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.

Staying Resilient to MS Transitions

By: Matthew Sacco, PhD, Megan Weigel, DNP, ARNP-C, MSCN

The term “resilient” has become increasingly more a part of our mainstream and popular culture vernacular. It is a term that conjures up ideas such as determination, strength, and fortitude. But, when it comes to living with a chronic condition such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), what does resilient really mean? The purpose of this article is to help better understand resilience, how it relates to living with MS, and ultimately how one might improve resilience.

The Importance of Social and Physical Activity

By: Kathleen Costello, MS, CRNP, Kathleen Zackowski, PhD, OTR

We are better when we are connected to others. We are innately social and connection to others is a fundamental human need. We have a strong need to be loved and to belong. We connect with others through our family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, teams, clubs and more.

Diet and Exercise Updates

By: Alex Ng, PhD, FACSM, Lynn Stazzone, RN, BSN, MSN, NP

Life after diagnosis with multiple sclerosis (MS) can be overwhelming because symptoms vary from person to person. Remember, there is a lot of information out there that may be misleading. Rely on healthcare providers and valid organizations to provide factual information. Although there is no diet for curing MS, there are dietary habits that may alter the course of the disease.

Does My Period Make My MS Symptoms Worse?

By: Megan Weigel, DNP, ARNP-C, MSCN - Nurse Practitioner

There’s really no other way to ask it. You’re a woman living with a menstrual cycle, and now you are a woman living with MS and a menstrual cycle. Sometimes, around or during your period, your MS symptoms seem worse. You may be more fatigued or foggy, or you may feel more tingling, pain, weakness or spasticity.

Adaptations for Staying Active and Involved

By: Susan Kushner, MS, PT, Stephanie Nolan, OTR/L

Living with MS can bring many challenges that most people never even consider; however, having MS has also helped many people learn resilience and resourcefulness. As we have learned over the past year, MS impacts many areas of life and function including fatigue, motor coordination, sensory function, heat tolerance, cognition, relationships, emotions, bowel and bladder, pain, sleep and more.

Integrating Nutrition into Your MS Toolkit

By: Cathy Chester – Award Winning Blogger and Person with MS , Baldwin Sanders, MS, RD, LDN, IFNCP - Dietitian, Megan Weigel, DNP, ARNP-C, MSCN – Nurse Practitioner

Integrative Medicine uses conventional medicine along with complementary and alternative medicine that is evidence-based to address a persons’ health and any symptoms they may have.

Bowel and Bladder Symptoms: Tips for Success

By: Lindie Schreiner, PTA

Bowel and bladder changes are common challenges that many people with MS face. Your healthcare team can help you navigate these challenges!

Pain in Multiple Sclerosis

By: Abbey Hughes, PhD and Aliza Ben-Zacharia, PhD, DNP, ANP, FAAN, MSCN

Pain is one of the most common “invisible” symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), affecting approximately two-thirds of people with MS over the course of their lives, and approximately half of people with MS at any given time. Despite the high prevalence of pain in MS, less than one-third of patients report receiving treatment to specifically address their pain. Routine assessment and comprehensive treatment of pain is essential for promoting function and quality of life among people with MS.

Relationships and Intimacy

By: Kathleen Healey, NP, PhD and Meghan Beier, PhD

Up to 80% of people living with MS will experience a sexual challenge throughout their lifetime. However, sexual challenges are not just experienced by people living with MS. Approximately 35-40% of people in the general population also experience sexual difficulties. So, what gets in the way?

Sensory Symptoms in MS

By: Kathy SanMartino, PT NCS, MSCS, CLT, ATP and Randall T Schapiro, MD, FAAN

Among the most common symptoms in multiple sclerosis are the sensory symptoms. They are often the first symptoms of MS and while invisible to the naked eye, can be among the most bothersome. The list is long and may involve every inch of the human body. While ever present, these symptoms usually do not predict a poor prognosis. Nonetheless they are important to understand and manage as best as possible.