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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.
Getting the Most Out of Occupational Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis
Occupational therapy helps keep people with multiple sclerosis (MS) independent in many ways. Using adaptations, equipment and devices, occupational therapy can improve quality of life and well-being. Following some simple rules can maximize the impact of occupational therapy for people with MS.
Occupational Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis
Occupational therapy can help people with multiple sclerosis (MS) stay independent and keep doing things for themselves. Occupational therapy is not only for people with severe disability, but can also help people with MS that are just having a little more trouble taking care of daily tasks than they used to.
Q. When Should I Get a Can if I Have Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
Canes can be very helpful for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). They can not only offer support and help with balance, but they can also provide us with a sense of security for those days when we are not quite sure how things are going to go.
Dating Experiences of People with Multiple Sclerosis - Dating and MS
Dating is stressful, but worrying about when to disclose one's multiple sclerosis (MS) status can make it even more difficult. Share your opinion and story and hear about the experience of other people with MS in the world of dating.
When should I tell someone I am dating that I have MS?
Some people are comfortable discussing their multiple sclerosis (MS) with everyone they meet, while others feel that this is private information to be disclosed at just the right time. The situation is a little more complicated when it comes to dating - we want to find a balance of honesty and reserve while we are trying to figure out how we feel about someone. So, when is the best time to disclose your MS to a date?
Try an MS "Mini-Meditation" To Fight Fatigue
Most of us with MS fight MS-related fatigue with drugs that might not work and efficiency tips that leave us frustrated. Try this simple break to gain enough energy to keep you going a little longer.
How to Talk to People Who Are Newly Diagnosed With MS
People who are newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) will often seek out those of us that have been living with MS for years. Here are some tips on how to be helpful in this situation.
What To Say To Someone Who Is Newly Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis
Chances are that you will be in a situation where someone who has just been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) will look to you for insight on what it is like to live with MS. Here are some ideas of what to say and what not to say for someone newly diagnosed with MS.
Does Multiple Sclerosis Increase Pregnancy-Related Risks?
Multiple sclerosis and pregnancy risk is a bit complicated. On one hand, multiple sclerosis symptoms usually improve during pregnancy. One the other hand, there could be an increase in complications and risk during pregnancy because of multiple sclerosis. Find out if multiple sclerosis increases the risk of pregnancy complications.
Do Vaccines Cause Multiple Sclerosis?
Many have wondered if vaccines cause multiple sclerosis (MS) or lead to increased relapses in people with MS. Find out about vaccines and MS here.
Tips for Dealing with Cognitive Dysfunction
For people with cognitive dysfunction as a symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS), seemingly simple tasks can be frustrating. Try some of these tips and ideas for helping yourself avoid stress and get things done.
A Program to Redefine Health for People with Multiple Sclerosis
People with multiple sclerosis (MS) or other chronic diseases often focus much of their attention on the physical aspects of their health. This week, you’ll spend time working with and expanding your definition of health, giving you a better perspective on life and your MS.
MSers Respond: What is the stupidest thing someone has said to you about MS?
Hearing stupid or insensitive remarks sometimes seem to be an everyday occurrence for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Share your experiences here to help others realize they are not alone.
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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