Health Information Page   Alisia Marie - we are pretty excited going into year 3 of your life, you are growing beautifully!   2008 will be an exciting year filled with a positive spirit and wondrous relationships!                                                                       Frequently Asked Questions What advice would you offer to others who are dealing with ms? Take responsibility for knowing this disease affects your brain, spinal cord. and your body. Keep a journal of all your symptoms. Bring a care partner to all your doctors’ visits. Seek a healthy support system. Enhance your well being with nutrition and exercise. Minimize the stress in your life. Practice relaxation techniques. Join and support your National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Listen to your body…good and bad stress affects you. The most important advice is to get on a disease modifying therapy and consistently take it as prescribed.                                                        FITNESS & NUTRITION Why is water so important? Water is not only good to drink when you're in a hot climate or after brisk exercise but it also has other important functions. *essential for the conversion of fat to energy *reduces water retention *helps to rid the body of toxins and waste *improves energy levels *improves metabolic functions *improves performance    How should I start? If you are 35 and in good health you do not need to see a doctor before starting an exercise program.  But if you are over 35 and have been inactive for several years, you should consult your physician, who may or may not recommend a graded exercise test.  Other conditions that warrant a need for medical clearance are:                         High blood pressure                         Heart trouble                         Family history of early stroke or heart attack deaths                         Frequent dizzy spells                         Extreme breathlessness after mild exertion                         Arthritis or other bone problems                         Severe muscular, ligament, or tendon problems                         Other known or suspected disease…i.e. multiple sclerosis Vigorous exercise involves minimal health risks for persons in good health or those following a doctor’s advice.  Far greater risks are presented by habitual inactivity and obesity. The statistics are alarming.  In the past 30 years childhood obesity has increased 100% in children age 6 – 11 years old.       What kind of exercise should I participate in? After obtaining medical clearance, begin an exercise or movement program that will really work.  Whether you personal goal is improve your heart health, lose weight, prevent injury or reduce stress, a healthful workout regime is simple combination of three components:             Aerobic activity             Strength training             Flexibility Partner with your physician and your medical team to formulate the best plan of care that will improve the quality of your life.  MS is very unique in each and every one of us.  The workout regime that I participate in most likely is not the program for the other individual that does not enjoy going to the gym.  So do not waste your hard earned money on a gym membership if it is not going to be utilized.  Your health care professional might start your plan out with physical therapy, occupational therapy, or hydrotherapy. This is where consistency counts.  Find the activity that you enjoy doing and you know you will persevere.  The goal is to GET MOVING!  Use the information that you are ascertaining and start today.  Knowledge is power, so make yourself POWERFUL!     How do you workout when it is so hot? This is where I truly have to listen to my body.  Some compensatory mechanisms which have been helpful for me are:             Taking a cold shower before my workout to get my core temperature down             Always carry spray bottles in warm weather             Have frozen towels readily available in warm weather             Chew on ice chips             Remain well hydrated and have water readily available Other msers find cooling vests, cooling hats, and/or cooling seats are helpful for them. Planning is key.  If you know you will be entering a warm situation, be prepared.   What should I eat? The human body is a phenomenol machine.  We deserve to put first rate fuel (nutrients) in our systems.  The body needs a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats to run efficiently.  Diets and nutritional viewpoints vary – usually from the standpoint of obesity and losing weight.  Eat this, drink only that, limit carbs, maximize protein, or vice versa.  Truly, the ultimate nutrition goal is to be informed about the power of food to optimize life.  Nutrition does not have to be complex.  The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, produced by the Department of Agriculture is as follows: Eat a variety of foods Balance the food you eat with physical activity Eat plenty of grain products, vegetables and fruits Choose a diet that is      - low in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol      - moderate in sugars, salt, and sodium.   Map out a plan for a healthy eating lifestyle.  Planning is key. Information provided by LVHealth magazine   Common signs and symptoms of ms? This disease process presents very differently in each and every one of us.  The one thing we have in common is we do not have to do this alone.  The following is not all inclusive.  For further information please refer to the provided links. Fatigue, depression, dizziness & vertigo, emotional response & mood swings, bowel & bladder dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, pain, headache, spasticity, spasms, vision, gait & coordination problems, weakness. Healthtalk National Multiple Sclerosis Society Understanding MS                                                        What things bring you peace and happiness in your life?-God, Family, Being Nutritionally Sound, TRAINING, and being Ali's Mommy( I LOVE IT!)