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.

filtered by: Home & Work (remove)

Travel 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.

Shared 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.

Staying 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.

Managing 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.

Pediatric-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.

Progression 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.

Seating and Wheeled Mobility: What’s Available and Why is it important?

By: Jean Minkel, PT, ATP and Faith Saftler Savage, PT, ATP- Physical Therapists and Can Do MS Program Presenters

The easier it is to move around, the better your quality of life. However, many people with MS have issues that affect their functional mobility, which is the ability to go where you want, when you want. Here are a few suggestions to improve your functional mobility through assistive devices.

Progressive MS Health & Wellness Resource Guide

By: Denise Bruen, Roz Kalb, and Mandy Rohrig

Gather information about how progressive MS is diagnosed and managed and the important role of overall health and wellness through a variety of articles, booklets, webpages, and videos from Can Do Multiple Sclerosis and the National MS Society.

Sometimes It’s Hard to Be a Woman: Women’s Health Issues in MS

By: Meghan Beier, PhD & Cheryl Blaschuk, RN, FNP, MSN

Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) presents a unique challenge for women. Until relatively recently, most of the medical and rehabilitation research focused on either males exclusively, or mixed populations without examining differences in gender. As an example, prior to 1990, there was only one publication that examined the unique demographics of women with functional or cognitive challenges. New lines of research produced a better understanding of the prevalence of MS among women, as well as unique considerations needed for assessment and treatment in this gender.

Assessing Your Home Accessibility Needs

By: Stephanie Nolan, OTR/L – Occupational Therapist & Mandy Rohrig, PT, DPT – Physical Therapist

MS can present ongoing changes to the person with MS and support partners. Changes to strength, balance, coordination, dexterity, and other physical abilities are not uncommon (as well as cognitive, occupational, and mood-related changes). What doesn’t change, however, is our innate need for independence, especially in our homes. Therefore, making intelligent changes to your home to improve environmental accessibility is important to compensate for these changes, while promoting as much independence as possible and, most importantly, ensuring the safety of the person with MS, as well as the whole family.

First
1
2
3
Last

These programs are possible thanks to the generous support of the following sponsors:

Library Articles