You CAN! is brought to you with the help of The Heuga Center for Multiple Sclerosis as a reminder that despite the challenges MS may bring, you have a whole life to live. The Heuga Center teaches people with MS to focus on what they ‘can do’ in life instead of what they cannot, empowering them to live fuller, more productive lives.
We encourage you to visit You CAN! regularly. Topics change every other month.
2009 Topics
- Manage Family Issues
Tips on living with MS as a family. - Get More Out of a Doctor Visit
Leave your doctor's office feeling better informed and in control of your health care. - Stay Flexible Through Stretching
Stretching is a simple and all-natural way to maintain and even increase your flexibility. - Manage Your Medications
You don't have to be overwhelmed by your medications. Learn how to keep track with these helpful tips. - Prepare Your Own Meals
Meals won’t magically appear on the table by themselves, but there are simple strategies to follow so you CAN prepare and enjoy your own meals.
2008 Topics
- Build Healthier Bones
People with MS are at greater risk of developing osteoporosis. But there are ways you CAN reduce that risk through exercise. - Speak More Clearly and Swallow More Safely
MS can affect both speech and swallowing. But with some help, you CAN learn to speak more clearly and swallow more safely. - Swim Like a Fish
Swimming or water exercise is an activity that anyone can do — with or without MS. And swimming has a long list of benefits, not the least of which is simple pleasure. - Plan a Trip
Travel is good for the soul. It can improve your outlook on life and get you away from your daily routines. Trips can even give you space away from your ongoing issues with MS. But much of the fun is planning a trip in advance. - Talk to Others About Your Fatigue
Fatigue is the number one symptom reported by people living with MS. But because it is “hidden,” it can be frustrating to get others to understand what you are feeling. - Improve Your Balance
Balance deficits can be improved with a properly integrated approach.
Symptom Management
- Back Up Your Memory!
Supplement your memory with tools to enhance its efficiency and make you more effective. - Beat the Heat
It's summertime and for people with MS, the living is NOT easy! Learn how you CAN minimize the effects of heat. - Get control of bladder and bowel issues
Bladder and bowel accidents are embarrassing. The good news is you CAN manage these issues. - Keep Moving!
Regardless of disability, staying mobile is very important. Share tips and insights on how. - Learn to Manage Your Pain
About half of everyone diagnosed with MS will experience some pain. For some it can be a significant problem. - Manage Annoying Sensory Symptoms
These sensations include numbness, tightness, tingling or burning. With a variety of approaches, they can be managed. - Manage Fatigue
Up to 90% of people with MS say they experience fatigue. Learn how you CAN manage your symptoms. - Overcome Depression
Many factors, psychological and physical, can influence why a person gets depressed. You CAN overcome it. - Remember
Cognitive dysfunction affects 50-65% of people with MS. However there are ways you CAN improve your memory. - Save Grace if you FALL
Tips on how you can retain your composure and dignity if you fall.
Healthy Living & Family Life
- "Be There" for Each Other
MS is like an unwanted guest. You CAN support each other and keep your “guest” from taking over. - Exercise — or not — in Water
Water provides opportunities for recreation, relaxation and exercise for people with MS at every level of ability. - Fan the Flame
Tips on nurturing romance and intimacy in your relationship, whether it is long-standing or new. - Get the Sleep You Need!
Many people with MS have sleep problems, but not as a direct result of MS. But take heart, you CAN get a good night's sleep. - Get a Handle on Stress
Stress is a daily fact of life. Chronic stress can impact your health, but you CAN take control. - Maintain Good Nutrition!
"You are what you eat." Maintaining your health is one of the first steps to managing MS. Here are 10 ways you CAN get started.
Life Planning & Independence
- Enjoy a Winter Sport
Don’t let MS discourage you from enjoying winter play and sports. - Handle Going to School!
School means increased stress, fatigue, and possibly cognitive challenges. You CAN handle the challenge. - Manage a Holiday Dinner
Keep the holidays focused on family, friends, feasting and unforgettable memories. - Set New Personal Goals
Keep your New Year's resolution...even though New Year's Day is past. Learn some keys to successful goal setting.