It’s World MS Day, a Time to Share Tips and Raise Awareness with the Tag #LifewithMS

Today is World MS Day, and people around the world are sharing tips for living with multiple sclerosis (MS) by using the hashtag #LifewithMS on social media.

The MS International Federation started World MS Day in 2009. Events and campaigns take place throughout May to encourage the global MS community to share stories and raise awareness about the disease. The activities culminate in World MS Day on May 31.

The London-based federation offers free resources to help everyone take part in World MS Day. A key goal is encouraging anyone with the disease to take control of major life decisions.

An international working group helps the federation develop a central campaign message and theme for World MS Day. The group represents MS organizations in the United Kingdom, the United States, Ireland, Spain, India and Egypt.

MS is a debilitating neurological disease with a range of physical, mental, and sometimes psychiatric symptoms. Physical signs can include double vision, blindness in one eye, muscle weakness, trouble with sensation, or trouble with coordination.

MS is the primary neurological disorder diagnosed in young adults, with more than 2 million affected worldwide. Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 25 and 31, with around twice as many women affected than men.

The cause of MS is not known yet and no cure is available, although treatments can ease symptoms.

During World MS Day, those with the disease are invited to share their stories, plus tips on how they manage stress and fatigue or, for example, deal with balance problems. Sharing tips could make a huge difference for others with MS.

The federation is asking people to record a short video with tips and share them on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also share a photo or suggestion in a Facebook post or a Tweet. You’re encouraged to include the #LifewithMS hashtag. Posts will be featured on the World MS Day website.

A number of companies support World MS Day with donations to the federation and activities. They included Biogen, EMD Serono (Merck Serono), Genzyme, and Roche.

For more information about World MS Day events throughout the world, please visit this link.