7 Tips for personal care for multiple sclerosis

When you live with multiple sclerosis (MS), medical treatment can help keep the symptoms common such as fatigue, numbness or tingling under control. There are additional steps that you can take to help make life more manageable and stay ahead of the thrusts.

Sleep problems are common when you have multiple sclerosis. More than half of people with Sep are struggling to fall asleep and wake up several times during the night. SEP symptoms can make sleep difficult and poor sleep can worsen your SEP symptoms.

How can it help: Sleeping enough can improve your memory and your ability to focus on tasks. It can also help reduce fatigue, depression and anxiety. Being well rested can also help you face many of your SEP symptoms.

How to do it: You can improve your sleep by doing the following:

• Keep a regular routine at bedtime, even on weekends.
• Avoid watching phones or digital screens about 30 minutes before bedtime.
• Try relaxing activities, such as listening to soothing music or practicing soft stretching.
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol or large meals before bedtime.
• Keep your room cool and dark.
• Talk to your doctor if bladder problems or leg spasms keep you awake.

Exercise can be the last thing you want to do when you feel symptoms of MS. But staying active is important to help you take care of yourself.

How can it help: Regular exercise can help you maintain your strength and flexibility, which can make daily activities more manageable. This can also increase your energy levels, improve your mood and help you think more clearly. Exercise can even help reduce the frequency of SEP relapses.

That said, some people with SE feel sensitivity to heat induced by exercise, where physical activity increases their body temperature and aggravates symptoms. If this happens to you, strategies such as wearing cooling vests or training in freshered environments can help you stay comfortable while being active.

How to do it: You can become active by doing the following:

• Start slowly with activities that you like, such as walking, yoga, stretching or arms cycling, depending on your mobility.
• Try water exercises to help improve fatigue and balance.
• Exercise during the coldest games of the day or when you have the most energy.
• Break breaks when you need them.
• Use cooling tools such as fans, cold towels or cooling clothing during or before your training.
• Talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise routine.

There is no special diet that you should follow for multiple sclerosis. However, eating a variety of healthy foods that provide good amounts of nutrients can help you feel better and more energetic.

How can it help: What you eat can influence the way MS affects your body, including the operation of your digestive system. Eating food that can help reduce inflammation in your body can alleviate SEP symptoms.

Good nutrition can also support your immune system and help prevent other health problems, such as heart disease or diabetes, which may have an impact on MS.

How to do it: To obtain a more balanced diet, you can:

• Focus on low fat and fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
• Include lean proteins, such as chicken, fish, beans and eggs, as well as healthy fats, including olive oil, avocados and nuts.
• Limit processed foods, sweet snacks; refined grains; and foods rich in saturated fats.
• Stay hydrated by drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water throughout the day.
• Eat smaller and more frequent meals to help maintain stable energy levels.
• Talk to your doctor to take supplements.

Stress is part of life, but when you have a MS, it can worsen symptoms and trigger relapses. You may not be able to eliminate stress, but finding ways to manage it can help reduce your impact on your body.

How can it help: Stress reduction activities, especially meditation and physical exercise, can help depression and fatigue in people with MS. Lower stress levels can improve mood, stimulate energy and help you manage your symptoms.

How to do it: To minimize stress, you can:

• Try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation.
• Set realistic objectives and plan to say “no” to the commitments that can induce stress.
• Take the time of the activities you like, even if it is only for a few minutes a day.
• Discuss your concerns with friends, family or advisor.
• Consider joining a stress management program designed for people with chronic diseases.
• Sleep and do enough exercise, as both can help your body better manage stress.

Living with MS can sometimes feel insulating, especially when you feel symptoms that others cannot see. It is common to feel overwhelmed, anxious or uncertain of what awaits us. The emotional side of MS is just as real as physical symptoms, and that is something that many people experience.

How can it help: Having a support network, including others that also have a MS, can help reduce feelings of loneliness and depression. They can share advice to manage symptoms and take up daily challenges. Support groups can also encourage you during difficult times. People with solid support systems often face chronic diseases.

How to do it: To create your support network, you can:

• Find support groups through the National Multial Sclerosis Society or the Foundation of Sclerosis in Plate.
• Stay in touch with family and friends and let them know how they can help you.
• Consider joining online forums where you can ask questions and share experiences.
• Ask for help with daily tasks when you need it.
• Remember to help others with the SP because the support of others can also help you feel better.
• Talk to an advisor or a therapist you are going through.

When you have MS, daily tasks such as reaching articles on high shelves and displacement in congested spaces can become difficult. Balance problems and fatigue can make your living spaces usual less comfortable and safe. You may even notice that hot and humid weather or fever can worsen symptoms.

How can it help: Certain tasks can become less tiring and easier to accomplish when your space is well organized. Some adjustments to your environment can help manage heat sensitivity and prevent falls when you encounter balance problems or feel weak.

How to do it: Do the following where you live or work:

• Keep items frequently used in size so that you don’t have to fold or reach high.
• Install entry bars in the bathroom and carpets without sliding in the shower.
• Use fans, air conditioning or cooling items to stay comfortable in hot weather.
• Reduce the size in the bridges to avoid travel and falls.
• Consider light tools such as electric operators or ergonomic kitchen utensils.
• Ask your doctor for mobility aid such as shower chairs or hand shower potatoes, if necessary.

Keeping out of how you feel and staying connected with your health care team are two important steps when managing MS. Your symptoms may change over time and make changes early – whether improvements or new symptoms – can help you and your health team make the best decisions about your care.

How can it help: Monitoring your symptoms can help you identify models and triggers of symptoms. It also helps your doctor understand how you are progressing and if the treatments are effective. Regularly monitoring your health team can help you take problems early and make sure you receive good medicines and therapies.

How to do it: Be aware of your sep management by doing the following:

• Keep a daily newspaper for your symptoms, energy levels and mood. An application like My Ms Manager of the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America could be useful.
• Note all the new symptoms or changes in those existing.
• Follow what seems to improve or worse your symptoms.
• Do not jump for your planned medical appointments, even if you feel good.
• Take your Symptoms and Questions Journal to your medical appointments.

Living with the MS is delivered with daily challenges, but you can practice personal care to help manage your symptoms. Habits, like sleeping well, staying active, eating a well -balanced diet and managing stress, can help you face the symptoms and support your overall health. Building on your support network, following your symptoms and staying in touch with your health care team can help you keep up to date with any change and get appropriate treatment. Small adjustments to your environment can also help you save energy and stay safe.