Library Articles
At Can Do MS, we know that the power of knowledge can transform lives and expand beliefs about what is possible.
These articles are written by our nationwide team of program consultants - renowned healthcare professionals dedicated to educating people living with MS and their support partners. You will find valuable information and approaches covering our Six Dimensions of Wellness- Emotional Well-Being, Cognitive Well-Being; Home & Work; Diet, Exercise & Healthy Behaviors; Relationships; and Spirituality.
These articles are provided as general educational resources and should not be interpreted as diagnoses, prognoses, or treatment suggestions. Information and perspectives represent the views of the individual author(s); Can Do Multiple Sclerosis is not responsible for the accuracy or currency of the responses. Readers should consult with their healthcare team.
The Most Common Bowel and Bladder Problems in MS (And What You Can Do to Manage Them)
By: Rosalind Kalb, PhD
MS can take away your sense of personal control -- over your vision, walking ability, thinking and memory. But losing control of your bladder and bowel function -- which you worked hard to master as a very young child -- is tough to take. So learning how MS affects bladder and bowel function -- and what you can do about it -- is the first step toward taking back control.
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MS and Your Mood – Why It Matters & What You Can Do
By: Rosalind Kalb, PhD
Mood changes and MS are intertwined in complex ways. Some changes are caused directly by the MS disease process and related changes in the brain. Others are a reaction to the losses and stresses that are part of life with a chronic, unpredictable illness. And some may be a combination of the two. In this article, we’ll look at the kinds of mood changes that can occur, why they matter, and what can be done to manage them.
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12 Tips for Brain Fog
By: Rosalind Kalb, PhD
There are plenty of ways to manage cognitive changes, whether it’s forgetfulness, slowed thinking, or trouble focusing. This article has 12 tips to help you with changes in your thinking, attention, and memory.
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Solving The Puzzle of MS Fatigue
By: Rosalind Kalb, PhD
Fatigue is a reality when you live with MS, but there are ways to solve the puzzle! You can reduce that fatigue, manage the energy you have more effectively, and get the things done that matter to you.
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You Can! The Whys And Hows Of Staying Active When You Have MS
By: Rosalind Kalb, PhD
You’ve probably heard it before, but let’s say it again: exercise and physical activity are very beneficial for people with MS! If you want to try an exercise program that is accessible, adaptable, on-demand in your own home, fun, and accountable, check out MS Moves With Mandy!
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5 Tools to Help You Achieve Your Diet & Nutrition Goals
By: Rosalind Kalb, PhD
You might already have success with certain aspects of a healthy diet, but often, there are still some specific areas that we can improve upon. Your doctor might have identified these focus areas for you, or they may be based on how different foods make you feel.
Whether it’s achieving a healthy BMI, lowering your cholesterol, getting enough nutritious food for your activity level, or any other goal, here are five tools to help!
Emerging Wellness Research & What It Means for You
By: Rosalind Kalb, PhD
Researchers are working to learn more about virtually every aspect of MS care and management. While more is learned every day about treatments to manage the MS disease process, other research efforts look at ways to improve a person’s wellbeing and quality of life.
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Finding the Best Activity for You
By: Lindie Shreiner, PTA
Depression and anxiety are very common symptoms that people living with MS can experience. 20% of those with MS experience these symptoms as compared to 5% of the general population. Meanwhile, living with MS is stressful. All of these factors can make it difficult to stay in a good mood. Thankfully, exercise is a proven way to feel better, boost your mood and combat depression and anxiety.
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Managing Stress: The Power of Detachment and Recovery from Overload
By: Kenneth Nowack, Ph.D.
Have you felt stretched, tired, and exhausted trying to adjust to the changing landscape of work and life since the COVID-19 pandemic began? If so, you might not be alone. There is no “one size fits all” in coping strategies, but these antidotes for long hours, heavy workloads, or conflicting demands of life can help to prevent burnout.
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Staying Physically and Emotionally Well in Winter
By: Denise Bruen, ANP-BC, MSN, MSCN, Lucille Carriere, PhD, MSCS
Some people may experience a seasonal dip in their mood during the fall and winter months, often referred to as the ‘winter blues.’ As we head into the winter, remember that maintaining a consistent schedule with nutritious meals, exercise, social engagement, and sleep is important to overall health.
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