MS Association of America Offering Free and Newly Updated Resources to Patients

The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA), a national nonprofit organization based in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, announced the availability of three newly published resources for the multiple sclerosis (MS) community. These publications are available for free in both print and online editions at mymsaa.org, according to a press release.

MSAA’s magazine, The Motivator, is a source of up-to-date information and encouragement for people with MS, their caregivers, family, and medical professionals. The Motivator‘s latest edition features a cover story on relationships and how an MS diagnosis may affect interpersonal relations. Also included are feature articles on the latest MSAA program initiatives, an Ask the Doctor Q&A column, and an inspirational story by an MS community member.

The organization’s MS Research Update 2016 edition provides an overview of results from the many studies and clinical trials underway into potential MS treatments, as well as new clinical trial data on several approved therapies, and discussions of future research focus on such issues as stem-cell treatments, disease biomarkers, and gut microbiota. The MS Research Update 2016 edition is published jointly by MSAA, the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC), and the International Organization of MS Nurses (IOMSN).

The MSAA’s informational/educational booklet — How to S.E.A.R.C.H. for the Right MS Therapy for You! — has also been updated. It provides the latest information and tools to help people with MS and their families work more productively with their doctors and healthcare team in selecting a disease-modifying therapy. This  resource also includes information on specific FDA-approved medications available for relapsing forms of MS.

Educational Programs

MSAA also offers educational programs that for MS community members to connect with and learn from leading MS healthcare professionals. Through MSAA events, participants are provided with information in an easy-to-understand, conversational format — a design that encourages open dialogue and includes a question and answer period. For more information, visit MSAAs calendar of events for a program near you.

My MS Manager Mobile App

My MS Manager, MSAA’s new mobile phone application, is provided free of charge to individuals with MS or their caregivers, and is designed to be used on an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or Android mobile phone device. Developed in conjunction with @Point of Care, this first-of-its kind MS app offers users a convenient and effective tool to manage the ever-changing course of the disease.

My MS Manager allows you to:

• Track disease activity
• Store medical information
• Generate charts and reports across various metrics like treatments, moods, symptoms, and more.

Other HIPAA-compliant features include optional private reminder settings, links to MSAA educational materials, and the ability to connect via the app to physicians and other clinicians on the user’s care team to share progress reports securely and as needed.

My MS Manager for iOS is available in the Apple App Store.
My MS Manager for Android devices is available in the Google Play Store.

MSSA Equipment Distribution Program

Some people with MS experience difficulty with balance and coordination, fine motor skills, and mobility. The MSAA Equipment Distribution Program offers clients assistive tools and devices designed to improve safety, dignity, mobility, and independence, providing them at no charge and shipping directly to the client.

Items distributed through the program include home safety products such as shower chairs and grab bars, as well as mobility devices including canes, walkers, and wheelchairs. For more information, visit mymsaa.org/msaa-help/assistive-equipment.

Cooling Products Distribution Program

MSAA also provides cooling vests to qualifying individuals with MS. Many people with MS are heat sensitive, and MSAA says research has proven that heat and humidity often aggravate common MS symptoms, and that cooling the body can help lessen these effects.

The MSAA Cooling Program offers cooling
vests and accessories for adults with multiple sclerosis, as well as children diagnosed with pediatric MS. Cooling vests are commonly worn over clothing and contain insulated pockets that hold small ice packs. MSAA also offers smaller products to wear under clothing ,as well as accessories to help cool the neck, wrists and ankles, and provides these products at no charge, shipping directly to the client.

For more information, visit mymsaa.org/msaa-help/cooling-products.

Source: Multiple Sclerosis Association of America