Podcasts about rrms

Diesmal geht es um die Verlaufsformen der MS vom RIS und KIS über die RRMS zur SPMS bis zur PPMS. Ich erkläre sie einfach verständlich. Den kompletten Beitrag zum Nachlesen gibt es auf meinem Blog: https://ms-perspektive.de/podcast-007-die-formen-der-ms Diese Folge ist ein Update zur ursprünglichen Episode #007 über die Verlaufsformen der Multiplen Sklerose – erweitert, aktualisiert und ergänzt um die neuesten wissenschaftlichen Erkenntnisse. Denn die starren Kategorien wie CIS, RRMS oder PPMS werden zunehmend hinterfragt. Vielmehr zeigt sich: MS verläuft bei jeder betroffenen Person individuell. In dieser überarbeiteten Version lernst du nicht nur die sechs möglichen Stadien kennen, sondern erfährst auch, warum Diagnosen manchmal angepasst werden müssen und wie die Therapieentscheidungen in anderen Ländern getroffen werden. Ziel ist es, dir Orientierung und Wissen zu geben – für informierte Entscheidungen über deine Gesundheit. Inhaltsverzeichnis Abkehr von der starren Einteilung Einführung in die Formen der MS Die prodromale Phase der Multiplen Sklerose Zufallsbefund des radiologisch isolierten Syndroms (RIS) Fokus auf schubförmig remittierende MS (RRMS = Relapsing Remitting MS) Sekundär Progrediente MS erklärt (SPMS) Primär Progrediente MS und ihre Herausforderungen (PPMS) Zusammenfassung der MS-Verlaufsformen Zusammenfassung der MS-Verlaufsformen Es gibt sechs mögliche Einteilungen der MS: Prodromale Phase – Vorstadium der MS, es treten bereits Änderungen im Immunsystem auf, die noch sehr diffus sind. Theoretisch kann die MS hier noch gestoppt werden. Radiologisch isoliertes Syndrom (RIS) – Zufallsbefund, ohne spürbares Symptom bei einem MRT, kann in eine MS übergehen. Klinisch isoliertes Syndrom (KIS oder CIS) – kann, muss aber nicht in eine MS übergehen. Schubförmig-remittierende MS (RRMS) – der häufigste Verlauf, gut behandelbar. Sekundär progrediente MS (SPMS) – entwickelt sich meist aus der RRMS, wenn die Reserve aufgebraucht ist. Primär progrediente MS (PPMS) – kontinuierlich fortschreitender Verlauf von Beginn an. Bei allen Formen wird intensiv geforscht. Ich bin sicher, dass es künftig immer bessere Behandlungsoptionen geben wird. Bis dahin bleibt es das Wichtigste, die Krankheit so gut wie möglich aufzuhalten – durch frühzeitige Therapie und passende Lebensweise. --- Wenn dir der Podcast und Blogbeitrag gefällt, abonniere ihn gerne und hinterlasse eine Bewertung. Schreib mir an kontakt@ms-perspektive.de, wenn du Themenwünsche oder Fragen hast – ich freue mich über Post! Bis bald und mach das Beste aus Deinem Leben, Nele Mehr Informationen und positive Gedanken erhältst Du in meinem kostenlosen Newsletter. Hier findest Du eine Übersicht zu allen bisherigen Podcastfolgen.  

Die Auswertung vieler Studien weltweit hat gezeigt, das die Basistherapie das beste Mittel gegen das Voranschreiten der MS ist. Du kannst den Beitrag auf meinem Blog Nachlesen: https://ms-perspektive.de/podcast-005-die-basistherapie Der folgende Beitrag ist ein Update zu Folge 5, in der es um die Basistherapie geht, ergänzt um meine Erkenntnisse aus den vergangenen fünf Jahren und meinem Multiple Sklerose Management Studium. Die Bedeutung der Immuntherapie ist heute klarer denn je: Sie kann das Fortschreiten der MS verlangsamen und mögliche Einschränkungen hinauszögern. In diesem Beitrag teile ich aktuelle wissenschaftliche Erkenntnisse, neue Therapieoptionen und meine persönlichen Erfahrungen. Zudem erfährst du, warum eine frühzeitige Basistherapie so wichtig ist und welche Entwicklungen es in der MS-Forschung gibt. Inhaltsverzeichnis Update zur Basistherapie Fortschritte in der Forschung Bedeutung der Präzisionsmedizin Einführung in die Basistherapie Rückblick auf persönliche Erfahrungen Empfehlungen zur sofortigen Therapie Der Weg mit meiner Basistherapie Schwangerschaft und Therapieanpassungen Anpassung der Therapie Buchveröffentlichung und weitere Informationen Medikamente und deren Wirksamkeit Überwinde deine Ängste vor der Basistherapie! Wichtige Erkenntnis zur MS und der neurologischen Reserve Zukunftsaussichten: Hoffnung auf Remyelinisierung Plädoyer für die Basistherapie Zusammenfassung – Die wichtigsten Punkte auf einen Blick: Mein persönliches Fazit: Weiterführende Infos zur Immuntherapie Mein persönliches Fazit: Das war heute mein dringendes Plädoyer für die Basistherapie. Ich wünsche dir, mir und allen anderen da draußen viel Gesundheit, viel Kraft und eine möglichst lange Zeit ohne Einschränkungen.

In this episode, we welcome Charlie Peel, Healthcare Partnerships Lead at Overcoming MS. With nearly two decades of experience in neurology, Charlie brings a wealth of knowledge and insight in the field of holistic MS management. Charlie joins CEO Alex Holden to explore the latest research on how lifestyle choices—like maintaining optimal vitamin D levels and fostering social connections—can positively impact life with MS. Watch this episode on YouTube here. Keep reading for the key episode takeaways. Topics and Timestamps 01:47 Meet Charlie and her unique journey that led her to Overcoming MS 05:19 Charlie shares her impactful role as Healthcare Partnerships Lead at Overcoming MS 10:52 A personal mission - why Charlie wanted to work for Overcoming MS 15:11 Dive into Charlie's research paper on the life-changing outcomes of Overcoming MS retreats and Pathways courses 21:13 Explore the latest research in holistic management of MS 24:23 Discover the newest findings on high-dose vitamin D for MS 28:10 Autophagy's role in remyelination 33:05 What the MS community can learn from research into other brain conditions 36:42 The power of connection - research on social connections, community and mental health 40:42 Charlie offers practical advice for anyone new to the Overcoming MS Program.   Want to learn more about living a full and happy life with multiple sclerosis?  Sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips. More info and links: Bee Well with MS Podcast with Dr Agne Straukiene Journal article: MS care: integrating advanced therapies and holistic management ECTRIMS webinar 2024 learn more about the Vit. D trials and more MS Brain Health Report The British Society of Lifestyle Medicine (BSLM) podcast with Dr Fraser Quin Read the studies Charlie cited in this episode: MS care: integrating advanced therapies and holistic management The D-LAY study under publication - presented at ECTRIMs Medscape Registration Results showed high-dose (100,000iUD every 2 weeks for 24 months) vitamin D3 supplementation was safe and well tolerated in CIS and RRMS (89% met 2017 McDonald criteria), and related to less disease activity in CIS The beneficial role of autophagy in multiple sclerosis: Yes or No? Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2024 report of the Lancet standing Commission WHO Social commission It's time to harness the power of connection for our health and well-being The updated McDonald criteria for diagnosing MS Join the Live Well Hub New to Overcoming MS? visit our introductory page Facebook  Instagram  YouTube  Pinterest  Overcoming MS website  Don't miss out:  Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS here If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review.   Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org.   Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS. Support us: If you enjoy this podcast and want to support the ongoing work of Overcoming MS, you can leave a donation here.

Erfahre mehr über B-Zell-Depletionen, wie Ocrevus, Kesimpta, Bonspri, Mabthera, Rituxan und Briumvi, für aktive RRMS & SPMS und frühe PPMS. Du kannst den vollständigen Beitrag auf meinem Blog nachlesen: https://ms-perspektive.de/274-b-zell-depletion B-Zell-Depletions-Therapien wie Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus), Ofatumumab (Kesimpta, Bonspri), Rituximab (Mabthera, Rituxan) und Ublituximab (Briumvi) sind zu wichtigen Instrumenten bei der Behandlung von Multipler Sklerose (MS) geworden. Diese Behandlungen zielen speziell auf B-Zellen ab, eine Art von Immunzellen, die am Entzündungsprozess von MS beteiligt sind, und reduzieren diese. B-Zell-Therapien gelten als einige der spezifischsten und wirksamsten verlaufsmodifizierenden Therapien, die heute verfügbar sind, und bieten einen maßgeschneiderten Ansatz zur Verringerung der Krankheitsaktivität und des Fortschreitens der MS. In diesem Beitrag geht es darum, wie diese Therapien innerhalb der MS-Behandlungsoptionen eingeordnet werden und was ihr Zulassungsstatus und ihre Wirksamkeit für verschiedene Patientengruppen bedeuten. Bitte beachte, dass ich hier nur einen Überblick geben kann. Deine Neurologin und MS-Schwester sollten dich ausführlich über die richtige Therapie für dich beraten. Sie kennen deinen allgemeinen Gesundheitszustand und du solltest auch über deine Ziele, Wünsche, Ängste und Vorlieben sprechen, damit diese berücksichtigt werden können. Inhaltsverzeichnis Allgemeine Informationen Wie werden B-Zell-Depletionen - Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus), Ofatumumab (Kesimpta, Bonspri), Rituximab (Mabthera, Rituxan), Ublituximab (Briumvi) in den Immuntherapien eingeordnet? Wofür sind B-Zell-Depletionen - Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus), Ofatumumab (Kesimpta, Bonspri), Rituximab (Mabthera, Rituxan), Ublituximab (Briumvi) zugelassen? Wie sieht die Situation für spezielle Patientengruppen aus? Wer sollte Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus), Ofatumumab (Kesimpta, Bonspri), Rituximab (Mabthera, Rituxan), Ublituximab (Briumvi) vermeiden? Wie wirken Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus), Ofatumumab (Kesimpta, Bonspri), Rituximab (Mabthera, Rituxan) und Ublituximab (Briumvi)? Wie wird es eingenommen? Wie wirksam sind Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus), Ofatumumab (Kesimpta, Bonspri), Rituximab (Mabthera, Rituxan), Ublituximab (Briumvi)? Risiken und Nebenwirkungen von Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus), Ofatumumab (Kesimpta, Bonspri), Rituximab (Mabthera, Rituxan), Ublituximab (Briumvi) Impfungen Quellen Schlussbemerkung Quellen Für die Erstellung des Inhalts habe ich folgende Quellen verwendet: Vorlesung über pädiatrische Multiple Sklerose von Prof. Dr. Jutta Gärtner im Rahmen des Masterstudiengangs Multiple-Sklerose-Management Vorlesung über B-Zell-depletierende Therapien von Prof. Dr. Xavier Montalban im Rahmen des Masterstudiengangs Multiple-Sklerose-Management Qualitätshandbuch der KKNMS zu Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus), Ofatumumab (Kesimpta, Bonspri), Ublituximab (Briumvi) MS-Selfie-Infokarten von Prof. Dr. Gavin Giovannoni Deutschsprachiges Multiple Sklerose und Kinderwunschregister (DMSKW) Deutsche DECIMS-Informationen zu Ocrelizumab --- Vielleicht möchtest du auch einen Blick auf die Beiträge zu den anderen Immuntherapien werfen: #256: Dimethylfumarat (Tecfidera) und Diroximelfumarat (Vumerity) #258: Glatirameracetat (Copaxone, Brabio) #261: Interferon-beta (Avonex, Betaferon, Extavia, Plegridy, Rebif) #264: Teriflunomid (Aubagio) #266: Natalizumab (Tysabri, Tyruko)  #268: S1P-Modulatoren – Fingolimod (Gilenya), Ozanimod (Zeposia), Ponesimod (Ponvory), Siponimod (Mayzent) #270: Alemtuzumab (Lemtrada, Campath) bei hochaktiver Multipler Sklerose #272: Cladribin (Mavenclad, Leustatin, Litak) bei hochaktiver MS Bis bald und mach das Beste aus Deinem Leben, Nele Mehr Informationen und positive Gedanken erhältst Du in meinem kostenlosen Newsletter. Hier findest Du eine Übersicht zu allen bisherigen Podcastfolgen.

Erfahre mehr über die S1P-Modulatoren (Gilenya, Zeposia, Ponvory, Mayzent) und deren Einsatz bei aktiver schubförmiger MS und SPMS. Hier findest Du den Beitrag zum Nachlesen und mit allen Bildern: https://ms-perspektive.de/268-s1p-modulatoren Heute geht es um die Gruppe der S1P-Modulatoren, zu denen Fingolimod (Gilenya), Ozanimod (Zeposia), Ponesimod (Ponvory) und Siponimod (Mayzent) gehören. Die ersten drei, d. h. Gilenya, Zeposia und Ponvory, werden als verlaufsmodifizierende Therapie bei aktiver Multipler Sklerose eingesetzt. Fingolimod (Gilenya) ist sogar für pädiatrische MS zugelassen. Mayzent ist für aktive SPMS zugelassen, wenn der Patient bereits eine von Schüben unabhängige Verschlechterung der MS erfährt, aber auch eine lokalisierte Entzündungsaktivität aufweist. S1P-Modulatoren sind sogenannte Sphingosin-1-Phosphat-Rezeptormodulatoren und verhindern den Austritt von Lymphozyten aus den Lymphknoten. Dadurch wird auch verhindert, dass sie in das zentrale Nervensystem (ZNS) gelangen. Die Untergruppen der S1P-Rezeptoren bestimmen das Nebenwirkungsprofil. Bitte denke daran, dass ich hier nur einen Überblick geben kann. Dein Neurologe und deine MS-Schwester sollten dich ausführlich über die für dich richtige Therapie beraten. Denn sie kennen deinen aktuellen Gesundheitszustand und du solltest auch über deine Ziele, Wünsche, Ängste und Vorlieben sprechen, damit diese berücksichtigt werden können. Inhaltsverzeichnis Allgemeine Informationen Wie werden S1P-Modulatoren - Fingolimod (Gilenya), Ozanimod (Zeposia), Ponesimod (Ponvory), und Siponimod (Mayzent) - bei den Immuntherapien eingestuft? Wofür sind Fingolimod (Gilenya), Ozanimod (Zeposia), Ponesimod (Ponvory) und Siponimod (Mayzent) zugelassen? Wie sieht die Situation für spezielle Patientengruppen aus? Wer sollte Fingolimod (Gilenya), Ozanimod (Zeposia), Ponesimod (Ponvory) und Siponimod (Mayzent) vermeiden? Wie wirken Fingolimod (Gilenya), Ozanimod (Zeposia), Ponesimod (Ponvory) und Siponimod (Mayzent)? Wie wird es eingenommen? Wie wirksam sind Fingolimod (Gilenya), Ozanimod (Zeposia), Ponesimod (Ponvory) und Siponimod (Mayzent)? Risiken und Nebenwirkungen von Fingolimod (Gilenya), Ozanimod (Zeposia), Ponesimod (Ponvory) und Siponimod (Mayzent) Impfungen Quellen Schlussbemerkung Quellen Für die Erstellung der Inhalte habe ich die folgenden Quellen verwendet: Vorlesung über S1P-Rezeptor-Modulator von Prof. Dr. Tobias Derfuss im Rahmen des Masterstudiengangs Multiple Sklerose Management Qualitätshandbuch der deutschen KKNMS zu Fingolimod (Gilenya),Ozanimod (Zeposia),Ponesimod (Ponvory)und Siponimod (Mayzent) MS-Selfie Infokarten von Prof. Dr. Gavin Giovannoni Deutschsprachiges Multiple Sklerose und Kinderwunschregister (DMSKW) Informationen aus dem deutschen Interview mit Prof. Dr. Barbara Kornek über pädiatrische MS Deutsche DECIMS-Informationen zu Fingolimod --- Vielleicht möchtest du auch einen Blick auf die Beiträge zu den anderen Immuntherapien werfen: #256: Dimethylfumarat (Tecfidera) und Diroximelfumarat (Vumerity) #258: Glatirameracetat (Copaxone, Brabio) #261: Interferon-beta (Avonex, Betaferon, Extavia, Plegridy, Rebif) #264: Teriflunomid (Aubagio) #266: Natalizumab (Tysabri, Tyruko) für aktive schubförmig remittierende MS Bis bald und mach das Beste aus Deinem Leben, Nele Mehr Informationen und positive Gedanken erhältst Du in meinem kostenlosen Newsletter. Hier findest Du eine Übersicht zu allen bisherigen Podcastfolgen.

Interferon-beta wie Avonex, Betaferon, Extavia, Plegridy, Rebif und Generika können für milde und moderate Verläufe der MS eingesetzt werden. Den vollständigen Beitrag zum Nachlese findest Du auf meinem Blog: https://ms-perspektive.de/261-interferone Im heutigen Artikel stelle ich Interferon-beta vor, das mehrere Wirkstoffe enthält und unter den Namen Avonex, Betaferon, Extavia, Plegridy, Rebif oder anderen Handelsnamen bekannt ist. Sie alle sind zugelassene verlaufsmodifizierende Medikamente für die schubförmige MS. Wie Glatirameracetat und die Fumarate, die bereits vorgestellt wurden, haben Interferone einen breiteren Wirkmechanismus. Im Folgenden werde ich versuchen, einen guten Überblick zu geben, ohne auf alle Details einzugehen. Und wie immer gilt: Lass dich von MS-Spezialisten beraten, die deine individuelle Situation, deine Wünsche, deine Ängste und deinen allgemeinen Gesundheitszustand kennen. Inhaltsverzeichnis Allgemeine Informationen Wie wird Interferon-beta (Avonex, Betaferon, Extavia, Plegridy, Rebif und Generika) innerhalb der Immuntherapien eingestuft? Wofür ist Interferon-beta zugelassen? Wie sieht die Situation für spezielle Patientengruppen aus? Wer sollte Interferon-beta vermeiden? Wie wirkt Interferon-beta? Wie wird es eingenommen? Wie wirksam ist Interferon-beta (Avonex, Betaferon, Extavia, Plegridy, Rebif und Generika)? Risiken und Nebenwirkungen von Interferon-beta (Avonex, Betaferon, Extavia, Plegridy, Rebif und Generika) Impfungen Quellen Schlussbemerkung Quellen Ich habe die folgenden Quellen für die Erstellung des Inhalts verwendet: Qualitätshandbuch der KKNMS zu Interferon-beta MS-Selfie Infokarten von Prof. Dr. Gavin Giovannoni Deutsches Multiple Sklerose- und Kinderwunsch-Register (DMSKW) Informationen aus dem Interview mit Prof. Dr. Barbara Kornek zur pädiatrischen MS DMSG-Informationen über Interferon-beta DECIMS-Informationen über Interferon-beta Schlussbemerkung Bitte denke daran, dass es nicht das eine gute Medikament gibt, das allen hilft, sondern dass immer abgewogen werden muss, was für die jeweilige Person am besten geeignet ist. Auch andere Krankheiten, persönliche Ziele und Vorlieben müssen berücksichtigt werden. Dein Neurologe und die MS-Schwester sind die richtigen Ansprechpartner und können individuelle Empfehlungen aussprechen. Dieser Artikel dient nur zu Informationszwecken und stellt keine Empfehlung dar. Was dem einen hilft, ist für den anderen vielleicht wirkungslos. Ich hoffe, dass du zusammen mit deinem Neurologen und deiner MS-Schwester schnell die richtige Immuntherapie für dich finden wirst. Und dass du ein erfülltes, glückliches und selbstbestimmtes Leben mit MS führen kannst, unterstützt durch einen gesunden Lebensstil und eine Portion Glück. --- Vielleicht möchtest du auch einen Blick auf die Beiträge zu den anderen Immuntherapien werfen: Dimethylfumarat (Tecfidera) und Diroximelfumarat (Vumerity) Glatirameracetat (Copaxone, Clift) Bis bald und mach das Beste aus Deinem Leben, Nele Mehr Informationen und positive Gedanken erhältst Du in meinem kostenlosen Newsletter. Hier findest Du eine Übersicht zu allen bisherigen Podcastfolgen.

Immunic Inc (NASDAQ:IMUX) CEO Dr Daniel Vitt joined Proactive's Stephen Gunnion with news of the publication of extended data from the Phase 2 EMPhASIS trial of vidofludimus calcium in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) in the peer-reviewed journal, Neurology® Neuroimmunology & Neuroinflammation, an official journal of the American Academy of Neurology. Vitt noted that the EMPhASIS trial demonstrated a notable reduction in gadolinium-enhancing lesions by 78% and 74% in two high-dose groups compared with the placebo. These results also correlate with improvements in serum neurofilament light chain levels, consistent with recent interim phase 2 clinical data from the ongoing CALLIPER trial in progressive MS, indicating ongoing progress in the field. Vitt highlighted the study's contribution to understanding the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of the treatment under investigation. The drug's potential impact on the treatment landscape of MS, particularly its role in addressing disease progression independent of relapse activity, was emphasized. Immunic is also conducting the CALLIPER trial in progressive MS, with key results expected by April 2025. Additionally, the phase 3 ENSURE trials are actively enrolling, with projected readouts in 2026. Dr Vitt expressed optimism about the drug's unique profile, combining safety and effectiveness in potentially altering the management of all forms of MS. #ImmunicInc, #DrDanielVitt, #EMPHASISTrial, #MultipleSclerosis, #MSResearch, #Neurology, #ClinicalTrials, #Phase2, #Phase3, #DrugDevelopment, #MedicalInnovation, #Neuroprotection, #AntiInflammatory, #Healthcare, #MedicalJournal, #AmericanAcademyOfNeurology, #Gadolinium, #SerumNeurofilament, #ProgressiveMS, #NeurodegenerativeDiseases #ProactiveInvestors #invest #investing #investment #investor #stockmarket #stocks #stock #stockmarketnews

In this episode of Living Well with MS, Overcoming MS Medical Advisor Dr Jonathan White, who is an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, welcomes Neurologist, Dr Kate Petheram, and Gynaecologist and Menopause specialist, Dr Siobhan Kirk for a round-table discussion on multiple sclerosis and menopause. Watch this episode on YouTube here. Keep reading for the key episode takeaways. Questions and Timestamps: 00:34 The importance of talking about menopause and MS. 01:33 What is menopause? 04:48 What do we know about the effect of menopause on MS? 07:12 What are the symptoms somebody may experience with menopause, that a gynaecologist can help with? 08:47 What is hormone replacement therapy (HRT)? 10:17 Is HRT safe to take with disease-modifying therapies for MS? 12:31 Can blood tests diagnose menopause? 15:02 Is HRT safe for someone who has a family history of breast cancer? 16:33 Does HRT cause people to put on weight? 19:01 Should someone start HRT because they have MS? 21:58 Will supplements or dietary changes help menopause symptoms? 23:14 What about this concept of bioidentical HRT? 24:19 Do you think somebody with MS would benefit from testosterone patches? 26:40 What's the latest research we know about the impact on hormones and menopause treatment, and the outcomes? 28:15 Are hot flushes and heat sensitivity a concern for people with MS? 29:49 What is the Mirena coil and how that may be a part of HRT? 32:23 What are the side effects of progestogen? 32:55 Does early menopause (before 40) affect the rate of progression of someone's MS, either for the better or for worse? 39:26 Topical oestrogen and bladder symptoms Selected Key Takeaways: There is a lot of overlap between MS symptoms and menopause symptoms.6:42 Dr Kate Petheram: “Because of the overlap in symptoms. There are perhaps elements which are so relevant to menopause, which we can perhaps talk about as well in terms of symptoms such as hot flushes and heat intolerance, which again may exacerbate symptoms of MS. So, there may not be a biological difference, but the symptoms of menopause and perimenopause may influence and make worse MS symptoms, which is why I believe it's so important to recognise and point women in the right direction to get the right help." There is no evidence that Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) causes cancer. 15:19 Dr Siobhan Kirk: “There is no evidence that HRT causes breast cancer. But if you're taking extra hormones, and you've got abnormal cells, then the extra hormones can promote the growth of the abnormal cells. There's no increased risk of breast cancer with use of HRT under the age of 50, for earlier menopause, because you're just replacing what the uterus should be producing.” There is a lot of research taking place around the world on different aspects of living with MS including menopause. 34:12 Dr Jonathan White: “It is reassuring [for] someone living with MS to know that there is just a colossal amount of research going on around the world on all sorts of aspects of living with MS. I feel like reproductive health and women's health is getting to that place slowly. There's a really big push, I can see that in the research community and I'm glad to hear that menopause and post-reproductive health is getting it too.” Want to learn more about living a full and happy life with multiple sclerosis? Sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips. More info and links: Watch the YouTube video Find out more about Women's Health Concern Visit The British Menopause Society Read more about menopause and MS here New to Overcoming MS? Visit our introductory page  Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub Visit the Overcoming MS website Follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Don't miss out:  Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS here. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS. If you enjoy this podcast and want to support the ongoing work of Overcoming MS, you can leave a donation here. Bios: Dr Siobhan Kirk's Bio: Dr Siobhan Kirk is an Associate Specialist in Gynaecology and Clinical Lead for Sexual & Reproductive Health in Belfast HSC Trust. Siobhan's career She is a Fellow of both the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists and the Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare. She is a British Menopause Society accredited menopause specialist and trainer, based in the menopause clinic in the Mater Hospital, Belfast. She is passionate about all aspects of women's health, is on NI RCOG and FSRH committees, and is involved in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching. Dr Kate Petheram's Bio: Dr Kate Petheram is a Consultant Neurologist in Sunderland where she is currently MS lead. Kate's career background Kate studied medicine in Bristol and stayed in the southwest to do her medical training in Bristol and Exeter moving to London to do Neurology jobs at St Georges and The Royal Free. She made the move to the North East to undertake Neurology specialist training. She is a local PI for a number of observational studies. She is a member of the ABN quality committee and one of the medical advisors for the MS Society. She has recently been appointed as training programme director for the North East. Dr Jonathan White's Bio: Jonathan's Career:  Dr Jonathan White went to the University of Glasgow Medical School, graduating in 2008 (MBChB). He completed a further five years of training in Obstetrics and Gynecology and is a member of the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (MRCOG). He works at the Causeway Hospital, Coleraine and has a special interest in early pregnancy and recurrent pregnancy loss. In April 2022, Jonathan was awarded “Doctor of the Year” at the inaugural Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Awards. He contributed to the ‘Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis Handbook: Roadmap to Good Health' by writing the chapter about medication. Overcoming MS and personal life:  Jonathan was diagnosed with RRMS in October 2015 and has been following the Overcoming MS Program ever since. Dr White assists Overcoming MS as a medical advisor and event facilitator. He lives on the North Coast of Northern Ireland, is married to Jenny and father to Angus and Struan. His interests include the great outdoors, cycling and running (reluctantly), reading, rugby, film, and spending time with his family.

In this episode, we are sharing the highlights from our webinar 'Women's Health' with Dr. Jonathan White and Professor Helen Reese Leahy. Dr. Jonathan White is an Obstetrician and Gynecologist, and the Overcoming MS Medical Advisor. Helen lives with primary progressive MS and follows the Overcoming MS Program. They discuss how MS impacts women's health and how the Overcoming MS Program can best support women's health. This webinar was recorded as part of our Finding Hope with Overcoming MS webinar series. You can watch the whole webinar here or the podcast highlights on YouTube here. Keep reading for the key episode takeaways and bio information. Topics and Timestamps 00:56 The history of MS research with women (Helen) 08:15 Reproductive health and MS (Jonathan) 26:14 The Overcoming MS Program supports every aspect of women's health (Helen) 34:51 Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) (Jonathan) 47:41 Bladder issues with MS and menopause (Jonathan and Helen) Selected Key Takeaways More research is needed to understand menopause's effect on MS "The age group with the highest number of people with MS, both men and women, is now 55-64. So, if you think about [that] within the general MS population, that's obviously a very large number of women who are either menopausal or postmenopausal. But very, very few women over 50 are recruited for MS research trials. So, the effects of menopause on the lives and health of women with MS, in general, but also our response to DMTs, are very under-researched.” Inflammation can worsen as we age "‘Inflammageing' is a fascinating term, which essentially [means] the inflamed pro-inflammatory state that people exhibit as they get older. A lot of the conditions we develop at an older age are actually due to increases in inflammation. Cardiovascular disease would be a prime example of that. We think that ‘Inflammageing' certainly has a role in this mixed bag of MS and menopause, and of course, the obvious one to look at will be oestrogen deficiency. Is HRT beneficial if you have MS? There is some evidence to say that it is. But again, none of those studies are prospective or randomised control studies. Generally speaking, it's not recommended to take HRT just by virtue of having MS to protect yourself. But there's certainly no reason not to [take it] because you have MS [and menopause] and in fact, it may be beneficial. So, if you are struggling with the hot flushes, the night sweats or your urinary symptoms have suddenly got much worse, you're suffering from vaginal dryness, then this is definitely a conversation that you should be having." Bladder issues are common with MS and menopause "With MS in both males and females, we think up to between 50% and 70% of people will have bladder dysfunction due to MS. That usually affects the nerves supplying the muscle, the detrusor muscle in the bladder wall, and makes it very irritable, so it tends to be an overactive or urge problem with MS. That's also very common post-menopause, and the mechanism isn't entirely the same, but it does share a bit, and part of it is certainly to do with oestrogen deficiency." More Info and Links: Watch the original webinar Listen to Dr. Jonathan White's podcast episodes on Season 1 Episode 2, Season 2 Episode 19, Season 3 Episode 32, the 100th Episode, and Season 4 Episode 64 Read the paper‘Effects of Menopause in Women with Multiple Sclerosis: An Evidence-Based Review' Read ‘Does menopause influence the course of MS?' Visit the Royal College of Obstetricians, Gynecologists' women's health hub The British Menopause Society The Women's Health Concern Listen to Dr. Rachael Hunter discuss the 3Ps on S4E67 Listen to Helen's podcast episode about Primary Progressive MS New to Overcoming MS? Visit our introductory page Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub Visit the Overcoming MS website Follow us on social media: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/OvercomingMS/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/overcomingms/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/overcomingms Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/overcomingms/ Website https://overcomingms.org/ Don't miss out:  Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS episodes here. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS. Support us:  If you enjoy this podcast and want to support the ongoing work of Overcoming MS, we would really appreciate it if you could leave a donation here. Every donation, however small, helps us to share the podcast with more people on how to live well with MS. Dr. Jonathan White's Bio Career: Jonathan went to the University of Glasgow Medical School, graduating in 2008 (MBChB). He completed a further five years of training in Obstetrics and Gynecology and is a member of the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (MRCOG). He works at the Causeway Hospital, Coleraine and has a special interest in early pregnancy and recurrent pregnancy loss. In April 2022, Jonathan was awarded “Doctor of the Year” at the inaugural Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Awards. He contributed to the ‘Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis Handbook: Roadmap to Good Health', by writing the chapter about medication. Overcoming MS and personal life: Jonathan was diagnosed with RRMS in October 2015 and has been following the Overcoming MS Program ever since.  Dr. White assists Overcoming MS as a medical advisor and event facilitator. He lives on the North Coast of Northern Ireland, is married to Jenny and father to Angus and Struan. His interests include the great outdoors, cycling and running (reluctantly), reading, rugby, film and spending time with his family. Professor Helen Rees Leahy's bio: MS and Overcoming MS Helen was diagnosed with Primary Progressive MS in 1997 when she was 37 years old. Being ineligible for any Disease Modifying Treatment (DMT) within the UK National Health Service, she began to explore holistic approaches to managing her condition. She discovered Overcoming MS in 2008 and has followed the Program ever since. She was previously a Trustee for Overcoming MS. Personal life and career Helen lives in Conwy, a small, medieval town in North Wales. In 2017, she took medical retirement from the University of Manchester where she was a Professor in the Department of Art History and Cultural Practice. As an Emerita Professor, Helen continues to research and teach doctoral students. She also spends time hand-weaving and learning Welsh, the language of her ancestors.

Episode 572 Wellness Wednesday episode in which we talk about Multiple Sclerosis stuff: Body Pain and Tiredness Remedies, Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis RRMS to Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis SPMS. #MS #MultipleSclerosis #healthtalk #MonSter #brain Send comments, questions and tips to kevintheduckpool@gmail.com please help us out by rating and reviewing us and telling a friend.  Also check out audio and video versions of Crimson Cowl Comic Club & Under the Cowl podcasts. A fun variety of great people talk comic books, entertainment or whatever and you can see or hear me on many episodes of those podcasts as well with many more great episodes to come out in the future. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kevin-kleinhans/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kevin-kleinhans/support

Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis is a wonderful, wealth of knowledge for those living with MS! Their website and programs are always growing, and expanding to bring as many helpful tools, resources, and support to the community as possible. And I am proud to say that I've been collaborating with Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis for a few years now by offering MS-specific exercise videos and content. Today, I invited Dr. Jonathan White, who is an Overcoming MS medical advisor and event facilitator to share what OMS is and all it has to offer! Jonathan, more often known as Johnny, lives on the North Coast of Northern Ireland, is married to Jenny and father to Angus and Struan. He went to University of Glasgow Medical School, graduating in 2008 (MBChB). Jonathan completed a further five years of training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and is a member of the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists (MRCOG). He works at the Causeway Hospital, Coleraine and has a special interest in early pregnancy and recurrent pregnancy loss. He was diagnosed with RRMS in October 2015, and has been following the Overcoming MS Program ever since. His interests include the great outdoors, cycling and running (reluctantly), reading, rugby, film and spending time with his family. Dr. White assists Overcoming MS as a medical advisor and event facilitator. In April 2022 Jonathan was awarded “Doctor of the Year” at the inaugural Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Awards. Connect with Overcoming MS: Website - https://overcomingms.org/ Sign Up for their Newsletter - https://overcomingms.org/newsletter-signup Check out their Podcast - https://overcomingms.org/resources/podcast Additional Resources: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider Reach out to Me: hello@doctorgretchenhawley.com Website: www.MSingLink.com Social: ★ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mswellness ★ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctor.gretchen ★ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/doctorgretchenhawley?sub_confirmation=1 → Game Changers Course: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/GameChangersCourse → Total Core Program: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TotalCoreProgram → The MSing Link: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TheMSingLink

In today's Friday 5, I am sharing five root causes of demyelination.Multiple sclerosis is one of the most common demyelinating diseases, where your immune system attacks the myelin sheath or the cells responsible for maintaining it, which results in inflammation and injury to the sheath leading to symptoms. Early signs of demyelination include loss of vision, fatigue, bladder problems and nerve pain. Then the effect on the nerves can lead to a racing heartbeat, numbness, mobility issues, dizziness and many more. In multiple sclerosis, these symptoms often arise during a 'relapse' in relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) or progressively worsen in progressive MS. As well as inflammatory demyelination, you can also experience myelin damage from liver damage, alcoholism, electrolyte imbalances and infections. And damage to myelin may also occur when the cells are starved of oxygen, which can happen when there is a lack of blood flow to specific areas in the brain and spinal cord. Highlights from today's episode include:Vitamin deficiencies and how they contribute to demyelination.Hypoxia and lack of blood flow can lead to demyelination.The role of toxins in the development of demyelination. How an autoimmune process can develop into multiple sclerosis, including cross-reactivity and diet.Tune in today and be sure to share any of your thoughts about the show on my Instagram page: @theautoimmunitynutritionistYou can read about Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and multiple sclerosis here.  You can also download a free copy of The Autoimmunity Recovery Plan here.Book your free discovery call with me here.And if you would like to join my community of strong-willed people thriving with autoimmune disease, join The Autoimmunity Community. Thanks for listening! You can join The Autoimmunity Community on Facebook or find me on Instagram @theautoimmunitynutritionist.

Welcome to Living Well with MS, the Overcoming MS podcast where we explore all topics relating to living well with multiple sclerosis (MS). In this episode, we are taking you back to the launch of the ‘Overcoming MS Handbook: Roadmap to Good Health' with Professor George Jelinek, Dr Jonathan White and Dr Phil Startin. Together they discussed how the new book was created, the highlights from the book and answered questions from the community. We were excited by the arrival of the new book, as it provides an engaging overview of the Overcoming MS Program combined with stories from the community. This webinar was recorded in February 2022 as part of our Finding Hope with Overcoming MS webinar series. You can watch the whole webinar here or the podcast highlights on YouTube here. Keep reading for the key episode takeaways and George, Jonathan and Phil's bios. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with multiple sclerosis. And if you're new to Overcoming MS, visit our introductory page to find out more about how we support people with MS. Professor George Jelinek's Bio Professor George Jelinek developed the Overcoming MS Program and founded the Neuroepidemiology Unit at the University of Melbourne's School of Population and Global Health which continues to research its benefits. George's Story: When George was diagnosed with MS in 1999, he was determined to do something. His mother had died as a consequence of her MS, which spurred him on to sort through and assess the medical literature on MS. His career as a Professor in Emergency Medicine and his background as Editor-in-Chief of a major medical journal gave him the tools to do this. It became clear to George that remaining well after a diagnosis of MS is more than just a possibility. He found that with commitment to the right lifestyle changes, there is the real probability that many people with MS can live long, healthy lives, relatively free of the usual problems associated with the illness. These lifestyle recommendations are now referred to as the Overcoming MS Program, which he detailed in his book Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis. The new book in this podcast episode is a newly launched accessible overview of his findings. George has remained free of further relapses, as have many people who follow the Overcoming MS Program. Dr. Jonathan White's Bio Career: Jonathan went to University of Glasgow Medical School, graduating in 2008 (MBChB). He completed a further five years of training in Obstetrics and Gynecology and is a member of the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (MRCOG). He works at the Causeway Hospital, Coleraine and has a special interest in early pregnancy and recurrent pregnancy loss. In April 2022, Jonathan was awarded “Doctor of the Year” at the inaugural Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Awards. He contributed to the new book in this podcast episode. Overcoming MS and personal life: Jonathan was diagnosed with RRMS in October 2015 and has been following the Overcoming MS Program ever since.  Dr. White assists Overcoming MS as a medical advisor and event facilitator. He lives on the North Coast of Northern Ireland, is married to Jenny and father to Angus and Struan. His interests include the great outdoors, cycling and running (reluctantly), reading, rugby, film and spending time with his family. Dr Phil Startin's Bio Career and Overcoming MS: After a DPhil in Quantum Physics, Phil left his academic roots for a more peripatetic career in management consulting, initially with Price Waterhouse. After years of travelling around the world for both work and pleasure, including a two-year assignment in Geneva, he was diagnosed with Primary Progressive MS (PPMS) in 2007. Phil discovered Overcoming MS in 2011, and coupled with his earlier discovery of mindfulness meditation, it awakened a whole new area in his life. With training and supervision from Bangor University, he now teaches an eight-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) course to people with MS and to the general community on a pro-bono basis. He is also a trustee for MS-UK. Personal life: Phil lives in Arrochar, Scotland with his American wife, Cristina, whom he met over a weekend at the Jazz Fest in New Orleans. Phil's completely convinced that the Overcoming MS program and mindfulness have positively affected the trajectory of his condition. Selected Key Takeaways The new book gives different perspectives from the Overcoming MS community Professor George Jelinek said: “After what seems like quite a long time of bringing this message to people, I'm hearing the message come back to me through the filter of all of these different people's lives and experiences, joys and sorrows. It's just a wonderful read for me to sit down and say that all this has been happening in our community and that people have worked out ways of adopting and maintaining this program, many of which I've really never considered given that I've got only my own particular view of the world.” Overcoming MS supports the use of medications alongside lifestyle changes Dr Jonathan White said: “I think sometimes the medical community thinks it's “us or them” [with] lifestyle or medication and that could never be further from the truth. I personally have always chosen to use medication as part of my way of managing MS and I wouldn't change that. But nor would I change using lifestyle to manage my MS. Undoubtedly for many people medication has many benefits and is a huge part of your armor and protection against this disease. But why ignore the underlying things that caused the problem in the first place, you know, stress, lack of exercise, low vitamin D levels, poor diet and processed and altered fats and animal fats in your diet?” The Overcoming MS program is relevant for both relapsing and progressive forms of MS Dr Phil Startin said: “By following the Overcoming MS program, you absolutely can make a difference [to your MS], you can change the trajectory of that condition, and you can improve your quality of life. Through neuroplasticity, you can even recover some functions. The Overcoming MS program is just as relevant for us with a progressive form of the condition as it is for those with those newly diagnosed and with a relapsing form, possibly even more.” Related Links: Overcoming MS Handbook: Roadmap to Good Health Watch the original webinar Don't miss out: Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. You can catch any episode of Living Well with MS here or on your favorite podcast listening app. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you tune into the show. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. Make sure you also sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS. If you enjoy this podcast and want to support the ongoing work of Overcoming MS, you can leave a donation here.

Multiple Sclerosis News Today's multimedia associate, Price Wooldridge, reads a news article about new clinical trial in Iran testing the effects of ginger supplements in patients with RRMS.
 He also reads “I Am What I Am: Embracing the Highs and Lows of MS” by Jamie Hughes, from her column “A Life In Letters.” =================================== Are you interested in learning more about multiple sclerosis? If so, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/ ===================================== To join in on conversations regarding multiple sclerosis, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/forums/

Multiple Sclerosis News Today's multimedia associate, Price Wooldridge, reads a news article on a dietary supplement called Neuroaspis plp10 that significantly lowered relapse rates and slowed disability progression among people with RRMS.

 He also reads “Dr. Amazon Takes a Third Jab at Medical Care” by Ed Tobias, from his column “The MS Wire." =================================== Are you interested in learning more about multiple sclerosis? If so, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/ ===================================== To join in on conversations regarding multiple sclerosis, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/forums/

Multiple Sclerosis News Today's multimedia associate, Price Wooldridge, reads a news article on how stem cell transplant is superior to Gilenya and Tysabri at preventing relapses and easing disability in RRMS patients. 
He also reads another report on how early use of DMTs may lead to lower levels of disability but does not appear to slow disability progression over time. =================================== Are you interested in learning more about multiple sclerosis? If so, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/ ===================================== To join in on conversations regarding multiple sclerosis, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/forums/

Episode 492 Comic Book talk about Gunslinger #13, Lunar Lizard #1, Planet Comics #9, Manga Z #2 & 3, Ninja High School #183, Quick Stops #1, Trick or Read Marvel Spidey and his Amazing Friends, Trick or Read Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur. Multiple Sclerosis Health Talk about RRMS transition to SPMS, CPAP problems, Healthy Staples, Stress, Saw Palmetto and other stuff with health and MS. Send comments, questions and tips to kevintheduckpool@gmail.com please help us out by rating and reviewing us and telling a friend. Also check out audio and video versions of Crimson Cowl Comic Club & Under the Cowl podcasts. A fun variety of great people talk comic books, entertainment or whatever and you can see or hear me on many episodes of those podcasts as well with many more great episodes to come out in the future. #ms, #multiplesclerosis, #comicbooks, #comicbookreviews --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kevin-kleinhans/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/kevin-kleinhans/support

Welcome to Living Well with MS. In this episode, we are taking you back to one of our particularly popular webinars, ‘Introduction to Overcoming MS' with Dr. Jonathan White. Whether you are new to Overcoming MS or have followed the Program for years, this episode will be a well-worthy listen as Jonathan guides you through each step and the evidence behind it. This webinar was recorded 30 June 2021 as part of our Finding Hope with Overcoming MS webinar series. You can watch the whole webinar here. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS. And if you're new to Overcoming MS, visit our introductory page to find out more about how we support people with MS. Keep reading for the key episode takeaways and Jonathan's bio. Bio: Career:Jonathan went to University of Glasgow Medical School, graduating in 2008 (MBChB). He completed a further five years of training in Obstetrics and Gynecology and is a member of the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (MRCOG). He works at the Causeway Hospital, Coleraine and has a special interest in early pregnancy and recurrent pregnancy loss. In April 2022, Jonathan was awarded “Doctor of the Year” at the inaugural Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Awards. Overcoming MS and personal life:Jonathan was diagnosed with RRMS in October 2015 and has been following the Overcoming MS Program ever since.  Dr. White assists Overcoming MS as a medical advisor and event facilitator. He lives on the North Coast of Northern Ireland, is married to Jenny and father to Angus and Struan. His interests include the great outdoors, cycling and running (reluctantly), reading, rugby, film and spending time with his family. You can learn more about his background here.  Selected Key Takeaways The 7 steps of the Overcoming MS program Diet: Understanding fats and why animal fat is problematic(22:58) “Saturated fats are those that are generally solid at room temperatures such as butter or the rind on a chop. They mainly come from animals when they are incorporated into the body. They are rigid. They're sticky, they're inflammatory, and they're degenerative. None of these things are something that I want as somebody with a chronic degenerative neurological condition.” Sunlight and Vitamin D: A range of benefits for MS and other conditions(26:09) “Vitamin D has a key role in regulating the immune system and in protecting the brain. We know that there's evidence in a whole host of conditions for the benefit of vitamin D in terms of reducing depression rates, hypertension or high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, some cancers, and in my own field, pregnancy losses. There is substantial evidence, particularly for vitamin D in MS prevention and in reducing the severity of the disease.” Exercise: Start low but you can push yourself to improve(32:29) “You should start low and increase slowly. It is okay to push yourself with MS. You're not going to bring on a relapse by lifting one extra rep or swimming a little bit further or walking a bit further. It's okay to go to the point of fatigue.” Mindfulness and Meditation: Evidence they reduce stress(35:41) “Studies have shown that regular mindfulness practice increases the grey and white matter in MRI scans, it promotes neuroplasticity so that [means] rerouting of signals around damaged areas and creating new neural networks.” Medication: Part of the Overcoming MS Program(37:16) “I think in the past, there was a perception that OMS was the slightly alternative area to pursue and, if you were going to that route, you were then against medication. That was Us vs. Them. That could not be further from the truth. It should be us and them together. We know that early medical treatment can alter the disease course in MS. But there are many issues to consider when you choose a treatment and you need to take time and have the space and opportunity to address these with your doctor.” Prevention in family members: Avoid smoking to protect your family(39:23) “[Cigarette smoking] doubles your risk of developing MS in your lifetime. And you're four times more likely to develop progressive MS and on average, eight years earlier. And that's dose-dependent. The more you smoke, the more likely it is. Passive smoking around a child doubles their lifetime risk of MS. It's vitally important that you keep children away from passive smoking.” Change your life, for life: Follow the whole Overcoming MS Program(42:11) “You are not to blame for getting MS, but you are the best person to deal with it. OMS firmly believes the best way to deal with it is: to eat a plant-based whole food diet plus seafood, if you like, with daily flax seed oil, to get enough vitamin D either through sunlight or by taking 5,000 to 10,000 units a day, to exercise for 30 minutes three to five times per week, to meditate for 30 minutes daily, to work with your doctor and take medication if it's necessary and right for you and prevention for your family members. All of the elements we've talked about are effective in their own right but they work best when they're put together.” Related Links: The Overcoming MS Program: Where to start: New to OMS? | Overcoming MS The Overcoming MS Program: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Recovery Program - UK, USA & Australia | Overcoming MS Read the Overcoming MS books: Books by Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis | Overcoming MS Recipes, Exercise classes, meditation sessions and more: Multiple Sclerosis Books & Resources | Overcoming MS Other useful links: Film: The Connection MSGym with Trevor Wicken MSing Link with Gretchen Hawley Book: Atomic Habits by James Clear Don't miss out: Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. You can catch any episode of Living Well with MS here or on your favorite podcast listening app. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you tune into the show. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. Make sure you also sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS. If you enjoy this podcast and want to support the ongoing work of Overcoming MS, you can leave a donation here.

Multiple Sclerosis News Today's multimedia associate, Price Wooldridge, reads a news article about a study showing that when MS patients stop their disease-modifying treatment, the risk of relapses and disease activity on MRI scans is higher among patients who have RRMS. He also reads an article on how Ocrevus safely and effectively reduced disease activity in people with early-stage relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. =================================== Are you interested in learning more about multiple sclerosis? If so, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/ ===================================== To join in on conversations regarding multiple sclerosis, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/forums/

Multiple Sclerosis News Today's multimedia associate, Price Wooldridge, reads a news article on how stem cell transplant reduced markers of nerve fiber and myelin damage in people with RRMS. He also reads “My Wife and I Hit Some Bumps on Elton John's Yellow Brick Road” by Ed Tobias, from his column “The MS Wire.” =================================== Are you interested in learning more about multiple sclerosis? If so, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/ ===================================== To join in on conversations regarding multiple sclerosis, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/forums/

Multiple Sclerosis News Today's multimedia associate, Price Wooldridge, reads a new analysis regarding the fact that in Canada, Kesimpta is more cost-effective than other DMTs for treating relapsing-remitting MS. He also reads “My Wife Says I Should Follow My Own (MS) Advice” by Ed Tobias, from his column “The MS Wire”. =================================== Are you interested in learning more about multiple sclerosis? If so, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/ ===================================== To join in on conversations regarding multiple sclerosis, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/forums/

Multiple Sclerosis News Today's multimedia associate, Price Wooldridge, reads a news article about a study that uncovered how people with SPMS have more microscopic damage in normal-appearing brain tissue than do patients with RRMS. 
 He also reads the column “All Quiet on the MS Front - Well, Nearly” by John Connor, from his column “Fall Down, Get Up Again”. =================================== Are you interested in learning more about multiple sclerosis? If so, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/ ===================================== To join in on conversations regarding multiple sclerosis, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/forums/

Michigan couple Dan and Jennifer Digmann both have MS. Life with Dan's RRMS and Jen's SPMS can be tough, but so are the Digmanns. Listen in as they speak candidly with Jenn about marriage, navigating and overcoming obstacles, and how advocating for award-winning legislative change fueled a desire to help others do the same. Check out their blog and podcast, ACoupleTakesOnMS.com. Join the conversation on our MS forums: www.multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/forums/ Follow us on social media: Instagram - www.instagram.com/msnewstoday/ Facebook - www.facebook.com/multiplesclerosisnewstoday/ Twitter - www.twitter.com/msnewstoday For more news on Multiple Sclerosis visit: www.multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/

Multiple Sclerosis News Today's multimedia associate, Price Wooldridge, reads a news article reporting that an interval dosing of Ocrevus of one month or longer was linked to a fivefold higher risk of MRI-based disease activity. He also reads “Researchers Hit a Bump on the BTK Inhibitor Road” by Ed Tobias, from his column "The MS Wire". =================================== Are you interested in learning more about multiple sclerosis? If so, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/ ===================================== To join in on conversations regarding multiple sclerosis, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/forums/

Welcome to Living Well with MS Coffee Break #36, where we are pleased to welcome Dr. Jonathan White as our guest for this very special episode, our 100th podcast in the Living Well with MS series! Keep reading for the key episode takeaways and Jonathan's bio. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS. And if you're new to Overcoming MS, visit our introductory page to find out more about how we support people with MS. Jonathan's bio: Career: Jonathan went to University of Glasgow Medical School, graduating in 2008 (MBChB). He completed a further five years of training in Obstetrics and Gynecology and is a member of the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (MRCOG). He works at the Causeway Hospital, Coleraine and has a special interest in early pregnancy and recurrent pregnancy loss. In April 2022, Jonathan was awarded “Doctor of the Year” at the inaugural Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Awards. Overcoming MS and personal life: Jonathan was diagnosed with RRMS in October 2015 and has been following the OMS Program ever since.  Dr. White assists OMS as a medical advisor and event facilitator. He lives on the North Coast of Northern Ireland, is married to Jenny and father to Angus and Struan. His interests include the great outdoors, cycling and running (reluctantly), reading, rugby, film and spending time with his family. You can learn more about his background here.  Selected Key Takeaways The new Handbook is an accessible version of the original Overcoming MS book: (8:58) “I've always thought of the main OMS book as being a textbook, almost like a reference guide. Whereas the, Overcoming MS Handbook is a lovely light and easy [book] that you could dip in and out of. I loved reading it and I picked up lots of tips. And it was great to hear from the community itself.” The first 10 years of the Overcoming MS charity's message of hope has been groundbreaking: (13:39) “I think [the OMS charity] has been paradigm shifting and groundbreaking. That message of hope, of us giving people a sense of mastery. That the traditional description of this condition - and how it affects people - doesn't have to be that way through relatively simple things that you can do for yourself. And I think that [message] came at a time where it was so needed. In fact, now it's needed more than ever.” The Overcoming MS Community plays a very important role: (20:41) “[The Overcoming MS Community] fills the bucket completely for me. It's been a wonderful privilege professionally, as well, to be able to spend some time with people, like myself, living with MS. And to hopefully give them a little bit of information, to clarify some things for them and to maybe steer them in the right direction. And then to see the amazing changes that they implement in their lives. It is so gratifying professionally to be able to help someone like that.” Find the life worth enjoying… with rebellious hope: (25:40) “Dame Deborah James, who was a phenomenally passionate cancer campaigner, … sadly passed away in June, 2020. But her very last Twitter post....just spoke to me and I thought she's put this so beautifully. This is exactly how I feel about OMS [Overcoming MS] and MS generally. So I'm going to use her quote. She said, ‘Find the life worth enjoying, take risks, love deeply, have no regrets and always, always have rebellious hope.' And I just love the idea of rebellious hope, because that to me is me and it's me and [Overcoming MS] OMS.” Related Links: Books: Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis and The Overcoming MS Handbook Join an OMS Circle Dame Deborah James' You, Me and the Big C podcast   About Coffee Break: Our Coffee Break series is your chance to get to know members of our diverse OMS community. In each episode, you'll join Geoff Allix for an intimate chat with a different member of our global community. Our guests share their personal stories and talk about their challenges and victories, large and small. We hope you find common cause and a source of inspiration from the stories of these very special people. As always, your comments and suggestions are welcome by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. We hope you enjoy this episode's conversation with Dr. Jonathan White, coming to you straight from Northern Ireland.   Don't miss out: Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. You can catch any episode of Living Well with MS here or on your favourite podcast listening app. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you tune into the show. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. If you enjoy this podcast and want to support the ongoing work of Overcoming MS, you can leave a donation here.

Multiple Sclerosis News Today's multimedia associate, Price Wooldridge, reads an article on how Clene Nanomedicine's oral therapy CNM-Au8 eased vision problems and improved neurological function in adults with relapsing-remitting MS. He also reads “Overcoming MS Setbacks to Find Abundant Love on a Special Day”, a column by Beth Ullah. =================================== Are you interested in learning more about multiple sclerosis? If so, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/ ===================================== To join in on conversations regarding multiple sclerosis, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/forums/

Disease modifying drugs (DMDs) are a group of treatments for people with multiple sclerosis. Most DMDs are for people with relapsing remitting MS (RRMS), but there are some that are licenced for use by people with progressive MS. For people with RRMS, disease modifying drugs reduce the number of relapses you might experience as well as reducing the severity of any relapses you do have.There are a wide range of drugs approved for use by the NHS in the UK. Each drug offers a different combination of benefits and possible risks.In this podcast we are going to be chatting to neurologist Kate who is going to explain the ins and outs of DMDs and how you can go about choosing one. Then we will be talking to Sam, who shares her personal journey of choosing DMDs.Episode notes:- Disease modifying drugs - MS Trust A-Z: mstrust.org.uk/about-ms/ms-treatments/disease-modifying-drugs-dmds- Frequently asked questions about DMD - Information from the MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/about-ms/ms-treatments/ms-decisions/frequently-asked-questions-faqs-MS Decisions  DMD Tool - Information from the MS Trust: mstrust.org.uk/about-ms/ms-treatments/ms-decisions-aid- Disease modifying drugs- MS Trust booklet : shop.mstrust.org.uk/publications/disease-modifying-drugsNext episode Our next two podcasts will be on the topic of sex and MS. One for men and one for women, or people who identify as either. Now we know that this is a topic that not everyone will feel comfortable talking about, but we want that to change as it's a very important subject. If you have any questions or stories you would like to share, we'd love to hear from you. Your comment may even be featured on the episode! You can drop us a voice note or message via WhatsApp on 07458303326. Alternatively, you can email mystory@mstrust.org.uk. It can be totally anonymous, if you wish.WhatsApp messages aren't monitored by our MS Enquiry Service and Helpline team so if you've got a question about life with MS that needs answering, please contact them directly on 0800 032 38 39 or email ask@mstrust.org.uk.

Hello everyone and welcome to a very special 2-part episode of the MS Gym podcast. At the moment, Jodi and I are currently on our usual summer podcast hiatus, but when author Dr. Terry Wahls, the creator of The Wahls Protocol, reached out to us to help share information about a new study she's working on, we were honored and MORE than happy to oblige.  We both thought it would be a perfect opportunity to host an episode together and, of course, we couldn't wait to share the episodes with our listeners. So, you might be thinking, who is Dr. Terry Wahls? What's the Wahls Protocol? Dr. Wahls is currently a clinical professor of medicine at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine in Iowa City, Iowa, U.S.A., where she teaches internal medicine residents in their primary care clinics. She also does clinical research and has published over 60 peer-reviewed scientific abstracts, and papers. What gives Dr. Wahls a unique perspective in her field, is the fact that in. 2003 she was diagnosed with RRMS  and quickly transitioned to SPMS a few short years later.  At that time, she put her researched-oriented brain to work and discovered that most MS treatments centered around drugs that were years away from approval. Given that, she diverted her attention to the role of vitamins and supplements, which were readily available, in helping brain disorders, as part of a treatment plan. She added to her research repertoire functional medicine, a biology–based approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of disease and from there started compiling a list of supplemental nutrients that would assist in brain health. Her ah ha moment came when she asked herself, what if she created a diet that would include those important brain nutrients, not from supplements, but from the foods she ate...and the rest is Wahls Protocol history!  In this episode one of two, we'll get a closer look at Dr. Wahls own physical decline and how she ate her way back to health and onto creating the now infamous Wahls Protocol. We'll also ask her about the new study she's working on.  EPISODE NOTES: Who is Dr. Terry Wahls? Her unique perspective Eating her way to healthy Too weak to sit in a chair Why mitochondria is key Diet, exercise and supplements How it changed her career path What MS drugs she's taken over the years  Her chemotherapy experience Redesigning her Paleo diet When the magic happened The highlights of the Wahls Protocol Where are the nutrients in the food? Her troublesome trigeminal neuralgia Being able to sit at the dining table Making symptomatic strides from food alone The bike ride that changed everything Bringing the Wahls Protocol to the masses When her own residents started trying her protocol Running her own clinic "Give me your sickest people" Is it a healing diet? A body's regenerative capacity Fixing the microbiome Is it a high fat, low carb diet? Less sugar, more vegetables and protein, yes or no? FATS, what types are important? How the standard American diet is destructive Meeting people where they're at Explaining why there is NOT a one size fits all diet Is coconut oil really like "the devil"? Pre-diet blood work How our genetic differences change the efficacy of our diet choices Should children be on a ketogenic diet Who you shouldn't be listening to The family factor Dr. Wahls study LINKS: DR. TERRY WAHLS: Website Book - The Wahls Protocol - with access to BONUS content THE MS GYM: Website YouTube Facebook Instagram BROOKE SLICK: Website Instagram

Multiple Sclerosis News Today's multimedia associate, Price Wooldridge explains how the safety and efficacy of Mavenclad in a real-world group of RRMS patients, were similar to what was observed in its clinical trials. He also reads “A New Gift Helps Me Stay Cool in the Summer Heat”, by Ed Tobias from his column “The MS Wire.” =================================== Are you interested in learning more about multiple sclerosis? If so, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/ ===================================== To join in on conversations regarding multiple sclerosis, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/forums/

Episode 434 Wellness Wednesday episode in which we talk about Multiple Sclerosis stuff, Diet, sense of Smell, Sourdough Bread, RRMS, Healthy Peanut Butters, Heart Health, your Treatment Plan and more for Multiple Sclerosis Health and MS. Send comments, questions and tips to kevintheduckpool@gmail.com please help us out by rating and reviewing us and telling a friend. Also check out audio and video versions of Crimson Cowl Comic Club & Under the Cowl podcasts. A fun variety of great people talk comic books, entertainment or whatever and you can see or hear me on many episodes of those podcasts as well with many more great episodes to come out in the future. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kevin-kleinhans/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/kevin-kleinhans/support

Welcome to Living Well with MS Coffee Break #32, where we are pleased to welcome Regina Beach as our guest!   Our Coffee Break series is your chance to get to know members of our diverse OMS community. In each episode, you'll join Geoff Allix for an intimate chat with a different member of our global community. Our guests will share their personal stories and talk about their challenges and victories, large and small. We hope you find common cause and a source of inspiration from the stories of these very special people.   As always, your comments and suggestions are always welcome by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. Regina is a very special guest for many reasons, including being an American living in the UK, and being an OMSer who works for the charity as its Trusts and Community Fundraising Manager. We hope you enjoy this episode's conversation with Regina, coming to you straight from the UK.   Regina's Bio:   Regina Beach is an American living in the Welsh Valleys with her British husband. She was diagnosed with RRMS in April 2021 and adopted the Overcoming MS program shortly thereafter. She is a yoga teacher and writer who regularly leads workshops and publishes poetry and essays.  She enjoys cooking and is writing an oil-free vegan cookbook with her husband. She also works part time as the Trusts and Community Fundraising Manager for Overcoming MS. Prior to diagnosis she was an avid long-distance cycler. Her goal is to feel strong enough and balanced enough to get back in the saddle.     Questions:   Regina, welcome to Living Well with MS Coffee Break. We're so pleased to have you on our program. The purpose of this series is to better get to know some of the diverse members of our community from around the world, and today you're in the hot seat. Can you tell us a little about your day-to-day life? When were you diagnosed with MS? Can you provide some context on that? When were you diagnosed and how did you initially deal with it? At which point did you come across the OMS program? How was that experience for you? Why did you decide to start following it? I understand that you're rated as having significant disability on the EDSS scale. Has the OMS Program helped alleviate this, or had no effect? What are your thoughts on people with MS choosing other types of diets or lifestyle protocols that are not OMS? Let's shift gears a little bit and talk about your professional life. You used to be a schoolteacher in the US, but now you live in the UK with your British husband, and you actually work part-time for OMS as its Trusts and Community Fundraising Manager. How did that transition come about? OMS is celebrating its 10th birthday this year, and there are some special events in the wings. I understand you're involved in some of these, such as OMS Birthday Trivia in June, and the Big Picnic in July. Can you tell us a little about what to expect? Since you work in fundraising, what advice would you give to people in our community who want to get involved in this domain to help the charity? My next question straddles the personal and professional realm: you're a devout yoga and meditation practitioner, and you also teach it. Can you tell us how that's helped you, and share some tips on how others can get into the groove of a daily mindfulness practice? Regina, thank you so much for being on Living Well with MS Coffee Break and allowing our community to get to know one of its own a little better. One last question before you go, and it's a bit of a tradition in that we ask it of all our Coffee Break guests. If you tap into your experience with MS generally and OMS specifically for a nugget of wisdom that would help people ease into and better adopt the OMS program, what would that advice be?   Three Interesting Facts About Regina (in her own words):   I'm a yoga teacher and have changed my practice to be gentler and exploratory. I used to teach hot 26+2 (Bikram style).  I used to be a public-school teacher in Chicago where I taught secondary art and design. I have significant disability, with my neurologist most recently rating my EDSS at 6.5. I have incomplete remission, so my symptoms are always with me.     Regina's Links:   Check out Regina on Instagram, all about her adventures with whole food plant-based eating. Read Regina's newsletter, all about creativity through movement, art, and whole food plant-based cooking. Have a peek at Regina's website.   Coming up on our next episode:   On the next episode of Living Well with MS, premiering June 15, 2022, meet Shari Short – MS patient advocate, professional in healthcare communications, and naturally, a standup comedian – and learn from her experience with MS how laughter can be a powerful medicine in itself.   Don't miss out:   Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. You can catch any episode of Living Well with MS here or on your favorite podcast listening app. For your convenience, a full episode transcript is also available on all platforms within 72 hours of each episode's premiere. If you like our program, don't be shy and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you tune into the show. And feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org.   S4E52b Transcript Coffee Break #32 with Regina Beach   Geoff Allix (00:00): Welcome to Living Well With MS Coffee Break, a part of the Living Well with MS podcast family from Overcoming MS, the world's leading Multiple Sclerosis healthy lifestyle charity, celebrating its 10th year of serving the MS community. I'm your host, Geoff Allix.   Today, you'll meet someone living with MS from our diverse and global Overcoming MS community. Our Coffee Break series invites you into the lives of each guest. They share their personal MS journeys, and speak openly about their challenges and victories, large and small. We hope you find some common cause and a source of inspiration from the stories of these very special people.   You can check out our show notes for more information and useful links. You can find these on our website at www.overcomingms.org/podcast. If you enjoy the show, please spread the word about us on your social media channels or leave a review wherever you tune into our podcast. Finally, don't forget to subscribe to Living Well with MS on your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss an episode. So, get your favorite beverage ready, and let's meet today's guest on Living Well with MS Coffee Break.   Welcome to Living Well with MS Coffee Break #32, where we are pleased to welcome Regina Beach as our guest. Regina is an American living in the Welsh Valleys with her British husband. She was diagnosed with Relapse-Remitting MS in April 2021 and adopted the Overcoming MS program shortly thereafter. She's a yoga teacher and writer who regularly leads workshops and publishes poetry and essays. She enjoys cooking and is writing an oil-free vegan cookbook with her husband. She also works part-time as the Trusts and Community Fundraising Manager for Overcoming MS. Prior to diagnosis, she was an avid long-distance cycler. Her goal is to feel strong enough and balanced enough to get back in the saddle.   Regina, welcome to Living Well with MS Coffee Break. We're very glad to have you on our program. So the purpose of this series is to get a better understanding of the members of our community from around the world, and today you are in the hot seat. So, could you tell us a bit about your day-to-day life?   Regina Beach (02:12): Sure. Thanks, Geoff, for having me. I am American, but I do live in the UK. So, my day-to-day life takes place in South Wales where I am a writer, a yoga teacher, and I also work part-time for Overcoming MS as the Trusts and Community Fundraising Manager, which means I help people who want to do a charity bike ride, or a race, or if they want to sell something, or raise funds for OMS. I help in whatever way, sending out swag, helping promote and advertise, and working with some really cool OMSers doing amazing things.   In terms of my day-to-day, I was diagnosed with Relapsing-Remitting MS in April of 2021, so not that long ago, and so I am still in the middle of figuring out what works best for me and how to fully embrace the OMS lifestyle. I jumped in right away about a month after diagnosis, I found the website, devoured it, and soon after got the book, read it, joined the Facebook group. I really feel like this is the pathway back to health, or to living as well as I possibly can, for me.   Geoff Allix (03:40): So how was it being diagnosed mid-COVID pandemic? I'm guessing that's made a difference.   Regina Beach (03:50): Yeah, absolutely, because I really put off getting the tingles in my feet checked out for a long time. I wasn't really in pain; I wasn't really having mobility issues. I was just having lots of numbness in my feet. And since I had been extra active in 2019, I did miles of swimming, biking, and running, I thought I was just experiencing some overuse residual something. And I really put it off and put it off, and it wasn't until my acupuncturist was like, "Your cold tingly feet, really, I haven't been able to do anything about this. I really think you should go to your GP and get some blood work done." And I'm really glad that she said that because I think, especially for people who like to tough it out or who are used to doing physical things and maybe having their body have adjust to stuff, I really wasn't thinking that I had something neurologically wrong with me.   And so then, obviously it took a little bit of time to check, I didn't have low B12, I didn't have low iron. My GP thought maybe I had a pinched nerve and just ordered a cervical MRI, and then eventually a full MRI. And then I ended up in the hospital for a week because I was having, I guess, a big relapse where I really had some terrible symptoms, and was losing mobility, and ended up with the diagnosis about a year after I really first started having those tingles. So, I do feel like I'm getting good care now, but I feel like the road to finding that diagnosis and really finding my way was definitely prolonged because of the pandemic.   Geoff Allix (05:38): And I think MS is a difficult one anyway, because it's not like we have a key symptom. Most things you can say, "Yeah, that's likely to be that because you've got this key symptom." We're like, "Well, actually it could be anything." Your nerves do everything in your body, and we've got a problem with our nerves, so it could be, people have got eye problems, walking problems, bladder problems, temperature problems, pins and needles problems, and they're all MS. So yeah, it is really difficult.   Regina Beach (06:07): Yeah, exactly, and you don't necessarily think of, "Oh, I need to pee all the time," as being connected to this idea that the grip in my left hand is not as strong as it used to be. You don't make that connection naturally, I think, because MS symptoms can run the gamut.   Geoff Allix (06:25): So, when did you come across OMS? How did you find out about OMS? And how did that go for you?   Regina Beach (06:33): My whole life, I have said, "If I ever get really sick," kind of jokingly, "I'm just going to become a monk and be a vegan and live in the woods." And so obviously, one of the first things I Googled was, what's the best diet for MS, because I understand that what we put into our body is the molecules that we become. And so I thought, okay, someone has got to have been doing research on this, and so I came across Swank, and then came across Jelinek, and then the evidence was just so compelling to me. I spent a month researching recipes, getting rid of stuff in the fridge, overhauling things.   My husband's been really wonderful and has changed his diet too, so we cook together. We're writing down our recipes and compiling a cookbook. We have an Instagram where we post recipes. It's been really fun, and it's been a huge change because I used to really love cheese and dairy, and my husband used to be big into smoking meats and grilling meats, and so we've just done a 180 with our meals, and it's really helpful to have somebody to co-plan with and cook with.   Like last night, we had some smoked fish and veg, and it's actually really amazing what you can do, cooking without oil, that I had no idea was possible. So I'm actually really happy that we found this. He's a triathlete and has found a lot of benefits from the diet portion of Overcoming MS as well, and I've always been a meditator of sorts, but now I feel like it's really key, and I definitely carve out the time more than I used to for that component.   And yeah, I do take a DMT, and I'm hopeful that with everything together, I'll get some more mobility back because I walk currently with two sticks, and I'm really hoping to one day be able to walk without a mobility aid.   Geoff Allix (08:42): Yeah. That was the next thing I was going to ask actually, so you are listed as having significant disability on the EDSS scale. So what's two sticks? That's somewhere up like four and a half, five, or something on the scale?   Regina Beach (08:55): Yeah, so I don't leave the house without at least one stick and it really just depends on how my balance is feeling that day. And sometimes, if we're at a museum or if I'm out and about in a big public arena, I've used a wheelchair before, just because walking long distances is really tough for me. And that was really heartbreaking because it was something that, hiking and long-distance trekking are things that have been a really important part of my life up to this point. I did the Camino de Santiago, and I've done a lot of long-distance cycle trips across Europe and Asia and North America, and I feel really lucky that I was able to do those things. But yeah, so being in this new body of mine that doesn't function the same way, and is really slow, and I have foot drop on the left side, and it's really a big adjustment, and I don't think I'm totally there. I dream of running sometimes, or I dream that I can walk.   Geoff Allix (10:08): Literally in your dreams?   Regina Beach (10:09): Literally in my dreams.   Geoff Allix (10:10): I have that as well. Some people say, "Does that make you sad because you've lost it?" And it's actually no, when you half wake up and you're just coming out of a dream, if I'm getting back to sleep, I'm just like, "I'd love to get back into that dream again," the one where I'm running around.   Regina Beach (10:25): Yes.   Geoff Allix (10:26): Because it's like memories of what used to be, and very similar stuff I used to do, like do a lot of mountain walking and hiking and cycling and stuff. The things now that I think would be an amazing achievement, whereas before it would be climbing Mont Blanc or something, now it's like, something less daunting. I mean, if I can do something like Snowden, or something that's not a hard mountain, that would be such an achievement for me. I mean, I don't know if it's achievable because I'm not really, I'm similar to you, I always take a stick when I go out, but I'm not ruling out that I can get a bit better.   Regina Beach (11:04): That's how I feel.   Geoff Allix (11:06): There are people I've come across, who like me, think those aids, they're not disabling, they're enabling. So, using mobility aids, and certainly, yeah, so I've got an E-Trike that I use partly also as a mobility scooter sometimes because I can just put it a walk mode and just trundle along. Because I just, yeah, the distance is the problem really, whereas I'd love to go on a city break where I just wander around all day. But now I-   Regina Beach (11:39): I love that, yes, where you're just walking miles and miles and seeing all the things, and now you have to be a little more deliberate about where you're going to go, how long is it going to take, and where can you take a rest? But it doesn't mean you can't do it. So I was really nervous to take my first international trip since having mobility issues, but my husband and I went to Egypt over Christmas and New Year's, and it was amazing how much we were able to do and how accommodating people are when you just explain the situation, and how much people want to help and make things as easy as possible. So, we did a snorkeling trip and everyone on the boat was super helpful because that is, as someone who has balance issues, it's a nightmare to walk around on a boat.   Geoff Allix (12:27): Yeah. Well I've been scuba diving twice since I've had MS.   Regina Beach (12:27): Nice.   Geoff Allix (12:33): Yeah, I've been scuba diving in Costa Rica and in Thailand, because I used to scuba dive a lot, but actually I thought, well, why not? Because there's not a balance issue.   Regina Beach (12:33): Yeah. Once you're in the water, it's great.   Geoff Allix (12:44): Yeah. And actually when you're scuba diving, you don't really, really, it's not a lot of exertion, because otherwise you use up all your air basically. So you are trying to do everything in a very gentle motion, so I still have the skills, and yeah, the problem is getting on and off the boat. On the boat, because it's moving around, there's loads of stuff to hold onto because everyone's got to hold onto stuff, so actually it wasn't that bad. So yeah, I could do that, and that was really cool.   Regina Beach (13:11): Yeah, and it is just about finding what you can do and leaning into what you can do, and making new goals, like you said. There's a little lake, we live right near the Cwmcarn Forest Drive, and one of my goals is to make it around that whole little lake without taking a break. And that is a very small goal compared to maybe what I used to be doing, but that's fine, that's where I'm at right now, and I'd rather be getting out there and trying for that. And also I just really appreciate my good days because, obviously, I used to take walking and running for granted, and now I'm like, "Oh, I feel great today. I'm definitely going to go out for a walk or for a little hike." So there's the small joys.   Geoff Allix (13:58): Yeah. And the next question is, what are your thoughts on people with MS choosing other types of diets or lifestyle alternative to OMS?   Regina Beach (14:11): Yeah, so this is really interesting. Since being diagnosed and disclosing my diagnosis, I've had a lot of people say, "Oh I have MS too," or "I have another autoimmune condition," which I think is really interesting, how much you don't know about your acquaintances. I feel like disclosing brought me really close to some people who I had no idea also had things that they were dealing with. But I also think that it's a really personal decision about how you're going to self-manage your condition, and so I've definitely had to be firm, but kind, in my approach saying, "I'm sticking with OMS. This is what I want to do. If you want to do paleo, you want to do another diet, that's fine."   I think it really comes down to how you feel and what you can stick with. And so anybody who is managing through lifestyle, I think deserves big kudos. Anyone who's making these big changes in their lives, whether it's adding exercise or mindfulness, or taking supplements, or whatever it is. I think we're not really at odds with most of the other diets, they are mostly whole food based, they are mostly much healthier than the standard Western diet, and I think that you want to be encouraging, this idea that we have autonomy to make changes that aren't just dictated from a neurologist or a GP, that we can do something for ourselves.   Geoff Allix (15:46): Yeah, and I've spoken to people on different protocols, Mathew Embry, Best Bet Diet, talked to him, and the commonality is greater than the differences.   Regina Beach (16:00): Much more.   Geoff Allix (16:01): And with the Wahls protocol similarly, basically they're all non-dairy, they're all low saturated fat, they're all whole food based. Now it may be that you have organic grass fed, lean meat occasionally on the Best Bet Diet. It may be that you have, gluten is okay on OMS, which is not on others. So there's little bits on the edges, but the core bits are really the same, low saturated fat, whole food diet with no dairy, is basically common across all of them. And I think-   Regina Beach (16:39): Yeah, and even Swank had low fat meat after year one on his original diet, which the OMS diet is built on, so there is so much that is in that same vein.   Geoff Allix (16:53): Yeah. I think some people, as well, because there's a lot of stuff with fasting now as well, and I think there's a lot of interest in fasting. And the paleo diet, if you cut out all your carbs, then you put your body into a fasting state, but when you talk to the neurologist about this, when you are proposing this, they're saying, "Oh yeah, we're not actually encouraging you to just go on an Atkins diet because that would put you into a fasting state, but that's not actually healthy. What you want to be doing is going to fasting state by reducing the time window you eat, or not eating for a day, a week," these different ways of doing it, and then eating a healthy lifestyle. So there's sort of like-   Regina Beach (17:35): Yes, and not just putting yourself into ketosis for the sake of it by not consuming carbs, which are really in everything, and as long as you're eating whole grains, is very, very healthy. That's what so many cultures and indigenous people's whole diets are based on, potatoes, or rice, or other grains. And I think cutting them out is, like you're saying, it's not healthy for the long haul.   Geoff Allix (18:06): So, to change a little bit and talk about your professional life, you were a schoolteacher in the US, moved to the UK and live with your British husband, and now work part-time for OMS as the Trusts and Community Fundraising Manager, as you mentioned. So how did that transition come about?   Regina Beach (18:27): Oh my gosh, I feel that life in Chicago, when I was teaching in public schools there, is a lifetime ago. I was really burnt out, it's a really tough job. I really give a lot of praise to all of the schoolteachers out there, especially in these strange times. But I was really at a point in my career where I was turning into the type of teacher I didn't want to be and needed to pivot, and so I decided to take a year to do a Fulbright Fellowship in Laos in Southeast Asia, and that was my last full year of teaching. I taught teacher candidates there, and that's actually where I met my now husband, who was on a motorcycle adventure through Southeast Asia, and came back to visit me a couple times.   And so, through that process, I was really thinking, okay, what is it that I really like? What is it that I really want to do? I did yoga teacher training. I became a lot more interested in mindfulness and moving meditation, and pivoted back to my first love, which was writing. I studied journalism in university, and really decided, okay, I want to pursue writing. And so some of my work with Overcoming MS is grant writing, and blog writing, and press releases, and I also write essays and poetry in my own time. And so, I'm just trying to carve out a life that's more reflective of my values and what I really enjoy and what I want to spend my time doing. And I was kind of already in that mode when I was diagnosed, but since diagnosis, it's been even more acute that, the time I have, I want to spend it focusing on the things that I really enjoy, and the things where I feel like I can make a big difference.   Geoff Allix (20:31): So OMS is celebrating its 10th birthday this year, and you've got some special events upcoming, there's various OMS birthday trivia, OMS big picnics, and other events. So could you tell us a bit about the events upcoming?   Regina Beach (20:45): Yeah, so we're really excited to celebrate a decade of the charity promoting the OMS program for people worldwide. And so, yes, the big picnic is a great way to get family, friends, your OMS Circle, involved in some outdoor fun, a barbecue, maybe, bringing OMS compliant foods, teaching people about what the diet pillar is about and why, and possibly even doing some fundraising for the charity. And we are going to do a big birthday quiz on Zoom this year, so that will be really fun, having people answer questions both about the program and also just fun trivia stuff.   And so, this year is really important because 10 years ago, Linda Bloom decided that the OMS program needed a cheerleader. I feel the organization is a mouthpiece to help deliver the content and help people who have MS understand that there are thousands of us who are living better because we're self-managing through the program. So, yeah, if you would like to get involved, email fundraising@overcomingms.org. We're really excited to celebrate. We're celebrating the launch of the new brand, we're celebrating what we're moving towards in the future, and hopefully it will be another 10 years of growth and expansion, and yeah, great food and great fun.   Geoff Allix (22:28): So my next question straddles personal and professional, so you're a devout yoga and meditation practitioner, which you also teach, so could you tell us a bit about how that's helped you? How that yoga and meditation side of things has helped you, and share some tips to others about how they could get into a daily meditation practice?   Regina Beach (22:50): Yeah, for sure, so I used to teach a very yang, very physical style of yoga, the 26+2 Bikram series, which is done in a 40-degree Celsius hot room, which I can't do anymore because heat really exacerbates my symptoms, and a lot of the standing series involves so much balance that it is just out of reach for me right now. So I really have had to adjust my practice and my teaching from this really intense [inaudible 00:23:24] to a much gentler, more yin, more long hold, more floor-based yoga.   And so that was really tough for me at first, because obviously this is something I've been doing, I took my first yoga class when I was in university, I was 18 years old, it's been with me for a long time. I'm trying to see it as, I have all of these years of experience, but now I have a beginner's body where I can't necessarily do all of the things that I used to do, and I'm now reteaching myself.   And so, coming at it from that perspective, I feel has been really helpful because it's just being curious about, what can I do today? Being curious about, how does my body feel today? And leaning into that, and saying, "Okay, this is how I feel. This is what I can do. This is how much I can do." And just letting the rest go, and that's where the mindfulness and meditation come in because we cannot force ourselves to do something that we're not able to, and that doesn't necessarily have to lead to frustration. I think that piece is so crucial, when you are able to accept where you are at today, then everything just floats a little better and we're a little more at ease.   I think you can do meditation no matter what you're doing, whether you're doing yoga, whether you're just sitting mindfully, whether you're drinking tea mindfully, whether you're just taking a nice walk and observing the birds and the trees. I think all of that is just, what can I do? Where am I now? How am I feeling in my body? All of that is mindfulness.   And I'm just appreciating where I'm at, and what I can do, and moving towards little goals to improve my balance, to improve my flexibility, and not necessarily treating my old body as the goal, because I might not be able to do all of those yoga asanas in the future, and that's fine, that doesn't mean I can't deepen my practice. And for a while I was thinking, well, does this make me a terrible yoga teacher if I can't do all of these poses? And I've come to the realization that people don't actually care if their yoga teacher can do fancy arm balances, what they care about is if their yoga teacher can meet them where they're at, and help them find comfort and ease, and a little bit of stretch and relaxation in their own body. And so that's also been just a new version of my yoga practice and my yoga teaching.   Geoff Allix (26:03): Yeah. I mean, Usain Bolt's coach is not a world record runner, so you can teach without being at that level, can't you?   Regina Beach (26:13): Exactly.   Geoff Allix (26:14): So, thank you so much for joining us on the Living Well with MS Coffee Break, and allowing the community to get to know you a bit better. So there's one last question that we have that we tend to always ask people, which is, if you could tap into your experience with MS generally, and OMS specifically, for a nugget of wisdom to help people, particularly if they're new to the OMS program, what would that be?   Regina Beach (26:39): I think, really planning out who you'll tell, and how, and what you need from those people you tell is really important because, for as strong as we all are, you need a community behind you. So whether you're going to lean on your OMS Circle, or your family, or your friends, I think having a plan and knowing how you're going to react when someone doubts that what you're doing is helpful. Because I think as a newly diagnosed person, it can be really crushing to hear someone say, "Oh, there's no proof for that," or "Why are you doing that? That's pseudoscience," or whatever the negative, we always remember the negative more than the positive. And so building a community of trusted people, of people who are supporting what you're doing, and having ways to deflect any naysayers, would just go a long way because the mental health aspect of having MS is no joke and it takes a village to keep people moving forward and living well, and taking care of all of these different components of the lifestyle.   But we can do it, and we can do it together, and I think things like the podcast, and the OMS Circles, and all of the wonderful OMSers really do support one another. I think that's the best part of this program, is the community.   Geoff Allix (28:03): Thank you. And thank you very much for joining us, Regina Beach, and thank you for all your work that you do with OMS as well.   Regina Beach (28:11): Thanks, Geoff, it was great to talk to you today.   Geoff Allix (28:13): Thank you for listening to this episode of Living Well with MS Coffee Break. Please check out this episode's show notes at www.overcomingms.org/podcast. You'll find all sorts of useful links and bonus information there.   Do you have questions about this episode, or do you or someone you know want to be featured in a future Coffee Break episode? Then email us at podcast@overcomingms.org. We'd love to hear from you. You can also subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast platform, so you never miss an episode. Living Well with MS Coffee Break is kindly supported by a grant from the Happy Charitable Trust. If you'd to support the Overcoming MS charity and help keep our podcast advertising free, you can donate online at www.overcomingms.org/donate.   To learn more about Overcoming MS and its array of free content and programs, including webinars, recipes, exercise guides, OMS Circles, our global network of community support groups, and more, please visit our website at www.overcomingms.org. While you are there, don't forget to register for our monthly e-Newsletter so you can stay informed about the podcast and other news and updates from Overcoming MS. Thanks again for tuning in and see you next time.   The Living Well with MS family of podcasts is for private non-commercial use and exists to educate and inspire our community of listeners. We do not offer medical advice. For medical advice, please contact your doctor or other licensed healthcare professional. Our guests are carefully selected, but all opinions expressed are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Overcoming MS charity, its affiliates, or staff.  

Multiple Sclerosis News Today's multimedia associate, Price Wooldridge, reads a news article on how a registry data study found about half of newly diagnosed RRMS patients burdened by 'hidden' disabilities including fatigue and depression. He also reads “After Standing Still, Finding My Next Step”, from Beth Ullah's column, "Through the Looking Glass." =================================== Are you interested in learning more about multiple sclerosis? If so, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/ ===================================== To join in on conversations regarding multiple sclerosis, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/forums/

Multiple Sclerosis News Today's multimedia associate, Price Wooldridge, reads a news article about how findings suggest that disease severity, brain volume loss, and brain lesions are able to predict later cognitive declines in people with RRMS. He also reads “Hunt for EBV Vaccine Gets a Boost From NIH”, from Ed Tobias' column, "The MS Wire." =================================== Are you interested in learning more about multiple sclerosis? If so, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/ ===================================== To join in on conversations regarding multiple sclerosis, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/forums/

Multiple Sclerosis News Today's multimedia associate, Price Wooldridge, reads a news article about how eating a ketogenic diet — low in carbohydrates and high in fats — led to less fatigue and depression for people with relapsing-remitting MS. He also reads “An Accessible Cruise With Family, Canes, and a Scooter Was a Breeze”, a column by Ed Tobias. ===================================== Are you interested in learning more about multiple sclerosis? If so, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/ ===================================== To join in on conversations regarding multiple sclerosis, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/forums/

Multiple Sclerosis News Today's multimedia associate, Price Wooldridge, explains how Tysabri given every six weeks was found as effective as the standard dosing at stopping nervous system damage in RRMS patients. He also reads “Recovering My Self-esteem After Adapting to MS-related Incontinence”, from Beth Ullah's, regular column "Through the Looking Glass." =================================== Are you interested in learning more about multiple sclerosis? If so, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/ ===================================== To join in on conversations regarding multiple sclerosis, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/forums/

Multiple Sclerosis News Today's multimedia associate, Price Wooldridge, reads a news article about how a Phase 1/2 clinical trial has begun dosing with IMCY-0141, Imcyse's targeted immunotherapy to slow progression of relapsing-remitting MS. He also reads “MS News That Caught My Eye Last Week: Deep Brain Stimulation, IMCY-0141, Foralumab, Vumerity,” a column by Ed Tobias. =================================== Are you interested in learning more about multiple sclerosis? If so, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/ ===================================== To join in on conversations regarding multiple sclerosis, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/forums/

Perseverance is doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. For me, the words, grit, determination, and tenacity come to mind. Jessica Turner believes that as warriors, we can not give up. She is not afraid to follow her gut! A wife, a mother, and an MS thriver who found purpose in her diagnosis by helping others take back control of their health and wellbeing. Let's chat it up with Jessica.  Instagram: @beingahealthyunicorn https://beingaunicorn.com Instagram: @thrivingoversurvivingpodcast.com https://thrivingoversurvivingpodcast.com

Welcome to Living Well with MS Coffee Break #29, where we are pleased to welcome Linda Boueke as our guest!   Our Coffee Break series is your chance to get to know members of our diverse OMS community. In each episode, you'll join Geoff Allix for an intimate chat with a different member of our global community. Our guests will share their personal stories and talk about their challenges and victories, large and small. We hope you find common cause and a source of inspiration from the stories of these very special people.   As always, your comments and suggestions are always welcome by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. We hope you enjoy this episode's conversation with Linda, coming to you straight from Hamburg, Germany.   Linda's Bio:   Linda is from Hamburg, Germany, and she was diagnosed with RRMS in 2014. She immediately changed her diet and after attending an OMS seminar in 2016, she started to adopt the OMS Program completely. Since 2017, she has served as an Ambassador for the OMS Circle in Hamburg, and she sometimes holds seminars in Germany to help inform others about OMS. In 2019, she has started a second career as a solo-singer and performer. Following her dreams has become easier because OMS has helped her regain strength and focus, so she is incredibly thankful to have found OMS so early.   Questions:   Linda, welcome to Living Well with MS Coffee Break. We're so pleased to have you on our program. The purpose of this series is to better get to know some of the diverse members of our community from around the world, and today you're in the hot seat. Can you tell us a little about your day-to-day life? When were you diagnosed with MS? Can you provide some context on that? When were you diagnosed and how did you initially deal with it? At which point did you come across the OMS Program? How was that experience for you? Why did you decide to start following it? What are some of the challenges you faced at first in adopting the OMS Program, and how did you overcome them? When did you first start to see any kind of positive results in following the OMS Program, and what were these? You're currently very involved in the OMS community, particularly as the ambassador of the OMS Circle in Hamburg. Can you talk to us about the OMS Circles experience, and what that's meant to you? I also understand that you conduct seminars about OMS principles in Germany, trying to raise awareness about the positive aspects of lifestyle change for people with MS. How's that going and what motivated you to start that endeavor? One of your guiding principles is the concept of flow. Can you tell us a little about that and what it means to you? That's a good segue into things in your life in which you find “flow”, such as singing and dancing. Can you share a little more insight into your creative passions? Linda, thank you so much for being on Living Well with MS Coffee Break and allowing our community to get to know one of its own a little better. One last question before you go, and it's a bit of a tradition in that we ask it of all our Coffee Break guests. If you tap into your experience with MS generally and OMS specifically for a nugget of wisdom that would help people ease into and better adopt the OMS program, what would that advice be?   Three Interesting Facts About Linda (in her own words):   I find it so important to spread the word about the importance of lifestyle and the OMS Program to enable others to live a full and healthy life even with the diagnosis. Hope is a crucial thing to fight the mental challenges of such a diagnosis, and OMS provides evidence-based hope. I wish for many others to find the strength in themselves to change their lives for the better by adopting the OMS lifestyle and to live a full and healthy life for many years. To prevent depression, which is common in people with MS, I find it most important to listen to your inner voice. Find out what you really want to do and with whom and try to get rid of energy-draining things and people in your life. I write a journal every few days, and I rigidly stick to the habits of at least 30 minutes of exercise (about 6 days a week) and daily meditation. I love my new eating habits though it was hard to change my diet at the beginning. Even if got rid of MS today, I would not go back to the way I used to eat. I was thrilled to learn about the Concept of Flow, which I encountered during my singing studies. Stimulating the ventral vagus nerve helps to counteract the stress response of the body and may enable you to reach peak performance and allow your body to heal. For my life, that means that I try to do what I love as much as possible – sing, dance, meet easygoing people, paint, and write. When you don't feel time passing, and you are neither bored nor stressed, then you are probably enjoying “flow”.   Linda's Links:   Linda loves this healthy vegan brownie recipe. Linda also loves these two vegan pasta recipes from Deliciously Ella and The Happy Pear. Check out Linda's artwork on her website. Hear Linda's vocal talents on her Facebook and YouTube You can also check out her Instagram. Linda does Zumba at home for exercise by watching these uplifting YouTube videos by Euge Carro.   Coming up on our next episode:   On the next episode of Living Well with MS, premiering April 6, 2022, meet Dr. Mitzi Joi Williams, a Board-Certified Neurologist and Fellowship trained Multiple Sclerosis Specialist who serves as the Founder & CEO of the Joi Life Wellness Group Multiple Sclerosis Center outside of Atlanta, Georgia. She'll tap into her deep well of medical experience to provide a practical roadmap on introducing lifestyle change to your healthcare professional.   Don't miss out:   Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. You can catch any episode of Living Well with MS here or on your favorite podcast listening app. For your convenience, a full episode transcript is also available on all platforms within 72 hours of each episode's premiere. If you like our program, don't be shy and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you tune into the show. And feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org.   S4E49b Transcript Coffee Break #29 with Linda Boueke   Geoff Allix (00:01): Welcome to Living Well with MS Coffee Break, a part of the Living Well with MS podcast family from Overcoming MS, the world's leading multiple sclerosis healthy lifestyle charity celebrating its 10th year of serving the MS community.   I'm your host, Geoff Allix. Today, you'll meet someone living with MS, from our diverse and global Overcoming MS community. Our Coffee Break series invites you into the lives of each guest. They share their personal MS journeys and speak openly about their challenges and victories, large and small. We hope you find some common cause and a source of inspiration from the stories of these very special people. You can check out our show notes for more information and useful links. You can find these on our website at www.overcomingms.org/podcast. If you enjoy the show, please spread the word about us on your social media channels or leave a review wherever you tune into our podcast.   Finally, don't forget to subscribe to Living Well with MS on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. So get your favorite beverage ready and let's meet today's guest on Living Well with MS Coffee Break.   Welcome to Living Well with MS Coffee Break #29, where we are pleased to welcome Linda Boueke as our guest. As always, your comments and suggestions are welcomed by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. We hope you enjoy this episode's conversation with Linda from Hamburg, Germany.   Linda was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS in 2014. She immediately changed her diet and after attending an OMS seminar in 2016, she started to adopt the OMS program completely. Since 2017, she has served as an ambassador for the OMS Circle in Hamburg, and she sometimes holds seminars in Germany to help inform others about OMS. In 2019, she has started a second career as a solo singer and performer. Following her dreams has become easier because OMS has helped her regain strength and focus. So she's incredibly thankful to have found OMS so early.   So Linda, welcome to Living Well with MS Coffee Break. We're very pleased to have you on our program. And just to explain the purpose of this series is to get a better understanding of the members of the OMS community from around the world. And today you're in the hot seat. So could you tell us a bit about your day-to-day life?   Linda Boueke (02:24): Well, thank you, Geoff, for having me, and yes, I'm honored to be guest of your show today. About my day-to-day life, I've spent many years at home raising four boys and after working in marketing for a time, but then I got my diagnosis and I struggled to find some new balance really because obviously sort of a midlife crisis was culminating with the empty nest syndrome and with a diagnosis. And what happened was I had to walk a long way of reflecting and orientation, what I wish for in my life now and putting myself first after many years to remain as independent and healthy as possible for myself. Yeah.   Geoff Allix (03:18): And was it an easy diagnosis? Was it obvious you had MS? And did the doctors diagnose you quickly?   Linda Boueke (03:25): Well, it was a bit tricky really. In 2010, I had swine flu, which is a virus which happened to be here in Germany. And I had stomach problems and fatigue, even had to have household help for some time because I couldn't cope. And I had many lesions in my brain really and took lots of tests, but I didn't get the diagnosis then. I had speech problems and couldn't write on the keyboard properly. And still the neurologist said it could be different things and sent me home like that. And in 2014, I had another relapse probably with tingling in the body, probably known to our audience. And I got the diagnosis from the radiologist really. It was quite a shock because he said, "Well, what else should it be if not MS?”   And yeah, well then, I tried to find a way to cope with that. And I had the immediate feeling. I had to do something about that myself and got the impression this illness picked the wrong person to surrender to some future of doom really. And I got a feeling like Hermione in Harry Potter, she always goes to the library. So I turned to reading lots and lots of things and found out all I could, because I didn't want to be out with it by others and let alone doctors just here to tell me what I had to do and wanted to become an expert for this condition and to be able to make the right choices for myself.   Geoff Allix (05:21): So when did you come across the OMS program?   Linda Boueke (05:25): Actually, I took a little detour. I first found Sven Becher, who's a journalist in Germany, who has MS as well. And he wrote the book, which I had read in the spring of that year. And on the backside of the book [inaudible 00:05:45] there was a message, like he has MS and now he's, yeah, getting along fine with it. And I wrote emails with him. So I tried to find out what he had done and what he had found out. And he was very helpful and sent me his, yeah, sort of script. And later on, I bought his book as well. And there were many hints to OMS. Because he has many, yeah, sort of similarities to OMS in his approach.   And six weeks after my diagnosis, I read the OMS book obviously. And I changed lots of things. Yeah. I like the approach, do whatever it takes to stop the progression. And still I struggled because the quality of life you think you have in your life, you have to sort of find a way to, yeah, optimize your quality of life, even though you will change your diet and do a lot of for your health, you know that.   Geoff Allix (06:55): Are you in an area of Germany where there's very much dairy consumption? And I mean, honestly, I haven't been to Hamburg. I've been to Munich. I've been to Berlin, but it does seem to be the German diet does seem to be quite heavily meat based, dairy based. Is that the case where you are, is it difficult to make a transition further?   Linda Boueke (07:19): Yes, definitely. I had some help for my stomach, really, because in that year I had so many stomach problems before so when the diagnosis came, and I realized it was better for my stomach problems because it was for really like a chronic inflammation of the stomach at the time. And so I had already decided to cut out dairy a lot. Yeah, it was really hard in the beginning, I think.   And I think the main problem is you never individually know, which sort of measures lead to which outcome. And you cannot know for sure if the lifestyle or medication choices you make are definitely the cause for your wellbeing or for possible relapses. And it's a marathon. And so you have to sort of jump on the train someday to decide if you are going with the lifestyle choices or not. And you can never be sure if it's this measure or that measure [inaudible 00:08:32]   Geoff Allix (08:32): No, it's like medications. If there was one medication that we could take and it would cure us and everyone took it and it would be fine, but there's so many because they affect different people in different ways. And yeah, it's a very varied condition. Isn't it?   Linda Boueke (08:46): I had read something about happiness from a German author and he talked about seven areas which can lead to more happiness or not. And I realized eating is not one of them. So that was sort of, yeah, a relaxing moment because I thought, well, if that's what studies say, eating is not part of it, then it's only really family and friends, which is a part of being happy, which makes it so difficult because you have to sort of yeah, communicate with your family, with friends when you change eating that much. And that's what's really hard in the beginning, but it's not eating itself that's causing so much trouble for your happiness.   Geoff Allix (09:31): So going for a meal can make you happy. But the actual eating part, it's the social part rather than the eating the food. That makes sense.   Linda Boueke (09:38): Yeah, and what I found out is that I can be very happy with this diet, and I wouldn't change it back really, even if they got a pill against MS, because I'm so happy with my new lifestyle at this time that really this struggle was life changing. [crosstalk 00:09:56]   Geoff Allix (09:56): So was that the biggest challenge you had in adopting OMS? In other words, were there other parts of the program that were difficult to adopt?   Linda Boueke (10:07): Yeah. I struggle a little with meditation really. I rigidly stick to it. I do my 30 minutes of meditation each and every day, but I must admit, even after seven years now, I'm not an expert. I realize that some days I'm getting there, I'm getting calmer. And I come to a state where I think my brain's relaxing, and perhaps healing is possible or something, but many days I can't, I think my brain is overactive. I always have these many thoughts and it's just, yeah, I can't.   Geoff Allix (10:47): Yeah. I mean, I do know some people who like yoga instruction and things like that, and they can just do it without listening to any soundtrack. They just go, well, I just sit and meditate, but I still need to have some sort of guidance, but even though some of them actually have quite long periods of silence. And so I'm listening to nothing, but so why does, how does that work when actually I can't sit here and just be here, I don't know.   So for me, I tell you sometimes I can kind of get it where I'm doing it without it being guided, but I would hope by now I could do that, but, yeah, I find it a lot easier to be listening to guided mindfulness sessions. There are so many available now, which is brilliant. So at least there's that, yeah.   Linda Boueke (11:34): I listen to guided meditation I made up myself because I read so many books about meditation that I thought I bring it all together with visualization and healing meditation, and breathing meditation that probably even there, I wanted too much and put it all in one tape. And so I listen to that every day and [crosstalk 00:11:56] come the way.   Geoff Allix (11:59): And when did you start to see, or you were saying that it's difficult to really say what's caused changes, but did you see positive results, improvements in your condition after you adopted the OMS program?   Linda Boueke (12:17): Well, yes, I can say that. I think, I mean, I had late relapses. I had one relapse in 2010 and the next one in 2014. So then in the beginning of 2015, I had one more, a really bad relapse. My right arm went numb, and I was getting really afraid because that's a bad feeling, as you can imagine. But then it got better, and I only have a, yeah, left numb hand a bit, but it's usually usable and so I'm very happy with that. But what was better then was the stomach, which was inflamed. And I have almost no problems with that nowadays.   And I had some eczema and hay fever, which is part of an overreacting immune system as well. And I could really see that subsiding. So I haven't had any problems with that anymore. So that's part of seeing how the body gets less inflamed I think, that's for me what's the sign.   Geoff Allix (13:33): Yeah. I think when you were saying that you'd carry on with the diet, even if they had a pill which cured MS. I think because there's so many other things, I think it's just healthy for our bodies. And certainly my neurologist said this, he said, "It's going to reduce your risk of heart disease, reduce your risk of cancer, diabetes, or all these things." And so actually, yeah, I agree. I think it's just healthier to live eating a whole food-based diet. It is healthy.   Linda Boueke (14:00): Yeah. People kept telling me you're looking so very healthy with what you're doing. So something must have changed really. And it's a good feeling in the body. And my doctor, he says, "I've got the best cholesterol reading." Cholesterol?   Geoff Allix (14:18): Cholesterol, yeah.   Linda Boueke (14:20): Cholesterol profiles [inaudible 00:14:21] it's more patience.   Geoff Allix (14:21): I get this all the time. I just had a load of tests, like some annual tests done last week. And they're always saying, they say, "Oh, you're really healthy." I'm like, apart from the obvious reason that I'm here, I mean, clearly, I'm here because I have MS. I go, yeah. Well, apart from that, you're really healthy. So yeah. All my blood pressure and all the tests, everything, so, oh yeah. So that's good anyway, because you don't want to have comorbidities. I mean, if we had diabetes and MS, that would obviously be more problematic.   So as much as anything, I think it is healthier. And if they did cure MS, I agree I'd carry on as much with the program. So you are involved in the OMS community, and you are the ambassador of the OMS Circle in Hamburg. So could you tell us a bit about OMS Circles and your OMS Circle?   Linda Boueke (15:13): Well, yes. I think it was in 2017 that the OMS Circle program was launched because OMS, the charity, wanted to sort of spread the word worldwide and sort of install a community where peer to peer support is possible. And when I read about that, it certainly hit me and I thought, well, I have to be part of that because I had visited a one-day seminar in [inaudible 00:15:45] in 2016 and was really enchanted by the community I met there, and I was really sad because in Germany nothing was happening in regard to OMS.   And I was feeling really lonely at the time because I hardly knew people with MS and let alone people who followed OMS program and so I was craving to meet people who were on the same journey in a way. And I wanted to pay back somehow and yeah, help spread the word about what OMS has to offer and help people who want to be, yeah, helped.   Geoff Allix (16:33): And how have you found the Circle with COVID restrictions? Has that continued?   Linda Boueke (16:41): Yeah, before we had meetings here in real life every four to eight weeks. And when COVID started, obviously that wasn't possible anymore and we changed to online meetings, which is, yeah, partly good thing because my Circle is quite large. As I was the first ambassador in Germany, people from all over the country sort of gathered in my Circle in the beginning. Now we've got, I think, 10 Circles in Germany and some still remain in my Circle. And so we can gather with people from many kilometers away online, which is fine, but it's not the same as meeting in person. I'm really looking forward to being able to host an offline meeting these days. Yeah.   Geoff Allix (17:41): Yeah. We have just started where we are. We had one, about a month ago we had our first sort of actual face to face meeting, and it was really nice. I mean, yeah, it's nice talking to people, but actually there is something about being there physically and everyone they brought so much food. It was ridiculous. Because I was like can everyone bring something and then we'll have a lunch. And everyone, I think, because it had been so long thought, right, we're going to bring lots of food. And there was just a huge feast, and it was great because we could eat everything. And so they had really gone to town, and it was like amazing. So it was really nice to meet up.   Anyway, you also conduct seminars about OMS principles in Germany to raise awareness about lifestyle changes for people with MS. So how is that? And why did you start doing that?   Linda Boueke (18:32): Well, as I said, I was in marketing once and I'm probably not a shy person. So when I'm convinced of a cause, I naturally want to share that insight with others to give them the chance to benefit from the evidence and blueprint for good health that others have discovered. Isn't that the point of human development and progress in a way? An idea spreading to change mindsets and realities and lives by interaction. That's sort of, I like this evidence-based, down to earth approach of OMS.   And I like that it doesn't try to antagonize between natural medicine and sort of the academic medicine. And so I think this inclusive and a relatively easily applicable approach that emphasizes the self-management abilities of every single person with MS is so valuable that I felt I have to do whatever is possible for me to reach as many people with this message as possible.   And obviously people are coming to my circle so I can inform them and help them as much as I can. But I sort of wanted to scale it a bit higher and reach more people who haven't heard of it. And so I was able to, yeah, hold some seminars and webinars in the last year to inform the German community about the OMS program, which is not widely known.   Geoff Allix (20:15): And there's a German version of the OMS book, isn't there?   Linda Boueke (20:19): Yes. I think it appeared in 2019 or I'm not sure when really, but it was quite late sort of, and then you could go with this book to a neurologist and say, "Have you read this? Please read it. It's important." So I tried that sometimes. Yes.   Geoff Allix (20:40): And one of your guiding principles is the concept of flows. This is completely new to me. So could you tell us about what flow is and what it means to you?   Linda Boueke (20:51): Oh yeah. It was new to me as well. During recent years, I visited a course of complete vocal technique really to sort of improve my singing abilities a bit. And we had a seminar within that about flow. And I wondered what it was. And we met with a great teacher, Raby Lahood, who was really a singer and performer. And he's very deep in this flow concept and research. And yeah, to put it briefly, flow is sort of, you can say it's happiness, but you can also say it's a nervous status, which is between boredom and overburdening.   So it's when you feel at ease, when you are doing things you like, when you forget time. Sort of really in the moment, not thinking, just doing what you do and being good at it. So that's a concept which also some in a professional context, sometimes people like to talk about flow because they want their staff to be in flow as much as possible because they reach peak performance when they are.   So when you don't feel overburdened or stressed out and you're not bored, you are in the perfect performance zone of your nervous system really. And when I found this concept, it was about singers and performing on stage without getting sort of too nervous to sing or without getting stuck in your lyrics or something. But it also applies to everyone, not only to singers, because when you get into this flow zone, in the actual nervous system, healing is possible and social interaction is possible. And it's really, it's sort of the basis is the polyvagal theory, which you can look up. It's like, you've got the sympathetic nerves. I don't know if it's sympathetic-   Geoff Allix (23:14): Yeah. Sympathetic nerves or similar.   Linda Boueke (23:14): Yeah. And the parasympathetic nerves are its opposite. And the polyvagal theory has found another sort of part of the parasympathetic nerves, it's like three parts. And only if the third part is effective, you are in flow and your system is in a good and balanced state. So what comes out for me is that I try to focus on things that bring me this sort of flow situation that I'm feeling at ease, that I'm feeling the time flow away like nothing. And that's what happened when I sort of yeah, work with my arts.   Geoff Allix (24:00): Yeah. So I think most people with their MS are aware that stress is not good. Because I think we are physically sensitive to stress. I think most people realize that they're getting stressed, but you also said, boredom is the other thing. So actually, so if we are avoiding stress, but also we want to avoid boredom and we want to be in that middle zone. So we-   Linda Boueke (24:21): That's right. And I think I always struggled with meditation as well because I am easily bored by that. And so perhaps a different approach would be just sort of to meditate by doing something that really brings you in focus, that you enjoy so much, that you are in the here and now without thinking about anything else. So that might be a sort of meditation as well.   Geoff Allix (24:51): Yeah. I mean, yeah this has come up with mindfulness experts and they say, that's the difference between mindfulness and meditation. Meditation is actually meditating, but actually you can do so many things, you can go for a mindful walk, so you can go for a walk in the countryside and that can be a completely mindful activity. You don't have to meditate if you find that it bothers you. And then that's obviously in the right flow state, but why not go for walk? Why not go for a cycle ride as these things can be done mindfully?   So then you are still, yeah, you can do everything. It can fit with everything. So talking a bit about how you got to learn about flow, brought up the sort of singing side of it. So could you tell us a bit about your creative passions and singing and dancing and what you got involved with there?   Linda Boueke (25:40): Yeah. Well, I always enjoyed, yeah, singing, dancing, and painting. I couldn't decide which most really, and yeah, after sort of getting over the shock of the diagnosis and finding my new way with the OMS program and sort of caring for my health, I decided to sing and dance and paint as much as possible. And try to start a second career really, to do it seriously, sort of to go on stage and present a solo program with a pianist and try to write songs.   And now I started with a new band, and I have painted a lot last year because obviously going in stage in COVID times is not so really easy. I had my first show in 2019 and I had some bookings for 2020 and then it all stopped. But I have found a new pianist and the rehearsals with him were definitely a most welcome help against mental stress during the pandemic, because we were able to meet and to perfect the program and yeah, after the vaccination, I also started to do dancing again, as much as possible. And I'm almost looking forward to my next MRI to see if this flow has all solutions, but yeah, I would be happy to see that. At least the MRI in 2020 was stable, so better than nothing. Yeah.   Geoff Allix (27:31): So Linda, thank you very much for being part of the Living Well with MS Coffee Break series and allowing the community to get to know you a bit better. But one last question before you go, and there's a tradition that we like to ask Coffee Break guests. If you could tap into your experience with MS generally, or OMS specifically, for a piece of wisdom, particularly for people who are new to the program or new to MS, to help them adopt the OMS program, what would that advice be?   Linda Boueke (28:04): Oh yeah. I've got a big table in the, no, what do you call that? I've got many of these sort of codes on my mind, which I try to remember when I'm getting low. And one of them I read online. I don't know who this was. Stop that silly grieving.   Geoff Allix (28:30): Okay. Yeah.   Linda Boueke (28:32): That really hit me at the time because I was grieving a lot for my old life. And just to realize that grieving doesn't help at all, you just have to look forward and try to see what you can find in the future. That helped me a lot because, yeah, it was like a slap in the face stopped that silly grieving. And I am really for that, whenever I get a feeling of despair, I have to try something new, start something new. And I think new beginnings, new projects, joys in life mean a new beginning. Always that's a quote I like. So that would be my advice, just to get out of that stuck feeling when you feel like nothing is in the future that you want to see.   Geoff Allix (29:27): Okay. Thank you very much for that. And thank you for joining us.   Linda Boueke (29:30): Yeah. Thank you.   Geoff Allix (29:31): Thank you for listening to this episode of Living Well with MS Coffee Break. Please check out this episode's show notes at www.overcomingms.org/podcast. You'll find all sorts of useful links and bonus information there. Do you have questions about this episode or do you or someone you know want to be featured in a future Coffee Break episode? Then email us at podcast@overcomingms.org. We'd love to hear from you.   You can also subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. Living Well with MS Coffee Break is kindly supported by a grant from the Happy Charitable Trust. If you'd like to support the overcoming MS charity and help keep our podcast advertising free, you can donate online at www.overcomingms.org/donate.   To learn more about overcoming MS and its array of free content and programs, including webinars, recipes, exercise guides, OMS Circles, our global network of community support groups, and more, please visit our website at www.overcomingms.org. While you are there, don't forget to register for a monthly e-newsletter, so you can stay informed about the podcast and other news and updates from Overcoming MS. Thanks again for tuning in and see you next time.   The Living Well with MS Family of podcasts is for private non-commercial use and exists to educate and inspire our community of listeners. We do not offer medical advice. For medical advice, please contact your doctor or other licensed healthcare professional. Our guests are carefully selected, but all opinions they express are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Overcoming MS charity, its affiliates, or staff.      

Multiple Sclerosis News Today's multimedia associate, Price Wooldridge, reads a news article about how RRMS patients following a low-carb, high-fat diet for 6 months, showed better physical and mental health. He also reads “MS News That Caught My Eye Last Week: ‘Cog Fog', Tolebrutinib, Ublituximab, Spinal Atrophy”, from Ed Tobias' column "The MS Wire". =================================== Are you interested in learning more about multiple sclerosis? If so, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/ ===================================== To join in on conversations regarding multiple sclerosis, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/forums/

Multiple Sclerosis News Today's multimedia associate, Price Wooldridge, reads a news article about Armand Thoinet. Armand was an active 19-year-old when he was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS. Since then, he manages his symptoms through endurance sports and advocacy. Price also reads “Don't Worry and Take Your Time”, a column by Jamie Hughes. =================================== Are you interested in learning more about multiple sclerosis? If so, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/ ===================================== To join in on conversations regarding multiple sclerosis, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/forums/

Multiple Sclerosis News Today's multimedia associate, Price Wooldridge, reads the news article about a study in 24 RRMS patients linked meat consumption with changes to the immune system, gut microbiome, and metabolism relative to controls. Price also reads the column by Jamie Hughes, A Life in Letters, “Art for Our Sake”. =================================== Are you interested in learning more about multiple sclerosis? If so, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/ ===================================== To join in on conversations regarding multiple sclerosis, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/forums/

Multiple Sclerosis News Today's multimedia associate, Price Wooldridge, discusses how younger RRMS patients (under 50) whose active disease fails to respond to DMT use might consider a patient-derived bone marrow transplant. Also, Price reads "“Kintsugi Reminds Me That Living With MS Isn't Something to Hide”", a column by Jamie Hughes. =================================== Are you interested in learning more about multiple sclerosis? If so, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/ ===================================== To join in on conversations regarding multiple sclerosis, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/forums/

Multiple Sclerosis News Today's multimedia associate, Price Wooldridge, discusses how TG Therapeutics is seeking FDA approval for ublituximab, its anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody infusion therapy for RRMS and SPMS with relapses; and reads the column by Jamie Hughes, A Life in Letters, “Listening to My Body as I Experiment With a New Diet”. =================================== Are you interested in learning more about multiple sclerosis? If so, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/ ===================================== To join in on conversations regarding multiple sclerosis, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/forums/

Multiple Sclerosis News Today's multimedia associate, Price Wooldridge, discusses how treatment with Tecfidera led to fewer relapses in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients than Aubagio or injectable immunomodulators. Plus, Price reads the column by John Connor, Fall Down, Get Up Again, “It's Just One of Those MS ‘Snow Days'.” =================================== Are you interested in learning more about multiple sclerosis? If so, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/ ===================================== To join in on conversations regarding multiple sclerosis, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/forums/

Multiple Sclerosis News Today's multimedia associate, Price Wooldridge, reads the news article about how anti-CD20 antibody therapies that target B-cells are highly effective for reducing the risk of relapses in people with RRMS Also, Price reads “Thanks to a Wheelchair Mishap, I was ‘Busy Goin' Nowhere', a column by John Connor. =================================== Are you interested in learning more about multiple sclerosis? If so, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/ ===================================== To join in on conversations regarding multiple sclerosis, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/forums/

Multiple Sclerosis News Today's multimedia associate, Price Wooldridge, discusses a news article about how European Medicines Agency committee is recommending that Vumerity be approved for adults with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in the EU; plus, Price reads the column by Jennifer Powell, Silver Linings, “When Loss Is Expected, How Do We Cope?”. ===================================== Are you interested in learning more about multiple sclerosis? If so, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/ ===================================== To join in on conversations regarding multiple sclerosis, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/forums/

Multiple Sclerosis News Today's multimedia associate, Price Wooldridge, discusses a news article about neurofilament light chain blood levels and cortical thinning on MRIs in recently diagnosed RRMS patients linked with poorer cognitive tests; and reads the column by John Connor, Fall Down, Get Up Again, “Down and Out in London Town!”. =================================== Treatment for Relapsing MS Progression | MAYZENT® (siponimod) Read about MAYZENT, a once daily pill that can significantly slow down disability progression in people with relapsing MS. See full prescribing & safety info. https://www.mayzent.com/?utm_source=changeinrms&utm_medium=vanityurl&utm_campaign=novartis_mayzent_2020&utm_content=soundcloud ===================================== Are you interested in learning more about multiple sclerosis? If so, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/ ===================================== To join in on conversations regarding multiple sclerosis, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/forums/

Multiple Sclerosis News Today's multimedia associate, Price Wooldridge, discusses how early high-efficacy disease modifying therapies (DMTs) are linked to better outcomes in patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) and reads “MS Doesn't Get to Decide Whether We Are Enough”, a column by Jennifer Powell. =================================== Treatment for Relapsing MS Progression | MAYZENT® (siponimod) Read about MAYZENT, a once daily pill that can significantly slow down disability progression in people with relapsing MS. See full prescribing & safety info. https://www.mayzent.com/?utm_source=changeinrms_url&utm_medium=vanityurl&utm_campaign=novartis_mayzent_2020 ===================================== Are you interested in learning more about multiple sclerosis? If so, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/ ===================================== To join in on conversations regarding multiple sclerosis, please visit: https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/forums/

Visit http://morningcommutepodcast.com/ms4 to view the activity and CME/CE information, download the transcript, and complete the posttest and evaluation to earn CME/CE credit. In this episode, our experts will discuss the current evidence for disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) in patients with active secondary progressive MS. How is SPMS diagnosed and how does it differ from relapsing-remitting MS? Moreover, are the treatments for SPMS effective for RRMS?