So You Have MS...Top Ten Things You Should Know
1. Knowledge is power! Educate yourself and your family about the disease. You owe it to yourself and your family to know as much as you can about MS. The National MS Society provides access to the most accurate, current and comprehensive information for people with MS and those who care for them. The Society is the leading source for information and appropriate referrals to MS Centers, health care professionals, community agencies and resources, and wellness and exercise programs. Call 1-800 FIGHT MS to speak with a professional.
2. Starting on a medication soon after diagnosis is the best defense to slow down the effects of MS. Compare disease modifying drugs to make an informed decision in partnership with your health care provider.
3. An effective relationship with your provider will help you make the most informed decisions. Partnering with and choosing your healthcare provider is an important decision. Obtain a list of specialists in your area as well as a list of tips for working with them.
4. Your connection with friends, family and others affected by MS is vital to keep you moving. The Society provides a personalized network of opportunities online and in person to meet others who are living with MS. Stay connected through kids’ camp, family and caregiver programs, self-help groups and social outings that keep you plugged in when it matters most. Connecting with others in your local community or nationwide who are living with or affected by multiple sclerosis lets you know you are not alone.
5. Disclosure is an important topic with much to consider. Think about how and when you’ll tell your family, friends and colleagues. Multiple sclerosis affects not only the person with the illness, but everyone who cares about that individual as well.
6. Healthy living is important. For a person with MS, the road to wellness involves more than treatment of the disease. Exercise, nutrition and managing stress are vital elements to maintaining a satisfying life that keeps the effects of MS at bay. Wellness and Multiple Sclerosis (pdf). The Society offers members gym scholarships and free fitness classes.
7. There are resources to help you with career choices and challenges. Ensuring you know your company’s policies and your employment rights could help maximize your options before you hit a career crossroads. The Employment Consultation Program provides assistance with in-depth employment related issues concerning job discrimination and reasonable accommodations. For more information e-mail Kathy Goff or call 919-834-0678.
8. Free financial planning is available to you. Plan for your financial future. Since MS poses uncertainties about the future, don’t wait to examine your financial plans, insurance coverage and other practical issues. The Society works with over 600 financial advisors across the country to give free advice to Society members. These advisors cover over 15 specialties from retirement planning to insurance to legal services. The program aims to look at the whole picture and will often use several experts for one person.
9. Activists nationwide relentlessly advocate every day for federal polices and government programs to benefit you. Online and on the ground, thousands of grassroots MS activists are getting involved and taking action. Join the Action Network to receive legislative alerts. Together we can represent the needs of people with MS as important decisions are made in the private and public sector.
10. Registering with the National MS Society not only helps you, but it also helps others living with MS. The Eastern North Carolina Chapter of the National MS Society is your best resource for accurate information on all of the above topics and more. Registering with the chapter ensures that you receive MS Connection, Momentum Magazine, updates on local chapter programs, resources and services that are available to you and more. Registering with the chapter will also ensure that we have accurate numbers of people with MS when advocating to the government, for research grants, etc. Registration is completely free of charge, and all information is kept confidential. To register, call 1-800-FIGHT MS or click here.