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MCC Daily Tribune

Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month

Every March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness month, a time for sufferers, family members, and supporters to share information, sympathy, and camaraderie, drawing attention to this disease of the central nervous system. If you’re not familiar, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) happens when one’s immune system attacks the nerve cells and renders them unable to properly transmit information, causing balance issues, weakened vision, fatigue, and other unpredictable symptoms. Approximately 2.5 million people worldwide suffer from multiple sclerosis. The cause is unknown, and there is no definitive cure as of this writing. However, there are many effective treatments, so those afflicted with MS should not lose hope. This month is all about raising awareness, educating wider society, fundraising, and getting behind those scientists that seek to advance our understanding of MS.

 

HOW TO OBSERVE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AWARENESS MONTH

  1. Walk MS

    These events bring passionate people together to change the world for those affected by MS. Walks are held in major cities and smaller ones; there’s sure to be one near you.

  2. Get educated

    Learn more about current advocacy opportunities. Also, look into making a donation, perhaps forming a corporate partnership.

  3. Participate in MS Awareness Week

    Wear the orange ribbon and explore the resources available on the NMSS website. Post on your social feeds using the hashtag, #ThisIsMS.

 

FIVE CELEBRITIES YOU DIDN’T KNOW HAD M.S.

  1. Selma Blair

    Though the “Cruel Intentions” actress wasn’t diagnosed until 2018, her symptoms began in 2011.

  2. Jonathan Katz

    The namesake voice of the animated “Dr. Katz” said he first experienced the symptoms of his MS in 1996.

  3. Jack Osbourne

    The son of rock legend Ozzy Osbourne started experiencing MS symptoms just after the birth of his own son.

  4. Jamie-Lynn Sigler

    Famous for her role in HBO’s “The Sopranos,” Sigler started having MS symptoms when she was 20 years old.

  5. Terri Garr

    Best known for her roles in the 80s films “Mr. Mom” and “Tootsie,” she has had MS since 1999.

 

WHY M.S. AWARENESS MONTH IS IMPORTANT

  1. About 2.5 million people worldwide suffer from the disease

    This figure includes an estimated 400,000 in the U.S. Strangely, people who reside in more temperate climates are more likely to develop MS than those living near the equator — or in the far north or south.

  2. The symptoms can be unpredictable

    Those affected by MS typically contend with extreme fatigue, difficulty walking, balance problems, and weakened vision. MS symptoms can be inconsistent, varying among individual patients.

  3. There’s no known direct cause

    Environmental factors, infectious agents, and immune reactions may all play a role, and scientists are looking into genetic markers within families.

Sarah Benedict
MCC Wellness Council
03/10/2022