Time To Go

Posted on July 26, 2023 by Teena Palathanam

It is that time of the year when people are enjoying the summer by traveling and exploring different destinations. Fatigue, bathroom issues, and walking difficulties are a few of the many challenges individuals with MS tend to encounter while traveling. Having MS should not deter you from traveling, it just means that your travel might need a little more detailed preparation and planning. It is important to note that individuals with disabilities have rights that are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which prohibits discrimination and makes sure that accommodations are provided to such individuals whenever needed. Here are some tips to keep in mind that will make your travel experience relaxing and hassle-free:

Carry necessary medical paperwork: It is important to have a doctor’s note that details your MS diagnosis. Get all your prescriptions filled in by the neurologist. Carry medicines in daily pillboxes. Also, keep the contact information for your doctors saved on your phone in case you need to reach them in an event of an emergency.

Cooling products: Cooling vests, hats, pillows, and scarves are great to carry especially while traveling to places where the weather can fail to cooperate.

Rent mobility equipment: Mobility equipment like rollators, scooters, wheelchairs, walking aids, etc. can easily be rented. Renting equipment will avoid the hassle of carrying heavy gear. In many states, you can also have mobility equipment delivered right to your doorstep.

Air travel: While traveling by air, ask for wheelchair assistance while boarding and deplaning. Take advantage of early boarding procedures and seating accommodations. Use elevators and travelators (moving walkways) in the airports whenever possible.

Go with a travel buddy: Having a reliable travel partner can make your travel stress free. It will give you peace of mind just to know there is someone to give you a helping hand whenever you need one.

Seize every opportunity that comes your way and do not let MS stop you from experiencing the joy of travelling. There will always be some unexpected hiccups along the way but planning your travel ahead and knowing your rights will ensure that you have an unforgettable and memorable time.

Traveling with Health Issues

Posted on July 25, 2023 by MSAA

By Stacie Prada

My definition of travel has changed as my Multiple Sclerosis symptoms have progressed. Travel used to be trips that included overnight travel, and even one night away from home might not have qualified as “real” travel. Now travel includes going places for periods that disrupt my daily routines, and that means day trips solidly allow. Travel includes going anywhere outside of my normal routine. It demands having health issues considered and accommodated to ensure I have fun, meet my body’s needs, and don’t stress too much.

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Plan, Prepare, and Enjoy the Trip!

Posted on July 14, 2023 by Claudia Chavez

Are you planning a trip soon? Sure, getting to the destination is beautiful and all but what about all the planning that goes into the trip? Between the research, packing, reservations, and cost, traveling can be exhausting. Nothing beats an amazing vacation, but how do we make sure we are prepared for it all?

If you are anything like me, you will most definitely forget to pack something (and end up looking like a tornado tossing around the luggage to find it). Traveling with MS can be easy when you are prepared and have a contingency plan.

Here are some tips that can make your trip run as smoothly as possible.

Depending on your destination and needs, it may be a great idea to request a doctor’s note listing your medications and any specific medical needs you need accommodations for.
Bring the necessary storage devices, such as a cooler for injections, a needle clipping device, and storage must-haves.
Consider your medication dates if you take a DMT. For example, work around your infusion date.
Call the hotel in advance to verify the hotel has a refrigerator in the hotel room, or request a refrigerator for your room if you have medication that requires refrigeration.
Bring a list of your providers’ contact information just in case.
Bring extra medication in case you accidentally misplace it or damage it.
If you are traveling by air, you may contact the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for additional information and to familiarize yourself with the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) that protects against discrimination.
Find MS support when traveling abroad by visiting the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation directory.

Knowing what to expect when traveling can ease your worries. Multiple Sclerosis doesn’t have to weigh you down. Don’t let anything stop you from taking that dream vacation you have always wanted. Plan, prepare, and enjoy the trip!

Travel Essentials

Posted on July 12, 2023 by Diana Cruz

Ahh summer-time. The (arguably) enjoyable weather brings about endless possibilities for outings, adventure, and quality time with friends and family. For many, the summer months indicate vacation and travel arrangements to sunny, tropical destinations. As appealing and worthwhile as a good getaway may be, these plans can also lead to uninterrupted thoughts about what to pack, what needs to get done, what to budget, feelings of guilt for leaving behind responsibilities, and an endless list of anticipated items. However, what many of us don’t think of packing is our well-being. Ensuring you are feeling your best self and are preparing in a way that will care for your mental health is just as essential as any other travel equipment.

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Alfred Haymond – July 2023 Artist of the Month

Posted on June 30, 2023 by MSAA

MSAA features the work of many talented artists affected by multiple sclerosis as part of our annual MSAA Art Showcase. Each month we share these artists’ inspiring stories and beautiful artwork with you as our Artist of the Month. This month, we celebrate Alfred Haymond as the July Artist of the Month. Alfred is from Altadena, CA.

When asked, what’s his ardent fascination with black & white photography – Alfred Haymond readily explains, “There is just something so quaint, therapeutic, and very nostalgic about the medium.

Originally from Los Angeles, Alfred is a self-taught yet accomplished photographer whose approach is described by him as simply, “observational photography, the art of finding those mundane occurrences happening all around us and visually documenting them.”

Diagnosed with MS in 2011, Alfred decided to take a daring leap, going beyond a mere hobby to sharing his work with the greater community. Alfred reflects, “I had received some life-altering news at the time and figured I should do something meaningful with my photographs rather than let them just sit in boxes out in the garage.”

The vintage architecture, rural landscapes, intimate pictorials, street photography, and fleeting scenes of Americana are the stories poignantly and continuously told through the lens of his camera.

To see more about Alfred and the rest of our artists, please visit our Art Showcase

Take Control of Your Summer

Posted on June 30, 2023 by Courtney Merker

Summertime is here and that means backyard barbecues, lounging on the beach or by the pool, outdoor fun, and leisurely walks. For many folks, these activities are enjoyable activities in the summer months. However, if you have Multiple Sclerosis, these activities on hot summer days can be challenging.

Exposure to warm temperatures can cause an exacerbation of symptoms for heat-sensitive individuals. It may feel like your world narrows during the summer season, but there are many ways to stay cool and reclaim the carefree feeling of the season.

Bring the beach to you! Sitting on the beach in the blazing sun may be the last place you want to be if you have heat sensitivity. So how about getting the “beach vibe” while still being cool at home? You can create the full scene right in the living room of your home. Grab a beach chair, turn on some feel-good music, and sit back and relax in the AC. Nowadays, there are a plethora of candles that have scents that smell just like the beach. They are so realistic, you’d swear you’re smelling the same thing!

Cook-in instead of a cookout! Bring your friends and the barbecue to the comfort (and coolness) of your home. Chop up some bright, fresh fruit and mix up some frozen yummy drinks. Order takeout instead of cooking by the stovetop, or perhaps one of your friends is a grill master and enjoys grilling up some goodies.

Enjoy the cool, late summer nights! One of the best parts of summer is the longer days and the cooler evenings. Take advantage of the breezy summer nights and sit outside. Watch nearby fireworks, or simply just sit and listen to the sounds of summer.

The summer months can be a challenging time for heat-sensitive individuals. The key is to plan ahead and do what makes you feel the most comfortable. Get creative and make your summer experience your own. Make this your best summer yet!

Ask the Expert – Speech Difficulties

Posted on June 29, 2023 by MSAA

Featuring Barry A. Hendin, MD

Barry Hendin, MD

Question: What types of speech problems may be caused by MS and what can be done to improve these issues?

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Heat and MS

Posted on June 28, 2023 by MSAA

By Suzanne Marriott

It is known that exposure to heat causes a worsening of symptoms in people with multiple sclerosis. This was certainly true for my husband, Michael, who suffered from MS. Our first experience with hot weather was when he was first diagnosed and was waiting outside his doctor’s office for me to pick him up in the car. Unfortunately, I got confused trying to figure out the correct exit from the parking garage and he was left standing outside in the warm afternoon. When I finally picked him up, he said, “Why did you do this to me?”

We hadn’t realized that the heat would affect him. We’d both thought that he’d be better off waiting for me to pick him up than walking all the way to the car. But he had weakened considerably in that short period and had been afraid of falling down. He later apologized to me, realizing I hadn’t meant to abandon him to the heat, but we had learned an important lesson that day, one we never forgot.

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Recipe of the Month: Summer Frozen S’mores

Posted on June 23, 2023 by Melissa Young

These frozen S’mores are the perfect treat for a hot summer day. They’re easy to make and ideal to keep in the freezer when you want a snack. Layers of chocolate pudding and marshmallow creme make these frozen S’mores the best summer treat for all!

Ingredients

1 box instant chocolate pudding 6 serving size
2.5 cups cold milk
16 graham crackers
7 oz marshmallow creme
4 oz cream cheese softened
8 oz frozen whipped topping thawed

Instructions

Line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper, allowing the piece to overhang on the edge of the pan.
Whisk together the pudding mix and milk in a medium bowl until smooth. Pour into a 9×13 pan and spread into an even layer.
Place in refrigerator to chill while you mix the marshmallow layer.
In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and marshmallow cream until smooth. Fold in whipping topping gently.
Spread the marshmallow layer over the chilled chocolate layer and cover it.
Freeze layers for about 8 hours, until firm enough to cut through. Use the parchment paper to remove layers from the 9×13 pan and place them on a cutting board.
Break 16 graham crackers in half. This will allow for a top and bottom to make a sandwich. Slice pudding/marshmallow layers into 8 squares the same size as the graham crackers.
Sandwich the frozen square mixture between two graham crackers.

Be sure to store them in the freezer so they are ready to grab on the go and enjoy!!

Enjoy yourself, you deserve it.

Posted on June 21, 2023 by Claudia Chavez

It’s no secret that summer can be debilitating for those with MS. The heat and humidity can be a nightmare for so many of us. While everyone experiences summer differently, I think we can all agree that it’s important to plan head to ensure we are as comfortable as possible during these summer months.

Being prepared is more than bringing water, an umbrella, or a cooling vest. Being prepared also means understanding your limits and respecting them. It can be difficult to skip plans or cut them short when we need a break. It’s okay to sit down under the shade when our body is getting overheated. It’s okay to sit back and relax while friends and family continue with certain activities on their own. It’s okay to turn down plans when we know certain events will not sit well with our bodies. It’s okay to put your needs first.

Modifying certain activities can allow us to enjoy the outdoors this summer. Feel comfortable voicing your opinion when choosing a vacation destination, planning the activities for the day, or simply choosing the hotel bed closest to the air conditioner. Your voice matters.

Here are some things to keep in mind this summer:
• Do your research on the weather and humidity of the area.
• Notify your family and friends that you may need more breaks or downtime to relax.
• Declining to go to an event or activity you do not want to participate in or may be physically detrimental is self-care.
• Have fun and relax!

Summer is typically a time for fun and excitement and it’s easy to get wrapped up in the fun and forget that our bodies might need a bit more rest. Sharing your needs and feelings with your friends and family may help come up with a plan to ensure that everyone is safe and comfortable.

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