Hello friends --Hope this finds you enjoying this season - and NOT stressing out over gifts and parties and, and, and, and.  And remember - don't "should" all over yourself.  Steer clear of the "I should" monster.  Take care of YOU.  You're the best gift your loved ones could ask for.  Here's what's happening in the world of MS:1.  There is a brand new FUMS podcast episode - where I interviewed Terry Wilcox, Executive Director of Patients Rising - where they provide education, a concierge service to help people with chronic illness with literally ANY question they have -  and training in how to become a patient activist.  Such an interesting conversation!!  Listen right here:  Terry Wilcox 2.  Speech issues may happen during any stage of MS, but not everyone experiences them. There are a few things you can try to manage this aspect of the condition, including therapy, technology, and behavioral techniques.  Learn more here:  How MS Can Affect Your Speech3.  Allow yourself a minute to imagine if #MS could be prevented.  The far-reaching implications of that idea are HUGE!!  Read on to learn about the ongoing research on MS prevention:   What If MS Could Be Prevented4.  Experts aren't exactly sure what causes multiple sclerosis (MS).They have identified four primary risk factors for the condition: immune system, genetics, environment, and infection. Other risk factors for MS range from smoking to having obesity.All these factors work together to help influence whether a person develops MS.  Learn more here:  WTF Causes This MS BS?5.  Children and young adults who spend more time outdoors in the sunshine are less likely to develop multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a new study, which suggests that sunshine might help to protect against the disease.  Get those little brats outside!!  Higher Sunlight Exposure Tied to Reduced MS Risk in Children6.  A new subset of type 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s) — a type of immune cell known mostly for its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects in the gut — infiltrates the brain and promotes the abnormal immune attacks that drive multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a study in a mouse model of the disease.  I KNEW the gut was going to give us some answers.  Researchers Identify Subset of Immune Cells Driving MSHope all is well in your world.  If its' not - and I can help in anyway - drop me a line 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"