Last week, I wrote about elder fitness on Kaua‘i, and many people called or emailed to find out how I might help them. One young person phoned to express her thanks for my words and she told me her story.
Last week, I wrote about elder fitness on Kaua‘i, and many people called or emailed to find out how I might help them. One young person phoned to express her thanks for my words and she told me her story.
She appreciated that I spoke of total wellness and a complete exercise program that included balance, flexibility and strength training as well as attention to good food and good friends. She has multiple sclerosis. She has had it for seven years and now is only in her early thirties.
By paying attention to her food and her varied types of exercises she has managed to live well. She relayed to me the challenges that she faced and how her health had been so poor before her disease struck. She feels that because she took her health into her own hands, lost a significant amount of weight and began looking after herself that she is fortunate to be able to tell her success story. Her disease is manageable. No matter what, it is never too late to make a change.
The diet and exercise program for those diagnosed with MS is just like any other program. It must be tailored to each individual. Some of the symptoms of the disease are loss of balance, muscle spasms, numbness, problems moving arms and legs, leading to difficulty walking, problems with coordination and small movements, tremors and weakness in arms and legs. Because MS is a disease caused by inflammation of the myelin sheath covering nerves, it causes nerve impulses to the muscles and organs to slow or stop altogether. It mostly affects young women between the ages of 20 to 40. Fatigue is common and usually gets worse as the disease progresses. There is no known cure but authorities state that a planned exercise program early in the course of the disease is helpful. They add that the exercises must continue for lasting benefit. MS may lead to loss of vision, dizziness and hearing loss, therefore balance work is especially important.
Exercise can be more difficult for someone with MS than for those of us lucky enough not to have it. Regular exercise as with us all, helps improve heart, lung aerobic capacity, muscle strength, flexibility, balance, weight control, feelings of depression or fatigue, bladder and bowel function and can give an opportunity for socialization. Because everyone is unique and has their individual needs and initial ability levels, it is always best to start off with a program under the guidance of a certified and experienced personal trainer. After a while, you may be able to continue on your own with only occasional updates to keep your on track. Different types of exercise help in different ways and a good program incorporates all of them. An additional concern for those with MS is that many are heat sensitive, and they may need to limit the duration of exercise sessions, or exercise in a pool and be sure that cool liquids are consumed during the exercise session.
Diet for those with MS is also the same as for most of us. It is recommended that low fat, high fiber, nutrient rich, natural food is the best possible choice. As with anyone who has trouble moving well, extra calories in the form of poor nutritional choices should be kept at an absolute minimum, it will only get stored as fat and lead to more problems. A special concern for those with MS is they have a great deal of difficulty swallowing.
As with aging people who also have chronic conditions, a strong network of friends who understand and want to assist is priceless. There may have to be some changes around the home such as installation of grab bars, better lighting, and ramps, and removal of scatter rugs.
Mahalo nui to the brave and persistent young reader who saw herself in my words and called to let me know her story.
• Jane Riley, B.A., C.P.T, C.N.A, can be reached at 212-1451 or www.janerileyfitness.com
