Support

Financial Help for People With MS

art — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 09:13:54 -0400

Here's a quick article reviewing some of the options for financial aid we've reported on before, but all in one place.

Updated patient assistance program at NeedyMeds.org

art — Tue, 26 May 2009 09:02:15 -0400

We've reported on NeedyMeds.org before, but now they have a new MS specific page. Check it out to find assistance programs for medications you might be taking.

Free Pfizer drugs for the newly unemployed

Julie Morgenlender — Thu, 14 May 2009 17:13:27 -0400

This article explains that Pfizer will give up to a year of free meds to to people who have become unemployed since January 1, who can prove financial hardship, and who were on the drug for 3 months prior to becoming unemployed.

Pfizer's web site has more info.

Virtual reality device may help train troubled MS walkers

art — Mon, 04 May 2009 12:10:32 -0400

The GaitAid Virtual Walker, a nonprescription virtual-reality device, represents a significant advance for Multiple Sclerosis patients. Developed by MIT-educated Computer Science Professor Yoram Baram, PhD, it consists of a cell-phone-size, lightweight control unit and a set of comfortable high-tech goggles that provide sensory feedback of visual images and sounds in response to the patient's movements.

Worn for practice-walking just 20-30 minutes a day, GaitAid improves walking (sometimes from the first step) and "rewires" the wearer's brain to follow a healthier walking pattern--an effect that often continues even when it isn't being worn.

Great overview of symptomatic treatments in MSAA Motivator

art — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 16:34:14 -0400

The MS Association of America puts out great treatment reviews. The current issue has a wonderful review of treatments for symptoms such as fatigue, spasticity, weakness, tremor, and others.

MS In Focus issue on spasticity

art — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:53:55 -0400

MS In Focus has a whole issue on spasticity. Read it online or download a PDF.

Naked clowns for MS?

art — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 09:57:37 -0400

If you don't find clowns weird enough, then you might want to check out the naked clown calendar that is raising money for MS. This would be a calendar of naked clowns, not a naked calendar with clowns on it. In case you were wondering.

iTunes will be accessible to the blind

Julie Morgenlender — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 09:02:45 -0400

As reported here, Apple Inc. is redesigning iTunes music software to make it easier for blind people to use. This was done at the urging of the Massachusetts Attorney General, but without legal action being brought against Apple. Whether or not you use iTunes, it is noteworthy that it is taking this action "voluntarily" and we can hope that others will do the same.

More Info on the Cooling Glove

art — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 08:01:39 -0400

The device, called the Glove and invented by two Stanford biologists, is used by the San Francisco 49ers during games and at practice for players' health. But its applications are far broader: from treating stroke and heart attack victims to allowing soldiers to remain in the field longer under intense heat. And maybe even MS!

"We learned that you can actually reverse that muscle fatigue in a short amount of time," co-inventer Heller said. "And if you cool muscles during rest, you get a much greater recovery than if you rested without cooling."

Funcional Electrical Stimulation

art — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 16:24:58 -0400

The use of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) has increased recently with devices utilized to assist people experiencing foot drop. There has been an increase in the public’s awareness of these devices and their use in people living with multiple sclerosis. This article is a good overview.