Preparation and prevention
Safety is a very important consideration for people living with a multiple sclerosis (MS). The neurologic symptoms of sensation change, movement alterations, symptom fluctuation, and fatigue can increase risk of injury. While it is important to promote independence, it is critical to ensure safety in your environment.
Partner with your doctors
Report any new or changing MS symptoms such as difficulty walking, increase in falls, bladder symptoms or difficulty swallowing. Your health care provider will determine if further evaluation and treatment is needed.
Establish a primary care physician for health screenings and to address non-MS related concerns such as hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Research has shown that proper management of other health problems, or comorbidities, can have a positive impact on symptoms of MS.
Vaccines are an integral part of preventing bacterial and viral infections. Please contact your neurologist about current vaccine recommendations for people with MS.
Exploring exercise
While exercise activities are very important in your life, please remember to consider some of the safety concerns while having fun.
- Protect your body from bruises, cuts and injuries by wearing the proper clothing.
- Choose the right type clothing for the temperature and the type of activity.
- Wear supportive and full coverage shoes, even in the water, to promote safety and stability.
- Apply protective padding for contact activities.
- Be mindful and protect yourself from exposure to heat and cold.
- Utilize activity pacing and cooling strategies to prevent yourself from overheating.
- Sit at least six feet from campfires and space heaters to avoid burns.
- Apply sunscreen when outdoors even if it is cool outside.
- Check your medicines to see if any cause a sensitivity to the sun.
- Do not remain wet or damp for too long, such as sitting on wet towels, damp wheelchair cushions or wearing wet clothes. Excess moisture can cause skin problems, irritation and breakdown.
- Protect yourself from insect bites as they can become infected and cause skin problems.