Finding Confidence to Travel with Multiple Sclerosis

Thank you Arctic Cool for this opportunity to find better and more effective tools for MS patients! We appreciate your continued support of our blog and MS community. originally posted in 2017, I still wear my Arctic Cool gear all the time and now it’s 2023!

Traveling with MS is never easy. But there are some tips and tricks to make things easier. With a good-size adventure on the horizon I've been testing some new gear and getting psyched. One of the biggest concerns with traveling is not knowing how one's body is going to react. Will the MS subside? or will it roar its ugly face in mine?

Heat sensitivity can affect many of those with MS. It will take me down faster than a nano second. SO, I'm getting out the defensive gear and cooling off!

I'm trying out a new cooling shirt to prep for possible hot weather. We are traveling form Jackson Hole, Wyoming, (Grand Teton National Park) to Yellowstone National Park to Crazy Horse Memorial then Mt. Rushmore in South Dakota on a tour by Tauck Bridges tour aptly called "Cowboy Country".

Here I am trying out my new shirt from Arctic Cool:

And here I am after climbing a really big hill to get to the local teepee. Yes, we have a teepee nearby. Local people own it and hike there often. It's a treat to visit and this day was no different.

Sporting my Arctic Cool shirt
- for when the sun decides to come out!

Caroline Craven at top of Bee Teepee Hill - 6.4 miles Rountrip

#takethatMS

Looking out over La Canada, the 210 freeway, and downtown Los Angeles off in the distant. What a beautiful day! Cloudy and cool but that's great for many of us who suffer from heat sensitivity. I had my Arctic Cool cooling shirt on and several times had to take off my wraps and cool off. Then, when the clouds and breeze came back, simply put my over shirts on my back. Love the fact the cooling shirt had it's cooling technology. It definitely gave me a small boost of confidence on ths hike and sometimes that's all one really needs to make a big difference in their life. A little bit of confidence.

Feeling primed and ready - Here we come Rocky Mountains!

Cowboy Country - The Trip

The weather forecast was for blue skies and mid to high 70's. Pretty darn perfect but that sun can be sneaky and warm one of up faster than appreciated, especially if that person has a malfunctioning thermostat in their body, such as many an MS patient who suffer from heat sensitivity.

So, despite the cool forecast, my go-to shirt throughout this 10 day trip was my trusty, short sleeved Arctic Cool in Navy Blue. Here are some pics of me throughout my trip sporting this cooling device. And there were times that my gratitude for this shirt was overwhelming. One day in Jackson the temps were nearing 90F, which for this girlwithms can be detrimental. It's one thing to be in warm temps but another to be walking around, outside, watching over young people and old people, with little escape in sight.

Our trip began with a beautiful two day stay at the Jackson Lake Lodge. Out for our morning stroll before getting the day started, I'm sporting my tank top from Arctic Cool. The morning was still brisk but the tank and the yoga pants made for great clothing during my stretching routine.

more photos...

We saw beautiful wildlife on our tour of the Grand Teton NP as well as in Yellowstone NP.

One of our bison...

Old Faithful. hot just thinking about it. The ground is hot. The energy is hot. The atmosphere is hot. let's just say, the cooling shirt was worn every day and put on with a big sigh of relief.

One thing I noticed though was the stench that comes from wearing a shirt like this everyday. SO, easy fix - just hand wash it in the bathroom sink with gentle soap and hang to dry. Easily dry by morning. Mine was washed everyday - and trust me, it needed it!

We took a rest outside of Yellowstone National Park to check out a hunting lodge in Pahaska owned by Buffalo Bill Cody. So cool. The sun came out and boy was I glad that my navy blue Arctic Cool shirt was there to keep me cool.

We saw quite a bit of wildlife throughout the trip. Some was difficult to shoot while others were easy as pie. Easier than pie really.

This little elk was close by but driving and behind glass makes for not the best photo. But at least the memory was captured and sometimes that's the best part of a photograph.

More photographs...

We took a river float trip on the Snake with the Grand Teton Lodge Rafting Company and saw a variety of birds including this bald eagle.

The trip was great and our guide was excellent. Just happens that our guide, Wayne Johnson, is a local writer and knows quite a bit of history about the area. Our raft was full of information and insightful thought. Fascinating, really.

Again, the morning started out brisk and cool, but we knew the sun was coming. Sporting my Arctic Cool cooling shirt, another shirt and a fleece started out the morning on the water. Come afternoon the shirts were off the cooling shirt was doing its job - keeping me cool.

My Arctic Cool cooling shirts have become my new trusty stand-by. Especially as temperatures are starting to rise for the coming summer months, the tank is put on when yoga or activities are involved. Navy blue short sleeved cooling shirt used for almost every other event.

How do they work? There are tons of little, tiny microns that sense your rising body temperatures and activate a "cooling" technique within the fabric. Well, maybe not exactly like this but that is my interpretation from a layman's standpoint. The point is, it works, and that is all that really matters to me.

I just heard that they have come out with a long-sleeve version. Thank you Arctic Cool! Can not wait to try the long sleeve white shirt for the coming summer months. Talk about hiding from the sun and saying: #TakeTHATms!

Click Here for more info about Arctic Cool and Cooling Shirts. Thank you!

The trip didn't end with the wildlife. We ventured on into South Dakota and took on Crazy Horse Memorial and Mt. Rushmore. And, once again, my cooling shirt saved the day.

Crazy Horse Memorial, South Dakota

It was a gorgeous day, but go to a memorial, with tons of people and lots of stairs and add a few museums, walks and bookstores and you have one tired puppy. Yep, this puppy was hot and tired. But the few degrees that the cooling shirt kept me, under the sun protection of a long sleeve blouse, kept this photographer very happy. In fact, I felt a bit too confident... maybe. But that's OK.

Mt. Rushmore, South Dakota

Considering I used to freak out and be scared to leave the house if temperatures went over 80F, the fact I can now explore memorials, spend time with my nephews and see the world with confidence? I'll take that all day long!

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This blog post was originally posted in 2017 and was sponsored by Arctic Cool and rightly so. They make a great product designed to help us live better with MS. Thank you Arctic Cool for all you are doing to help our MS community.

Click Here for more info about Arctic Cool and Cooling Shirts. Thank you!

Brain Restoration, Sleeping with Sabrina and NAD+

2:07 AM and I’m wide awake.

Seems to be a trend for me lately. Sleep will happen, eventually, but at what cost to my health? I’m ready for a change.

During one of my conversations with Stephen Camp, the founder of Avior Nutritionals, (makers of Myetin - a high dose biotin with NAD+), he brought up the concept of brain restoration.

Brain restoration? We can restore our brains? I love this concept!

Courtesy iStock

I definitely wanted to learn more.

So, he set up a meeting with a functional medicine specialist, Dana Leduff, CHC and practice manager for Dr. Knight at Knight Integrative Medicine.

Have you ever heard of NAD+?

I have heard mentions of it but really do not understand it fully. I was psyched to learn how brains restore and what this means for us living with MS.

NAD+ levels decline as we age, or so the research indicates. AND it is critical for cell generation and health.

“NAD+ creates calming neurotransmitters in your brain,” Leduff told me. OK, my MS brain definitely needs calming.

I took this straight from the Wikipedia - “Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is a cofactor found in all living cells. The compound is called a dinucleotide because it consists of two nucleotides joined through their phosphate groups. One nucleotide contains an adenine nucleobase and the other nicotinamide. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide exists in two forms: an oxidized and reduced form, abbreviated as NAD+ and NADH respectively.”

We are talking about the oxidized version, NAD+,in this article. But what does this mean for me?

“NAD+ is a cofactor involved in the Kreb cycle. It stimulates ATP which is the fuel equivalent that runs all of our cells,” Leduff explained, “NAD+ is a kick start for the engine.”

The Kreb Cycle is also known as the TCA cycle (tricarboxylic acid cycle). It’s basically the chemical reactions to release stored energy through oxidation of acetyl-CoA derived from carbohydrates, proteins and fats into adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and carbon dioxide. It provides the process to make the fuel we need to run our engines. NAD+ is this fuel.

“It affects a lot of other metabolic pathways. If depleted or burned through, adding NAD+ could help gain greater resilience,” she said, “We could have more stockpiled.”

“Imagine having a bad starter to your car,” she said. Well, that’s easy to do!

“If you could take a product that could provide NAD+ it could help the Kreb cycle.” Which in turns help the brain restore by helping mitochondria reach a healthier state.

“An out-of-balance level of NAD+ may be a result from genes that don't make enough or don’t break down the macronutrients to pure NAD+,” Leduff informed me. “When they become in balance it could create changes in circadian rhythm and sleeping patterns.”

Leduff further explained, “As in gardening, we need soil enriched with the right things. In the human body, NAD+ provides the right fuel. It turns a bunch of switches on that might have not been activated due to limited fuel.”

“We want to send as many healthy microbiomes to the brain,” informed Leduff as these could help restore the brain

Research claims benefits.

One interesting article I found was put out by the Translational Medicine of Aging. The title hit a chord with me, “Therapeutic potential of boosting NAD+ in aging and age-related diseases discusses NAD+, it’s benefits and clinical usage.”

NAD+ is synthesized by natural NAD and several precursors. Precursors have shown possible benefits in research. But, “NAD+ in Myetin is the activated form of NAD+ which the body can use in its current form and is not affected by any genetic polymorphisms,” stated Leduff.

One precursor, NR, was found to be beneficial for glucose levels in diabetics. In neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s it’s been shown to help memory, motor function and mitochondrial function as well as protect from neuronal cell death.

Another precursor, NAM, helps with oxidative stress and more: In the model of obesity, it has able to restore glucagon storage to similar levels as age-matched standard-diet mice as well as ameliorate diet-induced hepatosteatosis, oxidative stress and inflammation.

The study found that inhibiting the age-related decline in NAD+ levels is critical for preventing age- or disease-related frailties. It also found that strategies that could potentially boost NAD+ levels include exercise, fasting, and maintaining a healthy diet, and by boosting with supplements.

But these precursors are not the same as NAD+,” Leduff explained. “And there are many precursors available for sale.”

“Whenever claiming to be a particular molecule. We want a form that’s most bioavailable otherwise those genetic mutations could make the process more sluggish or not happen at all so the body can’t benefit from it.

Leduff warns, “Many companies claim to have NAD but they are talking about “precursors” of some form. Avior Nutritionals has the only blend available that is the pure active form of NAD+.”

Leduff suggested that patients who want to find more personalized health plan, could find their answers in functional medicine.

Sleeping with Sabrina

After talking mitochondria a bit, I still wanted to learn more. So, I connected with sleep specialist and certified brain fitness coach, Sabrina Cadini .

She does not have MS.

“I was sick and we couldn’t figure it out for a long time, so I decided to heal myself with self care, nutrition, sleep, etc.,” Sabrina said. A familiar story to so many of us.

“I wanted to share my story and inspire others - switched to coaching. We need to educate people today that there are other options.”

What is a brain fitness coach?

“We help others take care of their brain before it’s too late. We help with nutrition, exercise, sleep, and self-care. Are they too stressed or do they need to enhance their brain function?” Explained Sabrina.

“The body and brain are so tightly connected,” she said, “ For example, if people move the body releases hormones and detoxifies the body - it’s a chain reaction. They don't realize how the body works and just follows the medicine prescribed.”

Mitochondria

“I can’t say enough about mitochondria!” Shared Sabrina.

“These energy powerhouses are some of my best friends when I work with my clients. Considering that mitochondria can also help us with cell growth and the support of the nervous system, I can’t ignore their importance in my coaching practice.

“None of my clients knows about mitochondria, but when I explain the critical role of mitochondria as the source of our cellular energy, their view of everyday life and optimal lifestyle completely shifts. They feel more motivated to follow my program that focuses on nutrition, sleep, exercise, and stress management to improve their energy levels and overall health.

“Since mitochondria are directly connected to sleep and most specifically to our circadian rhythm, I always stress the importance of a good night’s sleep. If our circadian clock is impaired due to lack of sleep, or inconsistent sleep patterns, our energy production will decrease, and our overall health can be impacted: symptoms can include fatigue, pain, and susceptibility to illnesses. This, in turn, can negatively affect the circadian rhythm, creating a vicious cycle.

Circadian Rhythm

“I’m also learning a lot about NAD+ and how mitochondrial dysfunction can result from declining NAD+ levels in our body. I have to say, I feel blessed to live in this era where science and genetics are making progress every day, and more and more research studies give hope to many people suffering from chronic and autoimmune diseases.

Sabrina suggests that once we understand our biological clock, it’s better to understand what we’re doing and going through.

Hormones with light and darkness really run the show. Melatonin night time. Cortisol and adrenal during the day.

“Understand and take better care of yourself,” Dana recommends, “Be more respectful for sleep routine when the night comes.”

Sabrina’s Sleep Tips

“Unplug,” recommends Dana, “the use of technology is a big disrupter.”

“Watch the blue light - the kind we absorb during the day via sunlight - but if we keep absorbing it then we can’t produce melatonin so it disrupts the circadian rhythm.”

Then, Sabrina gave me these great tips to help reset the circadian rhythm along with NAD+.

Sleep Tips

1. Reduce blue light/devices
2. Software called Flux changes color of screen based on time zone to adjust/tint with red as the day progresses
3. Windows 10 on a PC? Look for screen tint, regulated with red/blue light.
4. Reduce TV, devices, etc.
5. Put phone in airplane mode - reduced EMF (electromagnetic fields)
6. Swannies - Blue light blocker glasses
7. Keep room where you sleep as dark as possible.
8. Consistency is KEY -
1. Regular time to bed, regular sleep patterns
2. Do not catch up on sleep - “if it’s gone, it’s gone.”
9. Exercise can help sleep patterns. Don’t exercise later in the evening as its stimulating and may cause problems falling asleep.
10. Caffeine - stop by 3pm - leave 6-8 hours before bedtime.
11. Napping - less than 30 minutes, or might enter deep sleep and feel more fatigued upon awaking
12. Relaxation techniques: yoga, breathing, meditation.

I’m definitely beginning to understand better.

NAD+ is critical for our cells and fueling our brain and body. It helps keep all those scientific parts in balance and the mitochondria healthy so it can send harmonious energy to the brain. “Calming neurotransmitters,” Dana called them.

And understanding how the circadian rhythm plays a role sort of ties the whole brain/body connection together in one tight package.

Very curious for sure. This NAD+ and its role in helping me sleep. Self-care at its finest.

Just one more way we can say #takeTHATms!

A New Year! 22 years with Multiple Sclerosis - 22 years after diagnosis

It’s 2023 and it’s a new year!

In February, 2001, I lost the ability to walk or see unassisted. The MS hit hard and fast while I was traveling across Guatemala with friends. That was a long time ago as much as it was yesterday.

Over these past 22 years, who I knew as myself as a person had changed. A once reliable, active, energetic and hardworking person was no longer. The intention was there but the actions proved differently.

My career changed from a corporate executive to nothing then to a life coach, health journalist, blogger and advocate. Challenges with driving automobiles encouraged me to find otherwise for independence. Life changed. Friendship and family became even more important. So did taking advantage of every opportunity.

After losing my career and feeling frustrated, it took a little gumption to get back up and going. But I found a way through this blog, my MS advocacy and keeping one foot in front of the other. The thought of not going into an office, or what felt like, having a purpose, seem daunting. But I created an outdoor space to work and a whole world opened up to me. If I can work around the clock, then the flexibility is endless as long as the MS obeys. Wahoo! I’ll take that!

This shift in attitude is what is helping me to re-center my life. Look at it a new, find what makes me whole, then do it. Today this means, I can fish, hike, walk, stroll, take photographs, learn to draw, learn to paint, spend quality time with friends and family. Sometimes even I need to remind myself as to the life I have lived these past 22 years. It’s too easy to get into a slump but you know? We’ve got this! All of us. By working and helping and supporting each other, we’ve got this!

After diagnosed with MS, I became certified in holistic nutrition. The importance of food and gut health for those with MS is essential to our quality of life. I am a big fan of farmers market, local agriculture and sprouts.

Then, I became a certified life coach which led me to some incredible projects around the country.

One project happened to be in Orlando, Florida, so I went fly fishing on Lake Kissimmee.

One day I had the opportunity to join NASA/JPL on a tour. Couldn’t have done that if I was was working in an office all day. The fact JPL is ten minutes away from me and I had never seen the inside, I was ecstatic.

As an MS advocate, Girl with MS and Life Coach, the opportunities to share my story has helped me understand that there is still much to live for and enjoy. This MS may get us down, but then a the light seems to brighten.

This is also where I got to meet so many other incredible MS advocates: Carolyn Kaufman, Jodi Dwyer, Crystal Perry, Cathy Chester, Tanya Miller.

Many of you join me on Belong - Thank you!

My Girl with MS Channel on the Belong.lifeMS app continues to grow.

We are a safe, like-minded support group.

Anyone with MS can join Belong and find tons of support, friendship, expert advise and even clinical trials. Once the Belong app is downloaded and you have registered (click here for app), then you can scroll down and see the different support groups.

I also was blessed to be on several amazing trips with my family including Galapagos, Ecuador, Kenya, and Tanzania.

My one take away: Build awareness throughout your life. Really look at what is nearby. Something’s are quite obvious, but others take a little more attention.

And, I survived covid…so far.

Thank you all for being here for me. For being part of my journey with MS. I couldn’t have done it without you. Xo, Caroline

#takeTHATms

MS Diet - Try this food, not that food.

One of the first things everyone asks me these days is if I follow a certain diet, or avoid certain foods. The answer is a resounding YES. I'd love to say that eating anything and everything is OK but it's not. Just recently my diet changed, for the worse, and after six months my MS, along with everything else in my body, went absolutely haywire.

Not every MS patient should follow the same diet. Everyone is different, just as their illness. Recommend instead the trial and error method. Remove a variety of food, one at a time, and see if it affects your MS.

Some of the foods that cause major problems include:

Processed foods (too many additive, hidden wheat and sodium)
Gluten
Carbohydrates in general
Dairy (don't include me in this group. You do not want to be around me if you remove my cheese. I get downright nasty).
Red meat
Other meat
Fried food
High sodium

Remove them for a good couple of months to truly feel a difference. Three - six months is good.

Some folks respond well after going vegan or gluten free. Some do better with a paleo type plan. Try different things and feel how your body responds. Make adjustments and learn from your trials.

Major triggers for me are gluten and carbohydrates. For example last year, my diet went from about 10% simple carbs to more like 50% simple carbs, letting myself eat anything and everything that looked good. For the first couple of months my body kept up, and my body stayed slim and fit. Lean and mean. THEN, it's as if someone turned off the metabolism. Ready for winter was this girl with an additional 15 pounds. Actually 20 pounds but already lost 5. UGH and geez. Nothing fits. Haven't had this problem in 15 years. The ONLY change made was allowing the gluten and carbs to take over my diet. The meat consumption was down and grain consumption increased. Portion sizes increases. Eating is if readying for a marathon, without the matching calorie burning activity. Time to make a change!

Reining in the cravings meant changing habits back to where they were last year. 10% simple carbs. That means no six-packs of beer every weekend. No bottles of wine with french bread and home made cheese. Well, OK, we can have all of these as long as it's in moderation. Key word here - moderation.

Just bringing this awareness to the forefront has allowed me to make many healthy changes. The weight is coming off and the MS seems to be subsiding a bit. This extra weight caused the MS to flare up bad, so looking forward to being the lean, mean fighting machine this girl was for the past 15 years.

Every person is different and so are their diet needs. But I do believe strongly that clean, natural eating is the way to go. Buying local, at farmers markets and learning to cook are two ways to increase one's appreciation for good quality food. And we are what we eat. Eat like crap, look like crap. Eat like a healthy girl, look like a healthy girl.

Time to do this!

#takethatMS

Watcher: Mystery, Murder, Mayhem and a Lady with MS

Finally!

A FUN read featuring a lady living with MS but not focusing on her MS. Watcher, by Jason Stokes, is a tried and true murder mystery and it just happens that the leading lady has MS. And those with it will relate as she struggles obstacles with adrenaline us MS warriors know about. The kind that you dig up from the bottom of your well when your well is empty. The kind that comes from survival, from necessity.

The story flows freely and frantic enough to keep the adrenaline going and the intrigue in motion. Thoroughly enjoyable and well done, I thought the author had MS because Jason Stokes nails it on what it’s like living with MS, or at least for me. So many times I thought, “I know that feeling,” only to be swept up by the story and taken off to some ledge to hang on til I turned the page. Not sure I’ve read that quickly in a long time!

Any way, I had to share with you all. Need a distraction? Try Watcher by Jason Stokes. This Girl with MS sure enjoyed it!

Click here to purchase

*My opinions and this is not my affiliate link - proceeds go to author*

Taken directly from Gestalt Publishing:

What she saw may cost her life.

Teri is a watcher. A silent witness to the lives of others. Robbed of her strength and mobility by a devastating disease, when she witnesses a crime so vicious it forces her to choose between her own safety and a woman she's never met, she'll have to untangle a web of corruption, clear her name and catch a killer before she's the next to disappear.

Watcher was written as a love letter to the MS community and everyone struggling with chronic debilitating disease. A message on every page that though disability can steal your strength, rob you of your physical assets and change how the world chooses to perceive you, you are still strong. You accomplish more before getting out of bed than most people manage all day and that deserves to be celebrated.

Teri is flawed but she is human, like the rest of us and she is empowered with the indomitable gift of an unbreakable spirit.

FUMS Podcast: Natural Treatments and MS

Wahoo! A start of something wonderful and new.

My first joint FUMS Podcast with host Kathy Reagan Young. This one is about holistic and natural treatments for MS symptoms.

Celebrating The FUMS Podcast Show's 20th episode, we're talking to Caroline Craven, The Girl With MS, about natural and holistic treatments for #MS.

FUMSnow.com is the brainchild of Kathy Reagan Young, another MS advocate and warrior. She has so much great information on her blog. Her podcasts cover a variety of important topics.

GREAT NEWS: Caroline is now a contributor to the podcast and will be featured on a regular basis!

We're looking forward to many more of these podcasts.

What do you want to hear about? Let us know and Join the conversation!

CLICK HERE for PODCAST about Natural Treatments for MS Symptoms

#multiplesclerosis #FUMSnow #takeTHATms!

Interesting Research about Multiple Sclerosis

Oh what a year it has been!

Here are some great research articles about multiple sclerosis that I wrote for Healthline.com these past years. Quite a variety and feels good to look back and see how much was accomplished despite fighting relapses all year.

A healthy lifestyle can and will make a big difference with this disease. Take time to own it and kick it's ass. Because it needs kicking.

All I can say is #takeTHATms.

Surviving Summer

I wrote this a few years back. Upon reviewing it reminded me of many important tricks. I updated it, except school hasn’t started yet. But it will and in the meantime we can learn tips for surviving summer heat!

“Today is the first day of school for many students. Wow do they start early! For us it was always after Labor Day. To start when temperatures can still reach 100F is not a pleasant thought. What's worse is that the parents doing all the driving and cooking may have MS. And, if that's the case, then that can be doubly difficult.

For us in Southern California the summer heat can easily stretch through to the beginning of October. Usually by the middle of the month we are free and clear of 100F days. But it's only August 14, so we have at least another six weeks of summer in these parts.“

Here are some suggestions to help us all survive that last warm weeks of summer:

EATING RIGHT: SUPERHERO SALAD

Cook light, healthy and with efficiency. High protein and lots of produce can help make the summer more tolerable. Another trick is the use of some key ingredients such as apple cider vinegar and nutritional yeast.

"What is best for anyone with a compromised health system is to eat with efficiency. For folks living with MS in the summer heat, this means foods rich in minerals and nutrients, anti-inflammatory foods, and those with cooling or neutral energies."

KEEPING YOUR COOL: RITUALS FOR SUMMER

Read this article for tricks that will help you stay calm and relaxed throughout the day while still taking advantage of the long hours. Select the rituals that feel right for you, then create daily habits of them to make the most of your summer.

If the heat is too much - than stay in side and play some video games. Some of them are actually quite good for us!

Click here to read the which video games can help.

More articles by Caroline Craven on MangoHealth.com:

How do you say #takethatMS in the summer?

Conquer MS with Self-Care! Tips and tricks for surviving these Covid Times.

Tips for Surviving 2022 and beyond with MS

For nearly 20 years now I have been battling my multiple sclerosis (MS). Good days, bad days, every which way days. I’ve had them all.

I could not walk or see unassisted when the MS struck me. Now I’m thriving in my own MS way. It’s not the life I was used to or expected for me, but you know what happens when we have too many “plans”. Time to let go and let life plan itself. Time to move forward with MS. My success has been based on a natural, holistic approach to living with a lot of monitoring and help from my doctors. Life skills and stress management have played major rolls in my success.

Times like these we can benefit from learning to move forward...read more

TiPS and TRiCKS to stay healthy and cool this Summer:

Importance of Making a Plan B

Escaping the Red Zone of MS

Cooling and Healing Tips for MS

Join GWMS on youtube

Radio Show - Tips and Tricks for living better with MS

"I'm newly diagnosed with MS - now what?"

MS Living Well Podcast 9: Cognition and Multiple Sclerosis

MAY 21, 2020

Barry Singer MD, Director of The MS Center for Innovations in Care interviews:
Caroline Craven aka The Girl with MS is a certified life coach, writer and motivation speaker. Her writing focuses on articles in health journalism and highly rated blog. Her blog post topics range from personal experiences, research-based articles, recipes, life hacks and resources.

Click For Apple Podcasts

Click For MS Living Well Podcast

Dave Bexfield (ActiveMSers.org) along with Kathy Reagan Young (FUMSnow.com), Cathy Chester (anempoweredspirit.com) And many more saved this Girl with MS during some really dark times. And that was before Covid. We have so much love and support out there. Reach out and see what there is to learn. Click here to see the full list of helpers/advocates. We’ve got this!

The Rocky Ride of MS and What Helped

Multiple Sclerosis is like riding a roller coaster in so many ways.

This past year has shown a lot of love for this Girl with MS. Some symptoms subdued, others raised their voices. But top on my list was meeting so many wonderful people living with MS across the country, in person and around the world via the internet and telephone.

Despite my good year and pleasant holiday, the MS reared its ugly head with a bad case of pseudo bulbar affect or PBA. One minute laughing, the next in tears. I just call it the funk. And it got a holt of me bad the other day.

The fact it's the end of the year caused a bit of the emotions. Focusing on what did not get done in 2019 led me down a path of quick depression. Even healthy people have to give themselves a break, but the pressure and disappointment that one can put on themselves can be debilitating. And that's where I found myself.

You know what helped? All of these MS advocates and friends Read more...

Football season is a coming, not sure what it will look like but I’m getting ready. Love my Oregon Ducks and Puddles! #takeTHATms!

Take the Self-Care Challenge!

Self-Care is vital in our fight against MS. What can we do for ourselves? Life skills lead to better health. One of these skills is to learn to quiet the mind... read more

Potential natural treatments for MS

Alternative Therapies for MS

Why me? managing anger in MS

S urviving the Covid Quarantine

Life as an MS patient brings enough uncertainty and stress.
These last five months have created challenges upon challenges. But it’s also provided opportunities. I started a sourdough starter as did many people. I can’t eat a lot of gluten as it affects my MS in a bad way but it’s been fun making stuff for the family. More importantly is that I posted two great resources to learn more about living with MS during Covid. One is by the awesome @CathyChes at The Empowered Spirt and the other by Dr. Terry Wahls and the Wahls Group. Did you know that elderberry during this time may not be a good thing? So much to learn....read more...

Take action to potentiate your wellness.

Other natural treatments for MS symptoms.

Keep on Moving if and when you can! It took me awhile to build up my strength after some time off. And this heat will have me down for awhile, but enjoy the little moments and all achievements.

10 Ways you Can Prepare to Age Well with MS
by guest writer Anita Fernandes

Conquer MS with Self-Care: GUT HEALTH

Much research has been done regarding gut health and MS. And let’s face it – our guts are not healthy! When we take pills by swallowing they have to compete with every other bacteria in your stomach and gut. This can be a detriment for folks living with MS.

I wrote this article, “How gut bacteria eases autoimmune diseases ” as well as this important piece about Probiotics and gut health .