a New Year, a New Blood Test and 2 MS Companies making a difference.

thrive

Happy New Year!   (well, almost)

2017 was amazing in so many ways but after these holidays I definitely need to get back on track.  Late nights, rich food, more drinks and desserts...my body began to rebel.   It just about quit on me yesterday.  Maybe it did.

Two pm, and helping mom with yet another holiday function and finally found myself crashed out on the bed.  Been a beautiful but long holiday!

We kicked off December going to Nashville, Tennessee to learn more about iQuity's blood test to help diagnose multiple sclerosis.  Click here for my article about this blood test called isolateMS.  This is definitely company to keep an eye on in the future.  The blood test is already helping some patients with their diagnoses.  It could be an effective alternative to MRI's and anyone who's had an MRI knows how uncomfortable it can be.

iQuity Advisory Board

iQuity Advisory Board

Caroline Craven (www.GirlWithMS.com)

Kathy Reagan Young (www.FUMSnow.com)

Kim Standard (www.StuffCouldAlwaysBeWorse.blogspot.com)

Cat Stappas (www.ItsOnlyABruise.com)

Beth Prystowsky (www.ModernDayMS.com)

Stephanie Buxhoeveden (www.JustKeepSmyelin.com)

Matt Cavallo (www.MattCavallo.com)

Dan and Jennifer Digmann (www.DanandJenniferDigmann.com)

Laura Kolaczkowski (www.insidemystory.com)

Kim Standard, Caroline Craven, Jennifer Digmann

There were ten of us MS bloggers in Nashville and it was awesome to connect and meet in person! We ended up at the Grand Ol' Opry after a good day of brainstorming, sharing and learning.

The next week found us in Boston, Massachusetts.  This trip we worked with another company and their activities helping MS patients live better.   It snowed on us and we got to experience an almost white Christmas!

Enjoying Boston with some of the EMD Serono MS team!

It's really amazing and wonderful to feel the connection between medicine and quality of life.  These two companies understand that this is important.  I appreciate this greatly.

Caroline Craven and Carolyn Kaufman - from Without the Weight.  

So much appreciation and gratitude as 2017 comes to an end.   GWMS was active in many great programs this past year to help others with MS live a better life.  AND I met the man of my life who has been the most wonderful support system imagined.   This is good for Girl with MS.  Oh so very good for GWMS.

As the holidays come to an end, my body is ready for cleansing and reflection.  For movement and for routine.  The rich foods and excess alcohol was felt in every muscle and nerve.  I also indulged in some cigarettes which I know are terrible for us - but tasted good at the time.  And the coffee/caffeine consumption was nearing epic proportions.

But the binge/festivities are over and easily my body, mind and spirit slide back into a healthy routine.  Today I'm sipping royal chrysanthemum tea.  Yesterday my cup was full of "pitta" tea to help reduce heat and inflammation, followed by some fruity Acai berry tea full of anti-oxidants.  And it has the most beautiful bright blue flowers in it.  Violet blue.

Today I am working on an exciting project for Self Care Catalysts.  This is another company that is making a difference in the lives of MS patients.  They have launched an app called My Health Storylines in addition to starting the Self Care Movement:  #selfcaremvmt

They understand that patients want to take control over their wellness and they are doing something about it!

Their homepage says it all:

Mabel and Caroline Craven,
@thegirlwithms

HEALTH INNOVATION BEGINS WITH ME

UNDERSTANDING CHRONIC ILLNESS THROUGH SELF CARE, STORYTELLING, DATA, AND INSIGHT TO IMPACT HEALTH OUTCOMES.

It's that whole, "Begins with Me" that knocks it out of the park.  So true.  We are only as good as our actions.

As many of you know, my whole gig is about creating our own wellness, about self-care.  Now this does not mean you abandon all medicines or disease treatments.  Self-care is about the big picture.  The whole enchilada.   The wholistic approach.  this includes nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, medicines, and all things consumed and ingested as healing treatments.

I'm working on some challenges for the coming year.  Weekly resolutions that can be done in five days to help guide us into a healthier 2018...

Watch this spot - more to come.

and #takeTHATms!