THE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

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There are many ways you can make small but positive changes to your lifestyle to improve your overall general health and well being.

Our health team can provide you with essential information and support to help you cope with the diagnosis and stay well. Changes include changes to diet, regular exercise, reducing stress and quitting smoking. Further information on these tips is outlined below.

Diet

Whilst no specific diets have been proven to have a definite benefit for people with MS a healthy diet, based on the WHO, Heart and Cancer Foundations recommendations have general health benefits helping to maintain a healthy body weight and reducing the risks of heart disease and diabetes by limiting the intake of saturated fats for example.

MSWA has produced a “Nutritional Guidelines” brochure available in hard copy when you apply for Membership.

We receive many enquiries about the Swank Diet for MS, as described Professor George Jelineks book “Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis: an evidence-based guide to recovery”. We advise that you source additional information and seek advice from your GP or neurologist before starting any diet that eliminates certain food groups. A qualified dietician or nutritionist can also provide you with advice tailored to your specific circumstances.

There are several useful links providing information on diet and nutrition including MS Trust - Diet.

Exercise

Regular exercise is important for everyone and particularly people living with MS. MSWA have experienced physiotherapists who can provide you with individualized advice regarding your exercise options.

Exercise helps maintain strength, coordination, balance and flexibility; and can have a positive impact on mood, by releasing “happy endorphins” within the brain, thus helping with depression and mood fluctuations and improving quality of life.

Professional advice is recommended a there are additional considerations when living with MS including fatigue, heat sensitivity and potential contraindications for some activities. Useful articles and links are available or contact the physiotherapy department on 9365 4888 or contact us if you would like more specific advice.

Whilst some people have some limitations to certain exercise options there is always something to suit the individual including yoga, swimming, cycling and hydrotherapy.

Read more at MS Trust - Exercise.

Stress

Increasingly stress is being associated with many health problems today including insomnia, anxiety, gastrointestinal disturbances, depression and heart disease. Its relationship to MS and the potential to cause relapses is being increasingly acknowledged. Major life changing events and losses are often associated with relapses as reported by people with MS.

Stress is the body's physical and emotional response to the demands of daily life; a part of life for most people. Whilst it is part of life, adjusting to receiving a diagnosis of MS, and then dealing with the unpredictable course and resulting symptoms, can be particularly stressful.

Learning to rebuild resilience and cope with change will improve the general feeling of overall health and well-being and help you to develop new coping strategies and skills to better manage the stress in your life.

The busy work and home lives we all lead can result in stress and feelings of being overwhelmed and “out of control”; for those diagnosed with MS or other conditions, learning to reduce stress is an important part of achieving better overall health and well being.

There are many recognized relaxation techniques including yoga, meditation, massage, listening to music and engaging in appropriate exercise can all help. MSWA counsellors can speak to you about different techniques that may be useful for you. Our occupational therapists can provide you with relevant information regarding self management strategies for managing stress.

Smoking

Smoking is a health hazard! We have heard at MS Awareness Week forums, over the years, smoking is not only bad for your general health – with increased risk of heart and lung disease, stroke & cancer, but also has equally significant implications for people with multiple sclerosis.

Research studies provide evidence of a link between smoking & a significant increased risk of developing MS and of the disease course becoming progressive. The toxic chemicals constrict blood vessels, reducing the oxygen supply to cells, and cross into the brain tissue further damaging areas already affected by the inflammation & scarring associated with MS. Smoking affects relate to an increased autoimmune response & increased frequency & duration, of infections in people with MS. Read more at Smoking and MS Progression.

FACTS:

  • Cigarette smoke contains up to 4,000 chemicals; 43 of which are known to cause cancer.
  • The cardiovascular diseases caused by smoking include atherosclerosis, narrowing of the arteries reducing circulation and leading to heart attacks, strokes and blockages in the veins in the legs.
  • Cigarettes are the major cause of lung cancer in both sexes.
  • In women smoking causes problems with fertility, increases the risk of cervical and breast cancer, increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy, contributes towards osteoporosis (increasing the fragility of bones & increasing the risk of fractures)
  • Smoking promotes premature ageing of the skin!

If you smoke you can seek advice and help to QUIT from your GP or by contacting the QUITLINE on 13 78 48 or online at Quit Because You Can.