As the summer heat continues to rise, staying active can be challenging, especially for those managing a chronic health condition like multiple sclerosis (MS). Personally, this summer has felt particularly hot. While staying active is crucial for our health, how can one exercise and keep moving when all they want to do is stay indoors and lie down in front of the fan? Here are some tips to help you remain active and thrive during the summer months:
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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:
Continue readingLiving 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.
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.
Continue readingLiving 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.
Continue readingFeaturing Barry A. Hendin, MD
MSAA’s Chief Medical Officer
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.
Continue readingIt 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.
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!
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.
Continue readingBy: 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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