Book review
Multiple Sclerosis - a Self-Care Guide to Wellness
2nd edition 2005.
Edited by Nancy J. Holland and June Halper
Review by Elsa Teilimo, Finnish MS Society
When reading this book, I asked myself: ‘Why was this book not published twenty years ago when I was younger’, because the book is excellent. It explains everything worth knowing about MS and its management. Its language is simple, its illustrations clear, and even a person with limited English language ability could follow all of it.
Chapters like "An Overview of Multiple Sclerosis" or especially "Hope through Research" hit the mark by being not only informative, but also encouraging. This is what people with MS most need: information and encouragement. One writer says: "There has never been a more exciting time in the history of MS and never better prospects that a cure will be found."
The section "Medications Commonly Used in MS" gives very thorough and detailed information. I found the chapter describing proper usage, precautions and possible side effects of all available medications in MS the best list of its kind I have seen.
This great book has been written by American experts and there is naturally advice on some matters for the US audience, but in general the book is absolutely suitable for everyone interested in self-care, whether they have MS or whether they are a friend or family member of someone with MS.
Editor’s note: The back cover of this book states "The book emphasizes the needs of readers who have been living with the disease for some time and may have developed neurologic deficits as a result".
Demos Medical Publishing
386 Park Avenue South, Suite 201
New York, N.Y. 10016
www.demosmedpub.com
Price $19.95
ISBN 1-932603-07-7
The International Organization of Multiple Sclerosis Nurses has produced a booklet called Genetics in Multiple Sclerosis – A Guide for Nurses.
This clear and informative illustrated guide is available free (excluding postage) by writing to:
International Organization of MS Nurses
PO Box 450
Teaneck
NJ 07666
USA
email info@iomsn.org |
| Video review
"But You Look So Well"
Video produced by the Michigan Chapter of the National MS Society, USA
Review by Brian Lee, Sydney, Australia
The target audience is people with MS and their families. The aim is to help them understand what to expect following a diagnosis of MS.
The families selected were people that any viewer in a similar situation could identify with. The personal stories, especially by the children, were very well told and reflected a good cross-section of the concerns and thoughts, feelings and reactions, of people with MS and their families.
The film deals with depression and anxiety very gently and in a matter-of-fact way which is very pleasing to see. It is too easy to skirt around this issue so it was refreshing to see it confronted by these families and to hear their reactions.
I thought the positive aspects of a father having MS, as discussed by one of the children, was particularly good, especially for someone newly diagnosed.
It was very good to include footage of these families reacting together in their homes as well as attending sporting events and other family outings.
Unfortunately, the film was too long. I think it would be better if it were presented in three, halfsegments so the viewer could choose to watch them one after the other or break them up. Also, I really disliked the transitions between scenes - the use of so many was distracting.
Although the film mentioned fatigue quite a few times I felt it could have received more emphasis and been described in more detail, especially the typical feeling of the all-consuming fatigue that is common in MS.
The film did not touch on urinary problems at all, which, from my experience, is a problem that affects nearly every person with MS. As with depression, urinary problems can be handled delicately but needs to be discussed front on. I felt this was a significant omission.
On the whole the film is a very worthwhile resource for people with MS and their families, especially early on in their MS journey. With the exception of urinary problems it covers most of the issues people can expect to confront. Bravo to these brave families who opened their homes and their hearts to share their experiences.
To order a copy, please email AudreyGeyer@aol.com or Infolindenmuth@aol.com, go online to www.geyerlindenmuth.com or call (+1) 810 225 7796
Running time: 84 minutes
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