Hello friends --Some people in this wonderful community have reached out to make sure I'm okay. I haven't published a blog post or a podcast episode in a couple of weeks and I've been pretty quiet on the FUMS Facebook page as well. Thanks so much for checking on me. I'm fine. Now. But it's been a rough few of weeks. My husband's sweet mother died last Sunday after a very long and difficult illness. I loved her dearly and appreciate the peace she's found. Death should remind us to live more fully so - I'm reminding YOU. Do those things you've been meaning to do, those things that "someday" you'll do it. Guess what? Someday may never come - but you've got today. Go get it!Let's see what's been going on in the world of MS this week:1.  As promised, I'm going to keep reminding you all of the FUMS Holiday Gift Guide where you can shop right from your phone or your laptop. I have compiled 50+ cool gift ideas - for you and for those you buy gifts for. Check it out here:  2019 FUMS Holiday Gift Guide.  Some of the items that are listed are affiliate products meaning - if you choose to purchase them they won't cost you any more, but I'll receive a small commission. Thanks for the support. Happy Holidays!!2.  OK - who's on Gilenya?? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved three generic versions of Gilenya (fingolimod) for the treatment of adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS).  Read all about it - right here: Generic Gilenya3.  For pediatric patients with multiple sclerosis, there are more admissions among girls and among white children, according to a research letter published in the February 2020 issue of Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders.  MS & Girls - Ain't We Lucky?!?!4.  As the use of marijuana is increasing in the United States, researchers are asking whether the use of this substance — particularly smoking joints — is associated with an increased risk of any form of cancer, and, if so, which.  Read more here:  Don't Bogart That Joint5.  Do you suffer with recurrent UTIs? It's very common among MS'ers.  AND - UTIs can complicate MS Symptoms. Good times! Here's an article from FUMS friend and community member Tamara Sellman: UTIs are a BFD******Side bar: if the UTI story was of interest to you, check out the downloadable ebook I co-authored with a world-renowned Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist, "Bowel and Bladder Issues in Multiple Sclerosis by Two Pee Brains with Potty Mouths Talking Shit About MS"6.  This will surprise no one here: "Price-gouging is central to the industry business model." Pharma exec admits there is no other rationale but profit-making. No Shit SherlockThat's all folks. Hope you're doing well. Did you know there is nothing that makes me happier than hearing from YOU?? It's true. If you've got a minute, hit "reply" and tell me how you're doing, ask me a question, suggest a guest for the podcast or tell me a joke! Whatever. I just like hearing from you. xxoYou can find me at [email protected] or meet me over in the FUMS Facebook community and let's chat!  Thanks.Warmly -- Kathy#FUMS

Sometimes it helps the stress, just to say "F-U-M-S"