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Multiple Sclerosis Podcast, hosted by Brooke Slick and Jodi Feltham: For Living a Life by Design not Diagnosis
Episodes
Wednesday Jan 12, 2022
Wednesday Jan 12, 2022
Today's journey takes us to Quebec, Ontario to chat with one of our members, Mae. Join us as we learn more about her:
- Initial symptoms
- Diagnosis at a young age
- Decision to pursue a career in the medical field
- "Forced" retirement
- Daily exercise routine
- Positive Mindset
- Ability to celebrate victories big and small
- Contagious smile
The MS Gym Links
Wednesday Dec 22, 2021
Wednesday Dec 22, 2021
Be encouraged and entertained as we chat with Charla about her:
- Symptoms and diagnosis
- Career adaptations as a dancer and coach
- Severe dietary reactions
- Ability to become a detective of her MS symptoms
- Finding The MS Gym
- Improvements that came from neurologically-based exercise vs. traditional weight lifting
- Motto of "I'll improve you wrong"
- Gratitude in finding victory in all things
- Never giving up spirit
The MS Gym Links
Wednesday Dec 08, 2021
Wednesday Dec 08, 2021
This episode welcomes Julie Stamm, author, MS advocate, and proud mom of Jack to the podcast.
Julie, who wrote the recently-released book, Some Days, A Tale of Love, Ice Cream and My Mom's Chronic Illness, shares with us her insight on raising a young child while having MS.
Her thought-provoking book, written from a child's perspective, proves that through a child's eyes, things may not be exactly as they seem, and the pressure you may be putting on yourself to perform for your child is likely an unrealistic, self-imposed expectation.
We hope you walk away from this episode with an enlightened feeling of relief, knowing that in the end, all your child needs is your time and your love.
EPISODE NOTES
- About Julie's book, Some Days
- The fears that come with pregnancy when you have MS
- How she and her son view "bad days" differently
- Turning obstacles into games
- Teaching your child resilience
- How the book is uniquely from a child's perspective
- Teaching your child that "everyone has something"
- Explaining MS to your child
- Incorporating your disability into fun
- Adapting how you play with your child based on your current symptoms
- The importance of talking to your child
- The things your child will and won't remember
- Whether to disclose your disease from your child or not
- Teaching about disability/chronic illness and empathy in the classroom
- Customizing the cover of her book
- Book #2 coming out next Fall...Book #3 the following Fall.
- Julie's advice to pregnant moms and women considering having children
LINKS:
Some Days, A Tale of Love, Ice Cream and My Mom's Chronic Illness
The MS Gym
Instagram - @themsgym
Website - www.themsgym.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheMSGym/?ref=share
Brooke Slick
Instagram - @brooke.slick
Website - www.brookeslick.com
Wednesday Nov 17, 2021
Wednesday Nov 17, 2021
In today’s episode, we journey to England to chat with Ann about her:
- First symptoms and diagnosis
- Sudden disruption of career opportunities
- Ability to adapt to changing circumstances
- Threat bucket
- Willingness to be vulnerable
- Passion for writing and poetry
- Love letter to The MS Gym (see below)
Acrostic poem to Trevor Wicken and The MS Gym
Thousands of strangers are connected by hope.
Redefining their abilities and expectations.
Evolving in their bodies and minds.
Virtually family.
Ordinary people experiencing extraordinary miracles.
Results speak for themselves.
Wisdom and passion fuel our journeys.
Individuals feel valued.
Compassion is contagious.
Kisses and hearts festoon the house you created.
Endurance is easy.
Now that you have brought us together.
The MS Gym Links
Motivation Monday: Threat bucket
Wednesday Oct 27, 2021
Wednesday Oct 27, 2021
SUMMARY:
In this episode, I welcome board certified neurologist, Dr. Marwa Kaisey, to the podcast where we discuss the most up-to-date information on COVID vaccines and COVID boosters. In particular, we discuss how all of that information relates to people living with MS.
Dr. Kaisey, an assistant professor in the Department of Neurology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles focuses her practice on caring for people with MS and other neuroimmune conditions. She teaches Cedars-Sinai neurology residents in both inpatient and outpatient settings and assists with the MS fellowship. She's won multiple teaching awards including the AB Baker teacher recognition award from the American Academy of Neurology.
Dr. Kaisey is active in research and has several publications on the diagnosis and misdiagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Her work includes developing novel tools to more quickly and accurately diagnose MS.
She can be found on Instagram @themsmd and YouTube where she provides, in a quick and concise way, all the latest in MS research as well as tips for living well with MS. Links to both of those can be found in the Episode Notes.
In this episode, Dr. Kaisey and I cover not only the most commonly asked questions regarding COVID and MS, but also the questions that we might be curious about but aren't often discussed.
EPISODE NOTES:
- Is MS alone considered an underlying condition?
- Which MS treatments put you at higher risk?
- What about the timing of a vaccine and your infusion?
- Which MS drug puts you at 4x higher risk of being hospitalized from Covid?
- Tysabri and the blood brain barrier.
- The sweet spot for timing your vaccine and your infusion for best vaccine efficacy.
- Vaccine response and antibody testing.
- Will the vaccine evolve as new variants emerge?
- How the vaccine was designed.
- What to do if you want to get a Covid vaccine and a flu vaccine and when? Can you get them at the same time?
- Typical side effects of first and second doses of the COVID vaccine.
- Dr. Kaisey's Conquer MS project. Link below.
- Should an MS patient get a vaccine booster?
- A third dose or a booster? Which one? Is there a difference? Are you eligible?
- How long does your natural immunity last if you've had COVID?
- Mixing brands of vaccines. Is it safe?
- How were they able to bring the COVID vaccine to market so quickly? Did they cut corners? Were safety measures sidestepped?
- How long until we'll have some sense of normalcy?
- Masks. Are they still important?
LINKS:
Where to find Dr. Marwa Kaisey:
Instagram - @themsmd
YouTube - https://youtube.com/c/drmarwakaisey
The MS Gym
Instagram - @themsgym
Website - www.themsgym.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheMSGym/?ref=share
Brooke Slick
Instagram - @brooke.slick
Website - www.brookeslick.com
Wednesday Oct 13, 2021
Wednesday Oct 13, 2021
In today’s podcast, we join Michael from Scotland.
He talks about his:
- Diagnosis
- Career changes
- Relationship challenges
- MS treatment options
- MS Gym victories
MS Gym Links:
Wednesday Jul 14, 2021
Wednesday Jul 14, 2021
Join us as we explore the musical passions of one of our own international MS Gym Buddy Groups. Today, we will cross time zones and country borders to learn how these members:
- Each began their own musical journey
- Came together as a group sharing their passion for music
- Found community across cultures and country lines
- Beat isolation by forming bonds
- Shared their dreams and fears about the present and future
- Collaborated their musical talents to create music
- Made music despite their disability and technical challenges
- Inspired each other while finding their own inner purpose
- Each found The MS Gym
- Shared their dreams and losses together
- Seek to inspire others with their music
Links:
Saturday Jul 03, 2021
Saturday Jul 03, 2021
I'm so excited to bring you the 4th and final episode of the series of interviews from the MS Gym's Thrive Summit, previously available to members only.
I'm even more excited that the interview is with fan favorite, and former guest, registered dietitian, Ahna Crum. Ahna, who's certified in Integrative and Functional Medical Nutrition, will be completing her masters in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine by the end of this year. As juicy as her credentials sound, her previous series on MS and diets are even juicier, and I don't even think she knows this, but they still hold the record for the most downloads of any episodes in MS Gym Podcast history. She's that good!
This particular 5 to Thrive interview you'll be listening to today is no less stellar and focuses on five crucial areas of importance when it comes to diet and living with MS. I had to re-listen to it today to take notes for the episode and it sucked me in all over again. Hanging on every word.
It's important to note that in this episode, there are multiple times Ahna refers to a handout that the attendees of the Thrive Summit received as part of her presentation. A link to that handout will be in the Episode Notes and I highly recommend you download it. It takes all the information that you will hear in the interview and dives even deeper into each topic. I've read the entire handout and it's really a must have.
EPISODE NOTES:
- True results come with testing and individualization
- Inflammation and joint health
- Spasticity
- Sleep
- Macronutrients
- Hydration/Dehydration
- Inflammation as it relates to added sugars
- How the inflammation presents itself
- CRP
- Blood sugar dysregulation
- Neurotransmitter balance
- Sugar from fruits
- Sports drinks
- Weight gain
- Hormone imbalance
- Spasticity
- Circadian rhythm
- Defining neurotransmitters
- Serotonin
- Dopamine
- GABA is a big one! Why you need it.
- Why too much Glutamate can be a problem
- Baclofen and GABA
- Ingestion is not the same as absorption
- Magnesium and the neurotransmitter connection
- Magnesium glycinate
- GABA and sleep
- Sleep
- How much sleep you should be getting with MS
- No sleep, no healing
- Inflammation and oxidative stress
- Don't skip carbs
- Choosing the right carbohydrates
- Good carbs and bad carbs
- Choosing whole foods sources
- Why the glycemic index matters
- Protein for healing
- Protein and exercise
- Nine essential amino acids
- A vegan or vegetarian approach and why it's harder work
- Vitamin B12 is not found in plants
- MS and the fat controversy
- Omega 3 intake to balance Omega 6
- Good fats and bad fats
- What about butter?
- Macronutrients
- A challenge to drink more water
- Carbonated beverages
- Should you drink water before or after exercise?
LINKS:
THE MS GYM
BROOKE SLICK
Wednesday Jun 16, 2021
Wednesday Jun 16, 2021
For today’s episode we'll join Heather at her long-term care facility in Alberta, Canada. During our time together will learn more about Heather and how she:
- Was diagnosed with MS
- Grappled with the choices of MS medications
- Learned about an anti-inflammatory diet
- Managed her MS symptoms while working
- Travelled overseas for an invasive procedure
- Struggled with repeated post-op infections
- Made the transition to a long-term care facility
- Is using The MS Gym to grow stronger
- Wants to be a light and inspiration to her fellow residents
- Has found great purpose and enjoyment in co-writing a trilogy of novels
- Has managed through multiple lockdowns in her long-term care facility
-
Looks forward to being out in beauty and nature very soon
Links:
Global News Interview: Residents Complete Book Trilogy during COVID-19
Wednesday Jun 02, 2021
Wednesday Jun 02, 2021
In this episode, I'm speaking to renowned neurologist, Dr. Mitzi Joi Williams of Atlanta, Georgia, regarding the increasingly popular mode of medical communication called telemedicine. At no other time in the history of medicine has this option to communicate with our health care professionals been more important. In addition to a behind the scenes look at telemedicine, we discuss the many advantages of this mode of communication and what we can expect in the future. This interview is # 3 of 4 from the MS Gym's Thrive Summit, previously available only to Summit attendees. I'm excited to be able to share this exclusive info with all of you.
EPISODE NOTES:
- What is telemedicine?
- Video assessment
- Who is the perfect candidate for telemedicine?
- What are physicians loving about telemedicine
- Who telemedicine is NOT for
- Telemedicine and insurance billing/reimbursement
- Will telemedicine become the norm?
- How to give a neurologic exam online
- HIPPA in the age of online medicine
- Ensuring online security
- Interstate access to doctors
- Prescribing medications
- Top 3 advantages of telemedicine versus in-person appointments
- Telemedicine is not only for during a pandemic
- The future of telemedicine for doctors and patients
LINKS:
DR. MITZI JOI WILLIAMS
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mitzi: Joi Life Wellness Group
For more information on Dr. Mitzi, visit her personal website, to book her as a speaker, purchase her books, or read her blog, at https://drmitzijoimd.com/
Instagram: @thenerdyneurologist
THE MS GYM
BROOKE SLICK