Library Articles
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.
Continue ReadingBuilding 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.
Continue ReadingShared 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.
Continue ReadingStaying 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.
Continue ReadingThe 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.
Continue ReadingDiet 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.
Continue ReadingDoes 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.
Continue ReadingAdaptations 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.
Continue ReadingIntegrating 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.
Continue ReadingBowel 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!
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