Multiple Sclerosis and Veterans (MS & Vets)

Because MS can affect any part of the brain or spinal cord, it can cause different problems for each person. Many people with MS have poor balance, problems with walking, and are at risk for falling. Studies show that between 50-70% of people with MS have reported a fall within the last 2-6 months, while about 30% reported multiple falls. Join Dr. Michelle Cameron to learn about what causes falls...

Sleep plays an important role in your physical health and well-being. It supports healthy brain functioning, is involved in the healing and repair of your heart and blood vessels, regulates mood, reduces stress, and even helps your immune system defend your body against foreign or harmful substances. Yet, many people with MS say they sleep poorly at night and are fatigued in the daytime. Join Dr....

Studies have shown that diet change and nutrition are the most used non-conventional approaches for treating MS symptoms. Diet can make people with MS feel that they can take charge of their disease, and it’s been shown that establishing and maintaining a healthy body weight is associated with decreased risk for MS-related disability. Join Dr. Vijayshree Yadav to talk about the various diets assoc...

Age appears to be a strong predictor of MS disease activity. With increasing age, relapse frequency and new inflammatory MRI lesions decline, and the accumulation of neurological disability accelerates. Also, there is a relative lack of efficacy of disease modifying therapies in people with progressive MS. Join Dr. Olaf Stuve to discuss disease progression in MS and options for people with a progr...

Many people with MS have used non-traditional products or therapies either along with their prescribed medical regimen, considered complementary, or instead of traditional medicine, known as alternative. Called Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), these products and therapies can include herbs, nutritional supplements, acupuncture, massage, diet, mindfulness, yoga, tai chi, and visits to...

Physical activity in people with MS has been shown to improve walking speed and balance. It also improves depression, quality of life, and it is one of the best therapies we have to treat MS fatigue. There is evidence that high levels of physical activity may postpone the onset of MS and may even modify the disease. Join Dr. Lindsey Wooliscroft to learn how physical activity can help improve MS sy...

MS affects women nearly three times as often as men, and often presents during childbearing years, making pregnancy issues very important for people living with MS. Questions around pregnancy and MS are a common part of our patient-physician conversations. Join Dr. Jennifer Graves to discuss things to consider when planning for or going through a pregnancy.

The goals for MS disease modifying therapies are to reduce the frequency of relapses, slow the progression of the disease, manage symptoms, and improve quality of life. There are many choices when considering an MS therapy, including the mode of administration (injectable, oral, infused), frequency, and side effects. Join Dr. John Rinker for a discussion on what to consider when choosing a DMT.

Our home is the place where we live, and it is filled with an abundance of memories. But what happens when your home presents challenges to your safety and independence? A home safety evaluation can identify hazards that may affect your safety in the home. It provides recommendations for eliminating hazards through the use of assistive devices and home repairs and modifications. Join Ms. Lisa Mitc...

Outdoor adventure programs allow participants to actively partake in instructor-led outdoor adventurous activities like kayaking, cycling, hiking, and skiing, in small, supportive groups. They provide stimulating outdoor learning experiences that foster personal growth and improve quality of life. Join Dr. Lindsey Knowles to discuss the importance of outdoor adventures and how VA can help Veterans...

People with MS may find that the challenges of living with MS are hard to face day after day. Practicing behaviors which promote resilience may help people not just cope with MS but thrive with it. Resilience is commonly described as the ability to bounce back from difficult circumstances - to find happiness and life satisfaction despite challenges. Join Dr. Sarah Brindle to discuss the benefits o...

Fatigue can be a tremendous burden in people with MS. It is not only the most common symptom of MS but also one of the single biggest causes of disability and decreased quality of life. To make matters worse, fatigue is one of the most difficult symptoms to communicate to others. Join Dr. Chris Hollen to learn about understanding and recognizing fatigue, as well as finding ways to help manage this...

VA has a large network of health care professionals, with various specialties, who are available to help you with your care. The members of your Multidisciplinary Care Team will work with you to ensure you get the care you need, when you need it. Join Dr. Rebecca “Becca” Spain, Associate Director of Clinical Care for the VA MS Center of Excellence West, to learn about who may be involved with your...

The VA is America’s largest integrated health care system, serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year. Each Veteran’s medical benefits package is unique. While eligible Veterans receive coverage for most care and services, only some will qualify for added benefits. Join Ms. Maggie Kazmierski, the VA MS Center of Excellence East Social Worker and SCI Clinic Coordinator for the Baltimore VAMC, to...

The VA ranks as one of the nation’s leaders in health research. Thousands of studies are conducted at VA medical facilities each year. Join Dr. Aaron Tuner, Co-Associate Director of Research for the VA MS Center of Excellence West, to learn how VA research has significantly contributed to advancements in health care for Veterans and other Americans from every walk of life. Hear about some of the M...

Dr. David Greaves, Director for the Whole Health program at the VA in Portland, Oregon, discusses VA’s cutting-edge Whole Health approach to care that supports Veterans health and well-being. Whole Health centers around what matters to Veterans, not what is the matter with them. Join us to learn how VA is developing personalized health plans based on Veteran’s values, needs and goals.

The VA is leading the way in telehealth innovation to make sure Veterans can access care when and where they need it. From your home, the clinic, or the hospital, VA telehealth technologies make it easier for you to connect with your VA care team. Join Dr. Elizabeth Silbermann, MS specialist and Neurology Virtual Visit Champion at the VA HCS in Portland, OR, to learn about telehealth for MS care,...

Vaccines have been the focus of the news lately. Many questions come up when discussing the importance of vaccines for maintaining our health. Currently, there are vaccines available to protect children and adults against at least 17 serious diseases. Today, Dr. Kathy Tortorice, National Program Manager for VA’s Pharmacy Benefits Management, discusses what vaccines are, who needs them and some com...