The FUMS 6-Pack

Today's presenting sponsor is? Cytokind Inc. ?-?Reducing Fatigue and Improving Cognition in MS through UVB Phototherapy

Get on their email list to be the first to know about new developments in phototherapy for MS:? Cytokind

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Hey there -?Does it feel like we went from Halloween to the holidays in the blink of an eye? Sure does for me. But I'm here for it. I LOVE this time of year. Friends and family getting together, stuffing our faces, and s-l-o-w-i-n-g down a bit - sign me up!?Thanks to all of you who checked out the new and (hopefully) improved FUMS website and sent me your thoughts. I really appreciate your help. Next up: new and improved (hopefully) FUMS 6-Pack newsletter. I'll ask for your input again on that soon.?Want a peek into what's up in MS this week???? Let's go:?

1. Lifestyle matters. Yes, this is true. Make some good choices - for MS and you. *Ode to Dr. Seuss.??? Do you eat a lot of palm oil? You probably wouldn't know unless you're reading the list of ingredients on your foods. If you don't currently do that - you may want to start. Here's why:??New Study Reveals How Palm Oil Triggers Neurodegeneration in MS

2.?Scientists are beginning to understand what raises a person’s risk of MS, but how close are they to finding ways to prevent it? My biggest fear is that my daughters will get MS - so my eyes are trained to anything that may prevent that possibility. So - I found this article really interesting:?Can You Prevent Multiple Sclerosis?

3. We're coming up on the end-of-the-year and that always signals looking at where I've been and where I'm going for me. Maybe it does for you too. I found this great resource from the National MS Society and thought I'd share it with you. It's all about financial planning with MS. It includes resources for employment, disability benefits, and health insurance.? Hope it helps you.?MS & Financial Planning?

News Flash: You can now order a Daavlin Phototherapy light for your own at-home use!? This is what made the biggest difference in my struggle with MS fatigue. We NEED UVB light but the sun is rarely in good position for the benefit we need AND often, when it is, it's too damned HOT ?? for our MS'y selves! Having a phototherapy light at home, to use at your convenience, regardless of weather conditions, is priceless. So glad Cytokind is making this available so YOU can try it too. Here's where to go to learn more and get a script for your very own phototherapy light: UVB Phototherapy for the WIN!???

4. The company with THE BEST COOLING GEAR FOR MS is having a Black Friday sale- RIGHT NOW!! If you've been around these parts for awhile, you've heard me talk about Thermapparel and how great their cooling vests are. The old vests were like umpire vests or bomb squad vests - super uncomfortable and huge. The Thermapparel vests are very lightweight and so thin and fit so close to your body no one can tell you have one on - even through a teeshirt! They're offering the biggest sale of the year - right now. Here's where to go:Thermapparel Undercool

5.? I get a lot of questions about discontinuation of DMTs in midlife and later. Here's my story: I had been stable for YEARS. I was 59. My neurologist and I talked about me going off of DMTs. I had an annual MRI and he called me at night - never a good sign. He asked me to come in the following day. He said he's never been more surprised by a patient's MRI. I had 1 new lesion on my spine and 2 old lesions had grown "significantly". Not only was I not going off the DMTs - I needed to switch! Which I did. This was last year and as I'm writing this, I'm waiting for my MRI results - the first ones since I switched meds. ???? And now this -?The Takeaway From Study of Midlife MS Patients: Don't Stop Disease-Modifying Therapy

6.? MS Study Recruiting NOW:?Smoldering Inflammation in MS -?The goal of this observational study is to learn about inflammation in those with relapsing remitting Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The main questions it aims to answer are:? How does abnormal neural inflammation compare to cellular and molecular inflammation in MS?? Once treated, why does abnormal inflammation persist?? Interested in learning more or signing up? Here's where to go:Smoldering Inflammation Study?

Kathy's Fun Finds and Recommendations

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links,?meaning I get a commission?if you decide to purchase through my links, AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU

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I have INTENSE spasticity. OUCH! It's in my neck and my back - and most recently - in my left leg. I have found that laying on a heating pad can help (ironic since heat can be so bad for MS). The other trick I found was to use a massage gun. Boy does that make a difference. I can pinpoint exactly where my muscle is tightening and massage it to get it to "let go". This is the one I use and I like it because it comes with a ton of attachments to really get into those nooks and crannies when you need it! AND the price point is middle-of-the-road. It's helped me. I hope it helps you. Here's where to go: Body Drummer Pro-X

That's all folks. Let me know if you have any questions or if I can help you in any way. Otherwise, just keep saying FUMS!! ??

Cheers --?

Kathy

Kathy Reagan Young

Founder, FUMS

P.S. We're edging ever closer to the elusive 1,000 subscribers for the FUMS YouTube channel. I sure would appreciate if you'd subscribe and help me hit that goal number. Here's where to go to subscribe:FUMS YouTube Channel? **it takes less than a minute. ???Thank you.

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Sometimes it helps the stress, just to say F-U-M-S

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