If you're anything like me, music is a big part of your life. It can lift me up, it can wipe me out, but it's always there. And you'll likely also have seen incredible videos which show people with Dementia or Alzheimer's responding to music when they otherwise are non-responsive.But did you ever think that music could make a difference to the health of people with MS? Dr. Cindybet Pérez is a board-certified clinical and neurological music therapist practicing in Puerto Rico. A faculty member at the Pontifical Catholic University, she also participated in a national-level project specially designed to promote health and wellness through evidence-based interventions for MS patients called MS in Harmony.In our fascinating conversation, Dr. Cindybet talks about how music therapy can help MS patients cope with their diagnosis, becoming another potential weapon in our arsenal - not simply lifting our mood but improving our movement and memory!Topics covered in this episode include:How Dr. Cindybet persevered to use her musical gift to help people, despite a lack of awareness of the benefits of Music Therapy in Puerto RicoWhy Music Therapy can be particularly effective for those newly diagnosed with MS, and how Dr. Cindybet adapts her work to the individual needs of each patientThe reasons why you should pay attention to song lyrics - evaluate the message as well as the rhythm and the feelThe power of playlistsDr. Cindybet's work on the national MS in Harmony projectResources for this episode (clickable links):Visit Patients Getting PaidIf you’re getting value from FUMS, please consider leaving a review wherever you’re listening nowHelp keep FUMS alive at the FUMS Podcast Patreon page - or buy FUMS MerchDownload Kathy’s song, “Wash Your Mouth Out With Hope”Connect with the Puerto Rico Music Therapy Institute on FacebookLearn more about the MS in Harmony projectVisit the Certification Board for Music Therapists  ** Sign up for The FUMS 6-Pack here: The FUMS 6-Pack.~ Special thanks to my podcast editor Steve Woodward. Do you have a podcast or are you interested in starting a pod? I HIGHLY recommend adding Steve to your team. Find him at PodcastingEditor.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

FUMS: Giving Multiple Sclerosis The Finger

FUMS 092 - Music Therapy For MS with Dr. Cindybet Pérez

“Which part of our body are you ok with losing?” - this is the question that fitness trainer Kathy Chester will sometimes ask her clients.Prior to opening Disrupt Fitness Gym, Kathy had been a leader in the fitness industry for almost a decade. However, it wasn’t until she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis that she decided the time had come to take it to the next level.   Having MS while being an instructor has allowed Kathy to not only push past places she'd been told she would never physically reach but has provided her with the gift of offering encouragement while working through different adversities with her clients.And why did she choose the name “Disrupt” for her gym? Well, that’s because she’s disrupting the idea of what we can and cannot do with MS and related autoimmune conditions. In other words, she says FUMS every day!Topics covered in this episode include:How Kathy relished speaking to groups in her former life as the wife of a pastor - and why she used humor to cover her initial MS symptomsHow a huge relapse coincided with the end of her first marriage and the ways in which Kathy handled dating with MSWhy she decided to change her fitness practice to focus on helping people with autoimmune conditions - and the reason Kathy decided to stop training in other venues and begin working with clients in her garageWhy Kathy’s fitness practice is as much about emotions as it is about movementThe difficulties of running a business (and getting paid) within the autoimmune communityWhy Kathy decided to launch her own podcast and where you can find out more about her and her workResources for this episode (clickable links):Visit Patients Getting PaidVisit Disrupt Fitness Follow Disrupt Fitness on Facebook and InstagramListen to the Move It Or Lose It podcastListen to Kathy Reagan Young on the Move It Or Lose It podcast - Part One and Part TwoIf you’re getting value from FUMS, please consider leaving a review wherever you’re listening nowHelp keep FUMS alive at the FUMS Podcast Patreon page - or buy FUMS Merch** Sign up for The FUMS 6-Pack here: The FUMS 6-Pack.~ Special thanks to my podcast editor Steve Woodward. Do you have a podcast or are you interested in starting a pod? I HIGHLY recommend adding Steve to your team. Find him at PodcastingEditor.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

FUMS 091 - Move It Or Lose It with MS Specialist Fitness Trainer Kathy Chester

It’s a third-time visit for MS-specialist Physical Therapist Dr. Gretchen Hawley. She began treating people with Multiple Sclerosis during her first year of professional practice. The positive results she saw in her patients led her to specialize in the treatment of MS, taking every opportunity to attend workshops and conferences dedicated to improving lives through Physical Therapy.She has previously appeared to talk about the benefits of PT for People with MS, and the launch of her online MSing Link wellness program - which coincided with the global COVID-19 shutdown. I’ve been hearing her name mentioned in lots of MS-related areas recently, so she’s back to talk about all the exciting things she’s working on now - including the launch of her own podcast, and a FREE 5 Day MS Strength Challenge!How Dr. Gretchen’s online MSing Link Wellness program has helped people all over the world - and the importance of accountability as an aid to achieving health goalsWhy heat intolerance affects so many people with MS - along with tips and tricks to help us to deal with itWhat is Neuroplasticity? And why is it relevant for people with MS?The counter-intuitive benefits of light to moderate exerciseWhy Dr. Hawley decided to start a podcastDetails about how you can sign up for Dr. Hawley’s Free 5 Day MS Strength ChallengeResources for this episode (clickable links): Visit Patients Getting PaidDr. Hawley’s two previous appearance on the FUMS Podcast: FUMS 022 – Benefits of Physical Therapy for MS with Dr. Gretchen Hawley and FUMS 074 – Dr. Gretchen Hawley Providing the MSing Link for MS with PTPrevious FUMS podcast episode about the ThermApparel Undercool Cooling Vest: FUMS 059 - A Solution for Heat Sensitivity in MS Dr. Hawley’s MSinglink websiteListen to The MSing Link podcast Learn about the Free 5 Day MS Strength Challenge Visit Gretchen on YouTube, Instagram and FacebookIf you’re getting value from FUMS, please consider leaving a review wherever you’re listening nowHelp keep FUMS alive at the FUMS Podcast Patreon page - or buy FUMS Merch** Sign up for The FUMS 6-Pack here: The FUMS 6-Pack.~ Special thanks to my podcast editor Steve Woodward. Do you have a podcast or are you interested in starting a pod? I HIGHLY recommend adding Steve to your team. Find him at PodcastingEditor.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

FUMS 090 - Heat Intolerance and Exercise with MS Specialist Dr. Gretchen Hawley

Well, COVID-19 doesn't seem to be going away anytime soon, does it? You had questions about the COVID-19 vaccines and booster shot and Dr. Beaber had answers.Dr. Brandon Beaber is a board-certified neurologist with subspecialty training in multiple sclerosis and other immunological diseases of the nervous system. He posts new videos about MS on YouTube every Wednesday AND he has written a book that features amazing stories and practical advice to enable people to develop resilience as they live with MS.In my conversation with Dr. Beaber, we also talk about diet, exercise, and the potential benefits of dirt!Topics covered in this episode include:COVID-19 and MS - Are people with MS more at risk or are we better protected than the 'normals'? How do the various vaccines interact with MS DMTs?What Dr. Beaber thinks MSers should do about receiving COVID booster shots  Dr. Beaber's thoughts about the numerous diets which are supposed to help MSers - and his cautious recommendationsWhy exposing yourself to a little bit of dirt might be good for what ails ya!The counterintuitive benefits of exercise in combating MS fatigueDr. Beaber's book, "Resilience in the Face of Multiple Sclerosis" - and how you can get a free downloadFull shownotes and resources at https://fumsnow.com/fums089See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

FUMS 089 - MS, COVID-19 Vaccines, and the Booster Shot with Dr. Brandon Beaber

I, like many of us, have been watching with interest the current research into the potential benefits of psychedelics in the treatment of depression - because, obviously, depression is pretty common when you're dealing with a life-changing MS diagnosis!Maybe like me, you asked yourself, "Hmmm. I wonder if anyone has been looking into its potential usage for chronic illnesses like MS?"Well, guess what?!Neurobiologist Caitlin Thompson is an independent scientific researcher studying the potential of psychedelic compounds as a novel approach to the treatment of autoimmune conditions. During her healing process from Lyme disease, chronic fatigue, PTSD, pain, and a plethora of other autoimmune symptoms, Caitlin became fascinated with the potential of using psychedelic substances to treat and relieve autoimmune and chronic health conditions. She is also an active practitioner and educator of Kambo, a traditional Amazonian medicine.Please noteIt should be noted that much of the research so far is anecdotal at best, and there remain a number of questions that need to be answered about efficacy, safety, and the long-term effects. However, this is potentially a really interesting area for further study. Full show notes at https://fumsnow.com/fums088See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

FUMS 088 - Psychedelic Experiences, Frogs, and MS - with Neurobiologist Caitlin Thompson

There are countless ways that MS can MesS with your life. But one of the most infuriating, most common, and most difficult to talk about, is sexual dysfunction. Obviously, this is something that can affect anyone. But a shocking 80% of people with MS report having sexual concerns or issues. The symptoms can include loss of sensation to an inability to climax, and the causes can run the whole gamut from depression, poor body image, and medications to treat your MS and associated conditions.So Dr. Fred Foley is here to help you bring your sexy back!Dr. Foley is Professor of Psychology at Yeshiva University, in the Bronx, NY, and the Director of Neuropsychology and Psychosocial Research at the Multiple Sclerosis Center at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, NJ. The most important thing to learn from this podcast is that there are lots of ways you can still get busy and get happy! But the key is communication - with your partner, your doctor, and healthcare professionals. So Dr. Fred also offers guidance on how to do that.Full show notes and resources at https://fumsnow.com/fums087See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

FUMS 087 - Let's Talk About Sex - and MS - with Dr. Fred Foley

If you’ve been following us for any amount of time, you’ll know that we always give a big FU to MS (the clue’s in the name!) And even though we’ll have our ups and downs, we try to inject a little humor along the way.Now, we know that MS is NO JOKE. But if you allow yourself to see the funny side of it occasionally, it can help with getting through the day-to-day.My guest this week is Shari Short, a comedian, writer and, naturally, a developmental psychologist working in healthcare communications. Since her MS diagnosis in 2008, Shari has used humor to deal with MS, communicate about MS and cope with MS - and she thinks that you might benefit from doing the same. Topics covered in this episode include:The story of Shari’s MS diagnosis and and her experiences of injecting her first MS DMTHow she got into comedy and where it fits into her lifeWhy Shari thinks that humor was helpful in her diagnosis and continues to be in her life with MSHer first experiences doing standup and how she manages her symptoms when performingThe “Crazy Cane Lady Letter Series” and other satirical writingShari’s opinions about how MS is portrayed in the mediaFull show notes and resources at fumsnow.com/fums086.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

FUMS 086 - Funny Shit About MS with Comedian Shari Short

Amber Tuma was studying for her music degree in Texas and raising two kids with her husband when MS reared its ugly head. So she says FU to MS by continuing to write and play music with her band The Gallows Crow.Hear the inspirational story of how Amber refuses to let MS get in the way of how she lives her life. Go, Amber!Topics covered in this episode include:Amber’s life pre- her MS diagnosisThe story of her initial symptoms, her quick diagnosis, and an unknown link to MS  How Amber handles the emotional and physical stresses of playing music, including the story of the gig she played shortly after her diagnosisHow Amber’s friends and family members have responded to her diagnosisAmber’s aspirations, and plans to write a song about MSResources for this episode (clickable links):Visit The Gallows Crow and follow them on Instagram and FacebookListen to Kathy’s song, Wash Your Mouth Out With HopeHelp keep FUMS alive at the FUMS Podcast Patreon page - or buy FUMS MerchSign up for the Patients Getting Paid course email waiting listGet the “Bowel and Bladder Issues in Multiple Sclerosis by Two Pee Brains With Potty Mouths Talking Shit About MS” ebook** Sign up for The FUMS 6-Pack here: The FUMS 6-Pack.~ Special thanks to my podcast editor Steve Woodward. Do you have a podcast or are you interested in starting a pod? I HIGHLY recommend adding Steve to your team. Find him at PodcastingEditor.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

FUMS 085 - Amber Tuma Talks About MS & Her Rock & Roll Lifestyle

A podcast providing information, inspiration and motivation for living your best life with Multiple Sclerosis. Join us for interviews with doctors, research scientists, patients, legislators, insurers, neuropsychologists, authors, caregivers, and a long list of others in our pursuit of answers. Learn to speak to this disease as it deserves - tell it "FUMS" everyday!

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FUMS: Giving Multiple Sclerosis The Finger

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