I am very excited to talk about this topic because spasticity is one of those symptoms that is just, I think, the most frustrating and discouraging. One example is if you've noticed weakness from baclofen or weakness from botox when attempting to manage MS spasticity, this episode will explain why and give you MS exercises to help! There's lots of things that we can do to manage spasticity. So, let's dive in!

Resources from this episode:

The MSing Link Podcast - Episode 81 - Spotify / Apple

The MSing Link Podcast - Episode 118 - Spotify / Apple

The MSing Link Podcast - Episode 157 - Spotify / Apple

The MSing Link Program

Behind The Scenes Video Inside The MSing Link

Additional Resources:

https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider

Reach out to Me: [email protected] 

Website: www.MSingLink.com

Social: 

★ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mswellness

★ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctor.gretchen

★ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/doctorgretchenhawley?sub_confirmation=1

→ Game Changers Course: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/GameChangersCourse

→ Total Core Program: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TotalCoreProgram

→ The MSing Link: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TheMSingLink

I have a very special guest with me, Dr. Rani Banik. You may recognize her name. We actually had her on the podcast previously where she talked all about MS and other demyelinating diseases and how they affect our eyes. But today we're gonna be talking about something different. We're actually going to be diving into how to manage autoimmune diseases through diet and lifestyle to make a positive impact on vision and brain health.

Dr. Rani Banik is America's Integrative Eye Doctor. She is a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained neuro-ophthalmologist with additional training in Integrative and Functional Medicine. 

Dr. Rani focuses on the root cause of eye diseases, and uses integrative strategies for conditions such as dry eye, thyroid eye disease, macular degeneration, cataract, glaucoma, and other autoimmune diseases of the visual system. She also has a special interest in migraine with visual symptoms, multiple sclerosis, and eye stroke. Her treatments are based on nutrition, botanicals, lifestyle modification, essential oils, and supplements. 

Dr. Rani runs a private practice based in New York City and is also Associate Professor of Mount Sinai in NYC where she serves as an educator and researcher. As Principal Investigator of several clinical trials in diseases of the optic nerve, Dr. Rani uses cutting-edge approaches such as nanotechnology and gene therapy.

Dr. Rani’s book Beyond Carrots: Best Foods For Eye Health A to Z:  https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Carrots-Best-Foods-Health/dp/B0C2SCNWSH

Dr. Rani’s supplement line, Ageless: https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com/

Dr. Rani’s FB group for The Macular Degeneration Diet and Lifestyle: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4709862885694718/

Dr. Rani’s FB group for Envision Health: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1864863853844167/

Dr. Rani’s FB group for Eye on Migraine: https://www.facebook.com/groups/365563447148126/

Additional Resources: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider

Reach out to Me: [email protected] 

Website: www.MSingLink.com

Social: 

★ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mswellness

★ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctor.gretchen

★ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/doctorgretchenhawley?sub_confirmation=1

→ Game Changers Course: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/GameChangersCourse

→ Total Core Program: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TotalCoreProgram

→ The MSing Link: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TheMSingLink

As I am recording this, it is very hot outside. I feel like this is the second heat wave that we've had this summer, and it's got me thinking. So often, neurologists and other healthcare providers talk a lot about heat sensitivity and Uhthoff's phenomenon, is heat intolerance, but other thermoregulation dysfunctions are not talked about as often. And that's what we're going to talk about today! 

Referenced in podcast:
The MSing Link Podcast Episode #5, A Solution for Heat and Cold Sensitivity https://open.spotify.com/episode/43Grg7gvKwJ4SSjq8SzWMf?si=6cf17a3e032d48d9

Additional Resources: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider

Reach out to Me: [email protected] 

Website: www.MSingLink.com

Social: 

★ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mswellness

★ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctor.gretchen

★ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/doctorgretchenhawley?sub_confirmation=1

→ Game Changers Course: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/GameChangersCourse

→ Total Core Program: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TotalCoreProgram

→ The MSing Link: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TheMSingLink

Today, I'm going to be talking about adaptive equipment that you can use in your daily life that can help you with your MS. And what that might mean is that it's a tool or a product that can help improve your walking or it can help improve your energy or just the way your muscles work, reducing the spasticity.

Elevate 360 / Dictis band

Foot Up Brace

Kizik Shoes - code: DOCTORGRETCHEN10

Leg Lifter

Car Cane

Grab Bars

Raised Toilet Seat

Shower Chair

Reachers or "Grabbers"

Adaptive Utensils / Foam Tube Grips

Additional Resources: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider

Reach out to Me: [email protected] 

Website: www.MSingLink.com

Social: 

★ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mswellness

★ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctor.gretchen

★ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/doctorgretchenhawley?sub_confirmation=1

→ Game Changers Course: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/GameChangersCourse

→ Total Core Program: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TotalCoreProgram

→ The MSing Link: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TheMSingLink

Today, I am interviewing Amy Thompson. Amy was diagnosed with MS in 2018 and felt there was little representation and a lack of support specifically for young adults living with MS. On today's episode, we talk about her diagnosis, how MS Together came about, and what MS Together offers.

Amy is a charity founder and CEO, winner of a National Diversity Award, a freelance content creator and a disability advocate. Amy was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2018 and felt there was little representation and a lack of support specifically for young adults living with MS, so in 2019, she founded MS Together, which started as a community organization but is now a UK-based charity. She featured in a number of charity campaigns and did media interviews to help raise awareness of MS.

Connect with Amy: 

Website & Instagram

Additional Resources: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider

Reach out to Me: [email protected] 

Website: www.MSingLink.com

Social: 

★ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mswellness

★ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctor.gretchen

★ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/doctorgretchenhawley?sub_confirmation=1

→ Game Changers Course: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/GameChangersCourse

→ Total Core Program: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TotalCoreProgram

→ The MSing Link: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TheMSingLink

I have been receiving the question of what exercises can I do if I am in a wheelchair? And I've also been receiving questions like, "What exercises can I do if I'm sitting all day?" whether that's on the couch, or if you're at work, or if you're in bed. And I really wanted to create a podcast episode about this because so often when we sit the majority of our day. There's actually a lot of exercise that you can do from a seated position! Let's dive in!

Additional Resources: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider

Reach out to Me: [email protected] 

Website: www.MSingLink.com

Social: 

★ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mswellness

★ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctor.gretchen

★ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/doctorgretchenhawley?sub_confirmation=1

→ Game Changers Course: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/GameChangersCourse

→ Total Core Program: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TotalCoreProgram

→ The MSing Link: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TheMSingLink

One question that I've been getting a lot over the last six months to a year has been what type of stretching is best. And before we even get to what's best, and that question alone is really dependent on what your specific situation is, it's really important to understand the different types of stretching. So that's what we're going to talk about today.

Additional Resources: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider

Reach out to Me: [email protected] 

Website: www.MSingLink.com

Social: 

★ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mswellness

★ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctor.gretchen

★ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/doctorgretchenhawley?sub_confirmation=1

→ Game Changers Course: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/GameChangersCourse

→ Total Core Program: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TotalCoreProgram

→ The MSing Link: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TheMSingLink

Thank you so much for tuning in today. I have a special guest with me, Adria Thompson. Adria is a speech and language pathologist acclaimed for her work in dementia care. On today's episode, we talk about memory and cognitive changes in multiple sclerosis and tips on how you can improve your brain health.

Adria Thompson is a speech-language pathologist acclaimed for her work in dementia care. Adria brings over 10 years of experience to the table with a master's degree from Eastern Kentucky University. She's the driving force behind Be Light Care Consulting, known for her innovative micro-learning videos that cater to a broad audience of over 310,000 followers across social media. Adria's approach is deeply rooted in evidence-based research, ensuring high-quality care and education for both personal and professional caregivers. 

Website: belightcare.com

Instagram: @belightcare

TikTok: @belightcare

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeLightCare/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2wEOjxJR0SWFP_qZCH8nvQ 

Additional Resources: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider

Reach out to Me: [email protected] 

Website: www.MSingLink.com

Social: 

★ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mswellness

★ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctor.gretchen

★ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/doctorgretchenhawley?sub_confirmation=1

→ Game Changers Course: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/GameChangersCourse

→ Total Core Program: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TotalCoreProgram

→ The MSing Link: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TheMSingLink

We are going to get a little science nerdy today because we're going to be talking about a topic that is is still in clinical trial. There is not yet anything that has been released or launched specifically to help with this condition that we're about to talk about, but it's a really exciting area of research! So, we are going to dive into what remyelination is and why that's important in the first place. And then we're also going to dive into what is required for remyelination!

Additional Resources: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider

Reach out to Me: [email protected] 

Website: www.MSingLink.com

Social: 

★ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mswellness

★ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctor.gretchen

★ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/doctorgretchenhawley?sub_confirmation=1

→ Game Changers Course: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/GameChangersCourse

→ Total Core Program: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TotalCoreProgram

→ The MSing Link: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TheMSingLink

We have a repeat guest today, one of my favorites, Dr. Joshua Katz. He is the director of the Elliot Lewis Center and a nationally recognized expert in MS, NMO, MOG associated disease and transverse myelitis. I've worked alongside Dr. Katz for many years and have many mutual patients. On today's episode, Dr. Katz and I talk all about clinical trials. He shares how to know what clinical trials are happening, how to participate in one, and what the process is like.

Dr. Katz is the Director of the Elliot Lewis Center, and a nationally recognized expert in multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica, MOG associated disease, and transverse myelitis.  I’ve worked alongside Dr. Katz for many years and shared many patients. He’s one of the few neurologists who truly listens to you and your symptoms and will spend the time to brainstorm solutions for living your best life with MS. Not only that, the Elliot Lewis Center provides cutting-edge care and access to all of the available therapeutic options and strategies.

Website: https://elliotlewisms.com/about-us/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElliotLewisMS

Additional Resources: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider

Reach out to Me: [email protected] 

Website: www.MSingLink.com

Social: 

★ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mswellness

★ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctor.gretchen

★ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/doctorgretchenhawley?sub_confirmation=1

→ Game Changers Course: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/GameChangersCourse

→ Total Core Program: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TotalCoreProgram

→ The MSing Link: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TheMSingLink