Multiple Sclerosis, or MS for short, is a disease that affects the body’s central nervous system. This chronic and debilitating disease generally attacks your brain and spinal cord. There is no cure for MS, but with the right treatments, patients with MS can control their symptoms depending on their severity. MS affects each person differently. The affects can range from mild to causing permanent disability in others.
There a wide variety of symptoms that goes along with MS. Numbness in one or more limbs, dizziness, fatigue, partial or complete loss of vision, slurred speech, paralysis and forgetfulness are just a few of the symptoms that patients may exhibit. One of the most widely used methods of treating MS is through the use of medications. Depending on which form of the disease a patient has, the treating physician will work up a range of medications that will work best to treat the MS as needed. Muscle relaxants, drugs to treat depression or arthritis, or even an antidepressant are just a few different types of medication used to treat MS. Another method of treating MS is through the use of occupational therapy. These therapists generally assist the MS patient to find a method of mobility that is best for them. The therapist will help determine if a wheelchair or cane is best for each patient. While treatment isn’t as straightforward as in the cardiac rehab program, the options for treatment can help tremendously.
One of the most important ways to cope with Multiple Sclerosis is to keep on doing the things that you would normally do on any given day. Eat a well balanced diet, get plenty of exercise and maybe even try out a new hobby to pass the time. Getting plenty of rest may also help to keep the symptoms of MS from acting up. Just remember that it could get worse: at least you don’t have to undergo numerous da vinci prostatectomy exams!
While Multiple Sclerosis can be a devastating disease to some people, it is best to remember to keep your thoughts positive. When dealing with such an unpredictable disease it is best to confront your disease head on and accept that what you have will most likely be a lifelong condition. Simply denying the fact that you have MS won’t get you anywhere toward treating the problem and will most likely only complicate the disease. If you do have MS you will want to take it easy and not get stressed out. Stress has been shown to trigger an attack of symptoms so you need to remember to try and relax and often as possible. If you need further group support, consider your options at the womens diagnostic center.
By: Alice Lane
Posts Tagged ‘Balanced Diet’
Coping With Multiple Sclerosis at the Womens Diagnostic Center
November 11th, 2009How to Prevent Varicose Veins
November 10th, 2009
According to The National Women’s Health Information Center,
as many as 60% of all American adults have some form of
varicose veins. Women, however, are more affected by 50%. By
the mid 50’s, 41% of women suffer from spider or varicose
veins.
Varicose veins appear when blood collects in a vein instead
of being pumped back to the heart. Any vein may become
varicose, but the veins most commonly affected are those in
the legs and feet. That’s because standing and walking
increase the pressure in the veins in your lower body.
Varicose veins develop in people who stand or sit for long
periods of time. Lack of exercise, pregnancy, being
overweight, prolonged constipation, and sitting with legs
crossed can compound the problem.
If varicose veins are not treated properly complications
such as swelling, restlessness, leg sores, itching, leg
cramps, feeling of heaviness in the legs and fatigue can
occur.
Surgical treatment is available but it’s always healthier
and less expensive to prevent, rather than treat most health
problems.
Prevention for varicose veins initially begins with the
wearing of support hosiery. But a healthy diet and
lifestyle can do wonders to avoid the occurrence of varicose
veins.
Eat a balanced diet low in fat and carbohydrates and include
lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Take vitamin C. Vitamin C helps strengthen blood vessel
walls.
Keep the diet high in fiber to prevent constipation.
Avoid sugar, fried foods, junk foods, tobacco, salt,
alcohol, processed and refined foods.
Exercise daily to maintain a healthy weight. Walking,
swimming and bicycling all promote good circulation.
Do not wear tight clothes which restrict blood flow.
At least once a day sit with the legs above the heart level
for 20 minutes to relieve symptoms.
Avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time.
Avoid crossing the legs when sitting.
Avoid heavy lifting and putting any unecessary pressure on
the legs.
Herbs, such as red clover and horse chestnut, are especially
helpful in maintaining healthy strong veins.
For more information visit:
http://www.apluswriting.net/health/varicose.htm
Copyright: 2005 Marilyn Pokorney
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By: Marilyn Pokorney