Living with MS - You Can...

Welcome to the website of the
Southwest Virginia MS Support Group

You Can...

SOURCE: www.NationalMSSociety.org

You CAN! is brought to you with the help of The Heuga Center for Multiple Sclerosis as a reminder that despite the challenges MS may bring, you have a whole life to live. The Heuga Center teaches people with MS to focus on what they �can do� in life instead of what they cannot, empowering them to live fuller, more productive lives.

We encourage you to visit You CAN! regularly. Topics change every other month.

2008 Topics

	Swim Like a Fish Swimming or water exercise is an activity that anyone can do�with or without MS. And swimming has a long list of benefits, not the least of which is simple pleasure.

	Plan a Trip Travel is good for the soul. It can improve your outlook on life and get you away from your daily routines. Trips can even give you space away from your ongoing issues with MS. But much of the fun is planning a trip in advance.

	Talk to Others About Your Fatigue Fatigue is the number one symptom reported by people living with MS. But because it is �hidden,� it can be frustrating to get others to understand what you are feeling.

	Improve Your Balance Balance deficits can be improved with a properly integrated approach.

Symptom Management

	Backup Your Memory! Supplement your memory with tools to enhance its efficiency and make you more effective.

	Beat the Heat It's summertime and for people with MS, the living is NOT easy! Learn how to minimize the effects of heat.

	Get control of bladder and bowel issues Bladder and bowel accidents are embarrassing. The good news is you can manage these issues.

	Keep Moving! Regardless of disability, staying mobile is very important. Share tips and insights on how.

	Learn to Manage Your Pain About half of everyone diagnosed with MS will experience some pain. For some it can be a significant problem.

	Manage Annoying Sensory Symptoms These sensations include numbness, tightness, tingling or burning. With a variety of approaches, they can be managed.

	Manage Fatigue Up to 90% of people with MS say they experience fatigue. Learn how to manage your symptoms.

	Overcome Depression Many factors, psychological and physical, can influence why a person gets depressed. You CAN overcome it.

	Remember Cognitive dysfunction affects 50-65% of people with MS. However there are ways you can improve your memory.

	Save Grace if you FALL Tips on how you can retain your composure and dignity if you fall.

Healthy Living & Family Life

	"Be There" for each other MS is like the �unwanted guest�. You CAN support each other and keep your �guest� from taking over.

	Exercise�or not�in Water Water provides opportunities for recreation, relaxation and exercise for people with MS at every level of ability.

	Fan the Flame Tips on nurturing romance and intimacy in your relationship, whether it is long-standing or new.

	Get the Sleep You Need! Many people with MS have sleep problems, but not as a direct result of MS. But take heart, you can get a good night's sleep.

	Get a Handle on Stress Stress is a daily fact of life. Chronic stress can impact your health, but you can take control.

	Maintain Good Nutrition! "You are what you eat." Maintaining your health is one of the first steps to managing MS. Here are ten ways to get started.

Life Planning & Independence

	Enjoy a Winter Sport Don�t let MS discourage you from enjoying winter play and sports.

	Handle Going to School! School means increased stress, fatigue, and possibly cognitive challenges. You CAN handle the challenge.

	Manage a Holiday Dinner Keep the holidays focused on family, friends, feasting and unforgettable memories.

	Set New Personal Goals Keep your New Year's resolution...even though the New Year's day is past. Learn some keys to successful goal setting.

You Can...Manage Specific Issues

SOURCE: www.NationalMSSociety

Learn how to live with specific MS symptoms such as fatigue, spasticity, depression, cognitive issues and much more. . .

The related PDF documents require the Adobe Reader. Download the Adobe Reader.

	Bowel Problems: The Basic Facts (.pdf) Ways to manage common bowel problems in MS (last updated 2004)

	"But You Look So Good" (.pdf) Coping with invisible MS symptoms (last updated November 2007)

	Controlling Bladder Problems in Multiple Sclerosis (.pdf) Managing common MS bladder problems with self-help and medications. By Nancy J. Holland, RN, EdD (last updated March 2005)

	Controlling Spasticity in MS (.pdf) Managing this common, sometimes disabling, MS symptom�roles of self-help, medications, physical therapists, nurses, and physicians (last updated October 2007)

	Depression and Multiple Sclerosis (.pdf) Symptoms of depression, the relationship between MS and depression, available therapies, and where to find help (last updated July 2007)

	Fatigue: What You Should Know (.pdf) MS fatigue can be reduced with treatments and self-help (last updated November 2007)

	Gait or Walking Problems: The Basic Facts (.pdf) Walking problems and how they can be addressed (last updated 2003)

	Hormones: The Basic Facts (.pdf) Frequently asked questions about MS and hormones (last updated 2005)

	MS and the Mind (.pdf) A reprint from InsideMS. Covers depression, cognitive functions, mood swings, coping tips and medications (last updated June 2008)

v	MS and Pregnancy (.pdf) Covers pregnancy, delivery, nursing, hormones, and questions about the disease-modifying drugs (last updated May 2006)

	PAIN: The Basic Facts (.pdf) An overview of treatments and strategies for managing MS-related pain (last updated 2004)

	Review of Regular Medications and Supplements (.pdf) A form to keep track of prescription drugs, over-the-counter remedies, herbals, vitamins, or other dietary supplements (last updated 2004).

	Sleep Disorders and MS: The Basic Facts (.pdf) Reviews common sleep problems and what can be done about them. (last updated 2003)

	Solving Cognitive Problems (.pdf) Discusses mental functions most likely to be affected by MS. Self-help and and information on cognitive rehabilitation. By Nick LaRocca, PhD, with Martha King (last updated November 2007)

	Speech and Swallowing: The Basic Facts (.pdf) Speech and swallowing problems can be helped with exercise, medications, or technological aids (last updated 2004)

	Tremor: The Basic Facts (.pdf) A troubling MS symptom described. Coping strategies and research horizons (last updated 2004)

	Urinary Dysfunction and MS (.pdf) Sophisticated explanation of treatments for MS-related urinary problems. Detailed descriptions of diagnostic testing, management strategies, and commonly prescribed drugs. By Rosalind C. Kalb, PhD and Nancy J. Holland, RN, EdD, MSCN (last updated January 2008)

	Vision Problems: The Basic Facts (.pdf) Current therapy for MS-related eye disorders. Discusses low-vision aids (last updated 2002)

Welcome to the website of the Southwest Virginia MS Support Group

You Can...

We encourage you to visit You CAN! regularly. Topics change every other month.

2008 Topics

Swim Like a Fish Swimming or water exercise is an activity that anyone can do�with or without MS. And swimming has a long list of benefits, not the least of which is simple pleasure.

Plan a Trip Travel is good for the soul. It can improve your outlook on life and get you away from your daily routines. Trips can even give you space away from your ongoing issues with MS. But much of the fun is planning a trip in advance.

Talk to Others About Your Fatigue Fatigue is the number one symptom reported by people living with MS. But because it is �hidden,� it can be frustrating to get others to understand what you are feeling.

Improve Your Balance Balance deficits can be improved with a properly integrated approach.

Symptom Management

Backup Your Memory! Supplement your memory with tools to enhance its efficiency and make you more effective.

Beat the Heat It's summertime and for people with MS, the living is NOT easy! Learn how to minimize the effects of heat.

Get control of bladder and bowel issues Bladder and bowel accidents are embarrassing. The good news is you can manage these issues.

Keep Moving! Regardless of disability, staying mobile is very important. Share tips and insights on how.

Learn to Manage Your Pain About half of everyone diagnosed with MS will experience some pain. For some it can be a significant problem.

Manage Annoying Sensory Symptoms These sensations include numbness, tightness, tingling or burning. With a variety of approaches, they can be managed.

Manage Fatigue Up to 90% of people with MS say they experience fatigue. Learn how to manage your symptoms.

Overcome Depression Many factors, psychological and physical, can influence why a person gets depressed. You CAN overcome it.

Remember Cognitive dysfunction affects 50-65% of people with MS. However there are ways you can improve your memory.

Save Grace if you FALL Tips on how you can retain your composure and dignity if you fall.

Healthy Living & Family Life

"Be There" for each other MS is like the �unwanted guest�. You CAN support each other and keep your �guest� from taking over.

Exercise�or not�in Water Water provides opportunities for recreation, relaxation and exercise for people with MS at every level of ability.

Fan the Flame Tips on nurturing romance and intimacy in your relationship, whether it is long-standing or new.

Get the Sleep You Need! Many people with MS have sleep problems, but not as a direct result of MS. But take heart, you can get a good night's sleep.

Get a Handle on Stress Stress is a daily fact of life. Chronic stress can impact your health, but you can take control.

Maintain Good Nutrition! "You are what you eat." Maintaining your health is one of the first steps to managing MS. Here are ten ways to get started.

Life Planning & Independence

Enjoy a Winter Sport Don�t let MS discourage you from enjoying winter play and sports.

Handle Going to School! School means increased stress, fatigue, and possibly cognitive challenges. You CAN handle the challenge.

Manage a Holiday Dinner Keep the holidays focused on family, friends, feasting and unforgettable memories.

Set New Personal Goals Keep your New Year's resolution...even though the New Year's day is past. Learn some keys to successful goal setting.

You Can...Manage Specific Issues

Learn how to live with specific MS symptoms such as fatigue, spasticity, depression, cognitive issues and much more. . .

The related PDF documents require the Adobe Reader. Download the Adobe Reader.

Bowel Problems: The Basic Facts (.pdf) Ways to manage common bowel problems in MS (last updated 2004)

"But You Look So Good" (.pdf) Coping with invisible MS symptoms (last updated November 2007)

Controlling Bladder Problems in Multiple Sclerosis (.pdf) Managing common MS bladder problems with self-help and medications. By Nancy J. Holland, RN, EdD (last updated March 2005)

Controlling Spasticity in MS (.pdf) Managing this common, sometimes disabling, MS symptom�roles of self-help, medications, physical therapists, nurses, and physicians (last updated October 2007)

Depression and Multiple Sclerosis (.pdf) Symptoms of depression, the relationship between MS and depression, available therapies, and where to find help (last updated July 2007)

Fatigue: What You Should Know (.pdf) MS fatigue can be reduced with treatments and self-help (last updated November 2007)

Gait or Walking Problems: The Basic Facts (.pdf) Walking problems and how they can be addressed (last updated 2003)

Hormones: The Basic Facts (.pdf) Frequently asked questions about MS and hormones (last updated 2005)

MS and the Mind (.pdf) A reprint from InsideMS. Covers depression, cognitive functions, mood swings, coping tips and medications (last updated June 2008)

v

MS and Pregnancy (.pdf) Covers pregnancy, delivery, nursing, hormones, and questions about the disease-modifying drugs (last updated May 2006)

PAIN: The Basic Facts (.pdf) An overview of treatments and strategies for managing MS-related pain (last updated 2004)

Review of Regular Medications and Supplements (.pdf) A form to keep track of prescription drugs, over-the-counter remedies, herbals, vitamins, or other dietary supplements (last updated 2004).

Welcome to the website of the
Southwest Virginia MS Support Group

Swim Like a Fish
Swimming or water exercise is an activity that anyone can do�with or without MS. And swimming has a long list of benefits, not the least of which is simple pleasure.

Plan a Trip
Travel is good for the soul. It can improve your outlook on life and get you away from your daily routines. Trips can even give you space away from your ongoing issues with MS. But much of the fun is planning a trip in advance.

Talk to Others About Your Fatigue
Fatigue is the number one symptom reported by people living with MS. But because it is �hidden,� it can be frustrating to get others to understand what you are feeling.

Improve Your Balance
Balance deficits can be improved with a properly integrated approach.

Backup Your Memory!
Supplement your memory with tools to enhance its efficiency and make you more effective.

Beat the Heat
It's summertime and for people with MS, the living is NOT easy! Learn how to minimize the effects of heat.

Get control of bladder and bowel issues
Bladder and bowel accidents are embarrassing. The good news is you can manage these issues.

Keep Moving!
Regardless of disability, staying mobile is very important. Share tips and insights on how.

Learn to Manage Your Pain
About half of everyone diagnosed with MS will experience some pain. For some it can be a significant problem.

Manage Annoying Sensory Symptoms
These sensations include numbness, tightness, tingling or burning. With a variety of approaches, they can be managed.

Manage Fatigue
Up to 90% of people with MS say they experience fatigue. Learn how to manage your symptoms.

Overcome Depression
Many factors, psychological and physical, can influence why a person gets depressed. You CAN overcome it.

Remember
Cognitive dysfunction affects 50-65% of people with MS. However there are ways you can improve your memory.

Save Grace if you FALL
Tips on how you can retain your composure and dignity if you fall.

"Be There" for each other
MS is like the �unwanted guest�. You CAN support each other and keep your �guest� from taking over.

Exercise�or not�in Water
Water provides opportunities for recreation, relaxation and exercise for people with MS at every level of ability.

Fan the Flame
Tips on nurturing romance and intimacy in your relationship, whether it is long-standing or new.

Get the Sleep You Need!
Many people with MS have sleep problems, but not as a direct result of MS. But take heart, you can get a good night's sleep.

Get a Handle on Stress
Stress is a daily fact of life. Chronic stress can impact your health, but you can take control.

Maintain Good Nutrition!
"You are what you eat." Maintaining your health is one of the first steps to managing MS. Here are ten ways to get started.

Enjoy a Winter Sport
Don�t let MS discourage you from enjoying winter play and sports.

Handle Going to School!
School means increased stress, fatigue, and possibly cognitive challenges. You CAN handle the challenge.

Manage a Holiday Dinner
Keep the holidays focused on family, friends, feasting and unforgettable memories.

Set New Personal Goals
Keep your New Year's resolution...even though the New Year's day is past. Learn some keys to successful goal setting.

Bowel Problems: The Basic Facts (.pdf)
Ways to manage common bowel problems in MS (last updated 2004)

"But You Look So Good" (.pdf)
Coping with invisible MS symptoms (last updated November 2007)

Controlling Bladder Problems in Multiple Sclerosis (.pdf)
Managing common MS bladder problems with self-help and medications. By Nancy J. Holland, RN, EdD (last updated March 2005)

Controlling Spasticity in MS (.pdf)
Managing this common, sometimes disabling, MS symptom�roles of self-help, medications, physical therapists, nurses, and physicians (last updated October 2007)

Depression and Multiple Sclerosis (.pdf)
Symptoms of depression, the relationship between MS and depression, available therapies, and where to find help (last updated July 2007)

Fatigue: What You Should Know (.pdf)
MS fatigue can be reduced with treatments and self-help (last updated November 2007)

Gait or Walking Problems: The Basic Facts (.pdf)
Walking problems and how they can be addressed (last updated 2003)

Hormones: The Basic Facts (.pdf)
Frequently asked questions about MS and hormones (last updated 2005)

MS and the Mind (.pdf)
A reprint from InsideMS. Covers depression, cognitive functions, mood swings, coping tips and medications (last updated June 2008)

MS and Pregnancy (.pdf)
Covers pregnancy, delivery, nursing, hormones, and questions about the disease-modifying drugs (last updated May 2006)

PAIN: The Basic Facts (.pdf)
An overview of treatments and strategies for managing MS-related pain (last updated 2004)

Review of Regular Medications and Supplements (.pdf)
A form to keep track of prescription drugs, over-the-counter remedies, herbals, vitamins, or other dietary supplements (last updated 2004).