Stay Positive


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

- Alert Camus








Saturday, April 23, 2022

Solitude

 



"There is a corner of solitude in every heart that no one can reach."

 Albert Camus




Friday, April 22, 2022

Anne-Sophie Mutter, Daniel Barenboim, Yo-Yo Ma – Beethoven: Triple Conce...

 

Beethoven: Triple Concerto in C Major, Op. 56 No. 2


Three classical music giants, Anne-Sophie Mutter, Yo-Yo Ma and Daniel Barenboim celebrate the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth by recording the Triple Concerto. Pairing the Concerto with the Seventh Symphony, the album also marks the 20th birthday of the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra.

The Triple Concerto has a special place in Beethoven’s oeuvre, revealing his revolutionary spirit and ingrained humour both in its sophisticated architecture and in its musical idiom. Ever inventive, creative and original, here Beethoven stages a lavish musical feast over-flowing with melody, a feast. Yo-Yo Ma puts it in these words: “For me, in the Triple Concerto, it’s the constant invention that always takes me by surprise. You know what I love about the piece? It’s so celebratory, so positive.” Performed by three of today’s most renowned classical artists and Beethoven interpreters – Anne-Sophie Mutter, Yo-Yo Ma and Daniel Barenboim and accompanied by the acclaimed West-Eastern Divan Orchestra. Watch them perform Beethoven's Triple Concerto in C Major, Op. 56, No.2 Largo – Attacca, Live at Philharmonie, Berlin (2019). 

Anne-Sophie Mutter, Daniel Barenboim, Yo-Yo Ma – Beethoven: Triple Concerto C Major, Op. 56, No. 2
Listen to the Triple Concerto: https://DG.lnk.to/TripleConcerto
Subscribe here – The Best Of Classical Music: http://bit.ly/Subscribe_DG 



https://youtu.be/452nsCCzIJs





Thursday, April 14, 2022

2022 Pathways to Wellness in MS: Nutrition






Pathways Programs
Virtual Discussions
2021 Pathways to Wellness in MS Program

2022 Pathways to Wellness in MS: Nutrition

Virtual Program


This Pathways to Wellness in MS program, focused on nutrition, empowers people affected by MS to solve wellness challenges. Get up to speed on current research intersections of diet and MS, healthy nutrition and how to eat well, and the benefits of taking a comprehensive wellness approach to positively impact your quality of life. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with others in the MS community through this unique virtual experience.

Pathways to Wellness in MS: Nutrition took place on March 31. The three general sessions are accessible on-demand now in the virtual environment, and the three breakout sessions will be available soon. Login or register to view this program today!Log In Now
General Sessions Available On Demand

The Science Behind MS Nutrition


Dietary MS research studies are the foundation of leveraging nutrition to feel your best. Learn more about those studies to understand outcomes, explore common co-morbidities, and how nutrition can play a role in your multiple sclerosis and your overall health.


Watch Video

Eating Well with MS


Eating well doesn't have to be complicated, and starts with understanding the types of food that make your body feel its best. Learn strategies to build a healthy meal, interpret nutrition food labels and have more confidence in your daily dietary choices. Start eating well with MS today!


Watch Video

Nutrition: A Comprehensive Approach


Wellness is most successful as a well-rounded approach with different but equally important parts. Good nutrition is a key piece, in addition to physical wellness like exercise, emotional well-being through stress management and developing healthy relationships with support systems.

Watch Video

Breakout Sessions Coming Soon
How to Get the Most Out of this Program
Personalize your learning experience to get what you want and need out of this program.
Attend three general sessions and join the breakout topic of your choice
Engage with other attendees in the environment and session chats
Visit the Connection Lounge, Wellness Center and Resource Room
Participate in activities and demonstration videos during program breaks We hope to see you virtually on March 31! In the meantime, please reference our 2021 Pathways to Wellness in MS program sessions and worksheets focused on exercise and lifestyle physical activity or join a virtual discussion group to hear from trusted Comprehensive MS Care Centers and connect with others in the MS community.
Resources

Diet and Nutrition: Eating healthy can help manage MS symptoms. Learn about dietary research and evidence-based recommendations.
Living Well with MS: See how a healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management and other wellness strategies can help you manage your symptoms and feel your best.
Dietary Studies in MS: while current research is limited, researchers are beginning to make significant connections around diet and MS
National MS Society Community in Facebook: access learning guides and engage in open discussions with others who have similar interests in a supportive environment.
Sponsors


We would like to thank all our 2022 program sponsors.


Pathways to Wellness in MS: Nutrition is funded in part in memory of Dr. Jean Griswold.
















Thursday, April 14, 2022

New Study Confirms the High Costs of MS to Individuals and the U.S. Economy -- ("The Economic Burden of Multiple Sclerosis in the U.S.")







April 13, 2022
A new study, commissioned by the National MS Society, shows that for the nearly 1 million people living with MS in the U.S., the average total cost of living with multiple sclerosis is $88,487 per year, underscoring what many people affected by MS know all too well – MS is a highly expensive disease. The total estimated cost to the U.S. economy, including government, industry and individuals, is $85.4 billion per year.

Direct medical costs such as doctor’s appointment and medications are the biggest contributor to the high cost, with disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) being the biggest cost of living with the disease. The medical costs associated with living with MS are $65,612 more each year than medical costs for individuals who do not have MS. The actual amount spent per year varies from person to person based on many factors, including use of DMTs, daily life needs and health insurance coverage. The study also factored indirect and non-medical costs, such as costs of daily living, early forced retirement, home modifications and more. Carepartners pay an average of $4,333 each year to provide care to someone living with MS.

“While we’ve long known MS is a highly expensive disease, this study confirms the real impact these costs have on people with MS, their families and carepartners—as well as the U.S. economy. Urgent and immediate action is needed to ensure the cost of care is affordable and treatment for MS is accessible,” said Cyndi Zagieboylo, the National MS Society’s President and CEO. “It’s important to thank the nearly 1,000 people affected by MS who gave their time to be a part of this study so we can accurately understand their experience and the financial challenges this disease has brought to their lives.”

Learn more about the cost of living with multiple sclerosis and resources to help.

Details of the Study
To estimate the national economic cost of MS, researchers reviewed health claims data from Medicare and private insurer sources, and mortality data. They also conducted a survey of 946 people living with MS. The investigators compared costs between people with MS and matched people without MS.
The team found that of the overall annual cost to the U.S. economy of $85.4 billion, $63.3 billion was in direct medical costs such as prescription drugs. Nearly $22.1 billion was in indirect or non-medical costs, including productivity loss, caregiver costs, and lost earnings.
On an individual level, medical costs, especially DMTs, were the biggest cost of living with MS. The medical costs associated with living with MS are $65,612 more each year than medical costs for individuals who do not have MS. The annual costs to individuals on an MS disease-modifying therapy ranged from $57,202 to $92,719, depending on their age and gender.
Key Points
The National MS Society commissioned this study to better understand the financial burden of MS on people with MS, their families and the U.S. economy. While we have long understood that MS is an expensive disease, having data can help identify the most significant factors and direct our advocacy efforts to propel policy changes.


The National MS Society is committed to ensuring people with MS have access to personalized, affordable, high-quality healthcare. The medical costs associated with living with MS are $65,612 more each year than for individuals who do not have MS, with the biggest medical cost being disease-modifying therapies. The Society is currently advocating for policies to reduce high prescription drug costs and helping people with MS afford high-quality health insurance, learn more here. Watch the Society’s Vice President of Advocacy, Steffany Stern's testimony before the Senate Finance Committee and learn more about how to be an MS Activist.

People with MS are protected from discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you are experiencing financial or employment challenges related to MS, the National MS Society can help connect you to the information, resources and support you need.
Connect with an MS Navigator by emailing contactusnmss@nmss.org or calling 800-344-4867
Get the Financial and Insurance Information you need
Learn when and how to appeal an insurance decision
Guide to prescription financial assistance
Learn more about your employment rights and how to request accommodations
The Economic Burden of Multiple Sclerosis in the U.S.: Estimate of Direct and Indirect Costs,” by Bruce Bebo, Inna Cintina, Nicholas LaRocca, Leslie Ritter, Bari Talente, Daniel Hartung, Surachat Ngorsuraches, Mitchell Wallin, and Grace Yang, was published online on April 13, 2022 in Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
About Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system. Currently there is no cure. Symptoms vary from person to person and may include disabling fatigue, mobility challenges, cognitive changes, and vision issues. An estimated 1 million people live with MS in the United States. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to minimize disability. Significant progress is being made to achieve a world free of MS.



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New Study Confirms the High Costs of MS to Individuals and the U.S. Economy | National Multiple Sclerosis Society (nationalmssociety.org)