https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/multiple-sclerosis-and-veterans-ms-vets--4902083enHealth & FitnessCopyright Veterans Health Administrationhttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/607c162185e70592b611d83b06d2ae10.jpghttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/multiple-sclerosis-and-veterans-ms-vets--4902083Mon, 13 Jan 2025 10:04:22 +0000Veterans Health AdministrationVeterans Health Administrationfeeds@spreaker.comNearly 1 million people in the United States are living with MS. This is more than double the original estimate from a few years ago and means answers for MS are now twice as important. The VA’s Multiple Sclerosis Centers of Excellence (MSCoE) are...cleanepisodichttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/bowel-dysfunction-and-multiple-sclerosis--63239033https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63239033Mon, 13 Jan 2025 10:00:09 +0000Veterans Health AdministrationBowel function is not something most people want to bring up in casual conversation. The topic can be uncomfortable, especially when things aren’t working as they should. But having a conversation about bowel function with your MS team is important in...1309bowel,dysfunction,multiple,sclerosis,va,veteranscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/cognitive-dysfunction-and-multiple-sclerosis--63109930https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63109930Mon, 09 Dec 2024 10:00:14 +0000Veterans Health AdministrationCognition refers to a person’s ability to perform high-level brain functions and includes things like thinking, learning, remembering, and understanding. Up to 65% of individuals with MS will develop cognitive dysfunction over the course of their...1002cognitive,dysfunction,multiple,sclerosis,va,veteranscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/depression-and-multiple-sclerosis--62612976https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62612976Mon, 11 Nov 2024 10:00:08 +0000Veterans Health AdministrationDepression is a serious condition, and if left untreated, can lead to chronic depression. Depression is a medical disorder that can be mild, severe, or even life threatening. Not only can it affect a person’s quality of life, it can interfere with...1571depression,disorder,medical,ms,multiple,sclerosis,symptom,threatening,va,veteranscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/relapse-management-for-multiple-sclerosis--62287437https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62287437Mon, 14 Oct 2024 09:00:11 +0000Veterans Health AdministrationA multiple sclerosis relapse is when inflammation in the brain and/or spinal cord causes a new symptom or worsening of an old symptom. Symptoms with a relapse can range from mild to severe enough to interfere with one’s ability to function. Join Dr....993inflammation,multiple,relapse,sclerosiscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/taking-care-of-the-multiple-sclerosis-caregiver--61092332https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61092332Mon, 09 Sep 2024 09:00:07 +0000Veterans Health AdministrationDedicating time, energy, and emotional commitment to another person can be fulfilling. For many, being a caregiver provides richness in life and an expression of love for the person who needs assistance. Yet, the physical, mental, and emotional...2087caregiver,multiplesclerosis,va,veteranscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/headaches-and-multiple-sclerosis--60676832https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60676832Mon, 12 Aug 2024 09:00:07 +0000Veterans Health AdministrationHeadaches can be common in people with MS, with between 20-70% of people with MS experiencing tension headaches, migraine headaches, and/or cluster headaches. Triggers for MS headaches include stress, muscle tension, or certain foods. However, a range...1621headaches,multiple,sclerosis,va,veteranscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/complementary-and-alternative-therapies-and-multiple-sclerosis--60581125https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60581125Mon, 08 Jul 2024 09:00:08 +0000Veterans Health AdministrationWellness is about physical, emotional, spiritual, and psychological well-being. Staying well with MS means not just keeping on top of your MS, but also taking charge of your general health. Staying well may require you to take a holistic look at the...1289holistic,multiple,sclerosis,therapies,va,veteranscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/research-and-multiple-sclerosis--60212866https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60212866Mon, 10 Jun 2024 09:00:08 +0000Veterans Health AdministrationThe VA ranks as one of the nation’s leaders in health research. Thousands of studies are conducted at VA medical centers, outpatient clinics, and nursing homes each year. This research has significantly contributed to advancements in health care for...1045health,multiple,research,sclerosis,va,veterasncleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/osteoporosis-and-multiple-sclerosis--59869433https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59869433Mon, 13 May 2024 09:00:06 +0000Veterans Health AdministrationBone fractures can be devastating. They can decrease quality of life by resulting in decreased mobility, increased need for assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), increased likelihood of institutionalization, increased risk of future...1264multiple,osteoporosis,sclerosis,va,veteranscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/importance-of-mri-in-multiple-sclerosis-care--59164330https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59164330Mon, 08 Apr 2024 10:00:02 +0000Veterans Health AdministrationMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an excellent resource for people with MS. MRI studies provide a safe and non-invasive way to obtain detailed images of the brain and spinal cord, without any radiation exposure. Join Dr. Mitch Wallin to learn more...882mri,ms,multiple,sclerosis,va,veteranscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/vision-and-multiple-sclerosis--58699867https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58699867Mon, 11 Mar 2024 09:00:02 +0000Veterans Health AdministrationVision is very important in almost everything we do, including watching television, reading a book, driving, and many other activities. When MS disturbs vision, it can have a significant impact on quality of life. People with MS can have different...1133ms,multiple,sclerosis,symptoms,va,veterans,visioncleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/symptoms-of-multiple-sclerosis--58353955https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58353955Mon, 12 Feb 2024 10:00:02 +0000Veterans Health AdministrationMS symptoms are variable and unpredictable. The duration and severity of symptoms may fluctuate over time. Most people do not have all the possible symptoms of MS, and no two people have the same combination or severity of symptoms. Join Dr. Andrew...1533multiple,sclerosis,symptoms,va,veteranscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/adaptive-driving-and-ms--58001520https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58001520Mon, 08 Jan 2024 10:00:03 +0000Veterans Health AdministrationMS can affect the ability to perform activities of daily living. Driving is the most complex activity of daily living performed every day. Driving requires adequate vision, motor, memory, and thinking skills, and MS can affect all these areas. Join...907ms,multiple,sclerosis,va,veteranscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/cognitive-rehabilitation-and-ms--57775327https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57775327Mon, 11 Dec 2023 10:00:02 +0000Veterans Health AdministrationApproximately 40-65% of people with MS experience noticeable changes in cognitive functioning related to their MS. For some, these changes are fairly minor, while for others, the cognitive changes significantly disrupt their daily lives. Declining...1047ms,multiple,sclerosis,va,veteranscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/choosing-a-disease-modifying-therapy-for-multiple-sclerosis--56320466https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56320466Mon, 13 Nov 2023 10:00:02 +0000Veterans Health AdministrationAll people with MS should discuss taking a disease modifying therapy (DMT) with their MS provider. When offered, most people with MS choose to take them. Fortunately, we now have several DMTs that slow the course of MS. These medications have all been...1466disease,dmt,modifying,ms,therapy,va,veterancleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-causes-multiple-sclerosis--56929727https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56929727Mon, 09 Oct 2023 09:00:02 +0000Veterans Health AdministrationThe cause of MS is currently unknown. What we do know suggests that there isn’t one single reason why someone gets MS. Instead, there are probably a number of different reasons, or factors involved - both genetic and environmental. Join Eric...1314environmental,genetic,ms,multiple,sclerosis,va,veteranscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/occupational-therapy-and-multiple-sclerosis--56724419https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56724419Mon, 11 Sep 2023 09:00:02 +0000Veterans Health AdministrationOccupational therapy focuses on enabling people to do the things they want and need to do in their day-to-day lives. It helps people find meaning and purpose in their lives by enabling them to participate in valued activities related to self-care,...1269healthcare,ms,multiple,occupational,sclerosis,self-care,therapy,va,veteranscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/managing-multiple-sclerosis-fatigue--56320450https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56320450Mon, 14 Aug 2023 09:00:02 +0000Veterans Health AdministrationFatigue is a complex issue with no one-size-fits-all approach to solving it, but sometimes simple changes can have a big impact. For many, a combination of medications and other methods of treatment such as physical therapy, exercise, and diet changes...961fatigue,ms,va,veterancleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/caregiver-burnout-and-self-care--55536287https://api.spreaker.com/episode/55536287Mon, 10 Jul 2023 09:00:02 +0000Veterans Health AdministrationDedicating time, energy, and emotional commitment to another person can be fulfilling. For many, being a caregiver provides richness in life and an expression of love for the person who needs assistance. Yet, the demands of care giving are great and...1166burnout,caregiver,depression,fatigue,multiple,sclerosis,self-care,stress,va,veteranscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/pain--53971556https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53971556Mon, 12 Jun 2023 09:00:02 +0000Veterans Health AdministrationPain is a common MS symptom that can occur at any time in the disease course. Studies show that more than half of people with MS have experienced pain associated with their MS at some time. Pain is important to understand because, if left untreated,...1646ms,multiple,pain,sclerosis,va,veterancleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-is-ms-diagnosed--53668976https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53668976Mon, 08 May 2023 09:00:02 +0000Veterans Health AdministrationThe diagnosis of MS is complex. The symptoms and clinical signs of MS often come and go, and symptoms are not the same for every person. The diagnosis of MS in some people is quite quick, taking a few weeks, when the person has a very typical...1052diagnosis,ms,multiple,sclerosis,signs,symptoms,va,veteranscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/seizures-and-epilepsy-in-people-with-ms--52685990https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52685990Mon, 10 Apr 2023 09:00:01 +0000Veterans Health AdministrationRecent studies show that people with MS are slightly more likely to have a seizure or develop epilepsy than the general population. The more physical disability a person has from MS (as assessed using the EDSS disability scale for MS), the more likely...616disability,epilepsy,multiple,sclerosis,seizures,va,veteranscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/mindfulness-strategies-for-healthy-living--52685988https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52685988Mon, 13 Mar 2023 09:00:02 +0000Veterans Health AdministrationMindfulness has received a great deal of attention in health care. This upsurge in interest has been fueled by multiple studies showing that becoming more mindful (being more aware of what is happening in your life, thoughts, and emotions in the...1383mindfulness,multiple,sclerosis,va,veteranscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/spasticity-and-ms--52354950https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52354950Mon, 13 Feb 2023 10:00:02 +0000Veterans Health AdministrationSpasticity is a common symptom affecting many people with neurological diseases, including those with MS. Although the stiffness associated with spasticity can sometimes be helpful when performing daily activities such as getting in and out of a...1101ms,multiple,sclerosis,spasticity,va,veteranscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/relapse-management-for-people-with-ms--52361972https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52361972Mon, 09 Jan 2023 13:54:06 +0000Veterans Health AdministrationAn exacerbation of MS, also known as a relapse or flare-up, is the occurrence of new symptoms or the worsening of old symptoms. The experience of an exacerbation is varied, they can be mild or severe enough to interfere with functions of daily living...963ms,multiple,sclerosis,va,veteranscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/balance-and-falls-in-ms--51902967https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51902967Tue, 15 Nov 2022 20:36:53 +0000Veterans Health AdministrationBecause 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...1117balance,falls,multiple,sclerosis,va,veteranscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/improving-sleep-for-people-with-ms--51308518https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51308518Mon, 10 Oct 2022 09:00:02 +0000Veterans Health AdministrationSleep 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...906ms,multiple,problems,sclerosis,sleep,va,veteranscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/diet-and-ms--51018858https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51018858Mon, 12 Sep 2022 09:00:02 +0000Veterans Health AdministrationStudies 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...925diet,ms,multiple,sclerosis,va,veteranscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/disability-progression-and-aging-in-people-with-ms--50801327https://api.spreaker.com/episode/50801327Mon, 08 Aug 2022 09:00:02 +0000Veterans Health AdministrationAge 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...1566age,disability,disease,mri,multiple,neurological,sclerosis,va,veteranscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/complementary-and-alternative-therapies-and-ms--50487943https://api.spreaker.com/episode/50487943Mon, 11 Jul 2022 09:00:03 +0000Veterans Health AdministrationMany 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...2445alternative,cam,complementary,ms,multiple,sclerosis,therapies,va,veterancleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/exercise-as-an-ms-therapy--50093161https://api.spreaker.com/episode/50093161Mon, 13 Jun 2022 10:00:02 +0000Veterans Health AdministrationPhysical 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...628exercise,ms,multiple,physicalactivity,sclerosis,therapy,va,veteranscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/pregnancy-ms--49445097https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49445097Mon, 09 May 2022 09:00:02 +0000Veterans Health AdministrationMS 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...1261affairs,childbearing,ms,multiple,pregnancy,sclerosis,veterans,womencleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/choosing-the-best-dmt-for-you--49313593https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49313593Mon, 11 Apr 2022 09:00:03 +0000Veterans Health AdministrationThe 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...1222cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/home-safety-evaluation--49060083https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49060083Mon, 14 Mar 2022 18:31:19 +0000Veterans Health AdministrationOur 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...488affairs,evaluation,home,multiple,safety,sclerosis,va,veteranscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/benefits-of-outdoor-adventure-for-people-with-ms--48531742https://api.spreaker.com/episode/48531742Mon, 14 Feb 2022 09:00:02 +0000Veterans Health AdministrationOutdoor 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...1145adventure,affairs,benefits,ms,multiple,outdoor,sclerosis,veteranscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/building-emotional-resilience--48151464https://api.spreaker.com/episode/48151464Mon, 10 Jan 2022 09:00:03 +0000Veterans Health AdministrationPeople 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...1238affairs,emotional,ms,multiple,resilience,sclerosis,veteranscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/fatigue-and-ms--47922637https://api.spreaker.com/episode/47922637Tue, 14 Dec 2021 20:35:24 +0000Veterans Health AdministrationFatigue 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...1054affairs,fatigue,ms,veteranscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/multi-disciplinary-care-in-ms-it-takes-a-village--44556784https://api.spreaker.com/episode/44556784Mon, 08 Nov 2021 10:00:05 +0000Veterans Health AdministrationVA 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...760multiple,sclerosis,va,veteranscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-basics-of-va-benefits-and-resources--44556782https://api.spreaker.com/episode/44556782Mon, 11 Oct 2021 10:00:13 +0000Veterans Health AdministrationThe 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...973multiple,sclerosis,va,veteranscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/overview-of-ms-research-in-the-va--44556778https://api.spreaker.com/episode/44556778Mon, 13 Sep 2021 10:00:05 +0000Veterans Health AdministrationThe 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...847multiple,sclerosis,va,veteranscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/whole-health-a-new-model-of-healthcare-for-veterans--44556777https://api.spreaker.com/episode/44556777Mon, 09 Aug 2021 10:00:12 +0000Veterans Health AdministrationDr. 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...1182multiple,sclerosis,va,veteranscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/telehealth-for-veterans-with-ms-getting-the-most-out-of-your-virtual-visit--44556779https://api.spreaker.com/episode/44556779Mon, 12 Jul 2021 10:00:18 +0000Veterans Health AdministrationThe 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....1222multiple,sclerosis,va,veteranscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/vaccines-and-ms-what-you-need-to-know--44556775https://api.spreaker.com/episode/44556775Mon, 14 Jun 2021 10:00:20 +0000Veterans Health AdministrationVaccines 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....1129multiple,sclerosis,va,veteranscleanfull