It’s March, and that means National MS Education and Awareness Month has begun. At 180 Medical, we like to bring attention to this time in order to support and honor those who are affected by Multiple Sclerosis, as well as spread awareness and offer education, tips, and extra resources.
Learn About MS Education and Awareness Month
What is MS?
First, what is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease that attacks the central nervous system (brain, optic nerves, spinal cord, etc.). It focuses its attack on the myelin sheath of nerves, which is the fatty, protective material that wraps around nerve axons and transmits impulses in the body.
This damage can cause symptoms such as:
- Fatigue
- Coordination & balance issues
- Dizziness
- Pain
- Bladder dysfunction
- Mental fogginess
- Changes in vision
- Tremors, shaking
- Depression
For a comprehensive list of symptoms, visit the National MS Society’s symptoms & diagnosis informational page here.
Who Is Affected by MS?
With an estimated 2.5 million people living in the world today with MS, there’s a very good chance that you may know someone affected by this disease, whether a friend, family member, or co-worker. MS is not contagious, nor does it seem to be inherited from parent to child, but scientists have identified some factors that seem to have some effect on whether or not someone may be more likely to get MS. For instance, it is most common among Caucasians, although it can affect anyone from any ethnic group. It is also more than twice as common in women than in men. Learn more about MS here.
How to Participate in MS Education and Awareness Month
Thanks to social media, spreading awareness can be as simple as sharing a status update, a blog, or an informative link on your page. There are also plenty of helpful educational videos on YouTube that may be interesting and informative.
One way that we all here at 180 Medical like to support the cause is by participating in our local MS Society Walk which occurs annually every spring to raise funds for research and support. Check out your area at the National MS Society page here and see when the next Walk MS event is being held to show your support with your friends, family, or co-workers! Not only do you get a little exercise and fun with a great group of people, but you’re also helping with a wonderful cause.
Another fun way to show support is by picking a day to wear orange to raise awareness about MS. You could coordinate with your workplace, school, or your family on a day.
The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation also offers Awareness Kits which have tools to help you raise awareness in your community during this month. Learn more here.
Many people can attest to how MS affects the quality of life. So let’s work together to support research and let others know about this disease, so that one day, a cure can be found.
