Information Team news
Open Door - February 2010 page 16
Any questions?
- I've read about a new drug in the newspaper...
- What treatments are there for my wife's fatigue?
- Are my symptoms MS?
- How can I explain MS to my colleagues?
These are just a few examples of the hundreds of calls, emails and letters received by the MS Trust Information Service each year. Our team will gather together reliable, independent information to match your needs to help you better understand symptoms and have informed conversations with your health professionals about treatment options. Our focus is on health information, but you can ask us anything about MS. If we are unable to find an answer ourselves we will try to direct you to organisations best able to help.
- To ask your question, ring the Information Service on 01462 476700, email infoteam@mstrust.org.uk or write to us at the address below.
Pick and mix exercises
The continuing popularity of our book Exercises for people with MS demonstrates the desire to find simple but effective strategies for maintaining strength and fitness. To develop this, we have explored ways to present the exercises in a more efficient and tailored manner.
The new version is a set of web pages that allow you to compile a personalised programme of exercises to meet your own particular needs.
The exercises are arranged in categories based both on how they are done (eg standing exercises, hand and arm exercises) and the type of problems they address (eg exercise to help with posture, with balance or to build up strength). Each exercise includes clear, attractive diagrams, an animation to illustrate the movement and the option to download the individual page.
Self management
Self management is something you probably do everyday but don't realise it. Every day you use problem solving skills, set goals and manage your stress and your time - this is self management.
In MS self management includes:
- Dealing with symptoms and relapses
- Being a partner with health professionals in making informed choices about medicines and treatment
- Making best use of available resources
- Living well and accommodating MS into your life
To help you approach these issues, MS and me, a self management guide to living well with MS, will be published in the spring.
Talking to the kids
MS affects not only the person with MS, but the whole family. Discussing MS with children may seem daunting. Each family is unique and each person's experience of MS is different, so there is no right or wrong way to talk about it, just as there is no ideal time.
The MS Trust's new book, Talking with your kids about MS, developed with neuropsychologist Jo Johnson, looks at the concerns parents may have, some of the things children may want to know and what other parents' experiences have been.
- Talking with your kids about MS - looks at the concerns parents may have
- Kids' guide to MS - for 6-10 year olds who have a mum or dad with MS
- Young person's guide to MS - for 11-16 year olds who have a parent with MS
- Talking about MS - factsheet
To order books, click on the title or visit the Publications page.
Fatigue chatroom
Fatigue is the most common symptom of MS and one that can have a huge impact on the lives of people with MS. Share your thoughts and questions about fatigue with health professionals and other people with MS in our next chatroom in April.
If you are unable to make it to the chatroom on the day, email your questions or comments in advance.
- For more details, see the Chatrooms page.
- If you would like to send your questions or comments in advance or would like an email reminder for future sessions, contact info@mstrust.org.uk.
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Disclaimer
Open Door articles are reproduced as published. They are not updated to take account of subsequent developments. Use appropriate caution in acting on the information in any article.