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October 2016

Welcome to the October edition of Vitality! In this edition, we look at how a healthy lifestyle is linked to lower disability levels in people living with MS as well as exciting research from Sweden that can help to predict the severity of MS.

As we approach the end of the year, we invite you to attend our Annual General Meeting where your feedback is welcomed – further information under the ‘Events’ section of this issue.

We also look at how Tecfidera works to reduce MS relapses, which has potential implications for the development of new, more specific drugs. And finally, we look at ‘Living Like You’ a website designed to empower and support those impacted by MS to live fuller lives.

We hope you enjoy this edition. Until the next Vitality, take care.

MS More Frequent Among Females Exposed to High Levels of Copper
A study conducted by two Italian universities has shown that exposure to heavy metals and being female are associated with a higher incidence of multiple sclerosis. Several studies have already reported that MS is triggered by a combination of genetic susceptibility and exposure to environmental factors. This study looked into the incidence of MS and environmental factors, such as exposure to heavy metals, urbanisation, and UV exposure on the people of Sardinia, Italy. The researchers commented that more research is needed to test this suggestion. Read more at Multiple Sclerosis News Today.

Predicting the severity of multiple sclerosis
Swedish researchers have been studying the difference in cells in the immune system of patients with MS versus the cells in the immune system of a healthy individual. The researchers have developed a method that can predict disease activity in multiple sclerosis. They hope that the method will contribute to answering the question why certain patients suffer less severely with the disease than others. Read more on Science Daily.

‘Reprogramming’ lymph nodes reverses paralysis from MS in mice
Researchers at the University of Maryland have manipulated lymph nodes to ‘switch off’ autoimmune attacks in diseases like multiple sclerosis while preserving healthy immune function. The team is focussing on ‘reprogramming’ the lymph nodes that produce immune cells that attack myelin in people with MS. Read more on Fierce Biotech.

Healthier lifestyle linked to lower disability levels in MS
The MS community has always taken interest as to whether taking control of lifestyle factors can change disease outcomes, with growing evidence that factors such as smoking and physical activity can affect disease course. The population analysed by this recent study found an unusually healthy lifestyle amongst participants with higher than average scores for diet, low levels of smoking with a high proportion were moderately or highly physically active. Read the full article on MSRA.

Darwin News - MSSANT Client Forums in October

MSSANT staff will be visiting Darwin to meet with Clients and to provide MS awareness training to local health providers. Clients and their families are invited to attend the information sessions offered and there will be time for individual discussions with MSSANT staff. Click here for more details.

Plan to stay employed by planning for the unexpected – information session

This session is aimed at those who are employed, particularly younger workers. Solicitor Tom Cobban will focus on superannuation and insurance – reading your statements, having the right cover and how to make a claim if you need to. There will also be an expert on workplace law from Andersons Solicitors to talk about disclosure, reasonable accommodation and discrimination. Multiple Solutions will talk about funding and supports available for workers to help them stay employed. All speakers will allow time for questions.
A light supper will be provided.

Date: Tuesday, 18 October 2016
Time: 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Venue: Prospect Town Hall, 126 Prospect Road, Prospect
RSVP: Bookings are essential. Please RSVP by Tuesday, 11 October to MS Assist on 1800 812 311 or msassist@ms.asn.au

MSSANT Annual General Meeting

This year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held at MSSANT Offices on Tuesday, 25 October commencing at 10am. All Clients are welcome to attend.

How Tecfidera Works to Reduce MS Relapses Finally Discovered
The way MS therapy Tecfidera works on a molecular level has been uncovered, using a new method that can map a drug’s protein targets. These insights may open up new avenues for the development of more specific drugs, based on the same mechanisms, but with fewer side effects. Read more on Multiple Sclerosis News Today.

Mental Health Week

Mental Health Week raises community awareness about mental health issues and is held every October each year to coincide with World Mental Health Day on 10 October.

The aim of Mental Health Week is to promote social and emotional wellbeing to the community, encouraging people to maximise their health potential, enhancing the coping capacity of communities, families, individuals and increasing mental health recovery.

Read about events in SA here

Living Like You – a real look at life with multiple sclerosis
‘Living like you’ is a website designed to empower and support those impacted by MS to live fuller lives. The site comprises of blogs and ‘life hacks’ as well as stories about people living with MS as well as their families.

Vitamin D - you are what you eat

Jamie A. Hughes was diagnosed with MS in 2004 at the age of 25. In this article, she discusses the various dietary sources of vitamin D. Click here to read.

MS: No Filter
From the same team that created the ‘Living Like You’ website, take a look at ‘MS: No Filter’ an online dictionary and Chrome extension to build on existing MS information across the web. Watch this helpful YouTube video on how to install the extension and get started!

MS Xplained

This new app translates complicated medical concepts into an entertaining and engaging language. They connect artists with medical experts, to turn complex medical information into stories that people can understand and relate to. MSWA staff, Nurse Specialist Lou Hatter and OT Manager Sandra Wallace were contributors. Find out more and download the app here.