Latest news with #MSAwareness
WebMD
a day ago
- Health
- WebMD
Too Warm or Too Cold With MS
Must I choose between uncomfortably cold and dysfunctionally warm? Before I had multiple sclerosis (MS), I didn't worry much about temperature. If it was cold out, I put on a coat. If it was hot, I could take off a sweater, but if I didn't, nothing bad would happen. After 40 years of MS, I have to think about temperature constantly. If I let myself get too warm, my body stops working. If I wait too long to take off that sweater, I won't be physically able to do it. Two of the three times MS has landed me in the emergency room, it was because of getting too warm and not being able to sit up. One time, the day started off cold, so I dressed in a few layers and went to see some art shows. When it got warm, I was too engrossed in the art to notice. When I noticed, I tried to take off a pullover I was wearing, but I could not lift my arms well enough to do it. I should have asked a stranger to help me take off some layers, but I didn't want to bother them or to be embarrassed. I tried to tough it out. I wound up on the floor and got an unwanted ambulance ride to the hospital. That was five years ago. Since then, my temperature sensitivity has gotten worse. Now, I'm also quite uncomfortable when I get too cold. My body hunches in on itself to keep warm, I start sneezing and coughing, and I can't wait to get home and warm up. But if I get too warm, it's worse. Then I need to get into bed, or everything falls apart. I wish it were a question of finding a 'sweet spot' – not too hot and not too cold. But for me, there is no sweet spot. I can actually be too warm (weak) and too cold (uncomfortable) at the same time. It's taken me a few years to realize just how important it is to take off layers when I start to get warm. Like right now, writing this, I had to take off a sweatshirt and just wear a T-shirt, because the day is warming up. How does this work out in the world? Memorial Day weekend, I spent a delightful two days at San Francisco's Carnival celebration. So much dance, music, art, costumes, and food, all in one place. I love it and almost never miss it, but it's in the Mission District, on the warm side of town. It is difficult for me to spend hours there without getting into a temperature crisis. This year, I was smart. I packed four layers: two T-shirts, a sweatshirt, and a sweater. I paid attention to the weather and how I was feeling and frequently changed between outfits so that I felt cool but not uncomfortably cold. It wasn't finding one right outfit; it was frequently changing to fit my body's needs at the moment. I missed some moments of the parade, because I was busy putting on or taking off a sweater. It was a lot of hassle, and I'm sure a few people were wondering, 'What's up with him?' but it enabled me to enjoy the event and not collapse. Temperature balance is important at home, too. My apartment, especially my work area, tends to get warm. If I'm busy writing, I might not notice until my fingers stop working and I can't type anymore. Right now, I'm still warm, so I have turned on an electric fan that sits by my desk. I love that fan; at its low setting, it really does seem to put me in a sweet spot of not being too hot or too cold. Fans are great; they use way less energy than air conditioning, so they're better for the environment, and they work right away. They cool you without unnecessarily cooling the whole house. So, there are a lot of tricks. To avoid heat, stay in the shade; if you're cold, get into the sun. Some people with MS wear cooling vests or neck wraps if they can't avoid being out in the heat, but San Francisco rarely gets that hot. Drinking lots of fluids, iced or not, helps control our temperature. Like with a lot of other MS symptoms, there are many things we can try. For me, doing the right things means taking our time, paying close attention to our bodies, learning and trying new things, finding balance, and then doing what works. That process applies to mobility issues, doing tasks, enjoying life, and a long list of MS challenges, including heat sensitivity like mine.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Woman takes on 70 charity challenges in two years
A Cornish woman has spent almost two years completing 70 challenges to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in a tribute to her mum who died with the condition. Pippa Marshall, from Wadebridge, is now preparing for her biggest task yet; walking, cycling and swimming the 31-mile (50km) length of the River Camel. Her mother Carol was diagnosed with MS when she was aged 19 and about to get married. As she gradually lost her mobility, Pippa became her carer. Ms Marshall said: "My purpose is to honour Mum's memory and highlight the gift of movement that able bodied people take for granted." MS is a debilitating neurological condition affecting the brain and spinal cord. It causes severe pain, fatigue, cognitive issues and vision problems. According to NHS England, more than 150,000 people in the UK are living with the condition. The River Camel challenge includes walking 12 miles (20km) from its source above Camelford to Wenford on the Camel Trail where Ms Marshall will cycle another 12 miles to Wadebridge and then swim another six miles (10km) to Padstow. Ms Marshall said it was a particularly personal challenge. "Mum grew up in Grogley and went to school in Nanstallon, where she is now buried," she said. "I grew up in Wadebridge so the River Camel has always been there in one way or another, linking us past and present. "I am trying to train as I am a 50-year-old, unfit woman but have a lot of determination." She said all of her 70 challenges had been inspired by her mother's determination despite her illness. "Mum was housebound for approximately 10 years and ended up with epilepsy too. "She suffered so much and her world became so small. I have always found it hard to deal with how sorrowful the whole thing was. "She never complained, she was always bright and cheerful and the thing that she said was that there is always someone worse off than yourself. "So this has all been about telling the world that Mum - Carol Marshall existed." More news stories for Cornwall Listen to the latest news for Cornwall Carol Marshall died aged 63 and her daughter decided to take on her 70 challenges to mark what would have been her mum's 70th birthday. Other activities have included hang gliding, swimming around St Michael's Mount, singing in public, entering cake competitions using her mum's cookbook and entering her mother's artwork into local events. Her big 50km challenge, when she will be supported by Open Water Devon, is set to take place on 22 June. Follow BBC Cornwall on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@ 'My mum's MS inspires me to run ultra marathons' Man takes on five-year £500k charity river challenge NHS England - Multiple sclerosis
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Nearly 1400 people took part in national ‘Walk MS 2025′
Despite a rainy weekend, the weather certainly held out long enough for 'Walk MS 2025.' It's part of a national annual event that raises awareness and funds for the fight against multiple sclerosis. In Boston, participants walked along a one to three-mile route, overlooking the harbor, before finishing up at the UMass Boston campus. Multiple Sclerosis is a disease that affects a person's nervous system. Symptoms can often vary from person to person, including numbness and tingling to mobility challenges, blindness, and paralysis. Multiple Sclerosis affects an estimated 1 million people in the United States. Lori Espino, President of the National MS Society Greater New England Chapter, reflected on the walk. 'We had close to 1400 people come out either supporting a loved one with MS or living with MS themselves, and we raised over half a million dollars for a cure.' Sunday's walk was the sixth held in Massachusetts over the past few months; together, they've raised nearly one million dollars in donations. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Zawya
01-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
NMSS and Erth Zayed Philanthropies sign AED 25mln grant agreement to mark World MS Day
Strategic collaboration to drive the UAE's national MS agenda. Abu Dhabi – The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) has signed a strategic agreement with Erth Zayed Philanthropies to advance its national multiple sclerosis (MS) agenda. As part of this agreement, Erth Zayed Philanthropies will contribute AED 25 million to support NMSS in delivering its core priorities, including advancing UAE's first National Coalition for MS, a multi-sector platform to improve care, research, and inclusion across the country. The agreement was signed by Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Vice Chair of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and a representative from Erth Zayed Philanthropies during a formal ceremony in Abu Dhabi. The announcement of this strategic agreement coincides with World MS Day, marked this year under the global theme 'My MS Diagnosis: Navigating MS Together,' which highlights the importance of early detection and community support. This year, Erth Zayed Philanthropies joins the National Coalition for MS as a founding partner, marking a pivotal step in the UAE's efforts to advance equitable MS care and inclusion. This strategic partnership reinforces the UAE's commitment to enhancing MS care, accelerating research, and advancing equity, catalyzing broader multi-sector engagement to shape a more inclusive and transformative national response. Coalition members include Sanofi, Axios International, PureHealth and Manzil Healthcare Services, each playing a vital role in advancing care, awareness, and system-wide impact. Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Vice Chair of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, said: 'The establishment of the National Coalition for MS is a defining step in our mission to drive equitable access to MS care. This work is inspired by the legacy of our late Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose vision was rooted in dignity, inclusion, and access to quality care for all. It is sustained by the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whose commitment continues to shape the future of health and reinforce the UAE's position as a global leader in innovative, people-centered healthcare. 'On World MS Day, we are proud to join the international community, not only in raising awareness, but in taking meaningful, coordinated action that has the potential to transform outcomes for people living with MS. Today, we are laying the foundations for long-term impact rooted in compassion, powered by collaboration, and guided by a shared responsibility to ensure that every member of our community has the opportunity to live a full and dignified life.' The grant from Erth Zayed Philanthropies will directly support NMSS in delivering on its key priorities and enabling the National Coalition for MS to address the most pressing challenges faced by people living with MS in the UAE. First announced on World MS Day in 2024, the National Coalition for MS was convened by NMSS to bring together government entities, healthcare providers, insurance and pharmaceutical companies, and educational institutions under a unified national agenda for MS. The Coalition's priorities for 2025-2026 are focused on improving access to patient support resources, promoting inclusive workplace policies, strengthening the skills of healthcare professionals through specialized training, increasing public understanding of MS to enable earlier diagnosis, and ensuring long-term sustainability through coordinated fundraising and investment in research. Together, these priorities form an action-oriented framework designed to mobilize resources, strengthen inclusion across sectors, and ensure that the UAE is a world leader in MS care. As the Coalition moves into its implementation phase, its priorities will continue to be shaped by the voices and experiences of the MS community, ensuring that their needs, priorities, and aspirations drive every step of the journey. Anchored in shared responsibility and measurable impact, the Coalition's members are onboarded to lead or contribute to key initiatives, with defined commitments that span one to two years depending on the scope of work. The Coalition's priorities reflect a commitment to evidence-based solutions. Since its establishment, NMSS has invested AED 6.5 million in MS research, with the next NMSS research grant cycle set to launch on 23 June 2025. As the Coalition transitions into its implementation phase, NMSS continues to call on stakeholders across sectors, from policymakers and healthcare institutions to academic bodies and donors, to join this pivotal movement. About the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Established in 2022 under the Ministry of Community Empowerment, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) is a UAE-based NGO created to better the lives of people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) and their communities in the UAE through education, advocacy and advancing global efforts to finding a cure for MS. NMSS is governed by a board of trustees, advised by a local and international Strategic Advisory Committee and Medical Advisory Committee, and supported by MS ambassadors and volunteers. Together, they ensure that people living with MS have access to high-quality care and get the guidance they need through reliable resources. NMSS works with leading national medical institutions and renowned global partners to build a trusted network of healthcare providers and support organizations. The society aims to raise awareness of MS, create a holistic ecosystem for the MS community in the UAE, and provide support and resources for individuals affected by MS. For more information about MS and the NMSS, please visit Visit the NMSS's official social media platforms for the most recent updates and insights. Instagram: NMSsocietyUAE Facebook: National MS Society UAE LinkedIn: National Multiple Sclerosis Society UAE YouTube: NMSSocietyUAE X: NMSsocietyUAE For media inquiries, please contact: Miral Zalabani Account Director NMSS@ About Erth Zayed Philanthropies Erth Zayed Philanthropies is a network foundation established in November 2024 to coordinate and strengthen the UAE's philanthropic efforts worldwide. Operating from Abu Dhabi under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, the Foundation is chaired by His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs and Chairman of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council. Erth Zayed Philanthropies promotes philanthropy as a catalyst, complementing other forms of aid. Its affiliates deliver initiatives across the UAE and in more than 90 countries, focusing on community service, healthcare, education, environmental stewardship, agriculture and food security, and economic empowerment. Through direct programmes, strategic partnerships, and catalytic funds, the Foundation supports long-term, values-led solutions to humanitarian and development challenges.
CBS News
25-05-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Colorado woman runs 189 miles to raise awareness about multiple sclerosis
While a lot of people are relaxing on Memorial Day weekend, one Colorado woman is spending her week raising awareness about Multiple Sclerosis by running further than some people will run in their lives. Megan Gage is thankful for every step she takes, and this week she will be taking a lot of them. "I've trained for a long time, and I'm excited that it's finally here," said Gage. "The goal is to save some of the energy by giving less than I'm capable of, so that over the course of a week, I have gas left in the tank." The Castle Rock woman is running 189 miles from Denver's Sloan Lake to the Colorado-Nebraska state line. By 6 am on Sunday, she already had four under her belt, and she says she feels good. "Last night I felt calm. The night before that, I was a mess," said Gage. She is on this journey to raise money for and awareness about multiple sclerosis and multiple sclerosis research. A cause that is important to her because five years ago she was diagnosed with the disease. "My future turned gray where it's like all the color is instantly sucked out," said Gage. Initially, she was frightened because the autoimmune disease had the potential to strip her of all her movement and lead to her eventual death. But after running a half marathon shortly after diagnosis, she decided to take her health into her own hands as much as possible. Megan Gage sits in a hospital bed after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Megan Gage She started running and eventually joined Team MS Run the US on their annual run across the United States. This week, she is running her leg of the cross-country effort. She's been training for months now, but even that hasn't been without challenges. Just a few weeks ago, she came down with COVID, which is a little more difficult for her. "One of the main treatments for MS compromises your immune system and when you don't have any B-cells, it makes it much harder to fight off basic things like COVID," said Gage. "But I missed one run in seven months. So, I think that I showed up enough that I think I'm going to be okay." She is making her way to Wray, Colorado to prove to herself and her community that with the right attitude and support, you can overcome anything. Megan Gage celebrates finishing a race. The Colorado woman is now running 189 miles to raise money and awareness about multiple sclerosis. Megan Gage "My people have shown up. They've donated. They've supported, you know, bracelets and bumblebees and just little mementos to know that I have my people with me. It's meant everything," said Gage. She'll finish her leg in seven days, and she's hoping to reach her 15,000 fundraising goal by then.
