If you're newly diagnosed with MS or have had it for years, one of the first places you're going to look for advice and support is social media. But as we all know, there's a lot of bad information out there, and there aren't too many medical professionals who have the skills to communicate on video, and even fewer who are MS specialists.One of my recently discovered favorites is @thatmsdoc on TikTok, aka the awesome Dr. Samantha Roman. And not only is Dr. Sam a Johns Hopkins-trained MS neurologist, but she's also living with her own MS diagnosis.In the first part of a two-part extended interview, we talk about her passion for cutting through medical jargon to communicate with the patients in her care, and how this impacts the videos that she shares online. Dr. Sam also talks about how grateful she is that she had some medical knowledge when she was diagnosed with MS in 2016.Don't miss part two, coming tomorrow!DISCLAIMERThe information in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.Links and resources:Follow Dr. Sam on TikTok, X, and InstagramConnect with @msdisrupted on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok You can find Kathy Chester at:msdisrupted@gmail.comdisruptfitnessgym@gmail.com moveitorloseit109@gmail.com If you're interested in having Kathy speak at your event, learn more hereFind out more about the DMAT Fitness Training programHere are some additional products that help Kathy deal with beating the Heat and Migraines.  Take advantage of the coupon code.Koldtec - Cool Head WrapKOLD10To save $10 off every item in-store.2 items = $20 savings3 items = $30 savingshttps://www.koldtec.com/ Cold bean bag Releafpack. 15% discount use code Disrupt15https://www.releafpack.com

Sam Greenberg is the Founder and CEO of MS4MS (Mission Stadiums for Multiple Sclerosis), an entertainment-focused non-profit organization.  Its mission is to raise awareness of MS, while raising funds for affected families and to aid research at the Johns Hopkins Project Restore MS Research Center in hopes of finding a cure.  Founded in 2011, MS4MS is now a nationally recognized non-profit making big impacts in the lives of people with MS and their families.Sam was one of the first guests on the Move It or Lose It podcast back in June 2021 so I thought it was about time we got him on again to update us on how things are going.In this conversation, we talk about how they've continued to grow as an organization, including their plans for the future. Sam also talks about the different ways that you can support the important work that they do, as well as how to approach MS4MS for assistance and help.Links and resources:Listen to Sam's previous appearance on the Move It or Lose It podcastVisit MS4MS, and follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and X / Twitter Find out more about the DMAT Fitness Training programIf you're interested in having Kathy speak at your event, learn more hereYou can find Kathy Chester at:msdisrupted@gmail.comdisruptfitnessgym@gmail.com moveitorloseit109@gmail.com Connect with @msdisrupted on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok Here are some additional products that help Kathy deal with beating the Heat and Migraines.  Take advantage of the coupon code.Koldtec - Cool Head WrapKOLD10To save $10 off every item in-store.2 items = $20 savings3 items = $30 savingshttps://www.koldtec.com/ Cold bean bag Releafpack. 15% discount use code Disrupt15https://www.releafpack.com

After any Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis, one of the key things that you're going to need is a sense of community. And if you're looking for community online, more and more you will be looking on TikTok.There are a lot of MSers on TikTok but in this episode, I'm continuing to talk to one of the most established presences on that site, Paige Butas aka MSfighter 101. Paige uses her channel to show how she's adapting to life with MS and continuing to thrive.In the final part of our interview, Paige talks about how her MS reared its ugly head again following the COVID pandemic, which led to her canceling the marathons and half-marathons that she'd organized. She tells us how she refused to give up and kept moving, finding new ways to maintain her fitness. Paige also talks about how she discovered TikTok, her favorite things about the platform, and her experiences of being gaslit by medical professionals.DISCLAIMERThe information in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.Links and resources:Follow Paige on TikTok and InstagramConnect with @msdisrupted on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok You can find Kathy Chester at:msdisrupted@gmail.comdisruptfitnessgym@gmail.com moveitorloseit109@gmail.com If you're interested in having Kathy speak at your event, learn more hereFind out more about the DMAT Fitness Training programHere are some additional products that help Kathy deal with beating the Heat and Migraines.  Take advantage of the coupon code.Koldtec - Cool Head WrapKOLD10To save $10 off every item in-store.2 items = $20 savings3 items = $30 savingshttps://www.koldtec.com/ Cold bean bag Releafpack. 15% discount use code Disrupt15https://www.releafpack.com

After any Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis, one of the key things that you're going to need is a sense of community. And if you're looking for community online, more and more you will be looking on TikTok.There are a lot of MSers on TikTok but over the next two episodes, I'm talking to one of the most established presences on that site, Paige Butas aka MSfighter 101. Paige uses her channel to show how she's adapting to life with MS and continuing to thrive.In the first part of this interview, Paige tells me about her life as an endurance sport junkie before the onset of her initial symptoms. Even when her first notable relapse grounded her in 2018, Paige still thought that the fact that she was at the peak of her physical fitness would carry her through. Paige also talks about the compassion that she learned through her diagnosis, her experience of choosing MS medication, and the fitness goals that she set for herself following her relapse. Surely MS was done with her at that point, right? Don't miss part two of this episode to find out!DISCLAIMERThe information in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.Links and resources:Follow Paige on TikTok and InstagramConnect with @msdisrupted on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok You can find Kathy Chester at:msdisrupted@gmail.comdisruptfitnessgym@gmail.com moveitorloseit109@gmail.com If you're interested in having Kathy speak at your event, learn more hereFind out more about the DMAT Fitness Training programHere are some additional products that help Kathy deal with beating the Heat and Migraines.  Take advantage of the coupon code.Koldtec - Cool Head WrapKOLD10To save $10 off every item in-store.2 items = $20 savings3 items = $30 savingshttps://www.koldtec.com/ Cold bean bag Releafpack. 15% discount use code Disrupt15https://www.releafpack.com

Although our primary focus on the podcast is Multiple Sclerosis, we're well aware that the diagnosis journey for different conditions can be very similar. For one thing, people often have no prior knowledge of their condition before they're diagnosed.In this episode, I talk to my friend Victoria Garner about her experience of being diagnosed with Chikungunya Virus. This is a viral disease that is spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. The most common symptoms of infection are fever and joint pain. But as you'll hear, Victoria also experienced brain fog and neurological issues, which will be all too recognizable to people with MS. And her initial symptoms were brushed off as being stress-related. Sound familiar?Victoria talks about when she first realized that something was wrong, her struggle to get a diagnosis, and the anger she felt at having to adapt to her new reality. She also talks about how much happier she is now that she has worked to make her life better than she ever could have imagined.DISCLAIMERThe information in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.Links and resources:If you're interested in having Kathy speak at your event, learn more hereFind out more about the DMAT Fitness Training programYou can find Kathy Chester at:msdisrupted@gmail.comdisruptfitnessgym@gmail.com moveitorloseit109@gmail.com Connect with @msdisrupted on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok Here are some additional products that help Kathy deal with beating the Heat and Migraines.  Take advantage of the coupon code.Koldtec - Cool Head WrapKOLD10To save $10 off every item in-store:2 items = $20 savings3 items = $30 savingshttps://www.koldtec.com/ Cold bean bag Releafpack. 15% discount use code Disrupt15https://www.releafpack.com

Sexual dysfunction is any problem that prevents a person or couple from experiencing satisfaction from sexual activity. Some 43% of women and 31% of men report some degree of sexual dysfunction, according to the Cleveland Clinic.And if you add in an autoimmune condition like Multiple Sclerosis, that number can go as high as 69%.So to talk frankly about this important issue, particularly from the viewpoint of married women, I drafted in three of my favorite MSers - Roxanne Engstrom, Julie Stamm, and Amanda Thompson.  In the final part of this discussion, we cover talking with your partner about toys and lubrication, as well as dealing with incontinence. We also discussed sex therapy and why this might be something you consider, different ways we can still achieve mind-blowing sex, and a hopeful message for the newly diagnosed. DISCLAIMERThe information in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.Links and resources:Visit Roxanne EngstromVisit Julie Stamm If you're interested in having Kathy speak at your event, learn more hereFind out more about the DMAT Fitness Training programYou can find Kathy Chester at:msdisrupted@gmail.comdisruptfitnessgym@gmail.com moveitorloseit109@gmail.com Connect with @msdisrupted on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok Here are some additional products that help Kathy deal with beating the Heat and Migraines.  Take advantage of the coupon code.\Koldtec - Cool Head WrapKOLD10To save $10 off every item in-store.2 items = $20 savings3 items = $30 savingshttps://www.koldtec.com/ Cold bean bag Releafpack. 15% discount use code Disrupt15https://www.releafpack.com

Sexual dysfunction is any problem that prevents a person or couple from experiencing satisfaction from sexual activity. Some 43% of women and 31% of men report some degree of sexual dysfunction, according to the Cleveland Clinic.And if you add in an autoimmune condition like Multiple Sclerosis, that number can go as high as 69%.So to talk frankly about this important issue, particularly from the viewpoint of married women, I drafted in three of my favorite MSers - Roxanne Engstrom, Julie Stamm, and Amanda Thompson. In the first part of a two-part discussion, we talk about how MS has affected our relationships, along with our relationship with our bodies. We also chat about the way that different medications can affect our libido, the need to communicate with our partners to maintain intimacy, and how having an intimacy schedule can help!DISCLAIMERThe information in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.Links and resources:Connect with my guests on Instagram: Roxanne Engstrom, Julie Stamm, and Amanda ThompsonRead The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk M.D.If you're interested in having Kathy speak at your event, learn more hereFind out more about the DMAT Fitness Training programYou can find Kathy Chester at:msdisrupted@gmail.comdisruptfitnessgym@gmail.com moveitorloseit109@gmail.com Connect with @msdisrupted on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok Here are some additional products that help Kathy deal with beating the Heat and Migraines.  Take advantage of the coupon code.Koldtec - Cool Head WrapKOLD10To save $10 off every item in-store.2 items = $20 savings3 items = $30 savingshttps://www.koldtec.com/ Cold bean bag Releafpack. 15% discount use code Disrupt15https://www.releafpack.com

Lyndsay Watterson has designed walking sticks used by Selma Blair and Christina Applegate. And if that's not impressive enough, she also performed death-defying circus moves at the closing ceremony of the 2012 Paralympic Games in London. While Coldplay performed!After having arthritis since her teens, Lyndsay had knee replacement surgery at age 39. But an infection left her in more pain, so she took the decision to have the leg she describes as "not a team player" amputated. By this time, she'd already decided that, as a younger lady with a disability, Lyndsay wanted a cool, confident walking stick to help her find her own confidence again. So she created Neo-Walk sticks, gorgeous handmade walking aids in tactile acrylic, and lots of vibrant colors.Lyndsay’s mission at Neo-Walk is to see disability normalized and for designers to embrace our needs in mainstream products. She is passionate about inclusion and wants to use her success to shout it from the rooftops. In this conversation, we talk about her health issues and the frustration she felt when seeing the lack of choice when it came to choosing her first walking aid. She also tells us about creating her first walking stick in her kitchen, the reaction she got when she used it, and all of the amazing things she has done - and continues to do.Links and resources:Visit Neo-WalkConnect with Neo-Walk on InstagramRead an article about Lyndsay's appearance on Dragon's Den UKWatch Lyndsay performing in the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic GamesFind out more about the DMAT Fitness Training programIf you're interested in having Kathy speak at your event, learn more hereYou can find Kathy Chester at:msdisrupted@gmail.comdisruptfitnessgym@gmail.com moveitorloseit109@gmail.com Connect with @msdisrupted on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok Here are some additional products that help Kathy deal with beating the Heat and Migraines.  Take advantage of the coupon code.Koldtec - Cool Head WrapKOLD10To save $10 off every item in-store.2 items = $20 savings3 items = $30 savingshttps://www.koldtec.com/ Cold bean bag Releafpack15% discount use code Disrupt15https://www.releafpack.com

One of my favorite things about doing this podcast is meeting young people who are taking on MS and using all of the tools at their disposal to shed light on this crappy disease.Antonio Perez was diagnosed with Primary Progressive MS (PPMS) in 2022. As a young queer man, he was disappointed by the lack of LGBTQIA+ voices within the MS community. So Antonio uses TikTok to talk about his experiences and raise awareness about Multiple Sclerosis, a condition that can affect anybody. In this conversation, we talk about Antonio's diagnosis journey, his advocacy work, and the exciting opportunities that are coming up for him. Although his diagnosis has had a profound impact on his entire life, Antonio is still upbeat and hopeful. He wants to demonstrate to others that life goes on no matter what challenges they may face.Links and resources:Connect with Antonio on TikTok, Facebook, and InstagramRead about Antonio on the BelongMS websiteListen to Episode 90 of the Move It Or Lose It podcast: Address MS Visit the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America and the This Is MS Forums Find out more about the DMAT Fitness Training programIf you're interested in having Kathy speak at your event, learn more hereYou can find Kathy Chester at:msdisrupted@gmail.comdisruptfitnessgym@gmail.com moveitorloseit109@gmail.com Connect with @msdisrupted on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok Here are some additional products that help Kathy deal with beating the Heat and Migraines.  Take advantage of the coupon code.Koldtec - Cool Head WrapKOLD10To save $10 off every item in-store.2 items = $20 savings3 items = $30 savingshttps://www.koldtec.com/ Cold bean bag Releafpack15% discount use code Disrupt15https://www.releafpack.com

Many people I've spoken to on the podcast have struggled to get an MS diagnosis, but Roxy Murray's story is especially frustrating. A UK-based podcaster, MS advocate, and fashionista, she first presented with MS at 18, waking up one day with double vision and intense headaches.They were rushed to hospital, undergoing an MRI and a Lumbar Puncture - standard tests for MS. However, Roxy was diagnosed with lupus, benign intracranial hypertension, and antiphospholipid syndrome.It would be almost another decade before Roxy was diagnosed with MS, by which point their disease had progressed. But the diagnosis wasn't the end of Roxy's problems, as they faced prejudice and disbelief as a young person of color living with MS - a so-called "white woman's disease." Nowadays Roxy advocates for the visibility of people of color to be included in the MS narrative.In our conversation, we talk about Roxy's work as a fashion stylist, their diagnosis, and subsequent advocacy work. Among other things, Roxy is passionate about removing the stigma surrounding mobility aids and holding space for underrecognized groups within the disability community. Links and resources:Follow Roxy @MultipleSclerosisFashionista on YouTubeFollow the Sick and Sickening podcast on Spotify and Apple PodcastsSee Roxy's profile on the UK MS Society websiteFind out more about the DMAT Fitness Training programIf you're interested in having Kathy speak at your event, learn more hereYou can find Kathy Chester at:msdisrupted@gmail.comdisruptfitnessgym@gmail.com moveitorloseit109@gmail.com Connect with @msdisrupted on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok Here are some additional products that help Kathy deal with beating the Heat and Migraines.  Take advantage of the coupon code.Koldtec - Cool Head WrapKOLD10To save $10 off every item in-store.2 items = $20 savings3 items = $30 savingshttps://www.koldtec.com/ Cold bean bag Releafpack. 15% discount use code Disrupt15https://www.releafpack.com

When the COVID pandemic started, I was very aware that otherwise-healthy people were experiencing things that we in the Chronic Illness Community have known about for a long time - notably the loss of cognitive function. And with cases of Long COVID, these problems are seemingly here to stay.Dr. James “Jim” Jackson is an internationally renowned expert on Long COVID and its effects on cognitive and mental health functioning. A licensed psychologist specializing in neuropsychology and cognitive rehabilitation, he is also the co-founder and director of Behavioral Health at the award-winning ICU Recovery Center, one of the first comprehensive clinical resources devoted to diagnosing and treating survivors of both mild and critical illness, including those who survived COVID-19. Additionally, he serves as the director of Long-Term Outcomes at the Critical Illness, Brain Dysfunction, and Survivorship (CIBS) Center, a consortium focused on advancing knowledge, education, and models of care for people affected by acute and long-term brain dysfunction following wide-ranging illnesses. In the final part of this two-part interview, Dr. Jackson talks about the most moving and joyful things he has seen in his work and the concept of Post-Traumatic Growth. We also talk about the lessons that chronically ill people can teach, Dr. Jackson's plans for the future of Post-COVID Care Centers, and the amazing, lovely, and hard things that can happen when patients get access to the right community supportDISCLAIMERThe information in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.Links and resources:Visit James C. Jackson PsyDVisit The CIBS Center (Critical Illness, Brain Dysfunction, and Survivorship)Email Dr. Jackson vis his CIBS Center profileVisit Survivor Corps Connect with Dr. Jackson on Twitter and LinkedIn Find out more about Dr. Jackson's book, Clearing The FogFind out more about the DMAT Fitness Training programIf you're interested in having Kathy speak at your event, learn more hereYou can find Kathy Chester at:msdisrupted@gmail.comdisruptfitnessgym@gmail.com moveitorloseit109@gmail.com Connect with @msdisrupted on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok Here are some additional products that help Kathy deal with beating the Heat and Migraines.  Take advantage of the coupon code.Koldtec - Cool Head WrapKOLD10To save $10 off every item in-store.2 items = $20 savings3 items = $30 savingshttps://www.koldtec.com/ Cold bean bag Releafpack. 15% discount use code Disrupt15https://www.releafpack.com

When the COVID pandemic started, I was very aware that otherwise-healthy people were experiencing things that we in the Chronic Illness Community have known about for a long time - notably the loss of cognitive function. And with cases of Long COVID, these problems are seemingly here to stay.Dr. James “Jim” Jackson is an internationally renowned expert on Long COVID and its effects on cognitive and mental health functioning. A licensed psychologist specializing in neuropsychology and cognitive rehabilitation, he is also the co-founder and director of Behavioral Health at the award-winning ICU Recovery Center, one of the first comprehensive clinical resources devoted to diagnosing and treating survivors of both mild and critical illness, including those who survived COVID-19. Additionally, he serves as the director of Long-Term Outcomes at the Critical Illness, Brain Dysfunction, and Survivorship (CIBS) Center, a consortium focused on advancing knowledge, education, and models of care for people affected by acute and long-term brain dysfunction following wide-ranging illnesses. In the first part of a two-part interview, Dr. Jackson talks about how he came to specialize in neuropsychology and the difference between Cognitive Therapy and Cognitive Rehabilitation. We also talk about how some of the cognitive anxieties that people are experiencing are reflective of a general level of anxiety in society, and how you don't need to have COVID for a long time in order to have Long COVID.DISCLAIMERThe information in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.Links and resources:Visit James C. Jackson PsyDVisit The CIBS Center (Critical Illness, Brain Dysfunction, and Survivorship)Email Dr. Jackson vis his CIBS Center profileVisit Survivor Corps Connect with Dr. Jackson on Twitter and LinkedIn Find out more about Dr. Jackson's book, Clearing The FogFind out more about the DMAT Fitness Training programIf you're interested in having Kathy speak at your event, learn more hereYou can find Kathy Chester at:msdisrupted@gmail.comdisruptfitnessgym@gmail.com moveitorloseit109@gmail.com Connect with @msdisrupted on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok Here are some additional products that help Kathy deal with beating the Heat and Migraines.  Take advantage of the coupon code.Koldtec - Cool Head WrapKOLD10To save $10 off every item in-store.2 items = $20 savings3 items = $30 savingshttps://www.koldtec.com/ Cold bean bag Releafpack. 15% discount use code Disrupt15https://www.releafpack.com

Today I'm talking to some amazing young people from Address MS, a student-led organization that is dedicated to raising money for and educating the community about Multiple Sclerosis. The students involved with Address MS don't have MS, they're just really passionate about raising awareness of the disease. And, as a non-profit, any money that they raise goes straight to the National MS Society. I caught up with current Executive Director Taran and Director of Journalism Menal to find out more about why this incredible group of young people chose to focus on MS. Among other topics, we talk about the things that they've found the most impactful since becoming involved with MS, the different kinds of people that make up the team, and how they see Address MS developing in the future.It really warms my heart that they care so much about helping us!Links and resources:Visit Address M.S.  Connect with Address M.S. on InstagramGive to the Address M.S. GoFundme page Find out more about the DMAT Fitness Training programIf you're interested in having Kathy speak at your event, learn more hereYou can find Kathy Chester at:msdisrupted@gmail.comdisruptfitnessgym@gmail.com moveitorloseit109@gmail.com Connect with @msdisrupted on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok Here are some additional products that help Kathy deal with beating the Heat and Migraines.  Take advantage of the coupon code.Koldtec - Cool Head WrapKOLD10To save $10 off every item in-store.2 items = $20 savings3 items = $30 savingshttps://www.koldtec.com/ Cold bean bag Releafpack. 15% discount use code Disrupt15https://www.releafpack.com

I'm delighted to have Dr. Rudrani Banik returning to the podcast today. Dr. Rudrani Banik is a Board-certified Ophthalmologist, fellowship-trained Neuro-Ophthalmologist, and Functional Medicine expert. She is internationally known for her expertise in ophthalmic and neuro-ophthalmic care. Dr. Rudrani manages a wide spectrum of conditions affecting vision, as well as the complex connections between the eye and brain. She applies principles of complementary and alternative medicine in conjunction with traditional medical approaches to treat chronic diseases affecting the visual system. In another fascinating chat, we talk about the importance of diet in maintaining eye health, how anti-inflammatory foods can help with Optic Neuritis, and Dr. Rudrani's new cookbooks.DISCLAIMERThe information in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.Links and resources:Listen to Dr. Banik's previous appearance on the Move It Or Lose It podcastVisit Rudrani Banik, MD Connect with Rudrani on Instagram and YouTube Buy Beyond Carrots: Best Foods For Eye Health A to Z by Rudrani Banik M.D.Check out all of Dr. Rudrani's books at Amazon.comSee the products that we mentioned: TrueDark, TheraSpecs, and Iris Tech Find out more about the DMAT Fitness Training programIf you're interested in having Kathy speak at your event, learn more hereYou can find Kathy Chester at:msdisrupted@gmail.comdisruptfitnessgym@gmail.com moveitorloseit109@gmail.com Connect with @msdisrupted on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok Here are some additional products that help Kathy deal with beating the Heat and Migraines.  Take advantage of the coupon code.Koldtec - Cool Head WrapKOLD10To save $10 off every item in-store.2 items = $20 savings3 items = $30 savingshttps://www.koldtec.com/ Cold bean bag Releafpack. 15% discount use code Disrupt15https://www.releafpack.com

When the time came for Ardra Shephard to start using mobility aids, she was frustrated to note that there was no representation – in fashion or the media – of disabled people using their mobility aids, while looking GOOD. So she decided to change the narrative.Ardra is now a sought-after writer, consultant, and speaker, whose award-winning blog Tripping On Air has an international reach and reputation. She is also the creator and host of AMI-tv’s lifestyle series Fashion Dis, which is a game-changer in the makeover space, challenging traditional norms that lack inclusion. In the final part of this two-part interview, Ardra talks about how she was diagnosed with MS in her 20s, the ways that the traditional "wait-and-see" narrative of diagnosis could be improved, and how people need to work towards ditching the guilt around the use of mobility aids.DISCLAIMERThe information in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.Links and resources:Visit Ardra at Tripping On AirListen to the Tripping On Air podcastFollow Ardra on InstagramWatch Fashion DisFind out more about the DMAT Fitness Training programIf you're interested in having Kathy speak at your event, learn more hereYou can find Kathy Chester at:msdisrupted@gmail.comdisruptfitnessgym@gmail.com moveitorloseit109@gmail.com Connect with @msdisrupted on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok Here are some additional products that help Kathy deal with beating the Heat and Migraines.  Take advantage of the coupon code.Koldtec - Cool Head WrapKOLD10To save $10 off every item in-store.2 items = $20 savings3 items = $30 savingshttps://www.koldtec.com/ Cold bean bag Releafpack. 15% discount use code Disrupt15https://www.releafpack.com

As we all know, MS can seem to be the gift that keeps on taking. And if there comes a time when you need to use a mobility aid, it can be a hard pill to swallow.When that time came for Ardra Shephard, she was frustrated to note that there was no representation – in fashion or the media – of disabled people using their mobility aids, while looking GOOD. So she decided to change the narrative.Ardra is now a sought-after writer, consultant, and speaker, whose award-winning blog Tripping On Air has an international reach and reputation. She is also the creator and host of AMI-tv’s lifestyle series Fashion Dis, which is a game-changer in the makeover space, challenging traditional norms that lack inclusion. In the first of a two-part interview, Ardra talks about the second season of Fashion Dis, her podcast, and how the landscape of accessible fashion and design has exploded in recent years.DISCLAIMERThe information in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.Links and resources:Visit Ardra at Tripping On AirListen to the Tripping On Air podcastFollow Ardra on InstagramWatch Fashion DisFind out more about the DMAT Fitness Training programIf you're interested in having Kathy speak at your event, learn more hereYou can find Kathy Chester at:msdisrupted@gmail.comdisruptfitnessgym@gmail.com moveitorloseit109@gmail.com Connect with @msdisrupted on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok Here are some additional products that help Kathy deal with beating the Heat and Migraines.  Take advantage of the coupon code.Koldtec - Cool Head WrapKOLD10To save $10 off every item in-store.2 items = $20 savings3 items = $30 savingshttps://www.koldtec.com/ Cold bean bag Releafpack. 15% discount use code Disrupt15https://www.releafpack.com

We've previously talked about what it is like to have an Autoimmune Disease, such as MS, while being single. How can you meet new people? And how do you know if - and when - you will feel able to reveal your health story?After becoming disabled due to chronic illnesses as a teenager, Jacqueline Child was quickly exposed to the ableist behaviors and expectations perpetuated by society. In particular, she found dating challenging, as people with disabilities and chronic illnesses frequently encounter ableism on dating apps. For this reason, Jacqueline and her sister Alexa created Dateability, the only dating app designed for the disabled and chronically ill communities. Dateability is a safe space to create meaningful connections for people with physical, intellectual, and psychiatric disabilities. It is also an inclusive dating app that welcomes people of all genders and sexual orientations.We talk about how Jacqueline's dating experiences were affected by people's attitudes, as well as the physical barriers that her invisible disability created. Jacqueline and Alexa also tell me about how they developed the app, the opportunities for "virtual relationships" that came out of the COVID pandemic, the most rewarding aspect of creating Dateability, and their plans for the future.I loved meeting these two brilliant sisters! They have such sweet hearts, they make it easier for us all to say, "We can do this."Links and resources:Visit DateabilityConnect with Dateability on Instagram, TikTok, and FacebookRead Dateability’s New Dating App Helps Disabled And Chronically Ill Find Love on ForbesListen to Being Single with an Autoimmune Disease on the Move It Or Lose It podcast - Part One, Part Two, Part ThreeFind out more about the DMAT Fitness Training programIf you're interested in having Kathy speak at your event, learn more hereYou can find Kathy Chester at:msdisrupted@gmail.comdisruptfitnessgym@gmail.com moveitorloseit109@gmail.com Connect with @msdisrupted on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok Here are some additional products that help Kathy deal with beating the Heat and Migraines.  Take advantage of the coupon code.Koldtec - Cool Head WrapKOLD10To save $10 off every item in-store.2 items = $20 savings3 items = $30 savingshttps://www.koldtec.com/ Cold bean bag Releafpack. 15% discount use code Disrupt15https://www.releafpack.com

Stuart Schlossman was traveling for work when the first symptoms of what was later diagnosed as Multiple Sclerosis knocked him off his feet. Since receiving his diagnosis in 1998, he has been an active and vocal voice in the MS community. In 2009, Stuart launched MS Views and News, a national organization that provides educational programs, patient advocacy, and resources to empower and enhance the quality of life for the MS community.In our conversation, we talk about Stuart's diagnosis journey, taking his first DMT doses alongside the President (you'll need to listen to the episode to understand this!), and why a lack of educational resources led him to launch MS Views and News. We also talk about how this resource has grown, the work he does with underserved communities, and his dreams for MS Views and News in the future.DISCLAIMERThe information in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.Links and resources:Visit The MS Views and News Learning Channel on ​​YouTube Watch Kathy's interview as part of MS Conversations NOW / Patient's Voices on The MS Views and News Learning ChannelVisit MS Views and NewsConnect with MS Views and News on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram Find out more about the DMAT Fitness Training programIf you're interested in having Kathy speak at your event, learn more hereYou can find Kathy Chester at:msdisrupted@gmail.comdisruptfitnessgym@gmail.com moveitorloseit109@gmail.com Connect with @msdisrupted on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok Here are some additional products that help Kathy deal with beating the Heat and Migraines.  Take advantage of the coupon code.Koldtec - Cool Head WrapKOLD10To save $10 off every item in-store.2 items = $20 savings3 items = $30 savingshttps://www.koldtec.com/ Cold bean bag Releafpack. 15% discount use code Disrupt15https://www.releafpack.com

Robbie Gillett was at work when he became unable to move as he was installing a kitchen unit. He was convinced that he was dying or having a stroke but eventually, he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis - twice!As a way to process his new reality, Robbie began writing poetry, which has been published in his first collection, Thoughts of a Warrior: Beneath the Tracksuit.In the final part of my interview with Robbie, he talks about how poetry helped him to deal with his depression, writing and publishing his first collection using his phone. Robbie also talks about the support he receives from his family, the psychological difficulties of adapting to increased levels of disability, his other creative outlets, and plans for a second volume of writing.Links and resources:Connect with Robbie on Instagram, Twitter, and FacebookBuy Robbie's book, Thoughts of a Warrior: Beneath the Tracksuit Watch The Painter And The Poet on YouTube Listen to Robbie's music on SpotifyIf you're interested in having Kathy speak at your event, learn more hereFind out more about the DMAT Fitness Training programYou can find Kathy Chester at:msdisrupted@gmail.comdisruptfitnessgym@gmail.com moveitorloseit109@gmail.com Connect with @msdisrupted on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok Here are some additional products that help Kathy deal with beating the Heat and Migraines.  Take advantage of the coupon code.Koldtec - Cool Head WrapKOLD10To save $10 off every item in-store.2 items = $20 savings3 items = $30 savingshttps://www.koldtec.com/ Cold bean bag Releafpack. 15% discount use code Disrupt15https://www.releafpack.com

Robbie Gillett was at work when he became unable to move as he was installing a kitchen unit. He was convinced that he was dying or having a stroke but eventually, he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis - twice!As a way to process his new reality, Robbie began writing poetry, which has been published in his first collection, Thoughts of a Warrior: Beneath the Tracksuit.In the first part of a two-part interview, Robbie talks about his journey to a definitive diagnosis, his initial experiences with Disease Modifying Therapies, and the process of finding a supportive community online.Links and resources:Connect with Robbie on Instagram, Twitter, and FacebookBuy Robbie's book, Thoughts of a Warrior: Beneath the Tracksuit Watch The Painter And The Poet on YouTube Listen to Robbie's music on SpotifyIf you're interested in having Kathy speak at your event, learn more hereFind out more about the DMAT Fitness Training programYou can find Kathy Chester at:msdisrupted@gmail.comdisruptfitnessgym@gmail.com moveitorloseit109@gmail.com Connect with @msdisrupted on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok Here are some additional products that help Kathy deal with beating the Heat and Migraines.  Take advantage of the coupon code.Koldtec - Cool Head WrapKOLD10To save $10 off every item in-store.2 items = $20 savings3 items = $30 savingshttps://www.koldtec.com/ Cold bean bag Releafpack. 15% discount use code Disrupt15https://www.releafpack.com