Yoga for people with MS
Yoga techniques are receiving increasing respect for helping relieve many of the symptoms of multiple sclerosis .

A daily program of Yoga exercise, breathing, and meditation improves general health and well-being as well as having certain particular benefits.

Yoga techniques have been shown to improve circulation, balance, the ability to relax at will, flexibility, and eyesight; and to reduce muscle tension, nervousness, depression, anxiety, and emotional stress – all common symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

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Recognising the importance of physical and mental relaxation for people with MS, our remedial Yoga classes provide gentle exercise to relieve the mind and the body.

01462 684214

Results have just been published of a clinical trial, which looked at whether the mobility of people with MS can be improved by physiotherapy and whether home-based treatment is better than hospital-based treatment.

The research found that physiotherapy whether delivered at home or in hospital was better than no therapy at all, but there was little difference when comparing hospital with home-based therapy. Carers preferred home treatment even though it was more costly, but there was no difference in physical benefit. Overall the study found that physiotherapy is associated with a sense of well-being and improved mood in people with MS but that these benefits are short lived. The conclusion is that ongoing physiotherapy may be necessary to maintain any benefit.

Angiotech Pharmaceuticals has completed the enrolment of 180 people for a phase II clinical trial to look at the use of Micellar Paclitaxel in the treatment of secondary progressive MS (SPMS)

This double blind, placebo-controlled study is being conducted at nine centres across Canada. The main object is to determine whether there is any difference in the appearance of new lesions seen on MRI in those treated with Micellar Paclitaxel. There have so far been no serious adverse events reported in the people already taking the drug in this nine-month study.

Investigators in Europe and Canada have now published MRI evidence confirming that Copaxone reduces MS disease activity in relapsing-remitting MS.

Copaxone is a synthetic protein that simulates myelin basic protein, a component of the myelin that insulates nerve fibres in the brain and spinal cord, a target of the immune system in MS. Although its mechanisms are not completely understood, Copaxone (glatiramer acetate) seems to block myelin-damaging cells by acting as a myelin decoy.

Copaxone was recently licensed in the UK because it was shown to reduce the frequency of relapses in relapsing-remitting MS. However, there was no firm evidence to show it can reduce lesions as detected with MRI. A study was recently carried out involving 239 people with RRMS, of which 119 received Copaxone and 120 received inactive placebo for nine months. Those on Copaxone had a 35% reduction in the number of ‘active’ lesions compared to the placebo group. Those treated with Copaxone also had a 33% reduction of relapse rate.

Once again, it is almost time to get your tickets for the MS Hot Ticket Raffle which benefit both local and national funds. Tickets will cost £1 each and will be available from early June. To obtain your own books you can either contact Sandra on 224392 or ask any member of the committee.

A new helpline card is now available from the Information Team at National Centre or from a member of the committee. This card has been introduced to replace the existing blue card that has been in circulation for over two years. It is made of durable plastic and is styled on traditional credit cards. It features the helpline number and times, and the Society's web address. Other recommendations for future card designs are welcome. Send your suggestions to Jim Glennon, Helpline Manager at the MS National Centre.

As I said before, the venue is The Cloisters Masonic Centre in Letchworth, a superb venue that will hold about 100 people. I’m hoping that we can fill it !! Don’t forget, the bar is open from 6:30pm so even if you don’t want to have a bet, come along for a fantastic social night out.

Multiple Challenge is an ocean going yacht which , has a permanent skipper and first mate, the rest of the crew being made up by six people, priority being given to people with M.S, their carers or immediate family. Depending on ability, all crew members are encouraged to take part in all aspects of sailing , including the cooking and cleaning. No previous experience is required

Multiple Challenge sailed in April from Chatham on the start of a round Britain cruise which is split up into twenty legs, first sailing up the East coast, around Scotland and the Scottish islands down the West coast and into the channel for two trips to the Channel Islands and France, arriving back in Chatham in late September. In all some eighty people will have taken part.

I will be sailing from Torquay to St. Peter Port in Guernsey on a 20th August, staying over night before sailing over to the islands of Herm and Sark. Next day sailing south to Jersey with a visit to the Isles Chaussay before heading North to Alderney, with, weather permitting, a trip to France, before sailing back up the channel to arrive in Gosport on August 27th

I have not been sailing since my training in the Royal Navy and I have not been to sea for a number of years so I am really looking forward to my trip (and a week of freedom from She Who Must Be Obeyed)

Hope I will return in one piece and I will report my adventures later in the year