In honor of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Month, The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) is focusing on The Mind, Body, and MS Connection, addressing the integration of physical and emotional wellness strategies to improve MS symptom management and overall quality of life.
The MASAA has several educational workshops available to the public:
- “Wellness and Healthy Living with MS” on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, from 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM ET: This live “Ask the Expert” event featuring Dr. Annette Okai of the Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Center of Dallas at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, TX will provide the opportunity for the MS community to ask questions about the importance of healthy living for those with multiple sclerosis on MSAA’s peer-to-peer online support forum, My MSAA Community.
- “The Importance of Wellness Care in MS” on Tuesday, March 10, 2020, from 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM ET: MS experts Mary Rensel, MD and Amy Sullivan, PsyD of the Cleveland Clinic will describe the mind-body connection in MS and discuss how to improve symptoms through diet, exercise, and stress reduction during this one-hour live webinar.
- “Diet, Nutrition, and Other Wellness Trends in MS” on Monday, March 16, 2020, from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM ET: Carrie Hersh, DO, MSc of the Cleveland Clinic, Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Las Vegas, NV will join MSAA for another live “Ask the Expert” online event on My MSAA Community to answer questions relevant to diet, nutrition, and wellness.
- “Keeping it Simple: Everyday Mindfulness for People Living with MS” on Tuesday, March 24, 2020, from 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM ET: Marriage and Family Therapist Cheryl Young, MAMFT of the Louisville Mindfulness Center will explore how learning Mindfulness techniques can help you better manage life’s stressors, decreasing anxiety and fear; and begin to rewire your thought process in this one-hour live webinar.
- Latest Podcasts from MSAA: In addition to several Ask the Expert events and live webinars, MSAA will be releasing two new podcasts! The first, “A Little is a Lot When Exercising with MS” features Brian Hutchinson, PT of the MS Achievement Center who discusses how physical activity can improve your body and your mind, and offers easy and effective exercise options for everyone with MS. The second, “Better Symptom Management through Wellness” features Mary Rensel, MD, and Amy Sullivan, PsyD as they provide helpful strategies to improve MS care through nutrition, mindfulness, and overall healthy living.
To access information and resources provided by MSAA during MS Awareness Month, please visit the MS Awareness Month hub page.
MSAA’s 2020 MS Awareness Month’s The Mind, Body, and MS Connection campaign has been made possible by the generous support of Biogen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Genentech.
About Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system (CNS), which consists of the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. MS damages or destroys the protective covering (known as myelin) surrounding the nerves of the CNS, and can potentially injure the nerves as well. This damage causes reduced communication between the brain and nerve pathways. Common MS symptoms include visual problems, overwhelming fatigue, difficulty with balance and coordination, depression and cognitive issues, and various levels of impaired mobility. The prevalence of multiple sclerosis is estimated at nearly one million people nationwide and most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 50. MS is not contagious and researchers continue to look for both a cause and a cure.
About MSAA
The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) is a national nonprofit organization and leading resource for the entire MS community, improving lives today through vital services and support. MSAA provides free programs and services, such as: a Helpline with trained specialists; award-winning publications, including MSAA’s magazine, The Motivator; MSAA’s nationally recognized website, featuring award-winning educational videos and research updates; S.E.A.R.C.H.™ program to assist the MS community with learning about different treatment choices; a mobile phone app, My MS Manager™ (named one of the best multiple sclerosis iPhone & Android apps by Healthline.com); a resource database, My MS Resource Locator®; safety and mobility equipment distribution; cooling accessories for heat-sensitive individuals; educational programs held across the country; MRI funding; My MSAA Community, a peer-to-peer online support forum; a clinical trial search tool; and more. For additional information, please visit www.mymsaa.org or call (800) 532-7667.
