MS: Ways to Help

If your friend or loved one has MS, you may be wondering what you can do to help. The ways you can help may depend on your relationship and the person's needs. But there are a few ideas that can apply to everyone who wants to help a friend or loved one with MS.

Learn more about MS. Having a better understanding of the disease will not only help you understand the physical and emotional challenges your friend or loved one is facing, but it will also make it easier for you to help them. You can learn more about MS by contacting your local MS society.

Offer to help. The person you'd like to help may feel guilty or shy about asking for help. Make it easier for them by offering your help, even if they don't ask. Don't be surprised if your friend can't suggest something specific for you to do – they may not have thought about it or may feel embarrassed to ask for something in particular. To avoid this, be specific. Offer to do a particular task during a certain pre-scheduled time period. For example, you could offer to cook dinner on Mondays or drive them (or their kids) to appointments every Thursday. But don't push – some people are fiercely independent, and you might offend them if you push too hard. A simple offer of assistance is often enough.

Help with your strengths. When thinking of things you can do to help, consider your strengths. If you like to cook, make a few meals they'll like and bring them over. If you have a car and free time, offer to drive them to appointments or do errands. If you're a lawyer, you could offer advice on legal issues such as employment, insurance, or accessibility. If you're good with kids, you could offer some free babysitting. And don't forget: whatever your skills, sometimes the best way to help is just to be there to listen.

Network. Many MS societies organize conferences, workshops, and multiple sclerosis support groups. This can be a great way to stay up to date on the newest information and learn from others who are helping people with MS.

Remember to take care of yourself. Caregivers and helpers may become "burned out" if they don't take care of their own needs. Be sure to get enough rest, eat well, and schedule some "me time" where you can relax and recharge.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/MS-Ways-to-Help

Do you sometimes feel like MS is making your life spin out of control? There are ways to fight back and help yourself stay in control.

Know the facts. Knowing the facts can help you fight fear and uncertainty about the future. Although it's not possible to predict exactly what's going to happen with your MS, it is possible to learn more about what to expect and how to deal with it. Your doctor, MS nurse, pharmacist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, and local MS Society chapter are all excellent sources of information on MS symptoms and prognosis, treatment options, and coping tips to make life easier.

Get (and stay) involved. Being involved can motivate you and give you more of a sense of control. You can get involved in your treatment decisions by learning about your options and discussing them with your healthcare providers. You can also get involved in helping others with MS (see "Reaching out, giving back"). It's also important to get involved in things that have nothing to do with MS! Nurture your life outside of MS by keeping in touch with family and friends, and pursuing your interests and hobbies.

Ask for help. Ask for help if you need it. Accepting help doesn't have to mean losing your independence. In fact, it's a sign of strength that you are able to ask for what you need and adapt to your changing situation. Chances are your friends and loved ones are eager to help. Try to think of specific things they can do to help you (such as picking up your kids from soccer practice once a week or cooking a dinner once a month) – this will make it easier for both of you. You can also consider joining an MS support group so that you talk to people who are also living with MS – sometimes they have faced issues similar to your own and found creative ways to deal with them. Multiple sclerosis help is closer than you think!

Be your own advocate. No-one knows your needs better than you. There are many excellent services available to help people with MS, whether it's accessible transportation, job accommodations to make your work easier, or funding for medications or devices. Contact your local MS Society chapter to find out about resources available in your area.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/MS-Ways-to-Help

Can you separate fact from myth? Test your "MS IQ"!

If I can't afford a donation, there's nothing I can do to help.
This is a myth. Many people may be worried that they can't help if they can't afford to donate money. Fortunately, this is not true! Even if you don't have cash to spare, you can still donate your time and skills. Ways to help include participating in MS Walks and MS Bike Tours or volunteering your time with your local MS society chapter. Whatever you have to offer will be welcome!

If someone doesn't ask for my help, then they don't need it.
This is a myth. It's hard for any of us to ask for help, and for people with MS it can be even harder. They may struggle with feelings of guilt or fear of losing their independence. So don't be afraid to offer your help, even if you haven't been asked.

If I help people with MS, I might catch it.
This is a myth! MS is not contagious, so you cannot catch it by helping someone with MS.

There is hope for a cure.
This is a fact. Researchers are tackling the problem of MS from many different angles, and new discoveries are getting us ever closer to a cure. Some of the current areas of MS research include repairing the damaged myelin, stopping the immune system's attack on myelin, investigating the connections between MS and viruses, learning more about genetic risk factors for MS, finding faster ways to diagnose MS, and helping people with MS cope.

One person can make a difference.
This is a fact. Many people have individually raised tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars for MS by taking part in MS Walks or MS Bike Tours. And it's not only about money – each individual person can have an impact by volunteering, helping a friend or loved one with MS, or increasing MS awareness in their community.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/MS-Ways-to-Help

If you or someone you care about have been affected by MS, you may be looking for ways to help with the fight against MS. Whatever your skills, abilities, and resources, there are many things you can do to help:

Volunteering. Volunteering offers a wealth of opportunities to use your unique interests and skills to fight MS. You can participate in a variety of activities, including fund-raising, organizing events, counseling or facilitating self-help groups, visiting people with MS, and speaking at MS events. And you can find a way to get involved that fits your schedule and abilities. Check with your local chapter of the MS Society for more information.

Charitable donations. You may wish to donate to organizations that help people living with MS and support MS research. Or you may want to pledge your support to someone participating in an MS charity walk, run, or bike event.

Being an ambassador. If you or someone you care about are living with MS, your experience could be an inspiration to others. Check with your local MS Society chapter to find out about how to tell your multiple sclerosis story or reach out to others with MS.

Getting creative. Do you have something to say about MS? Whether it's through writing, blogging, poetry, visual art, or music, say it your way! Your creations may help other people learn more about MS and how to cope with it.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/MS-Ways-to-Help