May 30th, 2022
World MS Day brings the global MS community together to share stories, raise awareness and campaign with everyone affected by multiple sclerosis (MS).
What is MS?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common diseases of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It's an inflammatory demyelinating condition caused by damage to myelin – a fatty material that insulates nerves. That loss of myelin affects the way nerves conduct electrical impulses to and from the brain.
"MS is two to three times more common in women than in men."
Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40 with symptoms that can include blurred vision, weak limbs, tingling sensations, unsteadiness, memory problems, and fatigue. To learn more about MS, please visit the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation.
How to treat MS?
There is no cure for MS, but management of the disease includes drug treatments to treat acute inflammatory attacks (or relapses), medications that reduce the risk of further inflammatory relapses (disease modifying therapies) and treatments to slow disease progression. Then there are also therapies that alleviate and improve various symptoms. Successful management of MS also includes a healthy diet, exercise and rehabilitation.
To learn more about treatment and therapies, click here. For the best guidance, always consult with your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
MS Connections
The theme of this year's World MS Day is MS Connections. It's about building community connection. Let's challenge social barriers that leave people affected by MS feeling lonely and socially isolated! This is an opportunity to advocate for better services, celebrate support networks and champion self-care.
The Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center is proud to support World MS Day and help to spread awareness in our community.
Source: msif.org & worldmsday.org
