This is going to be one of your favorite episodes if you are working towards improving your balance. Tune in as I break down balance and discuss things like how MS affects balance and what exercises you can be doing if you have a goal of improving your balance!

The MSing Link Podcast Episode 123: Foot Drop 101

https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/podcasts/the-msing-link/episodes/2147914016

The MSing Link Online Program

https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TheMSingLink

Total Core Program 

https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TotalCoreProgram 

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 talking with Dr. Marissa Barrera, the Assistant Dean of Health Sciences and Director of the Graduate Program in Speech Language Pathology at the Katz School of Science and Health at Yeshiva University in New York City. On today's episode, we talk about cognition, speech, and swallowing symptoms in multiple sclerosis and how to advocate for the care that will set you up for success down the road.

Dr. Marissa A. Barrera is the Assistant Dean of Health Sciences and Director of the Graduate Program in Speech-Language Pathology at the Katz School of Science and Health, Yeshiva University. Dr. Barrera is an internationally recognized medical Speech-Language Pathologist, Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist, and a leading expert on the use of modalities for speech and swallowing rehabilitation, including Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES), Surface Electromyography (sEMG) and Neuromuscular Taping. As a researcher and author, Dr. Barrera has lectured around the globe on a wide range of clinical care topics ranging from MS fatigue, dysphagia, NMES, motor speech disorders, cognition and neurogenerative diseases. She has been featured in CBS News, Women’s Health, Vice Magazine, ADVANCE for Speech-Language Pathology and MTV. Dr. Barrera is a member of the Healthcare Provider Council for the National MS Society and serves on the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation Advisory Board. She also serves as distinguished faculty for the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers and was the recipient of the 2023 ARTY Award for Best Practices in MS by CMC.

http://www.nyneuroslp.com 

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

About a month or so ago, I posted on social media about the topic of clonus in multiple sclerosis. And to my surprise, a lot of people didn't know what it was, and they were hearing about it for the first time. So I wanted to turn it into an episode for you and first explain what it is and how to fix it, because it's one of those rare symptoms in MS where you actually. can fix it!

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 interviewing Dr. Whitney Patrickson and Dr. Naseem Chattawalla about a newer electrical stimulation device that helps improve walking. This device is called PoNS. On today's episode, we'll learn more about what PONS is, how it can help people with multiple sclerosis, and what results have been seen in clinic. 

*Individual results and patient experiences vary. Speak to your physician to determine if PoNS is right for you.*

Whitney Patrickson PT, DPT is Director of Physical Therapy at Helius Medical Technologies. She plays multiple roles supporting physical therapists who use the company’s Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator (PoNS) device – including training PoNS Trainers, ensuring the integrity of real-world and clinical trial data, and serving as a clinical/scientific resource and educator. Whitney received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from The University of Saint Augustine for Health Science.

Naseem Chatiwala is a board certified neurological and vestibular specialist and the founder/owner of Rehab Health 360 LLC, a specialized clinic offering premium physical therapy services to clients with neurological deficits.  In addition, she is an adjunct faculty at MGH-Institute of Health professions and University of Massachusetts, Lowell, and a course developer/instructor for Summit Professional Education. Naseem served as a co-chair of the APTA of MA Neuro SIG. She is currently a chair of APTA of MA annual conference committee and a co-chair of the APTA Concussion CPG-Knowledge translation task force. She was awarded Emerson Rehab 2019-Excellence in Education Award, the APTA of MA 2021 Outstanding Achievement in Clinical Practice Award and most recently recipient of the IHP’s 2022 Bette Ann Harris distinguished Alumni Award.

Connect with PoNS professionals - https://ponstherapy.com/ 

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

This is a very special episode for me because I am celebrating the five year anniversary of The MSing Link, my online MS wellness program. Join me as I share the story of  The MSing Link program from it's very beginning stages, why the program came to be, and the journey through the last 5 years! Thank you all so much for being here! I hope you enjoy this episode!

Check out a Behind the Scenes sneak peak into The MSing Link Program: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/BehindTheScenes 

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

On today’s episode, we talk about symptom management for spasticity in addition to the different types of spasticity and similar symptoms. This episode is chock full of his best recommendations for therapies and medications.

Dr. Barry Singer is the director and founder of The MS Center for Innovations in Care at Missouri Baptist Medical Center.  He is an Associate Professor of Clinical Neurology at Washington University School of Medicine. Dr. Singer earned his undergraduate degree from Duke University and his medical degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.  He completed neurology residency at New York Hospital-Cornell University and a neuroimmunology fellowship at the National Institutes of Health.  He has been an investigator in greater than 35 multiple sclerosis trials focused on new therapeutic options including remyelination.

He serves on the Board of Directors of the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America since February 2016 and has a position on its executive committee. His award-winning MS patient education website www.mslivingwell.org started in 2007 has been a valuable resource in 200 countries. Dr. Singer is the host of the MS Living Well podcast.  

Dr. Barry Singer’s website:
https://www.mslivingwell.org/
MS Living Well with Barry Singer MD on Apple Podcasts HERE
MS Living Well with Barry Singer MD on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/6uIJrnioqBBzutks26bZth 

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

Welcome to my 2023 MS Holiday Gift Guide. The gifts that I have for you this year are geared towards improving your mobility, which includes walking, reducing inflammation, improving neuroplasticity, and recovering from any type of injury or anything that's causing you to feel uncomfortable, even if that's something like tight or spastic muscles.

★ Bop It

★ Fringe Red Light Therapy

★ Stander EZ Stand N' Go

★ Trekking Poles

★ The MSing Link book

★ The MSing Link program

★ Brain Speed Ball

★ Thermapprel Cooling Vest

★ Pro Sleepy Neck Pillow & Knee Pillow

★ Thermabody Therm Cube

★ Elevate 360

Some of the links above include affiliate links where I will earn a small percentage of commission at no extra cost to you.

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

Marissa Shackleton is the Executive Director at The Elliot Lewis Center in Wellesley, MA. The Elliot Lewis Center is a comprehensive care center for patients with multiple sclerosis and other neurologic disorders. On today’s episode, Marissa talks to us about access to & affordability of MS medications, health insurance for MS, and resources to make medications more affordable.

Marissa Shackleton is the Executive Director at The Elliot Lewis Center in Wellesley, MA. The Elliot Lewis Center is a comprehensive care center for patients with multiple sclerosis and other neurologic disorders. Marissa has been part of the ELC team since 2011; she oversees the daily operations of the center, directs all aspects of the infusion center, supervises the clinical research program and manages the business.

Marissa is particularly passionate about access to care and affordable treatment for patients. She strives to educate patients and practitioners on health insurance, overcoming barriers to treatment and financial assistance options. She is a national speaker on access, reimbursement, infusion centers, site of care, and practice management. 

She serves on the Boards of Directors for the Infusion Access Foundation and The ELC Foundation; she is an active member of the advisory committee for the National Infusion Center Association. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a concentration in neuroscience from Boston College and her Master of Science in Health Communication from Boston University.

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 received a really great question from one of my MSing Link members recently, and this is a question that a lot of people with MS have asked me over the last 10 or so years so I wanted to bring this question up on this podcast. The question is, "What if my fear of falling has more to do with my poor proprioception? Are there exercises for that?" Let's answer those questions now!

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

Dr. Rani Banik is a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained neuro-ophthalmologist with additional training in Integrative and Functional Medicine. On today’s episode, we talk about how MS and other demyelinating diseases affect vision, red flags that should cause you to see a doctor, and the difference between eye doctors.

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 is frequently featured as an expert in the media and has been interviewed on Good Morning America, CBS, NBC, ABC, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Fox, amongst many others. Dr. Rani has been voted as Castle Connolly Top Doctor and New York Magazine's Best Doctor in Ophthalmology every year since 2017. 

Dr. Rani’s first book, “Beyond Carrots - Best Foods For Eye Health A to Z’ has won high praise from medical professionals in both the fields of ophthalmology and integrative medicine. “Beyond Carrots” focuses on the 30+ nutrients and 40 foods that best provide complete nutrition for your eyes. Dr. Rani has a companion cookbook as well, “The Beyond Carrots Cookbook”, which includes over 160 delicious and nutritious recipes, will be a feast for your eyes! Both are available via Amazon and Kindle in print and eBook versions.

 Links:

My first book on ocular nutrition, "Beyond Carrots - Best Foods For Eye Health A to Z" https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Carrots-Best-Foods-Health/dp/B0C2SCNWSH/ref=zg_bsnr_227196_sccl_1/135-2481332-6767752?psc=1 

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dr.ranibanik/ 

YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8mIi8P9tXSRXXwEdNX6aRw 

Facebook Groups:

Online Course: Ageless Eyes by Dr. Rani (will launch in Sept 2023, will provide link closer to date) 

Ageless by Dr. Rani supplements for vision and brain health: https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com/ 

Website: www.rudranibanikmd.com

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