Podcast
Multiple Sclerosis and Veterans (MS & Vets)
Hosted by Veterans Health Administration · EN
Nearly 1 million people in the United States are living with MS. This is more than double the original estimate from a few years ago and means answers for MS are now twice as important. The VA’s Multiple Sclerosis Centers of Excellence (MSCoE) are dedicated to furthering the understanding of MS, its impact on Veterans, and effective treatments to help manage the disease and its symptoms. MS & Vets is a new podcast series from MSCoE and the VA’s Employee Education System that discusses important issues related to the health and quality of life for Veterans with MS. During every episode you’ll hear subject matter experts weigh in on MS issues and also talk about services the VA provides because every Veteran’s health really does matter.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Bowel Dysfunction and Multiple Sclerosis
Jan 13, 202500:21:49Tap to summarizeBowel function is not something most people want to bring up in casual conversation. The topic can be uncomfortable, especially when things aren’t working as they should. But having a conversation about bowel function with your MS team is important in helping you manage your symptoms and improve your function. Join Dr. Iliescu to learn about how MS can affect digestion and ways to improve bowel function.
Transcribe →Cognitive Dysfunction and Multiple Sclerosis
Dec 9, 202400:16:42Tap to summarizeCognition refers to a person’s ability to perform high-level brain functions and includes things like thinking, learning, remembering, and understanding. Up to 65% of individuals with MS will develop cognitive dysfunction over the course of their disease. For some people, cognitive dysfunction can be very mild and not easily noticed by those around them. For others, it can be significant and make it difficult to work or take care of things at home. Join Dr. Ernest Aucone, PhD to learn about cognitive dysfunction and how to recognize and manage this symptom of MS.
Transcribe →Depression and Multiple Sclerosis
Nov 11, 202400:26:11Tap to summarizeDepression is a serious condition, and if left untreated, can lead to chronic depression. Depression is a medical disorder that can be mild, severe, or even life threatening. Not only can it affect a person’s quality of life, it can interfere with relationships, jobs, and a person’s overall health. Join Dr. Ashley Head to learn how to recognize depression, as well as ways to manage this symptom of MS.
Transcribe →Relapse Management for Multiple Sclerosis
Oct 14, 202400:16:33Tap to summarizeA multiple sclerosis relapse is when inflammation in the brain and/or spinal cord causes a new symptom or worsening of an old symptom. Symptoms with a relapse can range from mild to severe enough to interfere with one’s ability to function. Join Dr. Carolyn Bevan to learn what causes relapses, how to recognize them, as well as management strategies.
Transcribe →Taking Care of the Multiple Sclerosis Caregiver
Sep 9, 202400:34:47Tap to summarizeDedicating time, energy, and emotional commitment to another person can be fulfilling. For many, being a caregiver provides richness in life and an expression of love for the person who needs assistance. Yet, the physical, mental, and emotional demands of care giving are great, and this can sometimes lead to what many refer to as caregiver burnout. For caregivers to avoid burnout, it is vital that they be aware of their own limitations and learn to care for themselves. Join Alicia Sloan, MPH, MSW, LICSW to learn tools about caring for the caregiver.
Transcribe →Headaches and Multiple Sclerosis
Aug 12, 202400:27:01Tap to summarizeHeadaches can be common in people with MS, with between 20-70% of people with MS experiencing tension headaches, migraine headaches, and/or cluster headaches. Triggers for MS headaches include stress, muscle tension, or certain foods. However, a range of medications and alternative treatments may help relieve the symptoms. Join Dr. Zughayer to learn about preventive measures and treatment options.
Transcribe →Complementary and Alternative Therapies and Multiple Sclerosis
Jul 8, 202400:21:29Tap to summarizeWellness is about physical, emotional, spiritual, and psychological well-being. Staying well with MS means not just keeping on top of your MS, but also taking charge of your general health. Staying well may require you to take a holistic look at the many areas of life that can affect your health — your work environment, relationships, diet, sleep patterns, and more. Join Dr. Suma Shah to learn about complementary and alternative therapies that may be beneficial for people with MS.
Transcribe →Research and Multiple Sclerosis
Jun 10, 202400:17:25Tap to summarizeThe VA ranks as one of the nation’s leaders in health research. Thousands of studies are conducted at VA medical centers, outpatient clinics, and nursing homes each year. This research has significantly contributed to advancements in health care for Veterans and other Americans from every walk of life. Join Dr. Lindsey Wooliscroft to learn about MS research studies taking place in the VA to improve our understanding of MS and improve the care of people with this chronic disease.
Transcribe →Osteoporosis and Multiple Sclerosis
May 13, 202400:21:04Tap to summarizeBone fractures can be devastating. They can decrease quality of life by resulting in decreased mobility, increased need for assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), increased likelihood of institutionalization, increased risk of future fracture, and increased risk of death. People with MS are at increased risk for falls and increased risk of injury after a fall making the detection of osteoporosis even that much more important. Join Dr. Kathleen Burgess to learn about osteoporosis and what people with MS need to consider.
Transcribe →Importance of MRI in Multiple Sclerosis Care
Apr 8, 202400:14:42Tap to summarizeMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an excellent resource for people with MS. MRI studies provide a safe and non-invasive way to obtain detailed images of the brain and spinal cord, without any radiation exposure. Join Dr. Mitch Wallin to learn more about the importance of MRI in MS care.
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