Stay Positive


"In the midst of winter I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer."

- Alert Camus








Sunday, February 18, 2024

AI Perplexity describes Living Well with M.S.

 


I am writing a blog about living with multiple sclerosis. Give me a list of key facts and statistics I should include in the report.


When writing a blog about living with multiple sclerosis, it's important to include key facts and statistics to provide a comprehensive understanding of the condition. Here are some essential facts and statistics to consider including in your report:

Prevalence: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a relatively common neurological condition, with an estimated 2.8 million people affected globally.

Onset and Diagnosis: MS is typically diagnosed in young adults, with the most common age of onset being between 20 and 40 years old. It is more prevalent in women than in men.

Symptoms: MS can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, difficulty walking, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, vision problems, and cognitive changes.

Disease Course: MS can follow different disease courses, including relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), primary progressive MS (PPMS), secondary progressive MS (SPMS), and progressive-relapsing MS (PRMS).

Treatment Options: There are various disease-modifying therapies available to help manage MS and reduce the frequency of relapses. These treatments aim to slow disease progression and manage symptoms.

Impact on Daily Life: MS can have a significant impact on daily life, including employment, relationships, and overall quality of life. It's important to address the challenges faced by individuals living with MS.

Research and Innovation: Ongoing research is being conducted to better understand MS and develop new treatment options. This includes studies on potential causes, risk factors, and novel therapies.

Support and Resources: It's crucial to highlight the importance of support networks and resources for individuals living with MS, including healthcare professionals, advocacy organizations, and community groups.

By incorporating these key facts and statistics into your blog, you can provide valuable information to your readers about the impact of MS and the resources available to support those affected by the condition.


 

The symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) can vary widely from person to person and over the course of the disease. Some of the most common symptoms include:

Numbness or weakness in one or more limbs, typically occurring on one side of the body at a time.

Tingling or electric-shock sensations, especially when bending the neck forward (Lhermitte sign).

Lack of coordination, unsteady gait, or inability to walk.

Partial or complete loss of vision, usually in one eye at a time, often with pain during eye movement.

Prolonged double vision, blurry vision, or other vision problems.

Vertigo and problems with balance.

Muscle stiffness, spasms, and weakness.

Fatigue, which can be constant or brought on by physical activity.

Slurred speech and cognitive problems.

Mood disturbances, such as depression and anxiety.

Bowel and bladder problems.

Sexual dysfunction.

Difficulty with coordination and walking

 

It's important to note that not everyone with MS will experience all of these symptoms, and the severity and combination of symptoms can vary. If you suspect you may have early signs of MS, it's essential to see a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.



what lifestyle changes can help manage multiple sclerosis symptoms


Lifestyle changes can play a significant role in managing multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms. Here are some key changes that can help:

Healthy Diet: Eating nutritious foods can support overall well-being. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can be beneficial



Regular Exercise: Engaging in physical activity can help improve fitness, mobility, and mood. It's important to find an exercise routine that suits individual abilities and preferences



Cognitive Stimulation: Keeping the brain engaged through activities like puzzles, reading, or learning new skills may help manage cognitive symptoms associated with MS


Smoking Cessation: Studies have shown that quitting smoking can help improve a range of MS symptoms

.

Moderate Alcohol Consumption: Limiting alcohol intake is recommended, as excessive alcohol can interfere with medications and exacerbate certain MS symptoms

Stress Management: Practicing stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or deep breathing exercises can help manage the impact of stress on MS symptoms

 


Adequate Sleep: Prioritizing good sleep hygiene and ensuring sufficient rest is important for overall health and managing fatigue associated with MS

 


Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is essential for overall health and can help manage symptoms such as bladder issues

 


By incorporating these lifestyle changes, individuals with MS may be better equipped to manage their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.


The recommended types of exercise for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) include the following:
Cardio or Aerobic Exercise: Activities such as biking, walking, dancing, water aerobics, running, and swimming can help improve cardiovascular fitness, strength, bladder and bowel function, fatigue, mood, cognitive function, bone density, and flexibility
1
.
Strength Training: This can involve working major muscle groups in the lower body (quads, hamstrings, glutes) to improve or maintain strength with walking, standing, balance, and muscular endurance
1
.
Flexibility and Stretching: Stretching exercises can improve muscle tightness, spasticity, and range of motion. Aim for 10 to 15 minutes of upper and lower body stretching a day, with more attention on the muscles that spasm
2
.
Balance and Coordination Practice: Activities that focus on improving balance and coordination, such as yoga and tai chi, can be beneficial for individuals with MS
2
.
Functional Exercises: These include activities like walking lunges, step-ups, or stair-climbing, which can help improve everyday movements and mobility
2
.
It's important for individuals with MS to consult with a healthcare professional or a physical therapist to design an exercise program that suits their abilities and addresses their specific needs. Regular physical activity is helpful in managing many MS symptoms and promoting overall health and well-being
5
.

The frequency of exercise for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) can vary, but the National Multiple Sclerosis Society recommends that individuals living with MS get at least 150 minutes of exercise or lifestyle physical activity every week. This can be spread out across the week in a variety of ways, such as 30 minutes a day, five days a week. If 30 minutes of continuous exercise is too much, shorter increments are just as beneficial. It's also important to incorporate a variety of exercises, including cardio or aerobic, strength, neuromotor, core, and flexibility exercises, into the routine
2
.
Additionally, the Cleveland Clinic suggests that each exercise session should last 10 to 15 minutes. It's recommended to begin at 70 percent of a 10 repetition maximum and increase the weight by 10 percent when the current weight can be performed for 25 repetitions for two consecutive sessions. Flexibility training should be performed daily for at least 10 to 15 minutes, and stretching exercises should be performed before and after all cardiovascular and strength training sessions
1
.
Ultimately, the frequency and type of exercise should be tailored to an individual's abilities and needs, and it's important to consult with a healthcare professional or a physical therapist to design an exercise program that is safe and effective for managing MS symptoms.
Untitled
I am writing a blog about living with multiple sclerosis. Give me a list of key facts and statistics I should include in the report.
Answer
When writing a blog about living with multiple sclerosis, it's important to include key facts and statistics to provide a comprehensive understanding of the condition. Here are some essential facts and statistics to consider including in your report:
Prevalence: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a relatively common neurological condition, with an estimated 2.8 million people affected globally.
Onset and Diagnosis: MS is typically diagnosed in young adults, with the most common age of onset being between 20 and 40 years old. It is more prevalent in women than in men.
Symptoms: MS can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, difficulty walking, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, vision problems, and cognitive changes.
Disease Course: MS can follow different disease courses, including relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), primary progressive MS (PPMS), secondary progressive MS (SPMS), and progressive-relapsing MS (PRMS).
Treatment Options: There are various disease-modifying therapies available to help manage MS and reduce the frequency of relapses. These treatments aim to slow disease progression and manage symptoms.
Impact on Daily Life: MS can have a significant impact on daily life, including employment, relationships, and overall quality of life. It's important to address the challenges faced by individuals living with MS.
Research and Innovation: Ongoing research is being conducted to better understand MS and develop new treatment options. This includes studies on potential causes, risk factors, and novel therapies.
Support and Resources: It's crucial to highlight the importance of support networks and resources for individuals living with MS, including healthcare professionals, advocacy organizations, and community groups.
By incorporating these key facts and statistics into your blog, you can provide valuable information to your readers about the impact of MS and the resources available to support those affected by the condition.
what are the symptoms of multiple sclerosis
Sources
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/multiple-sclerosis/symptoms/ favicon
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17248-multiple-sclerosis favicon
View 2 more
Answer
The symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) can vary widely from person to person and over the course of the disease. Some of the most common symptoms include:
Numbness or weakness in one or more limbs, typically occurring on one side of the body at a time.
Tingling or electric-shock sensations, especially when bending the neck forward (Lhermitte sign).
Lack of coordination, unsteady gait, or inability to walk.
Partial or complete loss of vision, usually in one eye at a time, often with pain during eye movement.
Prolonged double vision, blurry vision, or other vision problems.
Vertigo and problems with balance.
Muscle stiffness, spasms, and weakness.
Fatigue, which can be constant or brought on by physical activity.
Slurred speech and cognitive problems.
Mood disturbances, such as depression and anxiety.
Bowel and bladder problems.
Sexual dysfunction.
Difficulty with coordination and walking
1
2
4
.
It's important to note that not everyone with MS will experience all of these symptoms, and the severity and combination of symptoms can vary. If you suspect you may have early signs of MS, it's essential to see a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis
4
.
what lifestyle changes can help manage multiple sclerosis symptoms
Sources
https://mstrust.org.uk/information-support/wellbeing-ms/lifestyle-choices favicon
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17248-multiple-sclerosis favicon
View 2 more
Answer
Lifestyle changes can play a significant role in managing multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms. Here are some key changes that can help:
Healthy Diet: Eating nutritious foods can support overall well-being. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can be beneficial
1
.
Regular Exercise: Engaging in physical activity can help improve fitness, mobility, and mood. It's important to find an exercise routine that suits individual abilities and preferences
1
.
Cognitive Stimulation: Keeping the brain engaged through activities like puzzles, reading, or learning new skills may help manage cognitive symptoms associated with MS
1
.
Smoking Cessation: Studies have shown that quitting smoking can help improve a range of MS symptoms
2
.
Moderate Alcohol Consumption: Limiting alcohol intake is recommended, as excessive alcohol can interfere with medications and exacerbate certain MS symptoms
3
.
Stress Management: Practicing stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or deep breathing exercises can help manage the impact of stress on MS symptoms
3
.
Adequate Sleep: Prioritizing good sleep hygiene and ensuring sufficient rest is important for overall health and managing fatigue associated with MS
3
.
Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is essential for overall health and can help manage symptoms such as bladder issues
4
.
By incorporating these lifestyle changes, individuals with MS may be better equipped to manage their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.
what types of exercise are recommended for people with multiple sclerosis
Sources
https://www.mssociety.org.uk/care-and-support/everyday-living/staying-active/simple-exercises-for-ms favicon
https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Living-Well-With-MS/Diet-Exercise-Healthy-Behaviors/Exercise favicon
View 2 more
Answer
The recommended types of exercise for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) include the following:
Cardio or Aerobic Exercise: Activities such as biking, walking, dancing, water aerobics, running, and swimming can help improve cardiovascular fitness, strength, bladder and bowel function, fatigue, mood, cognitive function, bone density, and flexibility
1
.
Strength Training: This can involve working major muscle groups in the lower body (quads, hamstrings, glutes) to improve or maintain strength with walking, standing, balance, and muscular endurance
1
.
Flexibility and Stretching: Stretching exercises can improve muscle tightness, spasticity, and range of motion. Aim for 10 to 15 minutes of upper and lower body stretching a day, with more attention on the muscles that spasm
2
.
Balance and Coordination Practice: Activities that focus on improving balance and coordination, such as yoga and tai chi, can be beneficial for individuals with MS
2
.
Functional Exercises: These include activities like walking lunges, step-ups, or stair-climbing, which can help improve everyday movements and mobility
2
.
It's important for individuals with MS to consult with a healthcare professional or a physical therapist to design an exercise program that suits their abilities and addresses their specific needs. Regular physical activity is helpful in managing many MS symptoms and promoting overall health and well-being
5
.
how often should people with multiple sclerosis exercise
Sources
https://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/ss/slideshow-best-exercise-for-ms favicon
https://www.mssociety.org.uk/care-and-support/everyday-living/staying-active/simple-exercises-for-ms favicon
View 2 more
Answer
The frequency of exercise for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) can vary, but the National Multiple Sclerosis Society recommends that individuals living with MS get at least 150 minutes of exercise or lifestyle physical activity every week. This can be spread out across the week in a variety of ways, such as 30 minutes a day, five days a week. If 30 minutes of continuous exercise is too much, shorter increments are just as beneficial. It's also important to incorporate a variety of exercises, including cardio or aerobic, strength, neuromotor, core, and flexibility exercises, into the routine
2
.
Additionally, the Cleveland Clinic suggests that each exercise session should last 10 to 15 minutes. It's recommended to begin at 70 percent of a 10 repetition maximum and increase the weight by 10 percent when the current weight can be performed for 25 repetitions for two consecutive sessions. Flexibility training should be performed daily for at least 10 to 15 minutes, and stretching exercises should be performed before and after all cardiovascular and strength training sessions
1
.
Ultimately, the frequency and type of exercise should be tailored to an individual's abilities and needs, and it's important to consult with a healthcare professional or a physical therapist to design an exercise program that is safe and effective for managing MS symptoms.
are there any specific exercises that can help with balance and mobility in people with multiple sclerosis
Sources
https://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/ss/slideshow-best-exercise-for-ms favicon
https://www.everydayhealth.com/multiple-sclerosis/living-with/best-exercises-boost-wellness-with-multiple-sclerosis/ favicon


Specific exercises that can help with balance and mobility in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) include the following:
Balance Exercises: Balance exercises are beneficial for individuals with MS. These may include activities such as standing on one leg, heel-to-toe walk, and yoga or tai chi, which focus on improving balance and coordination
1
3
.
Stability Training: Stability training has been shown to have a small but statistically significant effect on improving stability and reducing the risk of falling in individuals with MS. This can include exercises to improve stability and balance, such as those assessed by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS)
2
.
Flexibility and Stretching: Flexibility exercises, such as stretching the muscles, may help diminish spasticity and prevent painful contractions. Stretching exercises should be performed daily for at least 10 to 15 minutes, with a focus on the muscles that spasm
2
.
Strength Training: While not directly related to balance, strength training can help improve overall mobility and reduce the risk of falls by enhancing muscle strength and endurance
4
.
Functional Exercises: Activities that focus on improving everyday movements, such as walking lunges, step-ups, or stair-climbing, can also contribute to better balance and mobility
2
4
.
It's important for individuals with MS to consult with a healthcare professional or a physical therapist to design an exercise program that includes these specific exercises to improve balance and mobility while addressing their individual needs and abilities.


Source: https://www.perplexity.ai/search/I-am-writing-.kLNIY9pTteEHMwqLNf8Hg?s=u




Friday, February 16, 2024

Kubla Khan By Samuel Taylor Coleridge

 


Kubla Khan

BY SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE


Or, a vision in a dream. A Fragment.


In Xanadu did Kubla Khan

A stately pleasure-dome decree:

Where Alph, the sacred river, ran

Through caverns measureless to man

   Down to a sunless sea.

So twice five miles of fertile ground

With walls and towers were girdled round;

And there were gardens bright with sinuous rills,

Where blossomed many an incense-bearing tree;

And here were forests ancient as the hills,

Enfolding sunny spots of greenery.


But oh! that deep romantic chasm which slanted

Down the green hill athwart a cedarn cover!

A savage place! as holy and enchanted

As e’er beneath a waning moon was haunted

By woman wailing for her demon-lover!

And from this chasm, with ceaseless turmoil seething,

As if this earth in fast thick pants were breathing,

A mighty fountain momently was forced:

Amid whose swift half-intermitted burst

Huge fragments vaulted like rebounding hail,

Or chaffy grain beneath the thresher’s flail:

And mid these dancing rocks at once and ever

It flung up momently the sacred river.

Five miles meandering with a mazy motion

Through wood and dale the sacred river ran,

Then reached the caverns measureless to man,

And sank in tumult to a lifeless ocean;

And ’mid this tumult Kubla heard from far

Ancestral voices prophesying war!

   The shadow of the dome of pleasure

   Floated midway on the waves;

   Where was heard the mingled measure

   From the fountain and the caves.

It was a miracle of rare device,

A sunny pleasure-dome with caves of ice!


   A damsel with a dulcimer

   In a vision once I saw:

   It was an Abyssinian maid

   And on her dulcimer she played,

   Singing of Mount Abora.

   Could I revive within me

   Her symphony and song,

   To such a deep delight ’twould win me,

That with music loud and long,

I would build that dome in air,

That sunny dome! those caves of ice!

And all who heard should see them there,

And all should cry, Beware! Beware!

His flashing eyes, his floating hair!

Weave a circle round him thrice,

And close your eyes with holy dread

For he on honey-dew hath fed,

And drunk the milk of Paradise.



Source: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43991/kubla-khan


Charley Munger

 


Know the edge of your own competency.  Humility.

Common Sense 

Inversion to help solve problems.

MS is a frustrating condition to live with at the best of times and then you have bad days.



 MS is a frustrating condition to live with at the best of times and then you have bad days.



Monday, January 1, 2024

Invictus: I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul.








 Invictus

Out of the night that covers me,

Black as the pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

For my unconquerable soul.



In the fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

My head is bloody, but unbowed.



Beyond this place of wrath and tears

Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

Finds and shall find me unafraid.



It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll,

I am the master of my fate,

I am the captain of my soul.



— William Ernest Henley, Invictus (1875)

‘Invictus’ is W.E. Henley’s most famous and inspirational poem, that resonates with people worldwide. He wrote the poem in 1875 and dedicated it to Scottish flour merchant named Robert Thomas Hamilton Bruce.



Sunday, April 30, 2023

This Book Changed My Relationship to Pain




 Relationship to Pain

https://youtu.be/gZdtrY8NuUc

Physical pain is a universal human experience. And for many of us, it’s a constant one. Roughly 20 percent of American adults — some 50 million people — suffer from a form of chronic pain. For some, that means having terrible days from time to time. For others, it means a life of constant suffering. Either way, the depth and scale of pain in our society is a massive problem. But what if much of how we understand pain — and how to treat it — is wrong? Rachel Zoffness is a pain psychologist at the University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine and the author of “The Pain Management Workbook (https://www.newharbinger.com/97816840...
We tend to think of pain as a purely biomechanical phenomenon, a physical sensation rooted solely in the body. But her core argument is that pain is also produced by the mind and deeply influenced by social context. It’s a simple-sounding argument with vast implications not only for how we experience pain but also for how we treat it. She points to numerous underused tools — aside from pills and surgeries — that can help lessen our pain. We discuss how pain serves as “the body’s warning signal”; how our mood, stress levels and social environment can amplify or dial down our pain levels; what phantom limb syndrome says about how the brain “makes pain”; how our emotions and trauma influence our pain levels; the crucial difference between “hurt” and “harm”; why studies on back pain have yielded such bewildering results; how to figure out and improve your personal “pain recipe”; the roots of our chronic pain crisis; how our health care system could be better set up to treat chronic pain; why Zoffness says, “If the brain can change, pain can change”; and more. Mentioned: “Sham Surgery in Orthopedics (https://academic.oup.com/painmedicine...
by Adriaan Louw, Ina Diener, César Fernández-de-las-Peñas and Emilio J. Puentedura Book Recommendations: Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers (https://us.macmillan.com/books/978080...
) by Robert M. Sapolsky The Body Keeps the Score (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/bo...
) by Bessel van der Kolk Pain (http://cup.columbia.edu/book/pain/978...
) by Patrick Wall Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at ezrakleinshow@nytimes.com. You can find transcripts (posted midday) and more episodes of “The Ezra Klein Show” at nytimes.com/ezra-klein-podcast (https://www.nytimes.com/column/ezra-k...
, and you can find Ezra on Twitter @ezraklein. Book recommendations from all our guests are listed at https://www.nytimes.com/article/ezra-...
(https://www.nytimes.com/article/ezra-...
. “The Ezra Klein Show” is produced by Emefa Agawu, Annie Galvin, Jeff Geld, Roge Karma and Kristin Lin. Fact-checking by Michelle Harris and Kate Sinclair. Mixing by Sonia Herrero and Isaac Jones. Original music by Isaac Jones. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta. The executive producer of New York Times Opinion Audio is Annie-Rose Strasser. Special thanks to Carole Sabouraud and Kristina Samulewski.

Monday, April 24, 2023

Life doesn't make sense.

 



"I don't know why people expect art to make sense. They accept the fact that life doesn't make sense." - David Lynch



Sunday, April 2, 2023

Desiderata - Words for Life

 


Desiderata - Words for Life

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

— Max Ehrmann, 1927

Thursday, March 30, 2023

Rethinking how to achieve your ambitions

 


‍We believe that MS isn’t about giving up on your ambitions. Just rethinking how to achieve them.

Shift MS