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.

Fatigue, Pain, Depression, Cognitive Changes: Invisible Symptoms of MS

By: Matthew Sacco, PhD, Tracy Walker, FNP-C, WOCN

Can MS be invisible?

With symptoms like fatigue, depression, and cognitive dysfunction, many people with MS are fighting battles that others can’t see. How do you manage these symptoms? Why do they occur? And what do you do when other people are saying to you, “But you look so good!”?

Travel Tips for People With MS

By: Ed Tobias

As more people receive the COVID vaccine, we can begin to think about travel once again! Ed has lived with MS for more than 40 years. Even though his disability has progressed over that time, that hasn’t stopped him from visiting interesting places all over the world. Learn more about his travel tips for planning ahead, using a scooter, having help and managing expectations.

How to Find Support for Your Mental Health

By: Meghan Beier, PhD , Abbey Hughes, PhD

Approximately 50% of people with MS experience changes in mood, including depression and anxiety. At the same time, about two-thirds of people experience changes in cognition, such as “Cog fog” and executive functions. In this article we will explore what types of treatments are there for mood and cognition changes. You and your health care providers will explore what type of psychological or behavioral treatments are right for you.

Building Resilience in the Face of Life Adversity and Challenge

By: Kenneth Nowack, Ph.D, Can Do MS Programs Consultant and Chief Research Officer of Envisia Learning, Inc.

Through my father’s experience, the saying “Things turn out best for the people who make the best out of the way things turn out” is one that resonates strongly with me and may indeed be a good mantra for all of us during these trying times as well as future life challenges.

Shared Decision Making in Multiple Sclerosis

By: Aliza Ben-Zacharia, PhD, DNP, ANP, FAAN, MSCN , Samantha Domingo, PhD

MS can present a slew of challenges to health and wellness. Addressing these challenges requires frequent and often complex decisions. An overwhelming amount of information can make this decision making even more daunting.

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.