Library Articles
Tips for Support Partners: Taking Care of Yourself While Caring for Your Loved One
By: Rosalind Kalb, PhD & Mandy Rohrig, PT, DPT
Living with MS can be challenging not only for the person who has MS, but also for the support partner. The support person – whether a spouse/partner, friend, sibling, or child – is “living with MS” too, but in a much different way.
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Tips and Tricks for Planning an Accessible Cruise
By: Candy B. Harrington
A cruise vacation is an excellent choice for people with multiple sclerosis. You can visit a lot of ports and only unpack once, which saves a lot of energy. Additionally, since todays cruise ships offer a variety of healthy menu options and state-of-the-art exercise facilities, it’s easy to stay in shape while at sea.
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Couples Living with MS
By: David Rintell, Ed.D, Can Do MS Programs Consultant
“In sickness and in health.” Although we make this vow in earnest, when we marry (or commit to each other), we do not expect that chronic illness will enter our lives. The diagnosis of MS is life altering, not only for the patient, but also for her or his partner.
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Be Active in the Summer Heat
By: Pat Kennedy, RN, CNP, MSCN, Can Do MS Nurse Educator & Programs Consultant
Summertime sometimes makes living a challenge. Many of us live by our routines that often take a hiatus in the summer months. Others find summer more difficult due to the heat so we spend far too much time indoors in our homes to escape the summer’s heat.
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MS and the Family
By: Peggy Crawford, PhD, Can Do MS Programs Consultant
MS comes with many challenges for both the individual and family living with MS. As a chronic condition, MS is present every day even when medication is taken, stretches are done, and a positive attitude is maintained.
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Want To Get Away?
By: Pat Kennedy, RN, CNP, MSCN, Can Do MS Nurse Educator & Programs Consultant
When you face physical limitations, traveling can seem like an insurmountable task. You think about “how do I get about if my walking is unsteady?” “How do I manage my bladder problems?”
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How to Talk to Others About Living with MS
By: Pat Kennedy, RN, CNP, MSCN, Can Do MS Nurse Educator & Programs Consultant
Being diagnosed with MS or being told your loved one is diagnosed is like being told a secret. You can keep the information to yourself or share it with everyone you meet. Neither of these are good long-term solutions to help you live a quality life.
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Leisure Wintertime Activities
By: Beth Bullard, OTR, Can Do MS Programs Consultant
Stay Active and Connected in Winter
For centuries winter has been identified as a time for reflection and replenishment. It's an opportunity to resolve issues, create resolutions and look forward to the prospects of a new year.
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Turning Challenges into Possibilities
By: Pat Kennedy, RN, CNP, MSCN, Can Do MS Nurse Educator & Programs Consultant
Here we are in a new year. For some people with MS, it will be facing their first year with the diagnosis. For others, this may be the second, third or fourth year living with MS.
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Forming Your Health Care Team
By: Pat Kennedy, RN, CNP, MSCN, Can Do MS Nurse Educator & Programs Consultant
“I have discovered in life that I can do anything but I can’t do everything. No one can go it alone. Create your team!”
~Robert Schuller
If you have multiple sclerosis or are a friend or support partner of someone with MS, knowing how to access those people who can help you manage better is essential. In our health care system, we generally see our providers on an as needed basis or as a regular scheduled check up.
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