Living With Multiple Sclerosis

By: Jeff Wilson

A disease of the central nervous system, which consists of the brain, spinal cord, and the optic nerves; living with multiple sclerosis is debilitating. Myelin, also known as the myelin sheath, is a fatty tissue which surrounds and protects the nerve fibers of the central nervous system, helps nerve fibers conduct electrical impulses. If the myelin begins to deteriorate, it leaves scar tissue called sclerosis. Myelin protects nerve fibers, and when it is destroyed or damaged, the ability of the nerves to conduct electrical impulses to and from the brain is disrupted, thereby producing the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis.

Affecting more than 350,000 people in the U.S., multiple sclerosis is diagnosed in people between the ages of 20 and 40. Multiple Sclerosis is twice as likely to occur in Caucasians, more than any other group, and women are more likely than men to be affected by MS earlier in life. Later in life, the incidence of the disease in men and women is almost equal.
To date, the cause of Multiple Sclerosis is unknown. Researchers suspect that a foreign object such as a virus or an abnormal gene changes myelin so that the immune system perceives myelin as an intruder and attacks it. While some of the myelin may be repaired, it may disappear altogether, leaving nerves without a protective cover.

Individuals living with Multiple Sclerosis experience a physical inability to function, and the onset of attacks may range from mild to severe. These attacks may last for a brief time or continue for months to years. Symptoms include impaired vision; muscle weakness; lack of coordination; muscle spasms, fatigue, numbness and pain. They may also experience loss of sensation, some form of speech impediment, tremors, dizziness, hearing loss, memory loss, and depression. As the disease progresses, MS individuals experience sexual dysfunction and reduction in bowel and bladder control.

One of the most heartbreaking aspects in diagnosing MS is that it could literally take months. Unfortunately, detecting MS requires an ongoing and detailed history of the individual to determine if the symptoms can definitively be diagnosed as MS. Three tests must be performed in order to ascertain the criteria for MS is met: an MRI; an electro-physiological test; and an examination of the cerebro-spinal fluid which surrounds the spinal cord. If the criteria are not met in any one of these tests, the individual is diagnosed with probable MS. It is not considered definite MS until the individual’s age is within the range; at least one attack affecting more than one organ has occurred; or there has been a progression of symptoms over a long time.

Once it is determined an individual has this disease, medications will be prescribed to manage attacks, symptoms, or both. Medications which alter the immune system, such as interferon, have been used to help living with Multiple Sclerosis. To date, there is no known cure; however research is ongoing in finding a cure for this dreaded disease.

Article Source: www.articlepro.co.uk/international

For more detailed Multiple Sclerosis information drop by living with Multiple Sclerosis. Jeff also suggests www.FreeArticles.com for reading more free health related articles.

               

Dread Disease Dragged Out My Best

By Russ Miles

In denial, I was slow to accept Multiple Sclerosis. Who, after all, would embrace a diagnosis of the dread disease of no known cause, and for which there was no cure?

“The mission of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society® is to end the devastating effects of MS. Approximately 400,000 Americans acknowledge having MS, and every week about 200 people are diagnosed. Worldwide, MS may affect 2.5 million individuals.”

I continued to operate my own real estate company, increasing the number of experienced agents who required less hands-on supervision.

Putting renters in my house, I moved closer to my office using a handicapped scooter to get back and forth on those days when I didn’t have appointments set up to “List” or “Show” homes. I refused to give up driving because one leg still worked, most of the time.

In hidden panic, I began making hasty decisions. On a week requiring my personal intervention on behalf of two of my agent’s real estate transactions, I decided to sell my company. For a coffee cup, I traded my principle share of the real estate corporation to my new partner (another such decision), just to get out. Having no problem, I obtained an Associate Broker position with one of the major corporations.

When it became apparent–even to me–that I could no longer provide the level of service I expected my clients to have, I took the Social Security Disability option. Gritting my teeth, as the mandatory waiting period ticked away, I tried to decide what to do with the remaining years of my life. Although I had once owned art stores, even taught oil painting–always the optimist–ever I could not paint a portrait of future prosperity.

A good friend suggested that I write a book. As I had published two poetry books twenty-five years before, I considered the possibility. In an attempt to overcome personal depression, I decided to write about making better choices. I chose a novel format because it allowed the freedom to develop hypothetical scenarios, involving fictional characters, while forcing awareness of real dangers. I wanted to make a compelling case for right choices, not just in marketing ones home, but in all aspects of life.

I’ve made a lot of mistakes. Most of us do. We live in troubled, unpredictable times. People must contend with changing economic issues, employment disruptions, family problems, health upsets, crime, and consequences. With enhanced awareness, we can perhaps gain clarity when, standing flat-footed over home plate, the curve ball comes. Okay, so we were expecting a fast–pitch.

For Sale By Owners: FSBO is my novel about people. Not perfect people. It begs the question, “What would For Sale By Owners do if they knew they were really buying trouble?” As former real estate broker, I am qualified to shed some light on this often un-addressed area of concern.

Many agents are reluctant to tell people just how dangerous it is to open their doors to strangers. Understandably, people who must sell homes do not want to pay brokerage fees, if they can avoid it. It is, absolutely their right to sell their homes themselves.

But all too often, the man saying, “We can sell it ourselves, Honey,” pops a FOR SALE BY OWNER sign in the yard, and goes off to his work. His compliant companion places an ad in the local newspaper, answers the phone, and sets appointments for the supposedly interested buyers to come see their home for sale. Danger comes cloaked by delusion.

I’ve had women clients tell me they had prayed that no one would call. Peeking out the curtains, some deciding astutely, did not answer the door.

As my father once told me, “Son, all crooks have honest faces. Malice masquerades well in a mask of deceit.”

In their efforts to be professional, often agents do not wish to alarm or alienate sellers who might list with them, later. I have no such vested interest.

Even real estate agents recognize they are placing themselves at risk when showing houses. Every year, many are abducted, robbed, murdered, and raped in this country. NAR®, the National Association of Realtors, constantly warns agents to vigilant, careful whom they work with. Many Realtors® will no longer do “Open Houses” because it is simply too dangerous. The commission reward of marketing a home in this manner, disproportionate to the risk.

Yes, I am passionate about the problem. My book doesn’t mince words. The serial rapist adds an eerie element, providing a fractured face to one possible perpetrator.

Multiple Sclerosis lost by forcing a mid-life course correction. Rather, this dread disease has dragged out my best.

The MS Society® and its network of chapters nationwide promote research, educate, advocate on critical issues, and organize a wide range of programs including support for the newly diagnosed and those living with MS over time.

Russ Miles is the author of the novel, For Sale By Owners:FSBO. Seasoned Real Estate NAR® Broker Disabled by Multiple Sclerosis, FOR SALE BY OWNERS:FSBO ISBN 0-595-28703-4,in trade paperback, is available by phone or Internet:1-800-Authors to order direct! Very HOT–LINK Adobe e-book & hard cover editions also available FSBO at Amazon.com at Barnes and Noble and other fine booksellers.

Comments: MilesRuss@Gmail.com.

Personal referrals to his publisher

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Russ_Miles

               

Multiple Sclerosis: Something To Hold On To

By Michael Russell

When it comes to maneuvering around the house, multiple sclerosis can make things difficult. You never know when your arms or legs will give out on you. You appreciate the helping hands of family, friends and caregivers but sometimes you just want to be able to get around on your own, especially when you’re alone and it’s a simple thing. You’d really rather not have someone running to your rescue for every little thing when you could very well accomplish the task yourself. You’re not naïve about your limitations and very conscious of safety, but you realize your need of that little something extra for some of those tricky areas in the house like steps in unusual places and absolutely every staircase. What you need is something to hold onto.

Getting around the house safely and securely can be easier than you thought with “Safety Hand Grips”. Besides the usual places where grab bars are used, like the bathroom, shower and toilet. Safety Hand Grips can be put in all those other areas around the house where you also need the extra support but no one but you thought it was necessary.

Most of the Safety Hand Grips in the marketplace today are at least 9 inches in length or longer and feature construction of a durable ABS material; a type of plastic in high favor for it’s scratch and dent resistant properties. They are commonly packaged in pairs with everything you need to secure them where you need them. They are reasonably priced from $9.90 to $15.80 per set not considering the shipping but if you spend at least a certain dollar amount you might get free shipping.

Bruce Medical.com carries Safety Hand Grips for $14.95, order number BMS1578 Painreliever.com carries Brand Safety Hand Grips for $15.80, order Model #:521-1578-1900) Aidsforarthritis.com carries Safety Hand Grips for $9.90, order Item #: F-9

If you really need to, you could literally install Safety Hand Grips all around your home. Since studies continually show that more accidents occur in the home than anywhere else, you can’t go wrong in being extravagant in putting this simple but effective living aid in every corner of your home. In fact, you as well as those who love and care for you should rest easier knowing that the Safety Hand Grips are in place. It doesn’t mean that you can throw caution to the wind. You’ll still need to exercise the utmost safety in all you do but you shouldn’t have to worry whether or not you’ll make it from point A to point B safely. It’s a good investment for your safety or for someone you love.

If you’re not sure and you want to try out the Safety Hand Grips before you buy them, look for a lending closet in your area. Lending closets carry a variety of daily living aids like canes, walkers, scooters and other ingenious gadgets to help make life easier for the disabled or temporarily injured. If you can’t find a lending closet nearby, call MSAA (Multiple Sclerosis Association of America) at 1-800-532-7667. Inquire about the availability of Safety Hand Grips and a listing of other available aids.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Multiple Sclerosis

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

               

Myth Or Not?

Re: Myth: No one can possibly understand what I’m going through.

I am going to challenge this statement as being a myth.

My husband, Chris, has been battling MS for a long, long time. He is pretty well bed bound, although he can get up into his wheel chair, the pain prevents him from staying there too long.

Before he got as bad as he is today, he obviously went through the “symptom” stages. And, unfortunately, 90% of the people we knew, did not understand what he was going through. They cared and were supportive, but they did not understand.

So much of the problem, during the “getting advanced symptoms” stage was difficult because of the lack of understanding.

No one could really understand what it felt like to get the tiredness, the fatigue that is common to MS. To get so bothered by heat and light that it would bring out MS symptoms. Read more

               

Fat Man Walking…Fight Obesity

Fat Man Walking…Thin, Living, Gracious Man Emerging

Steve

A few days ago, one of my closest friends called me up and asked if I heard about “that obese guy walking across the country.” “No,” I said — and frankly, I was a bit shocked that I missed the story. I seem to catch every other story like this one.

“I don’t know the name of his site, but he’s lost over 100 pounds and…”

That was enough for me. I was already inspired…and I had a moment of intuition come upon me. “Fat man walking?”, I said, half joking and half knowing.

My friend did a search on Google, and sure enough, that is the name of Steve’s website. Just in case you thought I was being callous with my titles, I wasn’t — these are Steve’s words, not mine. My “intuition” was just that…and the fact that the title made sense given the movie, Dead Man Walking.

What I didn’t know was exactly how much sense it made until I read the story you’re about to read.

Steve wanted to reclaim his LIFE…so he chose a goal worthy of life — a massive, inspiring, tremendous goal. A “gigantic why”, as I point out in Fit Over 40. This was crucial to my success as well, although I did not choose to walk across the country.

Yet.

More on that in a moment.

First, I want you to read the story of Steve. See if you can’t relate to his pain, even if you are not 400 pounds (Steve is now 100 pounds lighter after walking as far as he has.)

Fit Over 40 has our own “Steves” — like Jon Blackburn, who never left his garage for the first fifty pounds and never leaves his church for the rest! Jon shed 150 pounds of fat and has kept it off using sound nutrition and simply walking (and eventually running) stairs. Or Marty Webb, Ph.D., who began her journey in her late 50s to become a super-lean 61-year-old.

If Steve’s story inspires you, Fit Over 40 will inspire and thoroughly educate you using multiple role models and the strategies they used to regain their own lives. My own story is included, as I took my own trip from obesity to leanness.

Before you dive into Steve’s journey, let me tell you this: you do not have to walk across the country to become fit and healthy.

But, you do have to walk around the world.

What do I mean by that? The world is blocking your path. The world, with its schedules, its expectations, its preconceived notions of what you are “supposed” to do and be at a certain age — all of that needs to be walked around in order to get on the path to the greatest “you” possible.

No one achieves greatness through conformity to the masses. I’m challenging each of you to rise above the masses, walk around your own “world”, and join the path to become Fit Over 40 — starting today.

Read on, and then read my challenge below Steve’s story. We’re going to pitch in, make a difference, and even begin a trek of our own.

Interested?

Jon Benson
Creator/Co-Author of Fit Over 40: Role Models For Excellence At Any Age

Order Fit Over 40

My Name is Steve Vaught, (born Stephen James Liller in Youngstown, Ohio). I am a 39 year old, happily married father of two great kids and I have a pretty good life here in Southern California. You would think that I would be happy because of these things, but I am not.

I am not happy because I am fat and being fat makes every day unhappy.

I did not make this website to complain about it however, instead I am doing something about it and this site was made to chronicle my story.

I am going to walk across the United states from San Diego to NYC to lose weight and regain my life!

The rest of the story is that I have not always been fat. I have been many things in my life from a lanky teenager to a muscular Marine and now I am fat. This latest incarnation is without a doubt the worst.

Being fat is physically and emotionally painful. It diminishes the quality of the good things in life and it will ultimately bring about an early demise. So being overweight darkens every good thing that you achieve in your life and even prevents some things from happening at all.

For the last 15 years I have been slowly gaining weight and it seems that whatever I do, it just spirals ever upward.

Socially being fat is hard to deal with because I feel that am looked down upon by people even when they are not doing so maliciously. It may be human nature. You know, “survival of the fittest”. Also, I feel as though I am being taken advantage of by companies and people that want fat people to buy their latest “miracle pill” or prepackaged food that will help me lose the weight.

We, as a society, are growing larger and have become a big market for high dollar fast fixes. We are not getting the fix because it is an illusion. Don’t get me wrong, if I were given the option I would trade just about anything to be trim and fit again. I have the same excuses, desires and dreams as many others in my position. I know though, that there is no other option but physical exertion to truly get back into shape.

So, after consulting the family and getting their blessing I have made the decision to stop this merry go round and dedicate myself to losing the extra weight. I have an addiction and there needs to be dedication and sacrifice to cure addictions. If I had a drug or alcohol addiction I would go to rehab. Well, what I have in mind is rehab for the fat guy. I am going to take six months out of my life and walk across the United States from San Diego to NYC.

My main purpose in undertaking this journey is losing weight. More importantly though, I need to change the behaviors that have allowed me to be in this situation in the first place. I know that to permanently lose this weight I must learn to be more responsible to myself.

Nuts you say? Well, maybe.

But how nutty is spending a fortune on miracle weight loss drugs or fad diets that never seem to have lasting results or dangerous surgeries that cost about the same as a luxury car?

Living your life without health insurance because you are considered too high risk.

What about the fact that only 3% of weight loss attempts are permanently successful?

What about the anxiety, depression and pain involved in everyday activities when you are fat?

I don’t want to miss out on birthdays, graduation, marriages and grandkids because I chose not to take my life back. That, to me, is nuts.

I am going to sacrifice some time out of my regular life to gain 30- 40 years of a better, leaner, healthier and happier life.

So considering all of that, I would be nuts not to do this.

Losing the weight will be the easy part. I plan to keep the weight off in the future by maintaining a proper diet and level of activity needed, as well as remembering how easy it is to gain weight and difficult to lose it.

I hope my story and actions serve to encourage others to take their lives back — to get up and do something about it today.

We have become conditioned to believe that there is an answer in a pill or cream or drink or machine that will fix it for us. We lost sight of the fact that we are the most incredible machine ever built, capable of great heroism, ingenuity and strength.

The human race has achieved great feats solely on the efforts of the individual. Building pyramids, settling frontiers and walking on the moon are a few examples.

I hope to remind people like me, that we each have the strength and ability to do anything we want. Losing weight is a choice the same as continuing to exist in this terrible condition is a choice. I have decided to live! It really is a simple decision when you think about it.

If you want to keep up with the journey and my progress please come back often to check out the journal page. With details from the road both good and bad, I will talk about the walk, people I have met, my physical condition, and a weekly weigh in when possible.

This effort is not going to be without sacrifice, my family and I know and accept that. I will probably see my wife and kids only once or twice during this time. I am not in the best condition financially to go six months without income and have resigned myself to the fact that I will lose my car and property. Those things however, pale in significance when reckoned with the consequences of doing nothing.

I can get another car or another property but not another life. That which is most precious is the one thing that cannot be bought for any price…life.

Fit Over 40’s Challenge To You…And Our Gift To Steve
I have to tell you this — Steve does not know me from Adam. He has no idea I’m sharing his story, nor (to my knowledge) has he ever even read Fit Over 40. He is in no way affiliated with my book or my company.

That being said, I feel compelled to help this person along his journey.

I will be sending Steve a copy of this newsletter, a copy of Fit Over 40, and half of the proceeds from this week’s book sales to help support his cause.

This is not a marketing ploy — this is a flat-out bribe. If I can draw attention to people like Steve and help him financially, then by all means I’m going to do it. Yes, I’m “bribing” you to help — and I’m asking many of my fellow fitness pros to chip in as well.

You see, Steve inspired me with his story, but more than that, he isn’t trying to do anything but live. If you read his website, you’ll see what I mean. He’s not walking for some higher cause. He’s walking because he’s unhappy and determined to regain joy and health.

Because I’m such a fan of walking, and a fan of this country, I’ve chosen Steve as my “role model of the month” for Fit Over 40 members.

If you’ve been thinking about purchasing Fit Over 40, do it this week. I will post the amount raised for Steve’s cause in next week’s newsletter, with a special thanks to each of you. I will also post screen captures of the actual donation for legal purposes. This contribution will be done in the the name of “the readers of Fit Over 40.” Technically, it will come from Fit Over 40 LLC, but the credit will go to each one of you. If Steve is already well-supported, then I will ask him to donate those funds to UNICEF. Either way, this week will be an amazing week, and I thank you for your support in advance.

Fit Over 40 Announces Our Own Journey:
Walk and Train Across The Plains 2007

Just when you thought you’d seen it all from me.

Steve’s trek inspired me so much that I came up with this idea. I will be fleshing it out and giving you all more details as we go. For now, let this thought resonate with you: a walk across America, with anyone wanting to join doing so in any state, for any length, combined with daily resistance training, healthy nutrition, and motivation. Why just walk when you can “Walk and Train”?

People over 40 need resistance training more than any other form of exercise. Don’t wait until 2007 — start today by picking up Fit Over 40 and learning from our role models. Then, join me and our team as we cross our great land in true Fit Over 40 style.

Finally, I will be planning a motorcycle trip back across the country when we reach our destination. We’ll hit the gym 3-4 times per week and get our exercise in as well as we see the most beautiful parts of America and Canada.

to express your interest in this trip of a lifetime. There is no cost to join in on the road with us — just the desire to make a massive difference in your life and the lives of every person over 40.

Details TBD!

Jon Benson
Creator/Co-Author of Fit Over 40: Role Models For Excellence At Any Age

Order Fit Over 40

Need Some Answers Now?

If you don’t have a copy of Fit Over 40 yet, download yours today. In less than a few minutes you’ll have the number 2 fitness e-book of all time right on your desktop — 304 pages of inspiration, motivation and fitness strategy. Fit Over 40 isn’t just for people over 40 — it’s an invaluable training and motivational e-book that can save you years, even decades of frustration when it comes to learning what works for your body and seeing the results you want. One of the reasons I wrote the book was to save others the years of trial and error I went through as I went from obese to fit. With over 50 role models profiled, Fit Over 40 will stand the test of time for anyone interested in health, strength, fat loss, muscle, and motivation — at any age.

               

Symptoms of MS

When my husband was first experiencing symptoms of MS, the doctors told him it was “all in his head”. He also suffers from spinal arthritis. His whole spine is fused, from the top of the neck to the bottom of the spine. Often times, arthritis and MS go hand in hand. They are both auto-immune diseases. We live in Canada, and it took a trip to the Mayo Clinic to get a definite diagnosis. An MRI is usually what finally gives the affirmation, that, yes, you have MS. They say that MS is a very difficult disease to diagnose because it can mimmick so many other conditions. Ot times, MS is diagnosed only after all other options have been exhausted.

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Multiple Sclerosis, also known more simply as MS, is a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system. It has been found to affect more young adults during their most productive years. Doctors have found many factors that contribute to the onset of Multiple Sclerosis. These etiologies range from viral and autoimmune etiologies as well as genetic factors that are said to contribute to the disease. However, no specific cause of MS has been found. Read more