Feeling Discouraged? Check this out!

MUST READ BOOK Find the Upside of the Down Times: How to Turn Your Worst Experiences Into Your Best Opportunities "I enjoyed this book tremendously. It grabbed me from the first chapter and got me to think in ways that have changed my life for the better. We all have different sides of life that we have to deal with, whether having a illness, being a caregiver, or a spouse or corporate employee. Your book touches others in all these areas because you share so many different sides of yourself. I know your book will be a great help to a lot of people. My husband's got to read this." Paula Joiner, Editor of the MS Lone Star Classifieds

Whey! IT'S EVEN HOTTER IN AUGUST

Whew It's Still Hot! - Keep Cool in August With These New Tips Water - Not Just For Drinking   If you are out and about in public zoos or events look for misting stations. These are area set up with fans and water misting blowers that are very refreshing in the sweltering heat.  Remember Hot Air Raises    Well insulated attics keep heat out. Look for Government Energy Savers Rebates to save money on improvements.    Radiant Foil Energy Barriers - It's worth checking into this type of system. It can be a do it yourself installation or check for a reputable contractor in your area. Make sure it is Radiant Barrier Foil and that it's installed properly.  Foods - That are not heavy or hearty  Graze by eating smaller, lighter meals more often, like salads and chilled soups and desserts.  Keep in mind it takes energy for the body to digest the food that is eaten, so keep meals cool, and in smaller portions.   Keep lotions or body creams in the refrigerator   Applying lotions or creams that have been keep stored in refrigerator refreshes the skin and leaves a nice cooling sensation. Chilled bottles of Witch Hazel or After-shave Lotion applied after shaving is very helpful in giving a cool refreshing finish.   If you don't have air-conditioning, arrange to spend at least parts of the day in a shopping mall, public library, movie theater, or other public space that is cool. Many cities have cooling centers that are open to the public on sweltering days. The indoor play areas at McDonalds are great for small children.  Finally stay in the shade and wear light colored natural fiber clothing.   Seersucker Suites are actually cooler because of the pucker design of the fabric, which catches the air, and is made of cotton. These suites may be worn by both men and women for business/dress attire.   Also, take cues from the style apparel worn by people living in warmer climates. These items of clothing are usually made from light-weight, gauzy fabric into loose fitting apparel, so air circulates through keeping the body cooler.   You may have other tips that you would like to share. Please visit our Forum "Whew It's Hot" to leave your favorite tips. Keep cool!

Why Stay Home, Why Not Fly? Part 2

I met an interesting elderly women on a resent flight through Charlotte. She was traveling alone and with an oxygen supply. I noticed her because we were both in the early boarding area of the airline terminal. She shared with me that she had not been out of her house in years. I immediately imagined that this must have been a major event for her to attempt to make her first outing a flight across country, perhaps a death in the family. But she soon added that it was her granddaughter's birthday, and she wasn't going to miss another one. That made me think how little time we have to spend with love ones since the reason for my fight was to be with a family member in hospice.
The fear of flying for some is very real and difficult if not impossible but, overcoming the fear of being in a situation where you are unable to take care of yourself takes guts. I admire this lady's resolve that at her age and condition nothing was going to stop her from spending time with family.

THINK ABOUT IT.

BIG EVENT THIS MONTH

BP MS 150 April 16th - 17th 2011 Houston to Austin Bike Ride Bike MS Broadcast PSA 30 second - National MS Society     George Accepted The Challenge      Click Here. Our goal is to find a cure for MS.   George Carter has accepted the challenge raising over $200,000 over 10 years. He has participated in over 18 Bike Rides. Bike Riders have raised Millions of dollars for MS Research. We are their Pedal Partners.  Help us, help them reach our goal!

Motion Therapeutics

Check out this video of an interesting product that appears to solve the problem of balance and movement with MS .

MS and Good Health - FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Is it possible to have Multiple Sclerosis and be healthy? Apparently, the answer to this question is as individual as the symptoms of MS are to each person. 
Living in a healthy state of being should be the goal for each individual. A person with MS should strive to find the best level of health or wellness for their state or stage of the condition. One of the ways to achieve that goal is through our diets. We are what we eat. However, there are other components to a healthy diet, which should be address. Are you taking additional supplements with your healthy diet? According to the experts, no matter how well balanced, organic and nutritious the meal, we need additional supplements to achieve the optimum healing benefits from food without over-eating. One might argue, "I am a juicer."  Great, but how many of those precious vitamins are left in the bulk fiber by-product thrown away by juicing? Also, we hear about the effects of organic vs non-organic and GM (genetically modified) Foods vs non-GMO or Raw Food materials in our diet, which also effects the nutritional value we receive from what we eat. 
I am now learning more about "Transforming your health with the power of living nutrients," in the book, 'Raw Truth', by Jordan Rubin. Jordan Rubin is also, the Publisher of the magazine, 'Extraordinary Health', which can be fount in health food stores free of charge. 'Extraordinary Health' is published by Garden of Life, LLC, located on the web at http://www.gardenoflife.com.  There is lots of information to digest in this magazine or should I say, for your digestion?
People with MS may not have a lot to say about how this disease will affect them but we can control what actions we will take to affect the effects of Multiple Sclerosis. This is just a little FOOD FOR THOUGHT.

Also, as always check with your neurologist before taking any supplements.

MS Diet - You Have Got to Eat!

The MS Diet is still going strong. I would like to share a Chicken Soup recipe that I prepared. Great for this time of year. I also enjoyed Blue Diamond Gluten Free Crackers with this in the Ranch Flavor.
This takes about 2 hours from start to finish with the prep and simmer time included.

3 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
32 oz. Free Range Chicken Broth Low Salt
4 Tables Olive Oil
2 Knorr Chipotle Mini Cubes
1 cup Brown Rice
2 Small Shollot

3 Stalks of Celery ( 2 cups)
1 Small bag of Baby Carrots
3 Ears of Corn (cut into 6 or more pieces)
1 Green Bell Pepper
1 Red Bell Pepper
Mrs Dash Original Seasoning or Garlic

Garnish:
2 Roma Tomatoes
1 Large Avocado
Cilantro
1/2 Red Onion


Directions for Prep: In a large soup pot, saute shallots, celery, bell peppers in olive oil until translucent. Cut chicken breasts into bite size pieces and season with Mrs Dash, (I use Original).  Add chicken to vegetables and cook until lightly brown and done. Next add carrots and corn. Continue to cook on medium high heat 2 - 3 minutes more. Add 32 oz chicken broth and Chipotle seasoning cubes, simmer for 35 - 40 minutes.
Then, add 1 cup uncooked brown rice and 2 cups additional liquid (water). Simmer at high heat  for additional 40 minutes or until rice is cooked.

Garnish:
Mince red onion and cilantro combine with cut and seeds removed tomatoes. You can chop by hand or use food processor. Cut or chop avocados into large bit size pieces or slices. Use as a garnish for each of a bowl of soup.


Hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I did creating, cooking and eating it!

MS Diet and Moderation

The MS diet is still a way of life for me. I have now found which foods I have sensitivity to in my diet. Most of what I can eat without any worry is chicken breast, fish and/or vegetables. These foods must be prepared carefully with natural seasoning and olive oil or one of the allowed oils, if necessary. I do eat rice, oatmeal, grits, corn products, no additives no preservatives. All types of potatoes are still in my diet, mostly baked.  As well as most raw fruits and nuts.  I am trying to include different types of fruits and vegetables to see if there is a noticeable improvement. During the winter season the choices are fewer. The hardest part of this diet is gluten or dairy products restrictions.
The one area to watch is sugar from fruit drinks. Items like orange juice and apple juice even if they are organic, contain a lot of sugar. It is a good idea to pay close attention to the labels. A good juicer may be the solution to the problem, any suggestions? Also, I am planning to refine my diet to include more homemade gluten free breads instead of store bought products. A bread machine might make baking gluten free products somewhat easier. I have purchased a variety of gluten free grains for baking bread and cakes. They can be found in most grocery stores baking isles. Eggs have also been excluded from the MS Diet. Powdered egg substitute does work well as a replacement.

This year the exercise part of this project will be in the forefront as well. Floor exercises like simple Dahn Yoga floor stretches are great. I look forward to making progress in this area. As the year progresses there will be other new changes- I'll keep you posted.

Have I Had MS All My Life?

I often wonder when MS first came into my life? Maybe it first showed up on that day, I felt too tired as a teen to continue band practice. Or maybe it was the piano lesson that I just couldn't quite finish learning. Every teenager feels stress growing up. Maybe, my stress over all of this and forgotten or lost books were actually MS moments!

But, I'm not angry, after all, it could have been worse. OK, I'm lying, I am angry! But, getting "hot under the collar", is not healthy for a person with MS. Instead, it would be better to wrap a Cooling Cloth around my neck and stay cool and calm. I admonish myself, don't get sore about what has happened in life. However, I realize having MS fulfills the definition of the word sore. 

1. : causing pain or distress a sore subject b: painfully sensitive
2. : attended by difficulties, hardship, or exertion
3. : angry, irked, a sore loser

MS is a painful, tender, sensitive, irritated, infection or affliction" of the central nervous system. Yes, having MS gets on my nerves! How ironic one of the main symptoms of MS is numbness, as well as, pain and sensitivity.

Nevertheless, I realize, I do not have to feel angry about what has happened, it is a choice. I will choose to take a deep breath and slowly let it out, releasing all soreness and hurt inside of me. Then I can say to myself, "Let it be. MS has no control over me".

The MS Recovery Diet Continues

I am still on the MS Recovery Diet. I have loss about 10 pounds. I am pleased that I am losing weight. However, I am concerned about losing muscle. I am not an exerciser but I think the time has come to move forward with that requisite to achieve total recovery.  The diet is helping with the food sensitivities and digestion. Now it is time to start retraining my body to function physically. I can walk with a walker. I do use a power chair when I go on outings that require walking distances that I feel would be too tiring or time consuming. I walk at a very slow pace concentrating with each step. My right leg and foot are difficult to move with each step forward. The command to the brain is a mental chant; lift, kick, step forward and shift. My left leg moves normally for the most part. However, the average person has taken three steps to my one, without thinking! I have been told recently that I am walking faster and my posture is better. I think my posture may have improved.

In the book, "The MS Recovery Diet", by Ann D Sawyer and Judith E. Bachrach, there is a section on the importance of exercising. I highly recommend that you read this book. There is a lot of valuable information on MS and exercise that is addressed. But for me the first exercise, to roll over in bed, meant the most. Because, at the worst and most difficult days of MS, that was an impossibility.  The exercise is compared to a baby's first steps with basic movements, which seems logical. We all have seen a baby turns his head, focuses and then lifting the shoulders and turning it's body rolls over on the tummy and vice versa. But, remember these are exercises, so use caution and start with just a few attempts. Then gradually increase as you become more comfortable. Another word of caution, if you are on the bed, be sure you have room to roll and not fall off the bed. You may need someone to watch you at first. If no one is around, set up a barrier on the edge of the mattress or bed.
So, let's get rolling! Follow my progress, the goal is to crawl by the end of the month.

Managing Stress Without feeling like Scrooge

It is hard to gear up for all the extra activities during the Holiday Season and manage MS fatigue. Planning is the key to success in this quest.

Use every tool available like:

•          Online shopping can be a great time saver.

•          Use your own computer or a computer at the library by signing in with your internet email address and account provider

•          Save energy and stress by avoiding crowds and shopping at your own pace.

•          Save money. You can print coupons for in-store and online shopping

•          Be sure to use Retail Stores discount sales codes when available at check out with online shopping

•          Retailers often offer Specials to online shoppers that are not available in stores

•          Look for Free Shipping Offers 
  

Saving money and staying within your budget, no matter how small, will empower you and give you peace by narrowing your choices.  A well designed shopping plan stimulates creativity. The people on your list will appreciate and remember the thoughtful, meaningful gift. 

Follow us on Our Blog, MS Scars 2 Stars, Twitter and Facebook the next few days. We will post ideas and money saving and easy to do tips!

Merry Christmas

Paula Joiner

Almost Time to Sum Up the Year

Gee, can one believe that it's almost year end? I have tried a lot of different things this year to stay ahead of the MS Monster. I am still on the diet. I can say it has made a difference in the way I feel. Thinking of ways to enjoy food without eating from the forbidden fruits was extremely challenging. I have become a much better cook. I take time to add spices and enhance the flavor of whatever I am preparing. I have also lost weight, although not intentionally but by not eating fast foods, sugar, dairy and saturated fats. Great bonus to trying to heal yourself naturally. Over the holidays, I ate a lot of food. Instead of feeling bloated and uncomfortable I was just satisfied, yet full. I know if you looked at my menu, you probably wonder how. Well, what you don't see on the menu are the ingredients that are added to each item to enhance the flavor. For example, the turkey was a free range boneless turkey breast. I stuffed it with a rice dressing made with 2 types of mushrooms and brown rice. Lots of other ingredients like poultry seasoning, and the usual vegetable additions celery, onion, garlic. However, it needed the holiday touch, so in goes the pecans, golden raisins and gluten free bread. There is more to this recipe, like chicken stock,  salt and pepper and, olive oil for sauteing. There is a recipe for the rice dressing that I changed to suit my diet. Another example, use cornstarch to thicken the gravy instead of flour. 
The holidays are filled with tempting dinner parties and festive occasions. Let me encourage you if you are on the diet to stick with it. Just be creative and remember to enjoy the things you can have fully.

Following the MS Diet

I am now entering the 4th week of the diet. There is a lot to learn about this new way of eating, it is a life style change as well. Eating fast food is not an option, meals preparation takes time and planning. The planning start with a grocery list. A well stocked pantry is a must have.  Fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish and grain feed lean meats or wild game are all OK on the diet.  As I lean more about what I can and can't have, I discover there is nothing like the first few weeks or months of this diet. In order to find your food sensitivities you must remove all of the suggested items from your diet. Eggs, (all products containing eggs), gluten ( all products containing flour), legumes (all vegetables in a pod and this includes soy bean products), dairy, (all animal milks and their by products), yeast, and sugar.
I have also learned that keeping a detailed journal of what you eat  is very important. The symptom or reactions to the foods that you eat should be recorded. This also requires planning. Make sure to have a small note book for logging your entries. I am sure a look back by date will be interesting as time goes by.
The holidays pose a special problem. It seems as though we have conditioned ourselves to believe that over indulgence and overeating go hand in hand with holiday celebrations. Again, be prepared with array of the healthy choices that are available to you. Like Nuts taste extra special when coated with honey. For a spicy change use a little oil and chili powder blend to taste. No matter what your favorite flavor, it can be added to the permitted mixed nuts and seeds. Be sure to add in dried fruit as well. Yum!
Dr Swank's book has some great recipes but use caution, not all the recipes apply to this strict start-up. As time goes by the other foods can be added if tolerated. So, be creative and enjoy all the foods you can have.

THANKSGIVING DINNER MENU

Butternut Squash Soup Served w/Brown Rice or Popcorn
Roasted Turkey Breast
Baked Sweet Potato Casserole Topped with Pecans
Greens (Mustard and Collard)
Roasted Corn on the Cob

DESSERT
 Baked Apple Crisp w/ Frozen Vanilla Coconut Milk - I'm sure the Pilgrims did not have a la mode desserts!
Please share with me your ideas. I would love to hear them.

Where is the Encouragement?

Has anyone ever noticed that encouragement is a rare commodity? There is something to be said about the person who has managed to incorporate this virtue into their daily lives. I know, I would like to know the person that  unsolicited will give positive feedback. If you have to ask, then you are only getting an agreement or confirmation on what you already think. But if the complement is given with no strings attached, then it is an encouragement.

Encouragement gives hope to someone. When someone says, 'you're not alone' or 'I know how you must feel', with sincerity; it is a perfect gift. Especially, when the encouragement is given with no expectations of receiving an encouragement, in return.  Encouragements are not always spoken, are they? An encouragement can be a kind gesture, a charitable action that gives someone support. The "like" item is one of my favorite things on Facebook, it gives a thumbs up to others. On Twitter it is the re-tweet feature that gives validation to others. Blogging has a special kind of community of people who follow you. I think another lost kind of encouragement is the welcome to the neighborhood. It is so easy to connect with others in the social media world, I think we sometimes forget to add, nice to meet you.

 In the future, I will look for opportunities to encourage others.

MS and the Diet

This is the latest of my 'The Diet and MS' adventure.

I am currently in my third week of the diet. Today is not a particularly good or bad day. I feel at a loss from the high of caffeine and sugar.  I can say it is not a craving, but it is more or less an absence of the familiar practice, of having a cup of hot, sweet and creamy coffee. I thought that I would miss bread more, but that is not much of an issue because the starch of bread can be replaced with rice or potatoes. EGGS are a real significant problem! I got an egg substitute, and I can not wait to bake with it. There are lots of gluten free bread mixes, but most would require an egg or two. Therefore, often there is a solution to the problem, if you keep an open mind. I look forward to testing the egg substitute.

The information on 'The Diet and MS' seems to be an extremely hot topic for discussion. The National Multiple Sclerosis posted this Clinical Trial Alert recently on 'The Diet and MS' on their website Research section, MS Trial Alert, "MS Trial Alert: Investigators in Oregon Recruiting People with Relapsing MS for Study of Effects of Low-fat Diet on MS Disease Activity; Travel Costs Covered" posted on Oct 29, 2010. Read more about this study in the following link: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/news/news-detail/index.aspx?nid=4046
I am  thrilled that this type of research is being proposed. This is a random assigned, rigorously controlled,  clinical trial study of the effects of a Low-Fat Diet on people with Relapsing  MS. I am not sure if it is as restrictive as the diet that I am on. 

Please let me know what you think about 'The Diet and MS'.

I Can Make A Difference in My MS Symptoms

Multiple Sclerosis is an extraordinarily mysterious, painful and debilitating disease. The symptoms vary from person to person like a Chameleon. I recently discovered, you can live free from MS symptoms.

Maybe it was some kind of exercise routine, that I would not have the strength or stamina to do. (Read my earlier blog on Yoga). Oh, don't mis-understand,  exercise actually has helped me. However, it is extremely difficult to perform when you are fighting MS at the same time. MS is not something that you can turn on or off like a light-switch,  then act like a Gazelle.  I have always wondered how many seated arm curls  must be done to walk across the floor, of course, you're strengthening your core! Funny how the MS seems to have blocked that from my memory - was that 10 or 11?  Oops, lost count, and I have to remember to breathe! Is that in through the nose out through the mouth or was it the other way? Oh well, it doesn't matter, whatever I must do, I'll do it and give it my all!  What would you give to live free from MS symptoms?

What is this new, exciting and profound challenge? The answer was not new, but it was profound and tremendously challenging yet, it was so easy; CHANGE YOUR DIET! That was a surprise to me. I have been on all types of diets: Weight Watcher, California, Atkins and Oprah's just to name a few, but of course, they were just to lose weight. This diet does not fall under the weight lost segment it  is a therapeutic regimen. As I am writing about my experiences with this diet, you will see why I use the term regimen. This is a coherent plan for therapy, a series of steps to be carried out to achieve the goal of living a life free of MS symptoms.

How does it work or better yet, does it work? I don't know  I am only into my 2nd week. The outline for this diet is in "The MS Recovery Diet", by Ann Sawyer and Judith Bachrach. I have had an ELISA food allergy analysis to identify food allergies and sensitivities and am waiting for the results. I can tell you that I have noticed a difference in the way I feel, already.  My blood pressure has returned to a normal range, although I still take medication for blood pressure/hypertension. I have noticed a difference in my feet not swelling as much even when I sit at the computer for hours..  So, maybe I am seeing results already. However, I want to see a lot more results from the aforementioned  for all the dietary changes that I have had to do.

On the list, of the foods that I have eliminated from my diet  before the ELISA test results are:

Sugars, gluten (all gluten grains), dairy products, legume (soy, green beans, peanuts, peas), eggs, saturated fats and yeast. I recently found out that I needed to include oatmeal to the grains that I cannot eat, from an allergic reaction. I have noticed that my body reacts with more sensitivity to anything that I eat. It is either yes, that's OK or no, and you are going to need Benadryl. I am not quite at he Epinephrine shot, yet.

So, I can tell you that  my body is paying attention to the difficult diet. Again, as I posed the question before - What would you do or give to have no MS symptoms.

MS Mean Spirited

MS is the excepted abbreviation for Multiple Sclerosis. However, sometimes those around us may think that it stands for something more like, Mean Spirited.

I recently attended a beautiful luncheon that was provided for those with Multiple Sclerosis. I have to admit I rarely attend these types of events alone but, I had an incentive. Not only was the luncheon held in one of my favorite restaurants in town but  I would also have a new crowd that I could promote my MS website to. How disingenuous of me I must confess, not to first think of the topic for discussion or of meeting other MS survivors and friends. And once again, I should have listened to that small voice that warned that my head and heart were not in agreement. Never the less, I put on my (I can do this game face) and forged ahead.  The "I can do it on my own" determined, energetic, goal oriented attitude can seem aggressive and self-assertive, at times to others.  The not being intimidated by  your circumstances attitude can unknowingly give others the impression of being mean spirited, OUCH.  Eventhough, the stress of coordinating and accomplishing  a solo outing, if you have a disability can be overwhelming and daunting, especially if you usually have a companion to assist you. So we mask it with a I'm tough, I can take care of myself persona which can seem harsh.  I so admire people who have mastered this needed self confidence yet remain soft and gentile while living with a disability.

Much too often I have noticed that whether it is pain, disability, emotional lack of self confidence/esteem or just having a bad MS day we can sometimes be a little discourteous to others around us. We often overlook their need for recognition, patience and understanding even though they are not physically challenged.

It is wise for us to remember the boomerang effect; you sometimes get back what you send out. We may think that the "tough guy or gal" attitude is for our own self preservation and protection. But, by being guarded you may miss an opportunity to connect with someone else in an authentic way to gain pleasant memories if not friendships.

What are some of your thoughts about this complex mental state of beliefs and dispositions that you have observed with a MS attitude?

Today's Food For Thought

I am sure you know that the statement, "As a man thinks so is he or she", is true. Yes, I agree in positive thoughts about yourself and circumstances are good and is the way we should think. But, I do not agree that this is the way to acquire riches and to fulfill all your desires. In my affirmations and prayers, I realized that the outcome is not up to me. I am not in Control, God is. I think that we often discount our blessings and overlook God's goodness to us now. Just in having this world still in it's proper place in the universe, the beauty of this day, a smile on someone elses face, is of far greater value in comparison to my own wants and desires.

Sure, I think that I would be happier having a lot more money and a lot more things.  But will I have the time to acquire them and health and strength to enjoy them? Since, tomorrow is not promised to me, I must live my life one day at a time. Maybe its not about me or my and mine or more.  This I am sure about, what wisdom and knowledge teaches us about giving and sharing is true; I can make my life a little happier and richer just by being generous with the things I have now!

MS Society of Canada - News in Research on A Home-Based Walking Program Using Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation Improves Gait Performance in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study

MS Society of Canada - News in Research
IF YOU CAN NOT SEE THE LINKS BELOW THEY ARE THE SONG SAMPLES IN QUOTES
This report is great NEWS because "I Like To Move It"












I am so excited by this report - " I feel Like Dancing"












and I'm "Staying Alive"  and this is good NEWS!

NEW - MS PRAYER CORNER

MS Lone Star Classified has a place to post your prayer requests. Please follow the rules. All requests should be for MS Survivors and their families.