Living Well with MS
A stroke of inspiration
For MS LifeLines Ambassador Sandi, living well with relapsing MS includes two important things: doing what you love and doing what you can. That's why Sandi incorporates swimming into her exercise routine. When she was younger, the water provided a tranquil refuge from the world and an outlet for her competitive personality. Now, as an adult with relapsing MS, it gives her freedom and confidence.
Listen to your body
Sandi begins every day with 20 minutes of meditation and some stretching, including stretches from an illustrated manual for stretching for people with MS, which she downloaded from the National MS Society's website. Then, on most days, it's off to the local pool where she spends time walking in the water and doing laps. Between laps, she makes sure to incorporate rest periods into her routine. "My body will tell me when I'm doing too much," she explains. "I've learned to listen."
Do what you love
Swimming gives Sandi the freedom to move without worrying about being off balance.
And, being in the water keeps her cool so she can exercise without feeling too heated. "I've always loved swimming," she explains. "But I think I appreciate the benefits even more now. It helps boost my self-esteem and confidence. It also helps me deal with everyday stress. I have my bad days. But when I swim, I don't seem to have as many."
Do what you can
In the past year, Sandi has taken her swimming routine to a whole new level. She is currently training for the 2012 Paralympic Games in London, England. She says it's a great way to motivate herself—and hopes it motivates others. "As an MS LifeLines Ambassador, I feel it is important for me to show what can be done. Maybe my story will inspire someone to try exercise (with clearance from his or her doctor, of course). Maybe my experience will help motivate someone to get up and walk around the house. We all just need to do what we can."
Sandi's tips for living well
Sandi does what she can to improve her well-being. Here are some of her tips to exercise smart and live well:
- Always ask your doctor before starting an exercise program.
- Start slow and listen to your body. Only do what you can.
- It's never too late to start.
- Plan your energy. Exercise on days that aren't busy or when you don't have a lot of commitments.
- It's all about attitude—smile!
This story reflects the personal experiences of one person. Results and experiences vary from patient to patient. It is best to discuss with your doctor what's best for you. Sandi is an MS LifeLines Ambassador who has chosen to share her story with other people living with MS. MS LifeLines Ambassadors are sponsored by EMD Serono, Inc. and Pfizer Inc.
