Good Health Care Sites

Lisa Emrich highlighted my article to Trusted.MD and I found a couple of interesting new sites.

Trusted.MD is a network of medical and health care professionals and people who write about medicine and health care. There are blogs and columns written and submitted for public view, and a couple of sections accessible only to registered members. Check it out here.

The second site is Lisa's blog Brass and Ivory. Lisa is an MSer who also has rheumatoid arthritis. She is a musician by trade, but in the blogging world collects articles and writes about health care and health care policy. Check it out here.

And while you are reading these sites, take a look at my article on New Year's Resolutions.

Enjoy!

technorati tags: medical, articles, healthcarearticles, newyearsresolutions, downthemspath

What Is That about Twelve Days?

Here is a traditional version of The Twelve Days of Christmas.

For a different twist, look at the 12 Days of Disability Christmas. No drummers drumming, no golden rings, and not even a partridge in a pear tree. Instead, Ouch presents a 12-point view of Christmas traditions with a disability perspective.

Ouch also wishes us all a "merry cripmas."

technorati tags: twelvedaysofchristmas, disability, downthemspath

A World without MS

MS Research promises more treatment options in the coming decade.

There was no approved treatment for MS until about 12 years ago. Suddenly, in the last decade, building on the findings of the first medication, a choice of treatments is now available. Now there are more even more building blocks to help researchers develop new ideas and combinations for future treatments.

Among the prospects are oral medications to reduce or eliminate the need for injections. I vote for that one. There is finally an increase in studying progressive MS which currently has few options. Again, as a progressive MSer, I vote for that one.

Although there is concern of abuse, marijuana research is continuing. The National MS Society supported trial scheduled to complete in March of next year. A study in the UK is promoting Sativex, a currently unlicensed drug administered by spray. For years we have heard anecdotal evidence that cannibus-based drugs help reduce pain and spasms, but there was no research to validate that. Now there is.

One day we will live in a world without MS. New directions and increased activity mean we are closer to that world.

technorati tags: ms, multiplesclerosis, healthcare, msresearch, downthemspath,

Active with MS?

If you are an active MSer, or want to be, here is a site you should see -

Active MSers is a site designed to help MSers keep active physically, intellectually, and socially. It has outdoor gear reviews and travel tips, and the plan is to develop a network of sports and activity clubs across the country.

Dave Bexfield, an avid traveler and freelance writer, created the site soon after being diagnosed with MS and deciding to remain as active as he was before. Page down and read the link blurbs. There's even one telling how the war benefits MSers!

If you are a snowboarder, a horse rider, a trekker or hiker, or if you travel the world, take a look. If you would like to do these things - or if you have another active hobby - you might enjoy taking a look, too. Perhaps you'll even decide to join the Active MSers network.

technorati tags: , activemser, mshiking, mstraveler, downthemspath

Sending Smiles to Soldiers

I suggested sending a Christmas card to a wounded soldier. I thought it would add a smile to his or her day.

I ran across an article that cautions sending letters to unnamed soldiers. Apparently the Pentagon is concerned a toxic substance or a hateful message will be sent. The hospitals lack the manpower to screen the cards, so they will be returned or discarded. How sad.

If you have names of specific soldiers, be sure to remember them this festive season.

Sorry to be the one to spread this information. It sounded good to me. Sorrier we have to worry about such things.

technorati tags: redcross, holidaycards, cardstowoundedsoldiers, supportthetroops, vicki'sblog

Are You Registered?

It seems early, but the primaries are scheduled sooner than ever, so time may be running out.

If you plan to vote and are not yet registered, it's time to take that step. Check for registration deadlines in your state.

You may need to give yourself extra time if you plan to vote by mail. After all, they need to mail your ballot and then you need to mail it back.

technorati tags: voterregistration, registrationdeadlines, downthemspath, 2008presidentialelection,

Send a Smile to a Wounded Soldier

Here it is, Holiday Season again.

This year many of our young men and women are recovering from wounds and injuries in military hospitals. If you have an extra card or two, send them to recovering troops. With help from the U.S. Department of Defense, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and Pitney Bowes Government Solutions, the Red Cross will gather and distribute the cards throughout the holiday season.

Please address your holiday cards to:

We Support You During Your Recovery!
c/o American Red Cross
P.O. Box 419
Savage, MD20763-0419

Sounds like a good idea to me.

12/12 note:
I ran across an article that cautions sending letters to unnamed soldiers. Apparently the Pentagon is concerned a toxic substance or a hateful message will be sent. The hospitals lack the manpower to screen the cards, so they will be returned or discarded. How sad.

technorati tags: redcross, holidaycards, cardstowoundedsoldiers, supportthetroops, vicki'sblog

ADA, Working and Restoring

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is currently going through restoration to restore the original intent of removing barriers that confront disabled Americans.

Supreme Court rulings have made it clear that restructuring the act is necessary. Too often, the case focused on whether the condition qualifies as a protected disability rather than the question of discrimination.

So, what about the original act? The ADA Home Page provides all kinds of information and resources available for help in complying with the ADA, such as guides to the laws and standards for accessible design. If there is a question of non-compliance, there are investigative agencies, service providers, and other resources.

What's New links to ADA judgments and settlements -- cases involving lodging, sports facilities, doctors, lawyers and more. The case is described from both points of view, and then concluded with dispensation. Towards the end of the list of settlements are links to status reports and briefs.

Very interesting.

technorati tags: ADARestorationAct, ADA, ADAregulations, , ADAsettlements, DowntheMSPath

Are You on Medicare?

If you are not on Medicare now, there is a good chance you will be sometime in the future, so you might want to pay attention.

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is a membership organization leading positive social change and delivering value to people 50 and over through information, advocacy and service. AARP has a project that supports legislation to strengthen Medicare.

Medicare premiums are rising to the point that some doctors are likely to limit the number of Medicare patients. AARP would like to preserve access to doctors and prevent premiums from skyrocketing. Prescription drugs are often quite expensive, and lower income citizens need help to pay for them.

With this in mind, AARP is asking Congress to pass legislation to ensure Medicare is accessible and affordable. Support this project and sign the petition.

technorati tags: AARP, Medicare, Medicarepetition, Vickisblog

International Day of Disabled Persons

Today is our day.

The International Day of Disabled Persons, established by the World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons increases awareness of disability issues and promotes integration, equal opportunity and participation of disabled persons in society. Sounds good to me.

Congress acknowledged that society's accumulated myths and fears about disability and disease are as handicapping as are the physical limitations that flow from actual impairment.
William Joseph Brennan, Jr. (1906 - 1997), Associate Justice of the Supreme Court

The theme for 2007 is "Decent work for persons with disabilities," focusing on the problem of denial of opportunities to work in an accessible and accepting environment.

Read about the themes and observances in previous years.

technorati tags: internationaldayofdisabledpersons, jobopportunitiesfordisabled, williamjosephbrennanjr, downthemspath

Ain't Technology Grand?

I have to agree. For those of us who live with disabilities, technology has helped level the playing field, at least where computers are concerned.

Apple tells us they have been working for accessibility since 1985. They describe how they have addressed vision, hearing, physical/motor skills and language. Just last year they partnered with the Blind Access Journal to prepare a presentation about Macintosh accessibility.

There is also an accessibility overview for using PC's. Registration is required for some content and reports.

Then there's a site that is set up specifically to guide MSers in technology use, My MS My Way. My MS My Way is a collaborative, consisting of the National MS Society, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, and Microsoft aided by a committee of MSers.

The collaborative commissioned research shows that technology is vital for many MSers managing daily life with the disease, however, relatively few take advantage of the technology that is available. MSers say they do not use the technology because they need better information, and most cite cost as the culprit. Read the research report.

Choosing a Toy for Children with Disabilities

The National Lekotek Center is a non-profit organization that uses interactive play experiences to promote the inclusion of children with special needs into family and community life. To guide shoppers when making gift-buying decisions. The National Lekotek Center offers --

Top Ten Tips for Choosing Toys for Children with Disabilities

1. Multisensory Appeal -- Does the toy respond with lights, sounds, or movement to engage the child? Are there contrasting colors? Does it have a scent? Is there texture?
2. Method of Activation -- Will the toy provide a challenge without frustration? What is the force required to activate? What are the number and complexity of steps required to activate?
3. Where Toy Will Be Used -- Will the toy be easy to store? Is there space in the home? Can the toy be used in a variety of positions such as side-lying or on wheelchair tray?

4. Opportunities for Success -- Can play be open-ended with no definite right or wrong way? Is it adaptable to the child's individual style, ability and pace?
5. Current Popularity -- Is it a toy that will help the child with disabilities feel like "any other kid?" Does it tie in with other activities like books and art sets that promote other forms of play?
6. Self-Expression -- Does the toy allow for creativity, uniqueness, and choice-making? Will it give the child experience with a variety of media?
7. Adjustability -- Does it have adjustable height, sound volume, speed, level of difficulty?
8. Child's Individual Characteristics -- Does the toy provide activities that reflect both developmental and chronological ages? Does it reflect the child's interests and age?
9. Safety and Durability -- Consider the child's size and strength. Does the toy have moisture resistance? Is the toy and its parts sized appropriately? Can it be washed and cleaned?
10. Potential for Interaction -- Will the child be an active participant during use? Will the toy encourage social engagement with others?

This was brought to my attention by Chris Coleman who told me about a new, free website, AblePlay, designed to help parents make the best match between the toys and their children. Check my post on Vicki's Blog about that message. Good luck shopping for the kids!

technorati tags: nationallekotekcenter, ableplay, shoppingforchildrenwithdisabilities, toptentips, tipsforshoppingfordisabledchildren, downthemspath,

Paresthesia or Pins and Needles?

Today is Pins and Needles Day. In 1937 it was created to commemorate the opening of a play named Pins and Needles by Harold Rome. It was a pro-labor play with the cast and crew from the International Ladies Garment Workers Union. It played on weekends only so the women could keep their day jobs, and it ran for more than 1000 performances.

Time passed and the play closed, but November 27 is still Pins and Needles Day. The meaning of the day changed with the passing of the play. Now it is a day of anticipation, maybe because children are on "pins and needles" waiting for Christmas. It made me think of something else.

One MS symptom is paresthesia, a skin sensation, such as burning or prickling. Most of the time it is called tingling, because it is awkward to say "I am experiencing paresthesia today" and that requires an explanation anyway. It is easier to skip the medical term and just say "tingling."

"Tingling" sounds rather pleasant, almost fun, but this feeling isn't pleasant, nor is it much fun. It would be more descriptive to say "I have a prickly feeling in my arm," or even "My leg feels like pins and needles."

I choose to think Pins and Needles Day recognizes MSers who have that feeling every once in awhile. Maybe, if the feeling has its own day, it will not feel so bad. We can feel a little special instead of a little bothered.

technorati tags: paresthesia,, pinsandneedlesfeeling,, tinglingfeeling,, HaroldRome,, mssymptoms,, ms,, multiplesclerosis,, healthcare,, downthemspath, internationalladiesgarmentworkersunion, ilgwu

This One Is Fun

Postcards of my Life is described as "Life with MS thru the eyes of a postcard" and the description fits.

Each post is a picture, photo, drawing, background, an image. The text sometimes states a fact, projects a feeling, conveys a day in the MS life.

This blog is nicely done and worth a visit. Enjoy.

technorati tags: ms, multiplesclerosis, lifewithms, downthemspath

ADA on Alert

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law July 26, 1990, after years of lobbying, refining, and tweaking.

The law was written very broadly and does not provide enough protection for individuals with disabilities. Congress is again working on the bill, attempting to restore the original intentions of protecting people with disabilities from discrimination. Some people are not able enough to do a job but still not disabled enough to qualify for ADA protection. Read this article on that Catch 22 that is eroding the heart of the ADA.

Then call your elected officials and ask that they support HR3195/S1881, the ADA Restoration Act. This is urgently important.

technorati tags: Americanswithdisabilitiesact, ada, adarestoration, discrimination, catch22, downthemspath, disability, healthcare

The Last Lap for Funds

We are on the last lap for NIH funding as signed legislation.

A conference committee of both House and Senate members worked on the Senate bill passed Oct. 23. In a compromise move, stem cell research funding was removed to be addressed another day. This bill is a substantial increase over the 2007 level.

The House passed the conference committee bill today, and the Senate is considering the committee agreement, possibly today.

Why do we care? The bill provides $30 billion in funding for the National Institute of Health (NIH) for research and $2 million in funding the 2006 Lifespan Respite Care Act.

Why should we act? When the bill passes the Senate, it will face a likely presidential veto. The funding is important to many disabled and chronically ill people. If it is vetoed, we need our Senators and Representatives to support it.

If your elected officials voted for it, thank them. If not, tell them how important it is that they reconsider. To see how they voted, check HR 3040 on this vote monitor site or call their office. I found some conflicting information, so calling the office might be the best option.

Good luck, and thanks for your help and support.

technorati tags: nihfunding, hr3040, houseofrepresentatives, senate, lifespanrespitecareact, downthemspath

Health U

Health U offers a course of four lectures telling about MS and its course, treatments and coping, presented by experts and MSers themselves.

Health U is supported by Healthology, an online medical content producer. They have produced more video programs than any other online medical site. Besides MS, Health U has courses on many other conditions, including hair loss, breast cancer, AIDS, and sleep disorders.

The courses are free. All it takes is registration.

technorati tags: healthu, healthology, ms, multiplesclerosis, medicalvideos, downthemspath

Mission Accomplished

In January I wrote about a man with a mission. Sean Spence was planning a trip by bike from Missouri to Manhattan to raise funds for MS.

He did it! His bike ride is over. MSer Sean biked 1100 miles, and remember the
temperatures were unusually high this year. What an accomplishment. His accomplishment is that he did more than he thought he could.

To read about the adventures, read Sean's blog chronicling the trip Missouri To Manhattan. He includes stories and pictures from places he visited along the way. Thousands of dollars have been raised so far, and contributions are still being accepted. 100% is forwarded to the National MS Society, a receipt is provided for taxes.

Congratulations, Sean. Thank you for inspiring us to try to take that extra step. You made a difference.

technorati tags: missouritomanhattan, ms, multiplesclerosis, bicycling, mscyclist, fundraisingforms, seanspence, chronicillness, dailylifewithongoingillness, healthcare, msfundraising, world'sbiggestblogparty

You Are Invited

The world's biggest blog party has started!

The blog party is an online event between Oct. 27, Make a Difference Day, and Nov. 17, Family Volunteering Day. The idea is to spread the word about charities, philanthropies, and other events that make the world a better place.

When I think of someone who has made a difference for the MS community, I think of Sylvia Lawry, one person who made a difference that is felt worldwide.

In 1945, after her brother had spent fruitless time and effort trying to find a cure for his disease, MS, she placed an ad in the NY Times looking for help from someone who had been cured. She received many replies, but they were from MSers who hoped she had found the cure and would share the news. She saw a need. The next 50 years of her life were dedicated to ridding the world of the disease that had attacked her brother.

How can one person make a difference? Sylvia Lawry did it by founding the National MS Society (NMSS), the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), and the MS International Federation (MSIF).

One person, touched by her brother's plight, influenced research, disease management, and public policy in her country and the world. Wow.

technorati tags: world'sbiggeatblogparty, wbbp, sylvialawry, nmss, msif, ninds, ms, multiplesclerosis, downthemspath

Anger Makes Me Mad

Today I wrote about anger on Disaboom. I really don't understand anger because it seems like much ado about nothing. Why get angry and waste all that time and energy? I have so little energy and not much time, so when I get frustrated, I try to focus on something positive. Why bother with anger? It makes me angry to see people acting out in anger. Anger is contagious, but so is a smile. I choose the smile.

Wheelchair Junkie has another idea about anger management. This picture is pretty good -- don't pass it by. While you are there, take a look at this possible new gadget. Here is a college student in Ireland designing a really high-tech wheelchair and he is open to suggestion. Now is your chance to make a difference in disability equipment.

Enjoy your day and manage your anger!

technorati tags: anger, wheelchair, disaboom, downthemspath, angermanagement, vickismspath

Patients Like Me Are Signing Up and Making News

I first wrote about Patients Like Me in early September when Garry found it. There were more than 1100 MSers already signed up. It has been less than six weeks and now there are 1658 MSer members.

Patients Like Me was named as one of 15 companies that will change the world by Business 2.0 and CNN.com. Not only is this site valuable as a social network for patients, but it is a valuable source for medical researchers. Sounds as if it might be worth checking out, don't you think?

technorati tags: patientslikeme, cnn, business2.0, medicalsocialnetwork, ms, multiplesclerosis, downthemspath

Writing for Disaboom

I have been writing for Disaboom.


This weekend we took a short little jaunt. Today I published a story about my trip to San Antonio to visit my mother.

Last week my topic was caregivers, specifically those everyday warriors who take on the role because a loved one needs care. It is hard to be disabled, but it is equally difficult when someone you love becomes disabled.

technorati tags: disaboom, trip, caregiver, ms, multiplesclerosis, healthcare, disability, downthemspath

Looking for MS Sites?

If you are looking for sites written by and about MS, take a look at Brain Cheese. She has gathered 100 MS blogs. Not bad.

While you are there, read through her blog. Often interesting, always easy and fun to read. This is a good one.

technorati tags: ms, multiplesclerosis, healthcare, downthemspath, braincheese

Smoking and MS

Are you am MSer who smokes? You might want to reconsider that because Smoking Worsens MS by increasing brain tissue shrinkage. according to the Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center.

But wait,

A new study in the Netherlands says there is no correlation between smoking and MS progression.

We know smoking is not good for us, but there is a controversy whether it affects MSers any differently from everyone else. We know it doesn't improve MS, but we cannot agree if it is particularly harmful to MSers. I guess this decision has to be made regardless of MS.

technorati tags: ms, multiplesclerosis, healthcare, smoking, smokingwithms, downthemspath

Young People and Multiple Sclerosis

When children or teenagers have MS, they have the same questions as adults. When children or teenagers have a parent with MS, they have questions parents may not know how to answer. When children or teenagers have questions, they often turn to the Internet for answers.

The most popular sites for young people are listed by Alexa.

Included are a variety of sites such as Children's Hope for Understanding MS, Neuroscience for Kids, and Someone You Know Has MS. The sites have easy to understand explanations of the disease and symptoms, poetry, forums and chat rooms, and games. Maybe these sites are useful for adults, too.

technorati tags: ms, multiplesclerosis, healthcare, childrenwithms, childrenwithmsparents, downthemspathh, mssitesforchildren

I'm Sleepy

No day is so bad it can't be fixed with a nap. ~ Carrie Snow

There was a time, long ago, when I couldn't sleep. I went for days, sometimes weeks, without a restful night. I had a sleep disorder. My doctor gave me various medications, none of which worked. I learned to relax by meditating, but I had trouble actually sleeping.

Not any more. And I may have found out why my day doesn't start until noon.

As part of the profile on Patients Like Me, we select from a long list of symptoms. One of the choices is 'excessive daytime sleepiness.' I didn't even know that was a symptom, but 607 MSers also listed this as one of theirs. Wow. 607 out of 1492 MSers are sleepy during the day.

All of those years trying to sleep and all I needed was MS. I don't have any problem sleeping any more.

technorati tags: sleepdisorder, ms, multiplesclerosis, health, healthcare, troublesleeping, excessivedaytimesleepiness, downthemspath

MSer Stories

MSers are writing their stories and they are willing to share.

Janice Foster retired at 37 due to MS issues. Read her story in Picking Up The Pieces: Rising Above a Loss Again & Again, available at Author House.

Don McNeal, former Miami Dolphins defensive back wrote about maintaining a positive attitude while overcoming MS obstacles. His book Home Team Advantage found at Power Publishing.

Chris M. Tatevosian tells how his "poor me" response to his MS diagnosis cost him a marriage; about bee venom therapy, his faith, and his new wife-to-be. Life Interrupted: It's Not all about Me is available at Book Surge.

Pity-Us-Not MS Support Group Leader Barbara Marchant wrote Dance On about the lives of three very different women with the same MS diagnosis. Dance On can be found on the major online booksellers, with royalties benefitting MSF.

You have a story. Tell it in a book, and use one of the online booksellers to publish it yourself. Other MSers might benefit from reading your story. What fun!

technorati tags: ms, multiplesclerosis, self-publishbook, writingyourstory, downthemspath

Disaboom Launch

This is my blog and I like it. I find it fun to research and write, and I plan to continue here.

However, I have found another site and started a blog there, too, called Vicki's MS Path. It's located on Disaboom, a website that hosts a community of bloggers with an interest in disability and it offers more than that, too. It was started by Dr. House -- not the TV one -- with the idea that one blogger may be strong, but many bloggers in the disability community can be powerful and inspiring. There are many disabling conditions, each with its own issues and needs, but many issues are common among them all.

The blogs here cover both individual and common issues. I really like Disaboom. I did not know about this site until a few weeks ago, but since then I have read many of the blogs. So far they're very good and on a wide range of topics. They also invite reviews of restaurants and hotels by people who know what accessibility really is. I think this is a great idea.

My first post on Vicki's MS Path talks about children's attitudes toward people with disabilities. The second one is about the language of disability.

There are many MSers on Disaboom as well as bloggers representing other disabling conditions, and other topics such as parenting and caregiving. There are headlines, discussion groups, and classifieds. Disaboom launches today. Go visit and...

technorati tags: downthemspath, disaboom, disability, vickismspath

How You Say It

The terminology used when discussing disabled people can reinforce negative stereotypes or help enhance the group status in the eyes of our society. Read my Disaboom blog for this week.

And while you are there, take a look around. Disaboom, the site destined to become the preferred destination site for the disability community, is preparing to launch. The launch is scheduled for October 1, so take pre-launch tour. Enjoy.

technorati tags: downthemspath, disabilitysite, languageofdisability,

Confucius Knew Balance Problems

Today is Confucius Day. He included sayings relevant to people with disabilities.

Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in getting up every time we do.

technorati tags: confuciusday, downthemspath, balance

Down the MS Path

There are several paths one can take, but not every path is open to you.
Claire Bloom

How do I know if a particular path is open to me? I am on my current path, which I did not choose, and I don't see another path to travel instead. Hmmm

Do not follow where the path may lead -- go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Now, I like that idea. If my path becomes a bit rocky and rough, I can blaze my own trail. It seems I might have some control here after all. And as I roll down my path, I am reminded not to dwell on the negative.

What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

technorati tags: chosenpath, positiveattitude, downthemspath

Where's an MSer to Live?

St. John prohibits unrelated people from living together in a single-family home.

Now that just doesn't sound fair. I thought that when I wrote about a similar situation in Black Jack, Missouri, over a year ago. This is similar, but it is different. The prohibited resident is an MSer.

The Department of Justice is suing the city for denying a zoning variance to a person with multiple sclerosis because people with disabilities deserve access to fair housing.

I think everyone should have access to fair housing, including MSers. I have to be fair. I have to believe an MSer can live with a caregiver, a friend, a sweetheart -- because I do.

technorati tags: doj, departmentofjustice, fairhousing, housingrestrictions, zoningvariance, downthemspath

Disaboom

Here's another new site with great potential. Scheduled to premiere October 1, Disaboom is hoping to become the preferred destination for the disability community.

There is a community of disability blogs, forums, notice of jobs, events, products, restaurant reviews including accessibility issues from people who should know, and more. There is a health section with information about specific conditions including spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, low back pain, amputation, and more. Oh, and did I mention multiple sclerosis? And there is more. And even more.

This week I wrote about children's perceptions of wheelers. What do kids actually see when they see someone in a wheelchair?

Disaboom. Dis - disability. Boom - explosive impact. A disability does not make a person insignificant. A major thrust is to create power for our community, inspiring others through the knowledge gained by experience. Thanks to Tim Pointdexter for that explanation, though he leaves it open for our own interpretation.

This site is new, still in its forming stage, and open for suggestions. Visit Disaboom. Have a suggestion? Let them know.

technorati tags: disaboom, disability, disabilityblogs, restaurantreviews, productreviews, downthemspath

Revolution Health has an MS newsletter which provides links to relevant news items and a link to the many MS Foundation chat forums.

They are highlighting a new ribbon color (orange), Proceeds from products offered, including the magnetic MS Awareness ribbon, t-shirts, jewelry, and more, go to the MS Foundation. They even have a cuddly orange teddy bear wearing an MS pendant.

The newsletter also identifies free teleconferences, giving date, time, topic and telephone number for registration. This is one way to stay current on news as well as community chats on a variety of subjects.

technorati tags: revolutionhealth, msnewsletter, msribbon, msribbonproducts, msteleconferences, downthemspath

National MS Conference

Once one of the most recognizable buildings anywhere thanks to the TV show Dallas, the Hyatt Regency is the location for the 2007 National MS Conference Oct. 24 - 26.

The conference is Moving Forward Together, focusing on building volunteer leadership. Activiities include training, inspiration, recognition, networking and entertainment.

And of course there will be a Texas-style 'denim and diamonds' party.

technorati tags: ms, multiplesclerosis, msvolunteers, nationalmsconference, downthemspath

MSers Being Social

Here is another health site, but this one has a different perspective. Patients Like Me promises to be just what its name suggests -- patients helping patients improve their quality of life. This is a social network for MSers.

My favorite upright Garry found the sight, joined as a caregiver, then sent an invitation to me. The sight uses social networking among members who are chronically ill, caregivers, guests and support staff. The illnesses covered are Parkinson's, HIV/AIDS, ALS and, of course, Multiple Sclerosis -- so far.

When registering, new members complete a profile beginning with your purpose for joining -- are you a patient? What condition? There are more than 1100 MSers. WOW.

You can enter as much or as little as you wish, but the more details entered, the more benefit. In addition to a biographical summary, you can enter symptoms, treatments, weight changes and disease progress. Based on your entry, your MSRS (Multiple Sclerosis Rating Scale) is calculated. There is a list of symptoms and treatments to select, but new ones can be added so your profile can be complete.

A printable Doctor Visit Sheet is available to ensure the doctor and patient are on the same page, or the page can be corrected. When your condition changes, the profile can be updated. This is a good record of your MS progress.

You can immediately connect with others who are patients like you.

technorati tags: ms, multiplesclerosis, patientslikeme, socialnetwork, mscommunity, downthemspath, mssymptoms, mstreatments

Balancing Act

MS in Balance offers a new series of webevents this fall.

It is often difficult to find a balance in your professional and personal lives, your family and friends time, and even between your children. Add MS and the balance is suddenly askew.

MS in Balance, sponsored by Rebif, presents webevents designed to help re-balance.



And here's a prize -- the first 20 people to log in win Teri Garr's Speedbumps: Flooring it Through Hollywood.




To enjoy previous webevents, visit the MS in Balance archives.

technorati tags: msinbalance, webevents, terigarr, vickisblog, ms, multiplesclerosis

Mind Mapping MS

Here is everything you ever wanted to know about MS. Well, maybe not everything -- no cure, but almost everything else. The detailed, complex information of a wiki presented in a structured, easy-to-read format inspired by mind mapping.

Check out the MS Wikimindmap. The original structure is built around multiple sclerosis. Click on any of the branch topic green buttons to restructure a map based on the chosen topic. Click on the summary branch topic + buttons to get a list of topics available for restructuring new maps, providing further levels of information.

To display Wikipedia details, click the topic text. Wow. Information and relationships.

technorati tags: ms, multiplesclerosis, wikipedia, mindmapping, downthemspath