Hello friends --Happy Fall Y'all!!  🍁 I may have already said that to you this year but I'm saying it again because today is the first day I've been able to open up all my windows since May so - THIS counts as the start of Fall to me! This cooler, dryer weather does me all kinds of good - both physically and mentally.  AND - I just got back from my high school class reunion - and that did my soul so much good. There's something about knowing people for decades that is very grounding and happy making.  Hope you all are experiencing a little happy right now too!!Alrighty then - let's get after it:1.  Asking a question/favor here to kick this off today: would you please hit reply to this email and let me know what types of products you'd like to see in the FUMS merchandise shop??  Yoga mats, wine glasses, ski caps - WHATEVER.  I am gearing up to revamp the FUMS shop in time for the holidays and I'd really appreciate your input.  Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks in advance. 2.  The rates of pregnancy complications are not higher in women with MS who were using DMTs in the earliest stages of pregnancy, a study reported.  This is fantastic news. Want to know more? Here you go:  Pregnancy Risks Not Likely to Rise With Early DMT Use, Study Finds3.  People with multiple sclerosis (MS) may be more likely to use unhealthy or ineffective coping mechanisms than healthy individuals — and these “maladaptive strategies” are linked to worse mood and a poorer quality of life among patients, according to a new review study.  Unhealthy Coping Strategies in MS May Lead to Worse Quality of Life4.  Scientists have been looking to the microbiome, and its numerous gut bacteria, as an area of research with plenty of potential for finding connections to various diseases. Now, scientists have found evidence of significant differences between the gut bacteria of individuals who have multiple sclerosis (MS) and those of healthy patients in the same households. Gut Microbiome Could Play Role in MS5.  Are you watching actress and MS warrior Selma Blair on Dancing with the Stars?  Amazing.  Do you wonder just how in the hell is she doing it??  Read on my friend:  Selma Blair Is Taking Extra Precautions During DWTS Rehearsals Due to MS6.  Are you "compliant"?  Do you take your meds as directed? If you're a little wishy-washy on that answer - here's a reason to get your shit together:  The likelihood of survival is about 7.5 times higher for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) who take their disease-modifying treatments as directed compared with those who do not, an analysis of data from U.S. veterans shows.  Survival Much Higher for Patients Who Take DMTs as Directed: StudyThat's all folks!  Hope you learned something that can help you.  Please be sure to let me know your ideas or wishes for the FUMS merch shop.  I really appreciate the assist.Warmly -- Kathy#FUMS

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