Health Tips for October 20

Health Tip: Living With MS

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, causing nerve damage that tends to worsen over time.

There is no cure for MS. But here's information about treatment options that may help alleviate symptoms, provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

* Drugs to help control the immune system, including interferons (Avonex, Betaseron or Rebif), monoclonal antibodies (Tysabri), and glatiramer acetate (Copaxone).
* Steroids to minimize damage caused when the immune system attacks the nervous system.
* Medications to decrease the incidence of muscle spasms.
* Antidepressants.
* Physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy.
* A regular exercise program, especially when begun just after diagnosis.

Health Tip: Understanding Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes ulcers to form along the gastrointestinal tract.

Symptoms may range from mild to severe; some severe cases may require surgery.

Here's more information about Crohn's disease, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:

* Symptoms often include stomach cramps, diarrhea and bloody stools.
* Additional signs may include fatigue, nausea and joint pain.
* For mild forms, antibiotics and drugs called salicylates may help. Steroids are generally prescribed for people with more severe disease.
* Crohn's cannot be cured, but many people who are treated have no symptoms for long periods.