MS is a neurological (nerve) disease that strikes mostly young adults and most of them are women. It’s most commonly found in people who have northern European ancestry and is more common in the northern countries. Canada has one of the highest MS rates in the world.

The disease can be quick but then take breaks (relapse remitting MS) or slow and steady (progressive). People with relapse remitting can quite possible do quite well for the times in between the “attacks.”

To learn more about what MS is, click on the TV screen below to watch a short video (a bit longer than a minute) that explains it well:

Image: iStock

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A Stanford University School of Medicine study showed that mothers with MS who breastfeed exclusively for at least two months are less likely to experience a relapse of MS symptoms within a year after the baby is born. The suppression of menses is thought to help with MS symptoms.

Study authors advise that women with MS should be encouraged to breastfeed exclusively for at least the first two months after birth instead of resuming medications. (However, you should discuss your individual case with your physician.)

The study, led by Annette Langer-Gould, M.D., Ph.D., will appear in the August print issue of Archives of Neurology. Read the full study text online.

(Image via flickr)

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Breastfeeding May Benefit Women with MS

“Crafting and art has kept me sane,” she said, in spite of her left hand sometimes experiencing pain. 

I’d imagine her crafting also keeps her hands more agile, even though she does have some pain.  I know this was true of my grandmother.

Nanny’s hands were curled and crippled with arthritis in her later years.  However, she insisted on keeping them busy with snapping beans, shucking peas, mending clothes, stitching quilts, making doll clothes, and crocheting rag rugs.  I recall sitting beside her learning these tasks and recall her misshapen hands busy as she told me stories.

Image: sxc.hu

My daughter, who found quilting a stress reliever during her husband’s illness, experienced a serious illness herself last year.  As she recovered, but still was weak, she found inspiration through her quilt art and her quilting friends.

How have crafts inspired and aided you?

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Arts & Crafts Increase Agility

I am having another round of scans and more follow up appts with doctor/numerologist/ophthalmologist. So with all this new normal around here I have been just keeping afloat! I am feeling so much better today and am actually looking at the screen of the computer without having to take a break and lay down in between- small miracle in itself. I went to work, nursing, the other day for the first time in about 10 days and it felt good! I will keep you updated and will keep on writing all about heart health and everything related- might just have a new schedule for writing.

Have a great night everyone- Kendra

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A Hearty bit of sharing- new normal for me