Neurological Disorders
Multiple Sclerosis
Lifestyle Latest News
Preventing Falls - [10/22/08]
Summary: Falls are a serious health concern for millions of Americans. Some risk factors for falls include mobility difficulties, depression, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, and hearing loss. Tips for avoiding falls include getting annual physical exams, consuming diets with adequate amounts of calcium and Vitamin D, not smoking, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, exercise, keeping homes safe from hazards, and wearing shoes with no-skid soles.
Comment: Every year more than 11 million Americans fall and injure themselves, resulting in 368,000 hip fractures last year. Seniors and those at risk for falls should follow the tips and guidelines issued to prevent falls. Making small changes in lifestyle can protect those with multiple sclerosis from falls and injuries.
Read article - HealthNewsDigest.com October 22, 2008
Ten Health Tips for a Healthier You - [07/13/08]
Summary: A healthy lifestyle is the key to treating, preventing, or lessening the effects of almost every disease and condition. These ten tips are designed to help build a healthier body and lifestyle.
Comment: Tips include: walking 20 to 30 minutes a day, for weight loss, eating "black" foods, such as black mushrooms or licorice, to prevent cancer, heart disease, and slow aging, and preventing dimensia by treating hypertension.
Read article - Health News Digest. July 13, 2008.
Workout Equipment for People in Wheelchairs - [07/08/08]
Summary: A workout set has been designed for people in wheelchairs. This kit allows people in wheelchairs to complete a total body workout without the help of caregivers, nurses, or therapists. The person working out can stay seated in their wheelchair during the entire workout. The exerciser can secure to any wheelchair under 26 inches wide. The wheelchair kit allows the person working out to use a band to do 20 different exercises. It targets the neck, back, shoulders, arms, chest, abs, obliques, hamstrings, and calves.
Comment: Being able to remain seated during the workout allows a person in a wheelchair to gain some independence about their physical activity. Being able to workout while in a wheelchair can help people remain healthier and maintain muscle strength. The kit is also completely portable and easy to set up for complete convenience.
Read article - HealthNewsDigest.com July 8, 2008
Leading a Full Life with Multiple Sclerosis - [07/04/08]
Summary: Multiple sclerosis is a inflammatory disease in the CNS, which can cause vision problems, numbness and tingling in hands and feet, difficulty thinking, bladder and bowel problems, weakness, poor coordination, and muscle rigidity. People can be tested for a gene that plays a factor in MS, but it does not guarantee a diagnosis in the futurs.
Comment: Many people have a hard time adjusting to the idea of having multiple sclerosis, and it can dramatically affect their daily life. Many people with MS decide to focus on the positive, and find their life is still very fulfilling. People with MS are counseled to make decisions in their lives as if they did not have multiple sclerosis. There are 5 different medications available to help with MS, and with help from physicians many people with MS can still live a productive life.
Read article - Medical News TODAY July 4, 2008
Leisure Activities Can Boost Health and Well-Being - [05/10/08]
Summary: The American Heart Association and American College of Sports Medicine have established guidelines recommending 30 minutes of moderate daily activity for adults. Among older adults, experts have found that leisure activities that keep people engaged and physically active help to promote a healthier life and help prevent many diseases linked to aging. Ballroom dancing, for example, develops movement and balance, keeps the mind active, and requires participants to be emotionally engaged. Other suggested forms of movement are gardening, yoga, water aerobics, and tai chi.
Comment: The most beneficial leisure activities are those are intellectual, physical, spiritual, social, and purposeful. In fact, any purposeful movement, even as simple as playing the Nintendo Wii, provide significant benefits to elderly people over more sedentary activities.
Read article - Health News Digest. May 10, 2008.
Optimists Enjoy Better Health - [05/09/08]
Summary: According to a series of studies, optimists enjoy better health than pessimists. But people who are healthy are likely to have a brighter outlook than people who are ill. So scientists adjusted their analyses to account for pre-existing medical conditions and found that existing illnesses do not tarnish the benefits of optimism.
Comment: One explanation may be that optimists lead healthier lifestyles. Or it could be that optimism has biological benefits.
Read article - Harvard Health Publication. May 9. 2008.
View PSAs from Multiple Sclerosis Society - [05/08/08]
Summary: Forget about YouTube. You can view short video clips or listen to audio announcements produced by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society from the press room page of its website.
Comment: This web page contains public service advertisements in varied formats (.wmv, .mp3, and pdf). They are intended to be used by print or broadcast media who want to share the information as a public service. The materials are copyrighted, but you can view and download them for personal use.
Read article - National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Four Tips for Understanding Medical News - [03/29/08]
Summary: The April 2008 issue of Harvard Men's Health Watch explains how to understand medical advice that seems to change from day to day: 1) Know the differences between types of research. 2) Focus on results published in respected medical journals. 3) Don't get frustrated by contradicting research. 4) Fit each piece of information into the larger puzzle.
Comment: Given the variety of sources for medical information and the amount of research data released every data, it can be overwhelming to try to understand what the latest news really means. The practical philosophy suggested by Harvard medical staffers may be conservative, but it is also the safest and most reliable approach to adopting new medical ideas.
Read article - Medical News Today. March 29, 2008.
Read article - Harvard Health Publications. April 1, 2008.
Loss of Mobility Impacts Quality of Life in Those with MS - [03/27/08]
Summary: New surveys of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and their caregivers show that loss of mobility is a significant challenge in their life. Fatigue, which is also related to difficulty walking, was also reported as a major symptom. However, a significant portion of those surveyed reported that they had never or rarely discussed mobility issues such as difficulty walking with their physician. One significant conclusion drawn from this study is the indication that more must be done to educate patients about the options available to deal with mobility loss.
Comment: In addition to the general difficulties reported by those with MS due to mobility loss, the survey also noted that fear of mobility loss is a major concern for those newly diagnosed with the disease. Patients with MS also reported that mobility loss or difficulty walking has negatively effected their ability to carry out daily tasks, their self-esteem, and their ability to travel. Employed caregivers reported that their work was negatively impacted because of the mobility challenges of the patient they were caring for.
Read article - Medical News Today. March 27, 2008.
Website Serves Job-Seekers with MS - [03/26/08]
Summary: Workers with multiple sclerosis (MS) and other job-related challenges, there is often little guidance or support for considering new jobs and career paths. A new website intends to change that. Monster, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Biogen Idec, and Elan are joining together to launch MS Workplace, a first-of-its-kind online initiative to provide MS-specific career advice, workplace tips, and job postings.
Comment: The free tool includes convenient links to educational and career information, as well as job-search capabilities. The initiative is a promising resource for people with MS and their families, co-workers, and employers.
Read article - National Multiple Sclerosis Society. March 26, 2008.
Read article - MSWorkplace.com.