Library Articles
At Can Do MS, we know that the power of knowledge can transform lives and expand beliefs about what is possible.
These articles are written by our nationwide team of program consultants - renowned healthcare professionals dedicated to educating people living with MS and their support partners. You will find valuable information and approaches covering our Six Dimensions of Wellness- Emotional Well-Being, Cognitive Well-Being; Home & Work; Diet, Exercise & Healthy Behaviors; Relationships; and Spirituality.
These articles are provided as general educational resources and should not be interpreted as diagnoses, prognoses, or treatment suggestions. Information and perspectives represent the views of the individual author(s); Can Do Multiple Sclerosis is not responsible for the accuracy or currency of the responses. Readers should consult with their healthcare team.
Your Guide to Gadgets and Gizmos for MS
By: Beth Bullard, OTR, Updated by Rosalind Kalb, PhD
Getting through everyday activities can be tiring and frustrating without the right tools and adaptations. Moving around, reaching for things, and manipulating equipment in your home or office can all pose challenges when you have multiple sclerosis.
Continue ReadingYou Can! The Whys And Hows Of Staying Active When You Have MS
By: Rosalind Kalb, PhD
You’ve probably heard it before, but let’s say it again: exercise and physical activity are very beneficial for people with MS! If you want to try an exercise program that is accessible, adaptable, on-demand in your own home, fun, and accountable, check out MS Moves With Mandy!
Continue Reading5 Tools to Help You Achieve Your Diet & Nutrition Goals
By: Rosalind Kalb, PhD
You might already have success with certain aspects of a healthy diet, but often, there are still some specific areas that we can improve upon. Your doctor might have identified these focus areas for you, or they may be based on how different foods make you feel.
Whether it’s achieving a healthy BMI, lowering your cholesterol, getting enough nutritious food for your activity level, or any other goal, here are five tools to help!
Emerging Wellness Research & What It Means for You
By: Rosalind Kalb, PhD
Researchers are working to learn more about virtually every aspect of MS care and management. While more is learned every day about treatments to manage the MS disease process, other research efforts look at ways to improve a person’s wellbeing and quality of life.
Continue ReadingFinding the Best Activity for You
By: Lindie Shreiner, PTA
Depression and anxiety are very common symptoms that people living with MS can experience. 20% of those with MS experience these symptoms as compared to 5% of the general population. Meanwhile, living with MS is stressful. All of these factors can make it difficult to stay in a good mood. Thankfully, exercise is a proven way to feel better, boost your mood and combat depression and anxiety.
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 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!
Continue ReadingManaging MS Fatigue and Sleep During A Crisis: COVID-19 and Beyond
By: Abbey Hughes, PhD and Stephanie Singleton, OTR/L
Over a few short weeks, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has become a constant presence in our lives. We have experienced rapid shifts in our daily activities, including how we work, socialize, exercise, eat, pray, receive medical care, and care for others. Fatigue and sleep disturbance are common in MS and can worsen during periods of stress.
Continue ReadingPediatric-Onset Multiple Sclerosis: Unique Features and Considerations
By: Anusha Yeshokumar, MD and James Sumowski, PhD
Pediatric-Onset MS is defined as having an onset of MS symptoms prior to the age of 18 years. MS, which affects about 2.5 million people worldwide, is the most common cause of non-traumatic neurologic disability in young adults. It is estimated that there are about 2,000-4,000 cases of pediatric-onset MS worldwide, however, about 10% of people with MS recall in hindsight that their first symptoms starting prior to the age of 18 years.
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