Creative Thinking & Well-Being

Posted on October 22, 2025 by MSAA

By Stacie Prada

Being creative is generally accepted as a desirable trait, and the science supports it helps our well-being. When we look at our health physically, it’s often using objective measurements, lab test results, and diagnostic imaging. They provide numerical measurements and data to compare ourselves to a healthy range for most people.

To capture emotional well-being, we use more subjective measurements that consider mood, worry, stress, happiness, and level of confidence we feel about managing our health.

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Making the Most of Life After an MS Diagnosis

Posted on October 8, 2025 by MSAA

By Dr. Eva Jackson

Reflections on Life After Diagnosis

Over the past several years, I have had the privilege of hearing MS Warriors share their personal experiences following their diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Their stories offer a unique perspective on how disease has influenced their lives.

For some individuals, the initial impact of MS was minimal, allowing them to maintain their routines and activities without significant disruption. However, for others—particularly those diagnosed during more advanced stages, the effects were much more profound and immediate, altering their daily lives in meaningful ways.

Despite these varying experiences, there is a shared understanding among all of us: the importance of making the most out of life while we can. This common outlook serves as a powerful reminder to cherish each moment and embrace opportunities for fulfillment, regardless of the challenges we face.

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Navigating Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction: A Community Perspective

Posted on October 6, 2025 by MultipleSclerosis.net

Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) can be full of surprises. One of the toughest challenges for many people is dealing with bladder and bowel issues. These are things we don’t always feel comfortable talking about, but they’re a very real part of the disease.

This article, which brings together stories and advice from people who are living with MS, is here to help you feel less alone and more in control. It’s all about sharing what we’ve learned to manage these often-secret symptoms.

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Beyond the Usual: An Inside Look at Weird MS Symptoms

Posted on September 15, 2025 by MultipleSclerosis.net

Beyond the Usual: An Inside Look at Weird MS Symptoms

While many are familiar with common multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms like fatigue, vision problems, and muscle weakness, the reality for those living with the condition often involves a bizarre and sometimes baffling array of odd manifestations.

These “weird” symptoms can be unsettling, isolating, and even comical at times, highlighting the unpredictable nature of MS.

MultipleSclerosis.net asked its community members: “Have you ever experienced what you thought was a ‘weird’ symptom and wondered if others with MS have experienced it too?” Here’s what folks had to say:

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Ask the Expert: Balance Problems

Posted on August 27, 2025 by MSAA

Featuring Barry A. Hendin, MD

MSAA’s Chief Medical Officer

Barry Hendin, MD

Question: In what ways are exercise, environment, and equipment involved with balance for individuals with MS?

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Adapting, Not Withdrawing: Enjoying Summer with Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on July 21, 2025 by Claudia Chavez

While summer heat can be exhausting for anyone, individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) often face added challenges due to heat intolerance and fatigue. Heat sensitivity, also known as Uhthoff’s Phenomenon, refers to a temporary worsening of MS symptoms caused by overheating. Fortunately, there are proactive steps we can take to support our health and well-being while still enjoying all that summer has to offer.

For those living with MS, heat intolerance and fatigue can significantly impact daily activities. Something as simple as sitting in a warm car without air conditioning or spending just a few minutes in the sun can quickly drain energy levels. But with a little planning and self-awareness, it’s possible to make the most of summer while staying safe and comfortable.

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What I Wish People Knew About MS and the Heat

Posted on July 18, 2025 by MultipleSclerosis.net

For many people living with multiple sclerosis (MS), heat is more than just an uncomfortable weather condition. It can worsen symptoms and impact daily life.

Community members on MultipleSclerosis.net share their experiences when it comes to dealing with the heat. Here is what they wish people knew about how heat affects their MS. Read on for their insights.

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Beating the Heat with MS: Lessons from the Walk-In Freezer

Posted on July 9, 2025 by MSAA

By Samuel Fitch

Before my multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis, I never understood why I always felt so warm—especially compared to others. Looking back, I realize how fortunate I was to work in my family’s restaurant. One unexpected benefit? A built-in cooling station. On particularly hot days, the walk-in freezer or refrigerator offered immediate relief when my body felt overwhelmed by the heat.

Like many of my fellow MS warriors, managing body temperature—especially in the heat—is a constant challenge. For me, warm weather isn’t just uncomfortable; it can completely derail my ability to function the next day. It’s frustrating because, here in Western New York, beautiful sunny days are few and far between. When I miss them, I feel guilty. I want to be outside enjoying them with my family—but sometimes, the risk just isn’t worth it.

So what’s my advice for managing the heat when you live with MS?

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Ask the Expert: Heat Sensitivity

Posted on June 30, 2025 by MSAA

Featuring Barry A. Hendin, MD

MSAA’s Chief Medical Officer

Barry Hendin, MD

Question: What are the symptoms of heat sensitivity in MS, and how is it best treated?

Answer: Heat sensitivity, also known as Uhthoff’s Phenomenon, describes an increase in MS symptomatology caused by overheating. This could be due to external influences, when a person with multiple sclerosis is in an excessively hot environment. Alternatively, this can relate to an internal increase in body temperature due to exercise or infection with fever. Sometimes, of course, it’s a combination of the two when people are exercising in an overheated environment.

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Ask the Expert: Dizziness and Vertigo

Posted on April 30, 2025 by MSAA

Featuring Barry A. Hendin, MD

MSAA’s Chief Medical Officer

Barry Hendin, MD

Question: For people with multiple sclerosis, what can be the causes of dizziness and vertigo?

Answer: Dizziness and vertigo are common in the general population and even more common in people with MS. More than half of people with MS will experience dizziness or vertigo at some point.

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