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.
5 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 ReadingManaging Stress: The Power of Detachment and Recovery from Overload
By: Kenneth Nowack, Ph.D.
Have you felt stretched, tired, and exhausted trying to adjust to the changing landscape of work and life since the COVID-19 pandemic began? If so, you might not be alone. There is no “one size fits all” in coping strategies, but these antidotes for long hours, heavy workloads, or conflicting demands of life can help to prevent burnout.
Continue ReadingTravel Tips for People With MS
By: Ed Tobias
As more people receive the COVID vaccine, we can begin to think about travel once again! Ed has lived with MS for more than 40 years. Even though his disability has progressed over that time, that hasn’t stopped him from visiting interesting places all over the world. Learn more about his travel tips for planning ahead, using a scooter, having help and managing expectations.
How to Find Support for Your Mental Health
By: Meghan Beier, PhD , Abbey Hughes, PhD
Approximately 50% of people with MS experience changes in mood, including depression and anxiety. At the same time, about two-thirds of people experience changes in cognition, such as “Cog fog” and executive functions. In this article we will explore what types of treatments are there for mood and cognition changes. You and your health care providers will explore what type of psychological or behavioral treatments are right for you.
Continue ReadingStaying Resilient to MS Transitions
By: Matthew Sacco, PhD, Megan Weigel, DNP, ARNP-C, MSCN
The term “resilient” has become increasingly more a part of our mainstream and popular culture vernacular. It is a term that conjures up ideas such as determination, strength, and fortitude. But, when it comes to living with a chronic condition such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), what does resilient really mean? The purpose of this article is to help better understand resilience, how it relates to living with MS, and ultimately how one might improve resilience.
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.
Continue ReadingProgression Planning: Managing the Common Challenges of Progressive MS
By: Mandy Rohrig, PT, DPT, MSCS and Megan Weigel, DNP, ARNP-C, MSCN
Living with MS can be daunting, especially when you are worrying about or dealing with disease progression. Progression can seem less overwhelming when you have a plan. Developing problem solving strategies and solutions to manage common physical, cognitive, and medical challenges that happen with disease progression can help dispel worries.
Continue ReadingLeisure: Why It's Important & Where You Can Find It
By: Can Do Multiple Sclerosis
Leisure is a domain of life that is very important, particularly for people with neurological disorders. It's important to understand that leisure does not equal laziness- leisure can improve your physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and spiritual wellness. Learn about the research being done on the impacts of leisure on MS, as well as resources to understand more about the benefits of leisure and local opportunities to discover new activities and experiences.
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