Yoga Moves MS Virtual Health, Wellness Forum Set for Nov. 6

Yoga Moves MS is not letting the pandemic keep it from its annual educational event for those with multiple sclerosis (MS) — on Nov. 6, the group will again present a virtual version of its Yoga Moves Holistic Health and Wellness Forum for MS.

The four-hour forum seeks to empower people with MS by given them information about a host of integrative and holistic mind-body strategies. Yoga Moves MS provides adaptive yoga classes and wellness education to MS patients, as well as to people with Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and other neuromuscular conditions.

“Individuals with MS, their family members, care partners, and friends join us to increase awareness and gain a broader understanding about an integrative and whole systems approach to wellness,” Mindy Eisenberg, founder of Yoga Moves MS, said in a press release emailed to Multiple Sclerosis News Today.

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“Once again, national MS experts will join in different sessions to enhance your ability to maintain an understanding of best practices for an optimal state of health,” Eisenberg added.

Attendees will hear about healthy living and illness prevention within traditional medicine, as well as options that complement conventional medical care. Video recordings of each presentation will be available following the event.

Presentations and discussion topics will include:

• Coping with MS symptoms such as pain and fatigue
• Resilience and inspirational stories from MS patients
• Self-care practices
• Physical therapy and exercise for MS, plus latest research findings
• Complementary and alternative care options
• Mind-body practices such as meditation and yoga
• Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (in its early stages, NMOSD often mimics MS symptoms)

The event is free, but organizers would “appreciate” a $25 donation to Yoga Moves MS. Those who donate at least $75 will get the electronic version of the Adaptive Yoga Cards.

The webinar will feature presentations from speakers representing the Comprehensive MS Center, Memorial Healthcare Institute for Neuroscience; the MS Center at the Michigan Institute for Neurological Disorders; the MSing Link; the MS Center for Innovations in Care; Michigan Medicine; Michigan Neurology Associates; and the Joi Life Wellness Group. In addition, the neurologist Brandon Beaber, MD, will discuss topics from his book, “Resilience in the Face of Multiple Sclerosis.”

Previously an in-person event, the wellness forum moved to a virtual format due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and the group found that change opened it up to a wider audience.

“Feedback from attendees has been so positive,” Eisenberg said. “We all would love to be in the same room coming together, but what we have noticed is our community across the globe, and including our generous sponsors, that this type of educational event for patients with MS, families, and friends is so needed.”

This event is sponsored by Biogen, Genentech, Alexion, the specialty pharmacy Mijer, TG Therapeutics, EMD Serono (known as Merck KGaA outside North America), Sanofi Genzyme, Bristol Myers Squibb, and MS Views and News.