Exercise Makes a Difference for Those Living with Chronic Illness

Exercise Makes a Difference for Those Living with Chronic Illness



After experiencing symptoms including numbness in her fingers, weakness on the right side of her body and extreme fatigue, Grace Ragland was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), the most common form of MS. MS is a chronic disease that attacks the central nervous system, which includes the spinal cord, brain and nerves. Despite her diagnosis, Ragland was determined to not let MS stand in her way of leading an active and fulfilling life.


With the encouragement of family and friends, Ragland decided to take up mountain biking in an effort to cope with her disease and now races competitively; leaving her worries about MS behind her. “I will not let MS get in the way of accomplishing my goals,” she says.


While most people are not competitive mountain bike racers like Ragland, it is recommended that people with chronic illnesses like MS engage in moderate physical activity and adopt a healthy lifestyle to help manage their disease. The National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion says that regular physical activity can help people with chronic, disabling conditions improve their stamina and muscle strength and can improve psychological well-being and quality of life. If you are living with a chronic illness, here are some tips from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) to help construct a helpful exercise routine:
* Consult a physician. He/she will be able to make recommendations about exercise frequency, duration and type of exercise most beneficial for you.

* Modify exercises, especially if symptoms cause a difference in strength or ability between one side of the body and the other.

* If a particular activity makes you feel worse, you may have overdone it. Start slowly and exercise a little longer at each session.

* Schedule physical activity for the time of the day when energy is highest. Alternate more demanding exercise with activity requiring less.


Today, Ragland is successfully living with MS and is now the newest member of Team Copaxone, a group of individuals who are pursuing their dreams despite MS. The team celebrates the accomplishments of people like Ragland who refuse to let their condition stand in their way. She passionately maintains a positive outlook on life. “I have MS,” Ragland says. “MS doesn’t have me.”


For more information about Team Copaxone or MS treatment options, visit SharedSolutions.com.


Courtesy of ARAcontent