Living with Multiple Sclerosis

As part of multiple sclerosis (MS) education and awareness month, our last post reviewed the different types of MS and the symptoms sufferers experience. In today’s post, we’ll share a few strategies MS sufferers can take to improve their quality-of-life.

Improving Your Quality of Life with MS

Multiple sclerosis is a relatively rare disorder, but for those diagnosed, it’s life-altering. That doesn’t mean, however, that an MS diagnosis is the end of all good things. Many people who have been diagnosed have found ways to live full, healthy lives. Beyond the clinical therapies and medications, there are other important steps patients can take to preserve their physical and mental health.

Exercise and Diet

Exercise is vital to keep your body working properly and your health stable. MS eats away at seldom-used muscles, so it’s important your body gets enough stimulation to maintain a healthy muscle mass. Often, those who don’t exercise consistently are more prone to depression and more likely to become fatigued by simple tasks.

Because your body is under constant attack, nourishing it with the right foods is another important way of maintaining your health. What you put into your body can drastically alter how effective your MS treatments are. If you fill it with unhealthy foods, it weakens your body’s ability to heal itself, which makes it easier for MS to progress. A diet that’s low in saturated fats and high in vitamin D has shown the best results, especially when paired with physical activity.

Mental Health

Maintaining your physical health is extremely important when combating multiple sclerosis, but maintaining your mental health is absolutely vital. If you allow yourself to lose hope and sink into depression, the motivation to fight and continue living will begin to slip away.

The most important thing to do is to stay grounded. When you go down the rabbit-hole of doubt, your focus on getting through the diagnoses is shattered. Try purging your negative thoughts into a personal journal. This will help you continue problem-solving and remain centered on your health.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society also offers an online directory of local MS support groups. Talking with other people facing similar challenges can make you feel less alone as you concentrate on your health.

Have You or a Loved One Been Diagnosed with MS?

A multiple sclerosis diagnosis is a life-altering scenario, both for the patient as well as their friends and family. In the beginning, you can remain largely independent, but as the disease progresses you’ll need more help accomplishing some day-to-day tasks.

Outside support is an important factor when it comes to dealing with the disease. That need for support, however, also comes with a great amount of pressure for loved ones. Generations Home Care can help alleviate that pressure. If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in the greater Arizona area, contact us. We’ll send a representative who’ll provide a free consultation and find what we can do to help you be healthy, happy, and independent in your daily life.

About Generations Home Care

Generations Home Care offers personalized in-home care and support services to those recovering from illness, injury or surgery, living with a chronic disease, or dealing with the natural process of aging. We help people live a fuller, healthier and independent life.

We offer levels of care ranging from companionship, to respite for the primary family caregiver, to homemaking services, to assistance with activities of daily living, to Alzheimer’s and dementia care. We take a holistic approach and emphasize a consistent, client-centered plan of care.