I can. I will. I Did.

Posted on July 15, 2024 by Diana Cruz

Being active is hard. The thought of starting a fitness journey can be nerve-wracking, stressful, and tiring, amongst so many other things. As an individual with an auto immune disorder, staying consistent with a health and fitness regime can feel mentally and physically draining. Having the strength to start a workout and continue when your body constantly feels fatigued and weak is an obstacle like no other. But it is not impossible. As a matter of fact, the more I remain active, the stronger and more capable I feel of pushing my strength to its limits.

The thought of starting a fitness journey, especially in the heat of the summer months, may be daunting. Luckily, there are so many ways to be active while beating the heat – you just have to think creatively!

Here are some fun ideas that may assist you in remaining active this summer:

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To Drive or Not to Drive With MS

Posted on July 8, 2024 by MultipleSclerosis.net

Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) changes many things in life. The impact of symptoms on the body makes certain tasks more difficult. For example, driving becomes more challenging as MS progresses.

We recently asked the MultipleSclerosis.net community, “Has MS altered your driving habits?”

There were many insightful replies about how MS impacts whether and how a person continues driving. Some respondents still drive, and others do not. Here is some of the community’s perspective in their own words.

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Jennifer Reida – July 2024 Artist of the Month

Posted on July 1, 2024 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 Jennifer Reida as July’s Artist of the Month. Jennifer is from Roseburg, OR.

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Thriving with MS: Prioritizing, Budgeting and Community Engagement

Posted on June 28, 2024 by Courtney Blewett

Living with multiple sclerosis has its obstacles, but with a hopeful attitude, resourcefulness, and a strong support system, you can navigate these obstacles more effectively. Prioritizing your needs, budgeting wisely and cultivating a robust community are crucial elements in managing life with MS.

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Ask the Expert: Urinary Tract Infections

Posted on June 27, 2024 by MSAA

Featuring Barry A. Hendin, MD

MSAA’s Chief Medical Officer

Barry Hendin, MD

Question: Are urinary tract infections (UTIs) more common in MS, and what are the symptoms and treatments?

Answer: Yes, urinary tract infections are more common in people with MS. Multiple sclerosis is often associated with bladder dysfunction and bladder dysfunction is often associated with urinary tract infections. The most common bladder problem associated with infections is urinary retention, which is incomplete emptying of the bladder. This creates an ideal incubator for bacteria to grow. Patients who catheterize may also be at an increased risk, particularly if not careful with their bladder technique.

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Remaining Resourceful Through Community Support

Posted on June 21, 2024 by Alexa Moreno

It can be overwhelming managing doctor’s appointments, bills, medications, and all the many responsibilities that come with managing multiple sclerosis. However, prioritizing and strategizing tasks can help manage the stressors of it all to not feel so daunting.

First, prioritize the necessities. I like to think of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs when feeling overwhelmed with what needs to be prioritized. Food, necessary medications, rent/mortgage, and basic utilities always come first.

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What Others Should Know About MS

Posted on June 17, 2024 by MultipleSclerosis.net

Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) is full of challenges. Those without MS may not realize the ways the disease impacts life.

MultipleSclerosis.net recently asked members of the community to “Fill in the blank: I wish more people understood ____ about MS.”

There were many insights from the responses!

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Start Where You Are, Use What You Have, Do What You Can

Posted on June 14, 2024 by Claudia Chavez

Living with a chronic illness, like multiple sclerosis, presents a unique set of challenges. Managing finances can be one of them, with medical expenses, reduced work hours, job loss, or unexpected expenses straining budgets and causing disruptions. Financial worries can impact our emotional and physical wellbeing, and building a support network of friends, family, and others living with similar challenges can offer much-needed support. I heard a quote once saying, “Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can,” and I couldn’t agree more. Be resourceful and think outside the box.

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Positivity, MS and AI?

Posted on June 10, 2024 by Kate

By: Kate Durack

This month we are focused on staying positive while living with MS. I’ve written in the past about the positive outlook MS has provided me and I thought it might be interesting to pick the brain of someone (thing?) else on this topic to see if it generates anything new for me. So, I asked our new friend ChatGPT its thoughts on the matter. Here’s what it dished out:

Kate:

Why is it important to stay positive when living with multiple sclerosis?

ChatGPT:

Staying positive when living with multiple sclerosis (MS) is important for several reasons:

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Yes, And

Posted on June 5, 2024 by Dana Mietus

As usual, time slipped by me and before I knew it, we were already days into June.

It’s a common enough routine: laughing with colleagues or strangers and saying, “Can you believe it’s June already?” or “I forgot it’s not May!” Usually, this conversation ends with a chuckle, perhaps a little added hustle to catch up on work, but ultimately no trouble.

But there are some months that are just more stressful.

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