Library Articles

Communicating with Family: Tips and Strategies

By: Rosalind Kalb, PhD - Psychologist

Sharing information about MS with family members isn’t always easy or straightforward. Different family members want and need different kinds of information; people sometimes have preconceived ideas about what MS is and what you should be doing to manage it; some family members are better able than others to keep information private if you ask them to. In addition, the information you provide needs to change as the disease changes or affects you in different ways. So it’s a good idea to have a strategy in mind for how to deal with the information needs of the people in your family.

Getting There: How MS Symptoms affect Mobility and Mobility Options

By: Mandy Rohrig, PT, DPT, MSCS - Physical Therapist and Nurse Practitioner, Kathleen Healey, APRN, PhD

What does mobility mean to you?  Walking through the grocery store, completing a toilet transfer independently, or maybe using a scooter to get to and from your grandchild’s soccer game, because the grass on the soccer fields are unforgiving and certainly a trip hazard.  What mobility means to you is simply “getting there” – getting where you want to go and participating in activities you want to do in order to bring meaning, purpose, and fulfillment to your life.

Managing Moods: An O.T. Perspective

By: Stephanie Nolan, OTR/L – Occupational Therapist

Mood changes are very common in people with MS and there are several healthcare team members that can help you manage these symptoms so you can live your best life.  An occupational therapist (PT) can offer strategies to adapt your environment and lifestyle to conserve energy, which can impact your mood.

Pediatric-Onset Multiple Sclerosis: Unique Features and Considerations

By: Anusha Yeshokumar, MD and James Sumowski, PhD,

Pediatric-Onset MS is defined as having an onset of MS symptoms prior to the age of 18 years. MS, which affects about 2.5 million people worldwide, is the most common cause of non-traumatic neurologic disability in young adults. It is estimated that there are about 2,000-4,000 cases of pediatric-onset MS worldwide, however, about 10% of people with MS recall in hindsight that their first symptoms starting prior to the age of 18 years.

Progression Planning: Managing the Common Challenges of Progressive MS

By: Mandy Rohrig, PT, DPT, MSCS and Megan Weigel, DNP, ARNP-C, MSCN

Living with MS can be daunting, especially when you are worrying about or dealing with disease progression.  Progression can seem less overwhelming when you have a plan.  Developing problem solving strategies and solutions to manage common physical, cognitive, and medical challenges that happen with disease progression can help dispel worries.

Vitamin D: Updated Questions & Answers

By: Megan Weigel, DNP, ARNP-C, MSCN - Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner and Can Do MS Programs Consultant

It seems like you can’t pick up a publication these days without reading about how many of us seem to have low levels of Vitamin D. Recent studies have shown that 30-60% of us are at risk of low Vitamin D levels.  So, here a few common questions about Vitamin D

Leisure: Why It's Important & Where You Can Find It

By: Can Do Multiple Sclerosis

Leisure is a domain of life that is very important, particularly for people with neurological disorders.  It's important to understand that leisure does not equal laziness- leisure can improve your physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and spiritual wellness.  Learn about the research being done on the impacts of leisure on MS, as well as resources to understand more about the benefits of leisure and local opportunities to discover new activities and experiences.

It Takes a Village: When Cognition Shifts Roles

By: Meghan Beier, PhD and Darla Freeman MA, CCC/SLP

Approximately 65% of individuals living with multiple sclerosis (MS) will experience cognitive change.  This change can occur anytime in the disease.  Approximately one-third of individuals experience cognitive difficulties even before they are officially diagnosed.  Below we will highlight the domains most commonly impacted by MS, how they can impact relationships, and a few tips for improvement.

Exercise and Physical Activity in MS

By: Anna Cotton, OTR and Courtney Capwell, DPT, MSCS

With spring in the air, it’s time to think about getting out and being active!  We all know that physical activity and exercise will improve our health, but incorporating them into our daily lives can be difficult. Please download and print the April Webinar Handout to help you individualize an exercise plan to start making changes today. 

Strategies for Healthy and Effective Meal Planning and Preparation for People Living with MS

By: Stephanie Singleton, OTR/L - Occupational Therapist

People with MS may have difficulty with cooking meals for themselves and their families/friends.   Their meal preparation skills can be impacted by a variety of factors that can include some or all of the following deficit areas:

Fatigue, Strength, Balance, Cognition, Fine motor skills, Sensation

How have these issues impacted your abilities to plan and cook meals?  There are a number of ways to increase these abilities.  Don’t let MS “have you”!  You can cook healthy meals!