Recently, we asked the members of our online community, My MSAA Community, what their strategies are for talking to their doctors. Here is some of the advice and experiences the members shared:
“If there is something that I really want to express to my doctor I always keep a journal, but add to it printouts of my research. Last fall, I was Continue reading
Recently, MSAA published an article highlighting the vital information presented at this year’s Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) and the Annual Meeting of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC). This article, now available on MSAA’s website, features a large collection of research summaries, which provide a quick overview of the results of several important studies in the treatment of MS.
Topics featured in this article include:
Read an excerpt on laughter therapy here: Continue reading
The 2017 edition of MSAA’s MS Research Update is now available free-of-charge in both print and online versions on mymsaa.org!
Included in this year’s update:
Please note that MSAA’s MS Research Update does not include information on any symptom-management medications or therapies. For more information on MS, symptoms, and symptom management, please visit mymsaa.org.
The 2015 edition of MSAA’s MS Research Update provides a comprehensive overview of research findings on FDA-approved disease-modifying therapies, as well as study results on many experimental treatments currently under investigation. This update also presents directions for future research in areas such as stem-cell research, biomarkers, genetic studies, and more.
In addition to the exciting research aimed at relapsing forms of MS, several studies are also looking into the treatment of progressive forms of MS. To assist individuals interested in learning more, trials with progressive forms of MS have been highlighted in bold for quick identification.
Read MSAA’s latest MS Research Update here.
Please read MSAA’s article summarizing highlights from the American Academy of Neurology’s (AAN’s) 66th Annual Meeting, which was held in Philadelphia and concluded in early May. Neurologists from around the world attended this exciting conference, where the latest findings in MS research and treatments were presented.
Topics highlighted in this article include:
The 2014 edition of MSAA’s MS Research Update is a comprehensive overview of the latest research findings on the FDA-approved disease-modifying therapies, as well as many e,perimental treatments. This update features ground-breaking studies not only with medications, but also in areas such as stem-cell research, therapies for myelin repair and protection, biomarkers, genetic studies, and more.
In addition to the e,citing research aimed at relapsing forms of MS, a number of studies are also looking into the treatment of progressive forms of MS. To assist individuals interested in learning more, studies involving progressive MS have been highlighted.
Read MSAA’s latest MS Research Update here.
I’ve hosted many educational programs over the years, where I have had the opportunity to meet many wonderful people, who have enriched my life.
In these meetings, a common theme has emerged – Attitude. Presenters often speak to the importance of a positive attitude. It can have a profound impact on how we feel and handle the challenges we face each day.
One thing I hear often in the field is how frequently our clients take on a variety of challenges with a positive outlook.
One person who stands out is Dan, an MSAA client, that I met at a program. He shared his own story of overcoming obstacles with gusto and motivation. There are many individuals like Dan who come to our programs and share their struggles, as well as, their triumphs. These interactions are what make my work in the field so inspiring.
What a week in the Midwest! There were several programs held June 17-22 where clients had the pleasure to listen to prominent MS medical professionals in Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Each presented his approach for managing MS symptoms and improving quality of life. MS clients, family, friends, and caregivers were inspired. All attending learned much about the importance of nutrition, exercise, and appropriate medications. Many practical tips were discussed.
At one event in Wisconsin, I had the pleasure to meet Cheryl Vanderloop, MSAA’s Artist of the Month for June. She attended a program and introduced herself to me. She is very inspiring. At the end of the program, I surprised her by opening up our website via a wi-fi connection, where I displayed her work and introduced her to the many in attendance. She received a resounding round of applause. Her smile was infectious.
I urge all of you to attend our educational events. They’re fair, balanced, and lots of fun. Please check out MSAA’s Calendar of Events for a program near you. Also, if you have an idea for program topics please leave a comment below!
I look forward to seeing you during my travels throughout the great Midwest!
Smile!
Scott
While for many the “unofficial” start of summer is Memorial Day weekend, today is the summer solstice, which is the astrological start of the summer season. Typically this is the longest day of the year. This doesn’t mean our day has more than 24 hours in it – we just have more sunlight than any other day.
So what better way to enjoy all that sunlight than to jump into the pool for Swim for MS?!
For those of you who do not know, Swim for MS is MSAA’s signature volunteer initiative which allows individuals to create their own swimming fundraising event while recruiting online donations to support MSAA’s mission of improving lives today.
How can you Swim for MS?
For more information on how you can Swim for MS, please visit swimforms.org!
MSAA’s article summarizing highlights from this year’s Fifth Cooperative Meeting of The Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) and Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS) is now available. National and international MS experts attended this exciting conference, where the latest findings in MS research, treatments, symptom management, and patient care were presented.
Topics highlighted in this article include:
Please be sure to take a look at this article that covers many important topics presented at this unique meeting.
“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me.”
– Jim Valvano
Father’s Day is an opportunity to honor the special fathers in your life. You can choose to honor your own dad, a brother, uncle, son, friend or co-worker. While those who believe in us deserve to be recognized every day, on this very special day, we can pause and give thanks.
Honor these special men with a donation to the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA). Your donation will help us to fulfill our mission of improving lives today for the entire MS community. With each gift, you will have the option to send a personalized online card to the person being honored, letting him know of your support of MSAA.
Your gift enables MSAA to provide vital services and support such as our toll-free Helpline, equipment distribution, MRI assistance, and more.
“I am brimming with gratitude and appreciation for the generous support of the MSAA for the MRI scan which I received. The scan produced positive results informing my neurologist and me that my condition was stable. This fellow cannot say enough good things about MSAA!” – GLW, Georgia
Please make your special Father’s Day donation today! Improve lives today by honoring the special men in your life.
Happy Father’s Day!