Laina Turner-Molaski

Happy Monday everyone. Multiple Sclerosis awareness week is upon us. If you aren’t clear as to what MS really is then you can help the cause by taking a few minutes and learning. Basically, it is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. Here are a few more facts:

1. Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects woman more than men.

2. MS is caused by damage to the myelin sheath, the protective covering that surrounds nerve cells. When this nerve covering is damaged, nerve impulses are slowed down or stopped.

3. MS is a progressive disease, meaning the nerve damage (neurodegeneration) gets worse over time.

4. The nerve damage is caused by inflammation. Inflammation occurs when the body’s own immune cells attack the nervous system.

5. Researchers are not sure what triggers the inflammation. The most common theories point to a virus or genetic defect, or a combination of both.

6. MS is more likely to occur in northern Europe, the northern United States, southern Australia, and New Zealand than in other areas. Geographic studies indicate there may be an environmental factor involved.

This week I will continue to share some small nuggets about MS and encourage you to learn and support the cause.

Go ORANGE!

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