Library Articles
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.
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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.
Continue ReadingVitamin 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
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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.
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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.
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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.
Continue ReadingStrategies 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!
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Inconvenient, Isolating...and Manageable: Bowel and Bladder Issues in MS
By: Ann Mullinix, OTR/L, NBC-HWC – Occupational Therapist & Marie Namey, APRN, MSCN – Advanced Practice Nurse
Bowel and bladder dysfunction can significantly impact daily life, compromise health, and impair one’s quality of life. However, instead of just enduring or passively compromising, you can take control through lifestyle modifications and medical management.
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Living Well with Multiple Sclerosis
By: Lynsey Lakin, MSN, NP-C, MSCS & Meghan Beier, PhD
Happy New Year! The first month of the year means it’s time for setting New Year’s Resolutions. This webinar will help you identify wellness goals tailored to your needs and interests. This webinar will also address how to get motivated, as well as how to maintain motivation over time.
Living well with MS means addressing all of your needs. Therefore, we will focus on the physical, cognitive, spiritual, emotional, and psychological aspects of wellness. Join MS Specialist Lynsey Lakin, FNP-C and Psychologist Meghan Beier, PhD for an interactive, goal-directed discussion to begin 2019 living your best possible life with MS.
Continue ReadingSeating and Wheeled Mobility: What’s Available and Why is it important?
By: Jean Minkel, PT, ATP and Faith Saftler Savage, PT, ATP- Physical Therapists and Can Do MS Program Presenters
The easier it is to move around, the better your quality of life. However, many people with MS have issues that affect their functional mobility, which is the ability to go where you want, when you want. Here are a few suggestions to improve your functional mobility through assistive devices.
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