World MS Day raising awareness of condition
MULTIPLE Sclerosis, meaning ‘many scars’ is the most common debilitating neurological condition affecting young adults in Ireland.
It affects the motor, sensory and cognitive functioning of the body and is usually diagnosed between 20 and 40 years of age.
Three times more women than men are diagnosed with MS. There is no cause or cure.
This Saturday, May 30th, is World MS Day, a unique opportunity to raise awareness of the symptoms of the condition, and to highlight the supports and services available locally.
Aoife Lambe, from the Regional Community Work Service in Louth responds to contacts made by people with MS (PwMS) and their families and helps to provide support and information ‘ to enable and empower PwMS to manage their condition so as to have the best quality of life possible.’
‘ The impact of MS on individuals, their families and the community can undermine the resilience that is needed for individuals to remain purposeful and in control of their lives,’ says Aoife.
‘ The theme of World MS Day this year is ‘connections’ and the campaign is about challenging social barriers and stigma that can leave people affected by MS feeling lonely and isolated, building communities that support and nurture people affected by MS, whilst also promoting self-care and healthy living with MS, and lobbying decision makers for better services and effective treatment for people with MS.
‘It is an opportunity to advocate for better services, celebrate support networks and champion self-care.’
She added that community development work involves ensuring that programmes identified by MS Ireland are available in Louth, such as getting the balance right with physiotherapy, and programmes on self management, newly diagnosed days, teen/family days, and coffee/support groups.
‘We also work closely with the Louth Volunteer Branch of MS Ireland which serves to raise awareness of MS in Louth and fundraises for valuable services for people locally,’ said Aoife.
If you are interested in becoming a member, volunteering or becoming involved in fundraising, contact the Branch Secretary on 0872243868
For more information on MS and services in your locality, please contact your Regional Community Worker Aoife Lambe at aoifel@ms-society.ie or 0864613369.
Alternatively, members of the public with any queries relating to MS are invited to call the MS Information Line 1850 233 233 which is available MondayFriday 10am- 5pm. All calls are strictly confidential.
Ava Battles, Chief Executive of MS Ireland said, ‘ World MS Day is the MS movement’s annual campaign to raise awareness of the condition, and to support and connect the 2.3 million people living with it worldwide. It is a day to celebrate global solidarity and hope for the future. The theme for the 2020 World MS Day campaign is connections.’
‘ The MS Connections campaign is all about building community connection. Covid-19 pandemic is hitting the world and affecting our lives in an unprecedented way. Populations all over the world are locked down, health systems have become restrained, borders are closed, and the economy begins its downward spiral into a global recession. Now more than ever, our connections are so important. We all need to feel supported, valued, and loved. Those who have good relationships are happier, healthier and live longer than those who report feeling lonely, Lets work together in May to ensure we build on our connections with each other.’