.  This quick and fresh recipe can be served as an appetizer, snack, or dessert. You can also add peaches or mango too.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pint fresh strawberries, diced
  • ¾ cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced
  • 3 tablespoons of lime juice
  • ½ red onion, diced
  • Pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Put all ingredients in a bowl and carefully mix together
  2. Refrigerator until ready to serve
  3. Serve with cinnamon pita chips or tortilla chips

Are you ready for some juicy seasonal fruit this spring season, too?

Meet the Clients – Changing Lives Monday to Sunday

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To kick off MS Awareness Month, MSAA released the new video Changing Lives Monday to Sunday to show the impact the organization has on the MS community, and to showcase our commitment to our mission of Improving Lives Today.

Now, meet Cathy, Sara, and Simone – the three MSAA clients featured in the videos:

  • Hear from Cathy whose MS was causing heat sensitivity that drained her energy and kept her indoors in the air conditioning. Cathy decided to reach out to MSAA about our Cooling Program and received a cooling vest that allows her to get outside and feel re-energized.
  • Sara talks about how her diagnosis and subsequent disease progression left her feeling overwhelmed and uncertain. In order to get the MRI to prove that her disease was progressing and her symptoms were a result of her MS, Sara applied for MSAA’s MRI Access Fund which helped to pay for her necessary test.
  • After her diagnosis in 2015, Simone wanted to find a way to take care of her whole self, but she also wanted to help others with the same diagnosis. In her search for volunteer opportunities, Simone came across Swim for MS and dove right in, not only raising money for the MS community, but also finding support for herself and the freedom swimming gives her.

To learn more about any of these programs, please visit mymsaa.org

Jump Into Spring Cleaning – Then Nap

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By Lauren Kovacs

“Spring cleaning” is more than scrubbing floors.  Yes, dusting and cleaning under the bed are both good starts. Cleaning how you do stuff is also important.  Methods to your madness will iron out life-wrinkles.

I admit spring cleaning is something I abandoned on the side of a dusty road, in the desert, years ago. Along with the OCD Cleaning Lady and the Floor Nazi Mom, I left them behind too.  Relax; I gave them a bottle of water.  They were replaced with the “Do What You Can Lady.”

With three boys, a husband, and a dog, I am drowning in major testosterone.  Physical spring cleaning is often a losing battle for me.  I take one task at a time, now.  I also make lists of what tasks need attention.  Cleaning toilets never makes that list.

Learn to work smarter.  Expel as little energy as possible, but be proud of the tasks you do complete.  One trick I use to move laundry is using a rolling plant stand.  I can no longer lift laundry baskets onto my walker and pushing it was scratching my wood floors, even with putting felt dots on the bottom.

When putting away laundry get help and put away winter clothes, as you uncover summer clothes, at the same time.  I put the youngest one’s clothes into a designated container to give away, as it comes through the wash. The older boys put their own clothes into large plastic tubs, with the size and season written on paper on top.  If one of the boys happens to eat miracle grow and suddenly needs a bigger size mid-season, it is clean and dresser ready.

It would be easier, if they were turtles and their clothes grew with them.  I am also wondering if being nudists would help.  I guess having weeds with big feet, in my house, is just life.  The dog grows out and does not need clothes, thankfully.  We just adjust his collar.

Once we switch over seasons, I make a list of what is needed.  They are boys.  Stuff gets stained, torn, or runs away with the socks.  Pinewood Derby paint does not wash out, by the way.  Blood on soccer uniforms responds well to hydrogen peroxide, before the wash.

Do what you can and what you are good at.  I am good at organization, making lists, and researching.  Cleaning the blinds, I am not good at, however.  Embrace your gifts.

Clean your methods too.  Make sure to know easier paths to get things done more efficiently.  Save energy the best way you can.  Even driving can be made more efficient.  Maybe have a route mapped in your head of how you shop.  Write down the map, if you have cognitive issues.

I like to spring clean with a small bag of M&Ms.  I reward myself with the completion of each task.  Reward yourself in some way when doing anything really.  You know the effort it requires.

MSAA’s Fourth Annual Improving Lives Benefit

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As MS Awareness Month came to a close at the end of last week, MSAA held its fourth annual Improving Lives Benefit on March 30th in Philadelphia, PA.  This event allowed all of us at MSAA to celebrate MSAA champions who embody our mission of Improving Lives Today in the multiple sclerosis community throughout the United States.

This year, we were extremely proud to honor Shana Stern (an MSAA Art Showcase Artist), her son, Walker Reynolds (a Swim for MS volunteer), and William Saunders (MSAA Board of Directors’ Treasurer).

Attendees got to hear from Walker about his desire to raise money for a cause that would directly benefit and support people like his mother Shana, who was diagnosed with MS in 1999.  We also had an opportunity to hear from Shana about her process of expressing her creativity and love of music and performance through her newfound passion of painting with her knuckles.  Finally, William Saunders spoke about his time serving as a member of the MSAA Board of Directors and as a representative of the MS community as a true gift.

In addition to celebrating the work of our MSAA champions, we were also able to raise more than $120,000, which will make a tremendous difference in the lives of numerous individuals and families with MS.

This year’s event would not have been successful without the support of our attendees, supporters, and our sponsors.  Thank you to everyone who contributed and we look forward to another beautiful evening next year!

Purging: Useful in More Ways than One

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Ahhh Spring…a time when flowers are in bloom, daylight lasts a bit longer, and everyone tries to come out of hibernation from the cold winter months. Spring cleaning is known to be synonymous with this time as well; to rid households or offices of stale, closed up winter residue and open up to the fresher and rejuvenating seasons ahead. But this period of spring cleaning does not have to begin and end with just cleaning out closets or drawers, but rather a purging of all things unwanted, unnecessary or negative that’s affecting your life.

Now I know this can be easier said than done—things happen that you can’t control or predict sometimes or can even change, but for the situations where you do have control or a say in it, rid yourself of negativity and toxicity. If you have the opportunity to shed things that don’t add or contribute positively to your life, do it. Life is unpredictable as it is and there’s so much that we don’t have control over, so if there are moments where you can actively take charge and remove the unwanted, jump on it.

The act of purging can be cathartic; it can help you discard pessimistic thoughts and even people, which can be so very draining to deal with, especially on a regular basis. This practice may be a lengthy and emotional one because it can take time to evaluate these aspects of your life and day-to-day. To realize what should stay and what should go is an inner learning process and one that only you yourself should decide. It’s not easy breaking ties or cutting things out, but in the end you have to consider what’s ultimately going to be best for you, and finding comfort with the decisions you’ve made and to be able to move forward. Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be defined by just clearing out closets; it can be a clearing of the mind as well.

April 2017 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

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MSAA is very proud to present our 2017-18 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by multiple sclerosis (MS).

We have received many wonderful submissions from across the country and are delighted to share their work and their stories with you. Please visit our online gallery to view all of the new submissions.

David Desjardins – Union, ME
Burnt Island Light
Burnt Island Light

About the Artist:
“When I received my MS diagnosis, it was difficult to remain positive and find anything to be happy about. As time went on and I wasn’t able to work anymore, it occurred to me one day that my inactivity could be a good thing because at last I had a chance to paint!

There is very little in my life I have control over now, but one thing I do have control over is my painting. Creativity has always been part of who I am, but aside from being able to create something beautiful, I can escape the realities I face through my art even if it’s only temporary.”
Read more

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Recovering from ‘Overdoing It’

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Recently, one of our community experts wrote an article detailing how she recovers after a day of “overdoing it.”  Whether overdoing it means doing too much physical activity, traveling, or just pushing yourself past your limits to take a shower, so many of our community members could relate to this feeling.  Whether this occurs frequently or only occasionally, you are not alone!  So many people responded with what overdoing it means to them, how it frustrates them, and they you recover.  We received so many wonderful comments, we wanted to feature several to share with everyone!

The Overall Frustration of Overdoing It

“For me, overdoing it brings foot drop, a very bad mood, balance issues and trouble getting things into words. Oddly enough, reading books gets hard too……my mind just can’t seem to concentrate”

Overdoing it is rough and what might get you one day, might not be as bad on another day. You never really know until you’ve done it. And dealing with those who have no idea what it’s all about only adds to the problem”

“It stinks when ‘overdoing it’ consists of walking my child to the bus stop so she can get to school, coming home to make myself a bowl of cereal, and going all-out and brushing my teeth immediately after eating!”

Overdoing it can take on many forms and can be caused by completely varying triggers, causing much frustration and agony.

Attempting to Avoid Overdoing It

“I try to pace myself and not schedule too much for one day, but I also want to live as much as I can while I still can.”

“It is important to pace yourself which is why it’s important to put some breaks in between long days. But even doing that I’m still exhausted”

“I’m trying to make sure I eat healthy and pace myself, but it’s really difficult once I try. I’m still looking for a balance between work, classes and personal life”

Even the best laid plans and precautions can still lead to exhaustion later.  If this sounds like you, you are certainly not alone!

What to Do Once Exhaustion Sets In

“For me, the fatigue is the hardest hurdle because you can’t navigate around it. It must be recognized, respected, and my body rested. Always when it’s the last thing I WANT to do. Surrender. But meditation and focusing on releasing that anxiety from being forced to stop is an ongoing practice”

“I’ve been getting OT/PT and they made me keep a log of activity. I can do 1 to 2 activities a day. We practice taking breaks. Breathing between steps. Sitting before it’s too far. Laughing more”

“Try everything you can imagine to pull yourself through this maze. Exercise at home if you can’t get out. Don’t feel bad if you can’t accomplish tasks as you once did”

“Today I went in my room and took a nap. I explained that I had to. When I got up I apologized and told them I really had to take that nap”

“Sleep, shower, sleep, sleep, and sleep!”

Everyone handles their exhaustion after overdoing it differently.  Whether it’s distracting yourself with a good book or movie, getting some exercise, shifting your mindset, or just getting some good, old-fashioned rest, you know best what your body needs!

Let us know how you overcome the exhaustion after overdoing it.  Your advice may help someone else in the community who finds themselves struggling with this experience!

Wellness is a Big Puzzle

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By Lauren Kovacs

Wellness is as broad as MS itself.  It is a never-ending struggle for some kind of wellness.  It haunts most of us like a persistent poltergeist.  Little pieces fit into the MS puzzle and you need them all.

We all try and latch onto any floating debris. We ask, “What if it helps?”  There it is, the dreaded, “What if?”  Always try it; it might work for you.  Turmeric is a decent life-ring for some, for example.

It is really hope we cling to, in the end, no matter how small. Routines and eating well are obvious pieces. Many of us find reducing gluten and sugar helps.  The jigsaw puzzle of MS wellness is huge.  Someone’s failed try might be someone else’s small victory.

One piece I have found to be golden is mental wellness.  We all need to vent.  I have a talk therapist.  I dump my MS garbage on her, poor dear.

A disinterested third party is great for me, mentally.  I am a talker.  I can talk your ear off.  With recent MS stuff, talking is work. Ok, I sound drunk.  My brain wants to release, but by the time the flow gets out it is a muddy mess.

Unloading on your spouse puts a big kink in your marriage. Talking to a friend helps, but it has to be the right friend. Talking to a family member might not work either.

Many people are not equipped to carry the burden of listening to our MS struggles.  So, we put on a happy face and move on.  Eventually our bag gets too heavy and explodes or leaks.

A trail of MS juice follows us, if we ignore it.  It drips from our backpack with every step.  Wellness calls for us to find a way to lighten our load or patch the leak.  The MS backpack is a permanent fixture.  We can never take it off.  Wellness of any kind is a welcomed Band-Aid.

Talking to someone helps me feel better.  I can trip over my own words or smear them as they come out.  I need the release at times.  Friends might hear complaining and family might get annoyed.

Wellness is a puzzle piece.  Trying to smash it into the wrong place won’t work, no matter how you turn the piece.  Mental wellness is personal, and very important.  You have to find the best way you can to slide that piece of the puzzle in.  A Cadbury Crème Egg helps too.

Wellness Needs a Nap

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By Lauren Kovacs

I can’t stress this enough.  Fatigue is a relentless beast. If we want to be as well as we can, sleeping helps.  From marathon naps to a wee kitty snooze, it is a must.  Some days more than one is needed.

Don’t resist the craving to sleep.  Cave in and watch the back of your eyelids. Mid-day naps work for me. Even my dog knows when it is my naptime.   In this sense resistance is not good.  Don’t fight sleep.

I sleep with the phone and I only answer it if it is my kids’ schools.  Most people, with two brain cells to rub together, know I am out of order during naptime.  I have “out of area” numbers blocked by my phone company and if something gets through, I turn it on and off to get it to stop ringing.

Blocking out light and sounds help me too. I have a hard time with glare and sleeping in sunglasses is uncomfortable.  I put something over my eyes. Eyelids are not enough and fabric blocks it out.

A few drops of lavender oil on my sheets can be relaxing.  I also have a hard time clearing my mind.  Boy Scouts, soccer, Taekwondo and many other scenes in life are doing the Tango in my brain all night.  I draw the curtain on that sleep-sucking dance by reading.  A few pages of fiction turn the pages of life.

Listen to your body.  It whispers wellness secrets.  If you are too hot, your body tells you.  If you need to sleep your body will tell you.  LISTEN.  If your body says it needs chocolate…  Listen to it!