My MSAA Community gives their advice about #LifeWithMS

During MS Awareness Month, MSAA has been releasing a variety of programs and resources for the MS community. This year, we focused on the theme “Life with MS: Different Stages of the Journey” with programs related to: Pediatric MS, Young Adults with MS, Family Planning and MS, and Aging Well with MS. These topics explore the journey of the MS community and their life with MS from diagnosis and throughout their journeys.

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Family Planning and MS

Family planning is an important aspect for people with MS, as hormonal changes during pregnancy and postpartum can impact the course of the disease.  It is crucial for individuals with MS to discuss their family planning options with their neurologist and obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

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Bring it on

Having a child with an illness is any parent’s greatest nightmare. MS being an unpredictable and progressive disease can invoke a lot of emotions for the whole family once a diagnosis has been established. Hug your child from time to time and let them know that it is going to be okay. Give them the reassurance that you are by their side no matter what. Be your child’s greatest cheerleader and encourage them to continue with their regular activities to keep them engaged. Practicing physical activities, getting adequate sleep and following healthy diet patterns can have a huge impact on a child’s MS journey.

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Young Adults and MS

Young adulthood is without a doubt a fun and exciting time of life. It is a time of adventure, embracing independence and navigating life. It is also a time of pivotal life moments; graduating college, buying a first home, getting married and establishing a long-term career.  This is also the period of life where Multiple Sclerosis is most commonly diagnosed. Although MS can occur at any age, onset usually occurs in young adulthood.

Coping with an MS diagnosis as a young adult, and at any age, is challenging and can also be confusing. Having to make complex medical and disease management decisions at a young age doesn’t exactly come naturally. It’s critical to engage in shared decision making with your doctor and embark on a journey that is right for you. Shared decisions will spark ownership over your health and increase a sense of control over your diagnosis.

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Introducing the 2023 MSAA Art Showcase

MSAA is proud to introduce our 2023 Art Showcase! We received numerous submissions created by gifted artists from across the country. Take a moment to look through this year’s Art Showcase by visiting our online gallery.

March Artist of the Month

All That Glitters

All That Glitters

Jaclyn Spencer – Ogden, UT

“I have been painting for a few years now. Learning something new always seems daunting to me with my MS cognitive issues and physical pain. I paint to free my focus from my frustrations into something creative and potentially beautiful. I use it as therapy, taking a short break from my reality and expressing my pain or happiness on canvas.”

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What Is Your Ideal Climate?

No 2 people are affected by multiple sclerosis (MS) in exactly the same way, especially when it comes to the environment. Different climates can trigger symptoms in different people.

To find out more about the environments preferred by the community, we reached out on the MultipleSclerosis.net Facebook page. We asked, “What is your ideal climate?”

More than 300 people responded! Here is what they shared about the climates that treat their bodies the best.

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The MS Journey

By: Gina Ross Murdoch, MSAA President & CEO

Welcome to MS Awareness Month. Each year, MSAA dedicates the month of March to focusing on topics important to the MS community. This month, we will be exploring Life with MS: Different Stages of the Journey. Over the next few weeks, we will explore topics critical to living with MS at varying ages.

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MSAA Focuses on MS at All Stages of Life During MS Awareness Month

March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month and MSAA is excited to present four full weeks of valuable and inspiring resources, programs, and strategies for all ages! We are dedicated to spreading awareness, education, and support to individuals, families, and care partners in the MS community, and this month is no different. Our MS Awareness Month initiatives focus on “Life with MS: Different Stages of the Journey” and include a multitude of programs that address MS management in all life stages.  

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Ask the Expert– MS Hug

Featuring Barry A. Hendin, MD
MSAA’s Chief Medical Officer

Headshot of doctor Barry Hendin, chief medical officer for MSAA
Barry Hendin, MD

Question: In MS, what would cause a very tight and sometimes painful squeezing around the body, or elsewhere, even in the hands or feet? 

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