Lecture from leading expert on MS and movement

[garyp]

I recently started a MS self help group in the DC area - focused on exercise and other non-medicinal techniques to help manage MS.

This past month we had a leading expert on MS and movement (Dr. Kathy Zackowski from the Johns Hopkins MS Center) lecture on the topic of MS and exercise. Her lecture was videoed and I was able to it onto youtube for everyone to see, only last night!

Is an hour long, but highly recommend a viewing - will get into some topics many of us have not been exposed to. In hindsight should have zoomed in on the screen projecting the slides - but did not think of it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GamWLLDaBCw

[AMFADVENTURES]

That was fantastic Gary, I hope it goes viral among PWMS. All MSers need to know that exercise not only strengthens muscles that still work but that it also promotes a healthy immune system along with neural repair and replacement. I find it heart warming that in the few years since this site was started, exercise has become much more widely accepted by neuro's and MS clinics as a viable, meaningful, on the verge of being considered necessary, therapy for PWMS.

Thanks Gary,

[ActiveMSers]

Thanks for posting, Gary! I'll be watching shortly.

[ActiveMSers]

Other than the things I always harp on, here were a few of my favorite takeaways from the lecture, which was excellent.

"Use a walker while you exercise." (if you have any balance issues)

"Doctors/neuros are not the best choice for movement advice."

"Find a great PT who specializes in MS or neurology in general."

Dr. Zackowski is pretty darn smart and well suited to giving presentations. The videographer, on the other hand....

[garyp]

Comment from videographer....

"The videographer, on the other hand...." - yes, he definitely needs help

That room has terrible lighting - and also a rather noisy ice maker which thankfully decided not to turn itself on!

[sue w.]

Thank you for the posting. I was, especially, interested to learn about hip abductor exercises, which I will look up on the internet. I avoid walking as it aggravates my hip in the back - but if I could strengthen this and return to walking, I'd be a happy camper. Or walker. Whichever. Thanks again.