Wendy Henderson,  —

“You have multiple sclerosis” is something that no one wants to hear. Some people hear it but have no idea what it means. Some think they’ll end up in a wheelchair and that their life will never be the same. MORE: How yoga and aquatic exercise can…

This film from the MS Society is all about Zena Nicolaou. The MS Society in the U.K. awarded Zena the prestigious title of “Carer of the Year” in 2016 for her work caring for her mother Nicola, who has multiple sclerosis (MS). MORE: How MS patients feel about…

Following her husband’s frustration at not being able to do up the buttons on his formal work shirts, Maura Horton came up with a simple and practical solution: magnetic buttons. MORE: Tips to help you to better manage common MS symptoms According to a report on Fox News,…

Many multiple sclerosis (MS) patients suffer from bladder issues. In this video from Mallery Schuplin, the MS vlogger talks about some of the bladder issues she’s been experiencing and how she’s managing them. MORE: Seven tips to help you deal with MS-related urinary problems In a…

Having a service dog can greatly enhance the life of someone living with a chronic disease. They allow patients to regain some of their independence by helping with small everyday tasks like opening and closing doors, fetching meds, acting as a prop or support as their owner stands, switching on lights and attracting attention…

Signs are appearing outside restrooms in the United Kingdom to advise members of the public that not all disabilities are visible. MORE: Ocrevus’ journey from defiant idea to game-changing treatment According to a report from the BBC, the signs are being posted to help those who have invisible illnesses…

Multiple sclerosis is a progressive neurological disease that develops when the myelin in the central nervous system is attacked, leading to a range of symptoms including mobility problems, numbness, vision problems, pain, and fatigue. MORE: Learn more about the different symptoms of multiple sclerosis In this Roche video aimed…

We understand how difficult it is to tell your family, friends and coworkers that you have multiple sclerosis. While it might not be easy, at some point you will have to share this new chapter of your life with those around you. MORE: How MS patients really feel about their condition…

This video made by Jack Barton is all about Jack’s father, Tim. Tim was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis nine years ago and has to undergo monthly intravenous treatments to keep his MS stable. He talks about coming to terms with the disease, how the diagnosis affected his family, how little…

Breakfast is often cited as being the most important meal of the day, but to get the full benefits, make sure you eat a nutritious breakfast that is high on flavor but delivers health-wise. Here are six great wholesome and flavorful breakfast and snack ideas to help you manage your…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWJ2NW-BUNI In this MS Society video, Jack Osbourne admits that although he’s lived a fairly hedonistic lifestyle, the scariest moment of his life was when he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). MORE: Jack Osbourne asks strangers to compete in a game show and test their knowledge of multiple sclerosis…

Trevis Gleason is a food journalist who also writes about his journey with secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS). Gleason was diagnosed with the disease in 2001 and has written many blog posts and articles about his life with MS. He’s also published a book called Chef Interrupted. MORE: Try out some…

Oxidative stress is the result of an imbalance in the body of free radicals. These free radicals damage proteins, lipids and nucleic acids, which in turn causes inflammation. The inflammation results in demyelination of the central nervous system and has a bearing on how severe a patient’s multiple sclerosis is. MORE:…

According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, around 65 percent of people living with the disease suffer from some cognitive issues — most notably, memory, concentration and speed of processing information. MORE: Six of the best apps for managing chronic illness If you find that…

Many multiple sclerosis patients will suffer from bouts of bowel dysfunction and in particular, constipation and seek their doctor’s advice on how to relieve the symptoms. Dulcolax (bisacodyl) is an over-the-counter stimulant laxative medication that MS patients can take to help them get their bowels moving again. MORE: …

Managing a chronic illness can be difficult. There are many different medications to take (often at different times), appointments to remember, symptoms to keep track of, and lots of information to absorb. Thankfully, living in a digital age means that there are numerous mobile apps that can help you manage…

Although multiple sclerosis (MS) is more likely to be diagnosed in adults between the ages of 20 and 40, children can also develop the autoimmune disease. MORE: Nine ways MS affects you from your head to toes According to WebMD, between 8,000 and 10,000 children under…

Tremors are a common symptom of multiple sclerosis, experienced by around three-quarters of people with the condition, and one that often makes sufferers feel quite self-conscious. For most, the tremors will be mild and occur infrequently, but for some, the tremors may be more severe. There are four different types of tremors associated…

Service dogs are typically thought of as necessary companions for the visually impaired, but service and therapy dogs can be a practical solution for people with a variety of chronic illnesses. As well as being a trusted friend, service dogs can expand owners’ motor abilities, granting them new independence and allowing them to…

Trigeminal neuralgia is a term used for facial pain which begins in the trigeminal nerve. It usually occurs in people over the age of 50 and affects women more than men. However, it is more common in people who have multiple sclerosis (MS). We’ve put together a list of facts about trigeminal neuralgia…

Vitamin D is often talked about as an important vitamin that helps the body stay fit and strong, but it could also help in the fight against multiple sclerosis (MS). While there still needs to be more research into the beneficial effects of vitamin D, there are some things to know about its…

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic illness that presents many different symptoms since it can affect any part of the human body. While no two people living with MS will experience the same symptoms, according to healthline.com, there are some more common ways the condition affects the body. Brain Cognitive issues…

Many people living with multiple sclerosis find that their symptoms become more pronounced when they’re subjected to heat. With summer in full swing, many people with the condition will experience a temporary worsening of symptoms. (The same can happen if the person takes a bath or shower that’s too hot.) According to …

The multiple sclerosis community has been waiting with bated breath for the approval of the drug Ocrevus (ocrelizumab), which will be used to treat patients who have relapsing MS and primary progressive MS. The FDA’s decision of final approval arrived on March 28, which coincides with Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week. In preparation for…

This video from the Center for Diagnostic Imaging explains how magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help in diagnosing multiple sclerosis (MS) and how far this technology has come in a relatively short time. MRIs can also track the progression of the disease. MORE: 10 things to know…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ht3Z6-m6LIU In this video from Patients Like Me, John shares that although he’s suffering from the autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis (MS), he’s definitely much more than the disease. MORE: How doctors treat spasticity in MS John explains that when the MS symptoms he was experiencing began…

Medical marijuana is gaining popularity as a complementary medicine to help with many symptoms associated with chronic illnesses. While many people are curious about how marijuana (or cannabis) may help improve their symptoms, they are also reluctant to smoke the substance. However, there are ways that medical marijuana can be administered, including in tea form. According to thealternativedaily.com, here are five ways that cannabis tea can help relieve some of the symptoms people with chronic diseases live with. Relieves pain: Marijuana has been associated with pain relief for centuries. Researchers have found the cannabinoids in marijuana dampen pain signals by binding to the pain receptors in the central nervous system (CNS). In contrast to opiates such as morphine or codeine, cannabis is not addictive and poses no withdrawal symptoms to patients. Cannabis-infused tea is delivered to the whole of the body through the digestive system so the effects are longer lasting and more efficient than smoking. Reduces inflammation: Medical marijuana has been found to reduce inflammation associated with many autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and lupus. It also helps to temper the body's immune system making it less likely to attack itself. Protects the brain: Studies of cannabis's effect on the brain have found that the drug has a neuroprotective effect and appears to slow down or even block the beta-amyloid protein build-ups associated with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Promotes digestive health: Many chronic illnesses present symptoms which affect the gastrointestinal system. Cannabis has been found to improve digestion and relieve symptoms such as cramping, stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, constipation and acid reflux. Mood enhancer: While smoking cannabis may produce mind-altering effects that most people are weary of, drinking cannabis tea can help with stabilizing mood and helping to relieve emotional symptoms associated with chronic illnesses such as depression and anxiety.

This video from The Mighty shares some of the things a person living with a chronic illness might want to carry around with them on a daily basis. MORE: 29 Tips to Help You Survive the Summer While Living With Multiple Sclerosis The survival pack contains some of the essentials…

Living with an unpredictable illness can be tough at the best of times, but when you're a parent, it can often cause unforeseen problems. Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) is no different — you'll have to continue being a parent, but you'll also have to manage your condition. However, there are ways that you can make life easier for you and your family as you navigate parenthood, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Be Honest: Children are often more resilient than we give them credit for. Explain your condition, how it may progress and what it means for you as a family on a day-to-day basis. Take Care of Yourself :The better you feel, the more energy you'll have for your family. Overdoing things can knock you off your feet for days, increasing fatigue and general unwellness. Learn to plan, pace and prioritize. Decide what's important to do today and what can wait until another time when you're feeling better. Eat well, try to sleep well, get some daily exercise and ensure you comply with your medications. Teach Understanding: Make sure your children understand that there will be days when you can't take them to the park, or have to cancel plans at the last minute. Make sure you have a stash of things younger children can do at home to occupy themselves while you rest (watching DVDs or playing board games). Make sure they know how to help when you're going through a flare. Focus on What You Can Do: Maybe you can't play ball with your children in the backyard, but you might be able to do arts and crafts with them. Find something fun that you can do together as a family on a regular basis. Delegate: Partners, older children and other family members should pitch in around the house and take an equal share of the chores. Even young children can be given some age-appropriate chores to do, such as putting away their toys or making their beds. This will allow you more time and energy to spend doing fun things with the family.

While most people enjoy the summer months, for those living with multiple sclerosis (MS), the warmer weather can bring a new set of problems, exacerbating symptoms and making life pretty uncomfortable. Keeping cool through the summer heat can be a challenge but there are ways you can make life a little easier. We’ve put…