Enjoy the Weather. Be Happy

Posted on November 4, 2022 by MSAA

By Lauren Kovacs

Enjoy the weather. The heat is gone, and the mosquitoes are dead. I don’t think they came from the same place. Rejoice. Hallelujah. Just those two things being gone are enough to make me dance.

Sit back and relax. Ladies you can shave your legs less and cover up the cuts with pants. Even electric razors cut. Thought the electric razor would save me from bleeding out. I was wrong and I often still get cuts.

Now I can cover them with pants and not be boiling hot.

Fall means no snakes here in NC too. I don’t have to worry about the dog having an ego trip, if I let him out back. Pumpkin pie and coffee are good at breakfast too. Took me years to enjoy pie at breakfast. Why not? We are adults.

Hoodies are great, but wear zip up hoodies. There is a reason why older folks wear cardigans. Easy on and off is vital for many. I find body temperature regulation is better dealt with when you dress in layers.

MS requires more thoughtful planning. Dressing is no exception . We can easily overheat. Layers are the way to go. Try zip off stuff. Pullovers can be an issue.

I once got stuck in a sweatshirt trying to get it off. It is funny now. I learned from it at least. I learned hard wood floors can be napped on. I also found a love for zip up sweatshirtsEnjoy fall. Lots of perks.

Ok, pumpkin spice everything is old.

How Winter Can Affect MS

Posted on December 23, 2019 by MultipleSclerosis.net

For most of you, there is one certainty when it comes to winter and MS: the colder weather and gray days have an effect on you. But how the weather affects you is a toss-up.

We reached out on the MultipleSclerosis.net Facebook page to ask: “Do the darker, gray days of late fall and winter impact your emotional symptoms?”

In the community, 925 members voted. An overwhelming majority Continue reading →

I have MS – Can I Still Get a Flu Vaccine?

Posted on September 15, 2014 by MSAA

Colorful foliage, the scent of pumpkin spice, football games…Ah, there are so many things to love about the cooler weather! Unfortunately, the approaching flu season is not one of them. Around this time of year and throughout the fall and winter seasons, we often encounter individuals with multiple sclerosis who wonder if they can still protect themselves from the influenza virus by getting a vaccine.

In most cases, “yes,” although anyone considering a flu shot should check with his or her doctor in advance. Also, if you have MS, you should first consider the following points before getting a flu vaccine:

• Make sure you are getting the injected type of vaccine: Flu vaccines usually come in two forms – injected and intranasal. Because the intranasal variety contains a live rather than inactive virus, it is not recommended for people with MS. If considering a vaccine containing a live virus, please consult your doctor.

• Consider whether you are currently having a relapse: People experiencing an MS relapse are often advised to wait a period of time before receiving a vaccine. Talk to your doctor to find out if this waiting period applies to you.

• Talk to your physician first: Whether or not you are currently experiencing MS symptoms, it’s always important to consult with your physician before getting a vaccine. Discussing your plan with your doctor will ensure you are getting the right vaccination at the right time for you.

Want to learn more about MS and vaccinations? This information was adapted from MSAA’s July 2013 article, “Vaccine Safety and MS,” which was written by Susan Wells Courtney and reviewed by Jack Burks, MD, MSAA’s Chief Medical Officer.

No one wants to miss out on the fun of fall and winter because of the flu. But having MS doesn’t mean you can’t help protect yourself against influenza. For more information on preventing the flu, you can also read, “Angel’s Tips for the MS Community on Getting Prepared for Winter.”

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