Today, we are obsessed with brain health—and rightly so! Whether it’s multiple sclerosis, stress, anxiety, dementia, or just normal aging, everything we can do to protect our brains is an investment in a great quality of life over the long term. Did you know that sleep is one of the most important strategies for a healthy brain? We all know we’re supposed to get more sleep. It’s the thing we blame when we can’t remember where we put our keys or when we feel kind of “meh.” But

When I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 1985, I received a range of reactions—from supportive to shocked. Like many, I had never heard of MS before, and initially, it might have seemed like a life-altering game over. But here I am, decades later, living a great life! Has MS changed my life? Yes, it has.Has MS ruined my life? Absolutely not. Today, we know that MS can be managed more effectively than ever before. Research supports the importance of a holistic appr

At Harvard Medical School during my first formal Mind-Body training, Dr. Herbert Benson shared something he learned in medical school, “that the greater part of what you was learning about the human body would be obsolete in five years.” That was 15 years ago, and guess what? Everything has changed! Neuroscience, Nutritional Science, Exercise Science … everything is exploding. The greatest challenge for those of us who are seeking more is that it takes a looooooong time for t

Every year at this time, the heat and humidity can become your worst enemy if. It doesn’t seem to matter where you are in the world, it just keeps getting hotter… and then, add the humidex! For people living with multiple sclerosis heat sensitivity, this seasonal change can be particularly challenging. But don’t worry, first we’re going to dive into understanding the heat-MS thing and then I’ve got some strategies and tips to help you stay cool and manage your symptoms effect

For many years, my main message has been about transforming your life with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and living beyond the diagnosis. After almost 40 years of living with MS and sharing the journey with thousands of people in my private practice, one thing is clear: MS is not a ‘thing’ to be fixed. It is a complex process that unfolds over time. I am deeply interested in this journey because the good news is that you are in a key position to make fundamental changes to transfor

What Happened When You Were Diagnosed? When you were diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), how did you respond? How did others react? That moment likely changed who you were, didn’t it? Did your anxiety increase? Did you start to doubt yourself? Panic about the future? Worry about your job, getting married, having babies, or what your friends would think? As a healthcare provider who counsels people daily and navigates my own life with MS, I get it. Now, let’s move beyond i

In our modern, fast-paced world, stress has become a constant companion. From the moment we wake up to the sound of an alarm clock, to the traffic jams on the way to work, to the relentless demands of our jobs and personal lives, stress is a pervasive force. We’ve become so accustomed to this ever-present tension that we often don’t recognize its dangerous health effects. But for people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) , the consequences of the stress – MS connection can be profo

Make Your Commitment Real Strategy: SMART Goals Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve – journal it, hold it firmly in your mind and in your heart. Measurable: Track your progress – some of the markers I use with my patients include energy levels, quality of sleep, activity…amongst others Achievable: Set realistic goals, so you can celebrate the wins! Relevant: Ensure the goal is meaningful to you – not what someone else is doing. Timely: Establish a regular practi

It’s no longer a ‘best kept secret’: Vitamin D helps. But exactly why is Vitamin D so important for people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)? The Role of Vitamin D in MS Vitamin D is not just a vitamin; it’s actually a hormone, which means it acts as a messenger in the body. It has wildly anti-inflammatory properties, is neuroprotective, and, crucially for those with MS, immunomodulatory. These properties can significantly impact MS symptoms like mood, muscle aches and weakness, s

Festive Spiced Nuts These nuts are so delicious, you won’t want to make them too far ahead or you will eat them all! So much better than chips, nuts provide many nutrients and contain protein, fat and fibre!! Placing these savoury treats in small jars with pretty ribbons makes a beautiful delicious and nutritious Holiday Gift that your friends will love!! Ingredients: 1 cup walnuts 1 cup almonds 1 cup pecans 1 cup cashews ½ cup cultured butter 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 1

A lot of the press study touts “Exercise therapy is one of the most promising treatment strategies in MS rehabilitation.” Since being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1985, it is good to see this turn-around on the topic of exercise and MS. We have come a long way from being told by neurologists to take it easy…as not to aggravate the condition. Not that we really need a study to get this, but this shows that exercise in MS is both NEUROPROTECTIVE and has DISEASE-MODIFYIN

One of our biggest obstacles in, first, believing we can live a full and complete live with Multiple Sclerosis and, second, actually doing it, is that silent self-critic that makes anything less than perfect a problem. Perfectly imperfect. A diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis automatically makes us feel less than perfect and it’s never something we factor into our lives – ever, so it becomes a problem. But really the notion that somehow we are all going to be perfect all of our

For decades I have found people who work shifts respond very differently to my treatment plans – in fact, I have consistently found them the most difficult to treat. I did not, however, know that the disrupted circadian rhythms put shift workers at greater risk of multiple sclerosis. In a way, it was no surprise to read an article in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine called “Rotating night shift work and risk of multiple sclerosis.” The results of this la

Are you running of healthy things to snack on in your Multiple Sclerosis diet makeover? Getting closer to that bag of chips or have you already fallen in? Don’t fret! Here is one of my favourite snacks that keeps my sweet tooth happy and lots of good fats and protein. Make a big batch and keep them in the freezer Ingredients: ½ cup sunflower seeds and/or pumpkin seeds ½ cup sesame seeds or hemp hearts ¼ cup honey, or swerve, molasses etc. (optional) ½ cup nut butter (almond w