Informational Links for People Living with MS

Multiple Sclerosis is a neurological disease that effects over 400,000 Americans, with an estimated 10,400 people diagnosed on a yearly basis. MS is characterized by a disruption of nerve impulses (caused by damage to the myelin insulation surrounding the nerves) traveling from the brain to the body along the central nervous system. Abnormal-fatigue, loss of coordination, balance, and hindered vision, speech, and bowel and bladder control are all possible symptoms of the disease.

While heat can be dangerous to anyone, it can have a significantly greater impact on individuals with MS. This does not, however, mean that life must stop when the temperatures rise! As studies continue to show the benefits of temperature controlled- and regulated-exercise (and as more people become involved in this type of exercise), more and more people are realizing that they really can live with MS.

The following is just some of the information we have gathered regarding living and exercising with MS-- we want to continue to add to the information. Please let us know if you have some information you would like to contribute:

It has been proven that exercise is a great way to combat MS-related fatigue. Aerobic exercise, such as the stationary bicycle or yoga, offers vast benefits in the way of maintaining your energy levels and reducing the effects of many MS-related symptoms.

Remember: An important aspect of successfully working your way to more energy is ensuring that you don't overheat in the process.

The best way to exercise safely is to get involved with exercise groups and classes that are geared for people living with MS. We hope to have a complete list of all the organizations across the US offering these classes, but we are just beginning.

MTMC PACE Center MS Exercise Program: Middle Tennessee Medical Center PACE Center, 611 East Lytle Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37130 / phone: (615) 896-0290
Instructor Tim Haddock, himself living with MS, offers classes several each week to teach proper nutrition and controlled exercise to empower and improve the conditions of life with MS and other neurological diseases. Classes are offered in a temperature controlled environment and offer Silver Eagle cooling vests as backup for heat intolerant patients. Tim and his team offer classes at the center every Tuesday and Thursday, starting at 7:00 am. Childcare is also available. Contact the MTMC for more information on class times and directions.

Tim is also a great source of inspiration and support. An article will soon appear here to describe his accomplishments, but you can also learn more about him and his work through our recent press release covering our work with Tim and his classes.
Tim welcomes your comments and questions about how to work toward taking control over your life after your MS diagnosis. You can reach him via email through this link.

FitMS Fitness Program: fitMS, LLC, 853 N. Quentin #223, Palatine, IL 60067
Offers live classes in Illinois and instructional videos on DVD or VHS that can be purchased online.
Started by Joy Wagner RN, BSN, who has been living with MS since 1991, the physical fitness portion of the program utilizes the best of yoga, tai chi, Pilates and stability ball techniques to improve balance, strength, flexibility and range of motion. Visit the fitMS site to learn more about available classes or to purchase a video.

Michigan Chapter of the National MS Society-- Gateway to Wellness:
Offered throughout the state of Michigan, the Gateway to Wellness programs each provide six sessions that focus on exercise, discussion and activities to promote wellness, self-management, and balance in lifestyle. For more information, Call 800-243-5767, ext. 235 or visit their website to learn more about how to become involved.

Northern California Chapter of the National MS Society: Chapter Headquarters, 150 Grand, Oakland, CA 94612 phone: 510-268-0572 / toll-free: 1-800-FIGHT MS / fax: 510-268-0575 / info@msconnection.org
Offers exercise classes that are adapted for people with MS, including those with limited mobility; classes range from aquatics and horseback riding to yoga and Tai Chi. Check out their link or give them a call to learn more about the dates and times of the classes offered.

*Please let us know if you have any information regarding classes or groups that we have not yet added.

While small increases in the body temperature of Multiple Sclerosis patients can slow nerve signals significantly, often causing existing symptoms to worsen, studies have proven that a one to two degree reduction below normal in body temperature causes noticeable improvements in symptoms.

Silver Eagle's ultra-light cooling vests, headwear, and blankets provide unbinding, cooling comfort and full freedom-of-movement while reducing the risk of heat-related injuries and fatigue. Through evaporation, our construction of a unique, multi-layer fabric actively cools you to help reduce and maintain skin and core body temperatures.

Just add H2O and Go!
Until recently, most personal cooling gear has required refrigeration and ice packs, pumps, tubes, chemicals or other appliances. Not only is such gear expensive to buy, it is also heavy and uncomfortable to wear.

Silver Eagle Outfitters instead bases its cooling method on the natural, evaporative cooling process of the human body. Simply soak the vest, hat, or blanket in water for a few minutes and experience hours of effective cooling.

Silver Eagle caps, vests, and blankets have been proven in tests at major universities to reduce heat stress and improve physical performance.

There is a variety of things you can do in addition to wearing cooling apparel to protect yourself from the dangers of the heat. Please take a moment to review some of the links we have compiled in our Information on Heat Stress page to provide you a comprehensive understanding of heat stress prevention.

There are hundreds of great MS-focused information resources on the internet! Listed below are only a few; however, they also offer links to interesting and beneficial information from within their own content. Please check them out!

National MS Society
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is the source for any and all information about and related to MS. Strongly stated, "The mission of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is to end the devastating effects of MS." Their site offers links to individual chapters throughout the US (each offering its own services and information) and discusses and promotes research to not only improve the lives of people currently living with MS, but also to ultimately find a cure for the disease.

MS Australia
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of the ACT has been providing services care and assistance for people with MS, their careers and their families since 1978. The MS Australia site offers valuable information for those newly diagnosed with MS and for those supporting a friend, relative, and loved one with MS.

Multiple Sclerosis Cooling Foundation
The mission of the Multiple Sclerosis Cooling Foundation is to enhance the quality of life for people with multiple sclerosis by providing education and information on the benefits of cooling therapy. They offer thorough answers and research supporting the use of cooling therapy for treating MS-related symptoms.

All About Multiple Sclerosis
Paul Jones, himself living with MS for over 22 years, offers a personal look at his own experience with MS and links to other sites and stories of people living with the disease, "...written in plain English by people living with the disease and its symptoms." All About Multiple Sclerosis contains a detailed description of multiple sclerosis and its treatments in laymen's terms, an archive of news stories about MS, an MS encyclopedia, and a large links-section containing hundreds links.

MSmuSings
Monthly Online Magazine by and for those with MS. The site offers a variety of news articles regarding the disease and personal insights from individuals living with MS.

Helpful Hints for Participating in an Aquatic Program for People with MS
The Michigan Chapter of the National MS Society offers a list of hints for making the most of an aquatic exercise program

Silver Eagle Outfitters News

Information on Living with Multiple Sclerosis