MS is a chronic, lifelong condition that affects your nervous system, and it’s usually diagnosed between ages 20 and 50, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. That means some millennials (those born between 1981 and 1996) are in the midst of navigating life with MS. Although MS affects each person somewhat differently, for most people who have it, MS is a source of stress, and it also requires changes and adaptations at home, in the workplace, and in relationships. Because it can help a lot to hear how other people with MS have navigated these challenges, we asked millennials to share their best MS advice, and one theme came up repeatedly: self-care. This generation is finding that prioritizing their health and wellness can help them live their best life with MS. Want to hear what they have to say? You can read hundreds of real-life tips from people with MS (plus experts and caregivers) on Tippi MS. For starters, here are a few of our favorites: Some of these healthy habits are particularly relevant for people living with MS. For example, it’s known that smoking or being exposed to secondhand smoke both raises the risk of developing MS and speeds the progression from relapsing-remitting MS to secondary-progressive MS. On a more positive note, it’s also been found that exercise significantly reduces fatigue in people with MS, as reported in March 2020 in BMC Neurology. Regular exercise can also improve balance and quality of life, and it can help to prevent such chronic illnesses as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. If you need help establishing a healthy lifestyle, talk to your doctor about how and where to start, and who can help you along the way. Here are some tips from millennials with MS on how they stay healthy and emotionally centered: RELATED: Telemedicine for MS Care: Two Thumbs Up When it comes to living well with MS, finding ways to achieve daily tasks with ease is similarly valued by millennials: Finding support is equally important for caregivers of people with MS. Here are some pointers for getting the support you need: For some people, that can mean seeking out a walking aid such as trekking poles or a cane. For others, finding the right cooling product — or right combination of cooling products — may keep outdoor activities doable in hot weather. For still others, technologies such as voice activation may be what’s needed. And when it comes to chores such as housekeeping, adapting to MS may mean changing not just your methods but also your expectations for what you can reasonably accomplish. If you feel like MS is preventing you from doing the things you love, look for a workaround that can make a task easier or an activity more accessible — or ask your friends with MS how they deal with the problem. Here are how some millennials have approached the changes MS has brought into their lives:
