In a conversation with coworkers years ago, one person reflected on his summers spent in their backyard pool in California. I responded with excitement and jealousy that he had his own pool when all I had was a bike! Another coworker who grew up in Hong Kong, exclaimed with awe, “You had a bike?!?”
Wow. I laughed at my own ignorance to my privilege. To think she grew up in a large city and didn’t have a bike at all made me realize just how special it was Continue reading
Let me see, MS has pretty much taken summer hostage for many MSers. Some things we can in fact re-claim, with modifications. We have to learn to put our own spin on things.
Plan, plan, plan. You kind of have to go into a situation knowing all your options and the “what if.” The “Last-minute Lucy” folks won’t like this. Know your own body.
With three Boy Scouts at home, the moto of “Always Be Prepared” rings true for most MS folks. Remember the heat is usually not our friend. Summer means heat. Heat means Continue reading
As a kid summer always seemed like such a charmed time. Mostly because school ended and we were ‘free.’ For some the season brought trips, vacations and activities that weren’t done during the school year. For others just having time off and spending days with family and friends was treasured. Reminiscing of summers from my childhood has now become a favorite pastime of mine.
Growing up we weren’t fortunate to have lots of family vacations or trips. But we did our best to keep ourselves occupied in our day to day. We did have certain things to look forward to Continue reading
We’ve all heard this saying or one of the many like it.
I guess you can say that an MS diagnosis would be considered a bushel basket full of lemons. Well, now you have this big basket full of fruit! So you have two choices: You could put the lemons on your counter, stare at them from time to time and watch them go bad. Or, you can turn those lemons into freshly squeezed lemonade.
Enjoy this easy lemonade recipe: Continue reading
Wow, can you believe it’s already May? Time feels like it’s flying by and we’ll be headed into the summer months before you know it! Many people spend time traveling and taking trips during the summertime, usually because kids have off from school and different attractions set-up shop and thrive during these warmer months. But many people aren’t able to travel abroad or from state to state for various reasons at times; so you may have to get a little more creative about how to spend these vacation days.
The word “staycation” is an expression that has increased usage within the past 10 years or so as a way to describe a vacation spent at home—spending time seeing local attractions, participating in activities close to home, or just hanging out in the backyard. What constantly amazes me is how many beautiful and remarkable sights so many people have right in their own cities! The world is filled with many extraordinary attractions and wonders, but sometimes it’s nice to be able to start at home with learning and appreciating what’s nearby. From parks and forests to museums and historical landmarks, there can be new things to explore and experience right near home. Traveling can be great, but a staycation can be just as satisfying. A staycation can also reduce stress because you don’t have to deal with long distance travel and spending excessive amounts of money; it may be more relaxing to just lay low and plan day trips and activities at your own leisure.
If you’re going to commit to a staycation, one of the most important things to do is to unplug. This means that if you are employed, disconnect from your email, and do not go into work just because you’re close to home! If you participate in daily groups or activities that you want to take a break from, this is the time to do just that. If you want to stray from your day to day and do something different, this is your opportunity. It’s tempting to stay connected because you’re not truly ‘away’ on a vacation elsewhere, but it’s still YOUR vacation, and you deserve this time as much as anyone. If you want to make other guidelines for your staycation like not using any electronics at all or not communicating to certain folks, that’s completely up to you! After all, it’s your time to do what you wish, and if your wish is for a restful staycation, then sit back and enjoy it!!
Have you ever had a staycation? What were some things you did to enjoy your time?
As we continue to pass through the summer months and find ourselves looking towards a change of season (hopefully soon!), there’s still some time for fun to be had during the remainder of the summer. At times it can be difficult to try to make plans or schedule activities if the uninvited MS decides to rear its head and join in. But there are some last minute ways to try and enjoy the rest of the season, without having to make elaborate plans that MS will try to outdo.
There are times when heat-excessive summer days call for indoor activities, so why not have a game day/night? Getting back to a time where playing board games and cards was all the rage can be fun and nostalgic, and a good way to find some last minute amusement with friends or family. And keeping with the indoor theme, how about a movie night? Gathering together to watch a good flick, even if coordinated last minute, can be relaxing and entertaining. Orchestrating a last minute trip to the movies or visiting a museum or aquarium can also be some fun activities that may not require excessive planning but an opportunity to enjoy events of the season.
Check with community offices and message boards in your area to find some local events being held during the rest of the summer. Concerts, festivals, shows and exhibitions are just some of the local activities your community may offer that you can take advantage of last minute. Sometimes trying to take part in an activity that’s more spur of the moment and last minute can work to your benefit, especially if it catches MS off guard and doesn’t give it the opportunity to invite itself!
Did you know that across our country there are amazing State Parks you can visit and enjoy? What a great way to explore new parts of the country or even a local state park in your own back yard.
Now that summer is here, hopefully you have a little extra free time. A great way to use that free time is to get out and enjoy nature. Whether sitting in your backyard or going to a local park, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of nature can be very relaxing and therapeutic.
State Parks are also a great place to become one with nature. While they might be a little further away, they are well worth the trip.
The state park entrance pass system works differently in each state. Many states offer some sort of pass that allows for unlimited entry at most state parks, while others offer park passes on a park-by-park basis. A few states do not charge entry fees to their state parks at all if you are a resident of that state. Most states even offer a Disability Discount Pass for people who have documented disabilities. All fifty states are listed below, with a link to their official state park website and information on their state park entrance pass program. Find your state, order an entrance pass, and enjoy unlimited access to the natural beauty your state has to offer!
By Lauren Kovacs
Summer is a double edged sword for many with MS. Making the monster happy is a battle. While winning the war may not come until a cure, small victories can be celebrated.
Heat is a battle most of us fight. Staying cool is essential. Cooling vests with the ice packs work well. I don’t enjoy looking like someone on safari suffering from some weird allergic reaction, but it is better than the alternative. Lumpy ice packs stuffed into a vest are not a fashion statement anyone wants to make.
Stick to a routine, as much as possible. I know having kids home for the summer is like herding drunken cats. As a mother of three boys and being a frequent wheelchair user, I am very familiar with the struggle. Pick an activity indoors, like bowling. It is cheap and you can bask in the A/C with caffeine and cheese fries. You can still participate from a comfy chair.
Fatigue it my number one enemy. It cuts me down with one swoop and then stabs me to be sure I stay down. Coffee and soda are the poison of choice for many. But, as caffeine is a diuretic and liquids have to exit the premises, these are not always good options for those of us dealing with tight time limits on the bladder. The caffeine crash is another unsavory blow.
I have found timing is everything. Time medication and naps to your daily needs. My secret weapon is caffeine gum. Chewing caulk-like gum is gross, but it gives me a wee kick without frequent trips to the potty. Using the potty, for me, has its own gymnastic routine. It also means using precious energy. I feel like a gnat in winter already. I cannot afford to use energy on potty breaks.
Take summer slow. Summer days drift away so fast, but enjoy it too. MSers are great at balancing. Enjoy what you can, when you can and however you can. Sitting in a lumpy cooling vest chewing caffeine gum is far better than missing out.
Now that summer is in full swing, are you looking for alternative ways to stay cool while getting in some exercise? Head to the pool! Swimming and other water-based exercise can help with many symptoms of MS, including loss of mobility, balance and coordination, as well as fatigue. And the cool temperature of water can help prevent overheating, which can worsen MS symptoms.
Even if you’re not confident in your swimming abilities or you just don’t like dunking your head underwater, there are plenty of other ways to exercise in the pool. Many fitness centers and area municipal pools offer aquatic classes including water aerobics, walking, and aquatic treadmill.
Swimming is an aerobic activity, so it’s good for your heart and your muscles. Here are more reasons why you should consider giving swimming a try:
Find more tips, resources, and inspiration to get started on MSAA’s Swim for MS Online Aquatic Center at aquatics.mymsaa.org and check out our Aquatic Exercise and MS – Tip Sheet.
Being halfway through July we can surely say the summer season is in full swing, and for those with MS it’s no secret that the heat and humidity of the season can be a real downer at times. MS heat sensitivity can result in aggravated or worsened MS symptoms and help to contribute to an overall disliking of the summer months. This can be disheartening because many individuals enjoy this time of year, with outdoor activities and events that beckon and get-togethers that warrant much time outside—shame on MS for trying to corrupt this. But there are things that can be done to try and overcome the cruel intentions MS may have during this time of year, and some may already find themselves doing them.
There’s a line you can draw with MS when it comes to your likes and interests. If you enjoy the summer season take part in things you’re able to or try new experiences, and let MS sizzle by itself under the summer sun.