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How to Live Well with Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) has a profound impact on all parts of your life - this includes workplace issues, relationships and family, overall well-being and lifestyle choices. Learn some ways to improve and enhance your life with MS, as well as some things you may want to avoid.
Tips for Dealing with Swallowing Problems in People with Multiple Sclerosis
Since many people with multiple sclerosis (MS) have difficulties swallowing, also called dysphagia, it is important to adopt proper habits when eating or drinking. These can help people avoid problems such as choking and aspiration pneumonia in the future.
Vitamin D and Multiple Sclerosis
The majority of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) are deficient in vitamin D. This contributes to our susceptibility to osteoporosis, which people with MS are much more likely to get. In addition, vitamin D may have some positive effect on the immune system that could help reduce inflammation associated with MS.
Top 10 Sex Tips for Men with Multiple Sclerosis
It is estimated that 70 percent of men with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience some form of sexual difficulties, most often erectile dysfunction. As sex is an important part of health, it is important to address these challenges. There are many things that you (and your partner) can do to keep sex alive in your relationship.
Can I donate blood if I have multiple sclerosis?
People with multiple sclerosis (MS) are now eligible to donate blood, according to the Blood Donation Eligibility Guidelines of the Red Cross, which were revised in May 2007. However, it is still possible that some blood banks have their own rules and will not allow people with MS to donate blood.
Top 10 Sex Tips for Women with Multiple Sclerosis
Although it is estimated that about 75 percent of women with multiple sclerosis (MS) have some form of sexual dysfunction, this does not have to mean the end of intimacy for these women or their partners. There are many things that couples can do to maintain a healthy sex life and keep the romance in relationships.
Selenium and Multiple Sclerosis
Some people with multiple sclerosis (MS) may have low levels of selenium or of glutathione peroxidase, an enzyme produced from selenium in the body. However, it is not advisable to take high doses of selenium (or other antioxidants) if you have MS.
Vitamin B12 and Multiple Sclerosis
People with multiple sclerosis (MS) are at higher risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. Low levels of vitamin B12 can mimic and exacerbate many MS symptoms, including fatigue, depression and memory loss. Treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency is simple, involving oral supplements or intramuscular injections.
Using Visualization To Reduce Stress When Injecting
Visualization can be used to help you give yourself stress-free injections. Visualization uses the natural learning processes of the brain to rehearse situations before they happen in order to perform them better in the future.
When to Massage Injection Sites for People with MS
Massaging the site after an injection of one of the disease-modifying drugs for multiple sclerosis (MS) can really help reduce irritation in these areas. However, it is extremely important to pay attention to the rules of WHEN is the best time to massage your injection sites, which depends on which medication you are taking.
Ease the Pain of Injections by Finding a Helper
Having a friend or loved one help you with your medication injections can make the process easier. It is important to understand how to make it easier for someone to help you with your shots.
Make Injections Easier By Breathing
Giving yourself an injection (or having someone else give one to you) can be a very stressful experience. Breathing is the best way to trigger a state of relaxation. Try the Relaxing Breath exercise to make injecting easier.
Make Injections More Pleasant With a Ritual
Reduce the stress of your injections by developing a pleasant ritual around the injecting process. Create a custom ritual which includes things that you like and that fits into your life.
Helping Those Who Help Us
People with multiple sclerosis (MS) often need extra help from their loved ones. Whether this is a situation of total dependence or just a little assistance once in awhile, it is important that those helping us are acknowledged and supported.
Principles to Promote Quality of Life of People with Multiple Sclerosis
The Principles to Promote Quality of Life of People with Multiple Sclerosis were developed by the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation so that we, people with MS, and those who work to make life better for us have a set of common goals to strive for. This document captures these ideals in one place.
Stress, Fear and Anxiety in the Face of Multiple Sclerosis
This article from Applied Neurology discusses different aspects of stress and multiple sclerosis (MS), including: anxiety following diagnosis, needle phobia resulting in difficulties self-injecting, and the physiologic impact of stress on MS relapses and symptoms.
Osteoporosis and Multiple Sclerosis
People with multiple sclerosis (MS) are at elevated risk for osteoporosis. This is because people with MS are often less active due to disability. Risk of osteoporosis is also increased in multiple sclerosis due to use of steroids to treat some of the symptoms and relapses of MS. Osteoporosis is an especially dangerous condition for people with MS because of increased risk of falling due to MS-related symptoms involving balance and coordination.
Exercise Success Secret for People with MS: Be Confident
It is very important that people with multiple sclerosis (MS) engage in some form of physical activity. While many people with MS have disability or symptoms that make exercise difficult, research has shown that self-efficacy beliefs help people get more physically active.
Top 10 Ways to Live Well and Long With MS
Live well and live long with MS. Learn ways to increase your health in spite of your MS.
Make Your Own Cooling Products for MS Heat Intolerance
Tired of being trapped inside during the hot months due to multiple sclerosis-related heat intolerance? Try some of these items that you can make at home to help you beat the heat.
Tips to Survive the Summer with Multiple Sclerosis
If you have multiple sclerosis (MS) and have a hard time with heat intolerance during summer months, try some of these tips to let you get out there and join the fun.
Top 10 Pregnancy Questions for Women with MS
For many women with <a href="http://ms.about.com/od/multiplesclerosis101/a/ms_intro.htm">multiple sclerosis</a>, the diagnosis comes right at the time when they are thinking of starting (or expanding) their family. Years ago, women with MS were discouraged from having children, as doctors believed that pregnancy made MS worse and that they would not be able to care for young children. The picture is much brighter today. Studies have shown that pregnancy is actually protective for women with MS. Also, the <a href="http://ms.about.com/od/treatments/a/ms_treatment.htm">current therapies</a> give women a much better chance of staying physically active and capable of caring for newborns, chasing toddlers and even coaching the soccer team someday.
Sleep and MS
Sleep is important for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Because of fatigue, a poor night’s sleep can really impair a person with MS’s ability to perform daily activities. Learn about good sleep habits and address problems that may interfere with sleep and cause insomnia.
Yoga and MS
Yoga is becoming a common form of exercise for people living with multiple sclerosis. Yoga provides a gentle way to build strength, flexibility and balance that can be adapted for an individual’s health status. Yoga can even be used to rehabilitate people who have disabilities.
Stress and Multiple Sclerosis
Having MS can cause an increase in stress in a person’s life. Some think that stress can cause a worsening of MS or even cause MS itself. Explore the relationship between stress and MS.
Create an MS Relapse Plan
Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable disease. By creating a strong relapse plan, you can be ready for whatever may happen. Plan now for relapses and minimize unnecessary stress.
Pregnancy Questions for Women with MS
A diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) by itself is not a reason to avoid pregnancy, as used to be thought. There are many things to consider when planning to conceive, including treatment before and during pregnancy, and taking care of a child as well as yourself. Learn about how MS does – and does not – affect pregnancy.

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