Multiple Sclerosis
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
The National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) website, NationalMSSociety.org, explains that MS is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body.
The cause of MS is still unknown – scientists believe the disease is triggered by an as-yet-unidentified environmental factor in a person who is genetically predisposed to respond.
The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, with at least two to three times more women than men being diagnosed with the disease.
Summer Momentum Magazine
The Summer 2018 issue of Momentum features the cover story "Out-stressing stress," a look at how to identify and manage the anxiety your MS may cause. The issue also includes stories about pilot MS research projects, a family that has turned their apple orchard into a way to raise funds for a cure, and more.
Read MorePathways to Wellness in MS
1. Emotional Wellness
Presented by Amy MB Sullivan, PsyD, ABPP, Director of Behavioral Medicine and Research, Mellen Center for MS
- Emotional Well-Being – Emotional well-being can be enhanced, even in the face of challenges. Use this information to focus on the positive, stay centered, manage stress and more.
- Head Space – Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you manage pain, fatigue and your emotions.
- MS Cognitive Symptoms: What You Need to Know – There are lots of strategies to help you take control and increase your confidence.
- Stress and Multiple Sclerosis – Having MS can cause stress that may affect you physically, emotionally and mentally. Learn habits to help reduce stress.
- 26 Stress-Reducing Strategies You Can Practice Today – Many people believe stress can worsen MS symptoms.
2. Navigating Life with MS Through Spirituality
Presented by Evan L. Smith, PhD, Rehabilitation Psychologist, University of Michigan
- Spiritual Well-Being – Spirituality is a powerful aspect of the human experience. It can fuel one's efforts to achieve wellness in the face of life's obstacles.
- Mind over Mind – Learn how you can stay calm and focused with mindfulness meditation.
- Yoga and MS – Practicing yoga can give you tools to manage everyday tasks.
- Hippo-therapy and Therapeutic Horseback Riding – Hippo-therapy uses horseback riding as a treatment for medical conditions, including MS.
3. Social Wellness
Presented by Emily Reilly, Certified Personal Trainer living with MS
- Relationships – Important relationships take effort and energy. Learn how to navigate your MS diagnosis in relationships.
- Staying Social – Learn more about how MS can interfere with reading social cues.
- The Value of Human Connection – Today's virtual world can lessen authentic story sharing with one another.
- Ask the MS Expert: Dating and MS – Hear how others have disclosed their multiple sclerosis in new romantic relationships.
- Lower Stress by Strengthening Your Support Network – Receiving emotional support can help reduce stress and improve your life's outlook.
- Employment – You can still achieve your employment goals despite an MS diagnosis.
All three of these segments lasted only 25-30 minutes. They were very informative. I encourage each person interested in discovering ways to help their MS to listen to these recordings, by going to National MS Society – Emotional Well-Being.