YoungWithMS.com

Hey everyone. It has been forever since I have posted on this website. I have really had so much going on. I can’t believe it is already 2011. Really hard to believe when you think about it. Alot has happened over the course of the few months that I have been absent from this website. I am really doing well with my ms and nothing huge or life changing has happened. This is a new year and I look forward to the possibilities and different things that a new year and a new start have to bring. I am so so excited. This is my year and I am going to shine.

I have taking the oppurtunity to post some questions along with some answers in hopes that they will benefit people. If you have any comments then please let me know!

1) Are you exercising regularly? It improves your fitness and helps you feel less tired. Consult a physical therapist

2) Do you eat the right foods? The right diet can help keep your energy high. Consult a dietician

3) Can meditation reduce fatigue? The right medication or combination of medications can make you more functional. Consult your physician.

4) Have you evaluated your daily routines at home and work? Energy conservation strategies can help you do thing more efficiently. Consult an occupational therapist.

5) Are you using the assistive devices you need? Many devices can reduce the energy required for daily activities. Consult an occupational therapist.

6) What are your cognitive strengths (and weaknesses)? You can learn to build on your strengths and compensate for weaknesses. Consult a neuropsychologist.

7) Do you have a plan for organizing your daily activites? Developing appropriate routines can increase your productivity. Consult an occupational therapist or speech-language pathologist.

Do you ask for help when you need it? Delegating tasks will give you more time and energy.

A paramount interest to many people with MS is exercise– which is a very real physical stress. Research indicates that moderate exercise increase their feeling of well-being and self-confidence, and also improves–albeit modestly–strength and cardiovascular conditioning. There are different types of exercise that may help. In range-of-motion exercises, the arms and legs are moved through the full range of the joints’ motion, to prevent muscle shortening and contractures (joint immobilization). If necessary, get someone to assist you with these stretching exercises. Aerobic exercise–such as walking, stationary bicycling and swimming–may also be useful. Consult your neurologist before deciding what’s best for you. Try to avoid getting overheated during exercise; a cool bath before and after helps, or swimming in a cool pool rather than a warm one. You can buy special cooling vests, but they are rather costly, they usually cost $300.00 to $1000.00 depending on the options you want. Maybe you are asking yourself how far you should go? The answer is to the point of fatigue but not exhaustion. If you are more than usually tired the day after exercise, you’ve gone too far. The more advanced your MS, the more moderate the exercise should be. Of course, there is a great psychological benefit in feeling that, by exercising, you are taking charge of your health and doing something good and yourself. On the other hand, overestimating the benefits the benefits of exercise may lead to disappointment and a feeling of failure. Moderate exercise is a good thing but it will not determine whether you have “good, medium or bad” MS. Keep moving, but don’t overdo it. Take Care and God Bless.

Smiles, Jennifer

Youngwithms

Hey Everyone, hope everyone had an awesome day. Just wanted to let everyone know that in the coming days that you are going to see some awesome changes to the website. The new layout and options are going to give visitors the oppurtunity to register to the site and post comments and create discussion groups and so on. I look forward to seeing all the comments and discussion boards. Thank You for your support of the site. Have a great day. Take Care and God Bless.

Smiles, Jennifer

Youngwithms

Good Morning Everyone!! Today I want to talk about Managing Stress because let’s be honest everyone stresses and worries about various things in their lives. Although, everyone stresses I wanted to talk particularly about people with MS and their stress. Many people with MS don’t recognize the psychological component of their condition at first, and only gradually accept the fact that they may need to develop coping strategies. These include learning how to deal effectively with the new issues confronting them: stereotypes of the disabled in the community, perceived changes in masculinity or feminity, changes in relationships, changes in roles within the family, changes in roles within the family, changes in employment status, increased dependance on others and changes in physical condition. Coping strategies are best developed through experience; they cannot be learned by reading a book. But here are a few strategies to get you started. Foster the idea of being in control. Focus on the many aspects of your life in which you do have control, such as what you do today, whom you socialize with and so on. To be happy and to cope, people must feel that they have at least some–preferably a lot of–control over their lives. Determine a way (small or large) to contribute to your community–something you can enjoy–and follow through with your plan. This will enhance your self-esteem and help put your problems in perspective. Attend appropriate counseling sessions. Learn to say no without feeling guilty. Make a list of people, places and things you like (energizers) and dislike (fatiguers). Be Honest. Within the limits of your ethical responsibilities, avoid fatiguers and seek out energizers. Make a list of people you can rely on for support, and call on them as needed. Create support networks outside the home (where most of the support is ordinarily provided). Prioritize projects to avoid burnout and overload. Take Care and God Bless!

Smiles, Jennifer

Youngwithms