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You CAN!

You CAN! is brought to you with the help of Can Do Multiple Sclerosis (formerly The Heuga Center for Multiple Sclerosis) as a reminder that despite the challenges MS may bring, you have a whole life to live. Can Do Multiple Sclerosis 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.

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.
  • Improve Your Balance
    Balance deficits can be improved with a properly integrated approach. 
  • 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.
  • 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. 
  • 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. 

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.
  • Build Healthier Bones
    People with MS are at greater risk of developing osteoporosis. But there are ways you CAN reduce that risk through exercise. 
  • 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 a Handle on Stress
    Stress is a daily fact of life. Chronic stress can impact your health, but you CAN take control.   
  • 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 More Out of a Doctor Visit
    Leave your doctor's office feeling better informed and in control of your health care. 
  • 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.
  • Manage Family Issues
    Tips on living with MS as a family. 
  • Manage Your Medications
    You don't have to be overwhelmed by your medications. Learn how to keep track with these helpful tips. 
  • Stay Flexible Through Stretching
    Stretching is a simple and all-natural way to maintain and even increase your flexibility. 

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.
  • 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. 
  • 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. 
  • 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.
  • 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.