In this episode, I’m joined by Emily Foggio to talk about how to plan a vacation when you’re living with multiple sclerosis. We dive into practical tips for traveling with MS, handling mobility challenges, and making your trip as stress-free as possible. Whether you're worried about managing MS symptoms or finding accessible accommodations, we’ve got you covered with strategies to help you enjoy your vacation to the fullest! Emily Foggio is a certified occupational therapist and the founder of E...
Dec 04, 2024•49 min
In today’s episode of The MSing Link Podcast, we’re talking about the early symptoms of multiple sclerosis that many people don’t always recognize at first. Things like fatigue, tingling, and changes in vision can all be signs of MS — but they’re easy to miss. I’ll share some tips on how to spot these early MS signs and why early detection is so important. Join Dr. Gretchen's email list: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/EmailList Additional Resources: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/ins...
Nov 27, 2024•20 min
In this episode of The MSing Link podcast, I share my favorite MS mobility aids and tools for chronic illness that can improve mobility, ease daily tasks, and enhance your quality of life. Whether you're looking to improve walking or increase independence, these products are designed to support those with multiple sclerosis in managing daily challenges and improving strength. I hope you enjoy this year's Holiday Gift Guide!! Products mentioned in this episode: Kizik Shoes - with 10% OFF Silicone...
Nov 20, 2024•33 min
In this episode of the MSing Link Podcast, I’m sharing a pep talk for anyone who feels like their goals with multiple sclerosis are too far away to reach. If you’ve been struggling to stay motivated or make progress with MS, I’m here to remind you that small steps matter. Together, we’ll talk about simple strategies to build strength, improve walking with MS, and keep moving forward, even when things feel tough. Tune in for some encouragement and tips to help you improve your quality of life wit...
Nov 13, 2024•22 min
In this episode, I chat with Dr. Panizzolo about the Exoband, an innovative assistive technology for individuals with multiple sclerosis. We discuss what the Exoband is, who it’s for, and how it enhances mobility and strength. If you’re seeking effective tools and strategies to improve your quality of life with MS, tune in to learn how the Exoband can support your journey! Dr. Panizzolo is a Professor in Biomedical Engineering and Sport Science. He completed his PhD at the University of Western ...
Nov 06, 2024•23 min
In this episode of our podcast, I'm chatting with Amy Behimer! We tackle the challenges of maintaining healthy habits and staying consistent. Discover why it’s hard to stay on track, learn that setbacks aren’t your fault, and explore practical tips to boost your motivation. This episode offers valuable insights to enhance your quality of life with MS. Tune in for essential strategies to create positive habits, and maintain them! Amy lives with multiple sclerosis and has experienced massive shift...
Oct 30, 2024•38 min
In this episode, we're diving into Prehab (prehabilitation) and why it's such a game-changer for managing multiple sclerosis. I’ll share what Prehab is all about, why it’s so important for folks with MS, and how it can help boost your strength and mobility. Plus, we’ll chat about practical exercises, strategies, and tools to enhance your quality of life. So, join me and discover how taking proactive steps can really empower your journey with multiple sclerosis! Resources mentioned in this episod...
Oct 23, 2024•22 min
In this episode, we discuss switching medications for multiple sclerosis (MS), including when to consider a change, key factors to evaluate, and signs to watch for. This discussion can help provide insights on managing MS treatments and improving symptom management. Tune in for essential strategies to enhance your quality of life and mobility with MS! Resources mentioned in this episode: The MSing Link Episode 111, How to Measure Progress At Home - Apple || Spotify The MSing Link App - App Link ...
Oct 16, 2024•24 min
In this episode, Dr. Emily Splichal and I explore how sensation impacts foot drop and walking speed in individuals with multiple sclerosis. Discover effective exercises to improve balance and gait, and learn about vibration therapy for enhanced mobility. This insightful discussion is essential for anyone seeking strategies to manage foot drop and boost overall quality of life with MS. Tune in for practical tips and expert advice! Dr Emily Splichal, Functional Podiatrist and Human Movement Specia...
Oct 09, 2024•40 min
In this episode, I’m excited to share my experience walking the runway at New York Fashion Week to help raise awareness and funds for multiple sclerosis (MS) with Mount Sinai Hospital. It was such an incredible way to combine creativity and advocacy! We’ll chat about how events like this can really support the MS community, and the overall experience! Join Dr. Gretchen's email list: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TheMSingLink* Additional Resources: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insi...
Oct 02, 2024•34 min
In this episode, I’m excited to chat with Jeremiah Robison, the CEO and founder of the Cionic Neural Sleeve! We dive into how this amazing technology can help improve mobility and strength for those of us living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Jeremiah shares his insights on the benefits of the neural sleeve and offers some practical tips for enhancing your walking ability and managing MS symptoms. Join us for a friendly conversation filled with expert advice, exercises, and tools designed to empo...
Sep 25, 2024•37 min
In this episode of The MSing Link podcast, I’m excited to share some practical tips on how to get stronger with multiple sclerosis (MS). We’ll explore simple exercises and strategies to boost your strength and improve your mobility. Whether you’re new to MS or looking for ways to enhance your daily life, you’ll find helpful advice on managing MS and getting the most out of physical therapy. Grab your copy of The MSing Link book: https://www.drgretchenhawley.com/the-msing-link-book References fro...
Sep 18, 2024•29 min
I have two guests with me on this episode, which is really exciting because one guest is going to share the science behind a specific type of therapy, and the other guest is someone who has been using this therapy, and she is going to share all of the benefits that she's noticed from it! On today's episode, John educates us on UVB light therapy for multiple sclerosis and Kathy shares her experience using it. Kathy's bio: Kathy Reagan Young is a prominent patient advocate and the founder of FUMSn...
Sep 11, 2024•54 min
Today, we're going to be talking about a specific drug that has been shown in research thus far to help with remyelination. Do you remember back in the day, there was research in the MS world that was looking at the possible effects of clemastine on multiple sclerosis. The hope here was that it would help with remyelination, AKA building myelin. That same research has been integral in helping researchers develop an even more effective drug that is currently in phase two trials, and it's showing ...
Sep 04, 2024•13 min
Thank you so much for tuning in today! I have the Executive Vice President of Advocacy and Healthcare Access with me today. Her name is Bari Talenti. On today's episode, we talk about changes to healthcare policies for MS and what to keep an eye out for that could increase access and equity to healthcare. As the Executive Vice President of Advocacy and Healthcare Access, Bari leads teams who leverage public policies to find solutions for people with MS, engage healthcare providers and others in ...
Aug 28, 2024•33 min
I am very excited to talk about this topic because spasticity is one of those symptoms that is just, I think, the most frustrating and discouraging. One example is if you've noticed weakness from baclofen or weakness from botox when attempting to manage MS spasticity, this episode will explain why and give you MS exercises to help! There's lots of things that we can do to manage spasticity. So, let's dive in! Resources from this episode: The MSing Link Podcast - Episode 81 - Spotify / Apple The ...
Aug 21, 2024•20 min
I have a very special guest with me, Dr. Rani Banik. You may recognize her name. We actually had her on the podcast previously where she talked all about MS and other demyelinating diseases and how they affect our eyes. But today we're gonna be talking about something different. We're actually going to be diving into how to manage autoimmune diseases through diet and lifestyle to make a positive impact on vision and brain health. Dr. Rani Banik is America's Integrative Eye Doctor. She is a board...
Aug 14, 2024•22 min
As I am recording this, it is very hot outside. I feel like this is the second heat wave that we've had this summer, and it's got me thinking. So often, neurologists and other healthcare providers talk a lot about heat sensitivity and Uhthoff's phenomenon, is heat intolerance, but other thermoregulation dysfunctions are not talked about as often. And that's what we're going to talk about today! Referenced in podcast: The MSing Link Podcast Episode #5, A Solution for Heat and Cold Sensitivity htt...
Aug 07, 2024•21 min
Today, I'm going to be talking about adaptive equipment that you can use in your daily life that can help you with your MS. And what that might mean is that it's a tool or a product that can help improve your walking or it can help improve your energy or just the way your muscles work, reducing the spasticity. Elevate 360 / Dictis band Foot Up Brace Kizik Shoes - code: DOCTORGRETCHEN10 Leg Lifter Car Cane Grab Bars Raised Toilet Seat Shower Chair Reachers or "Grabbers" Adaptive Utensils / Foam T...
Jul 31, 2024•32 min
Today, I am interviewing Amy Thompson. Amy was diagnosed with MS in 2018 and felt there was little representation and a lack of support specifically for young adults living with MS. On today's episode, we talk about her diagnosis, how MS Together came about, and what MS Together offers. Amy is a charity founder and CEO, winner of a National Diversity Award, a freelance content creator and a disability advocate. Amy was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2018 and felt there was little represent...
Jul 24, 2024•25 min
I have been receiving the question of what exercises can I do if I am in a wheelchair? And I've also been receiving questions like, "What exercises can I do if I'm sitting all day?" whether that's on the couch, or if you're at work, or if you're in bed. And I really wanted to create a podcast episode about this because so often when we sit the majority of our day. There's actually a lot of exercise that you can do from a seated position! Let's dive in! Additional Resources: https://www.doctorgre...
Jul 17, 2024•26 min
One question that I've been getting a lot over the last six months to a year has been what type of stretching is best. And before we even get to what's best, and that question alone is really dependent on what your specific situation is, it's really important to understand the different types of stretching. So that's what we're going to talk about today. Additional Resources: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider Reach out to Me: hello@doctorgretchenhawley.com Website: www.MSingLink.com S...
Jul 10, 2024•9 min
Thank you so much for tuning in today. I have a special guest with me, Adria Thompson. Adria is a speech and language pathologist acclaimed for her work in dementia care. On today's episode, we talk about memory and cognitive changes in multiple sclerosis and tips on how you can improve your brain health. Adria Thompson is a speech-language pathologist acclaimed for her work in dementia care. Adria brings over 10 years of experience to the table with a master's degree from Eastern Kentucky Unive...
Jul 03, 2024•37 min
We are going to get a little science nerdy today because we're going to be talking about a topic that is is still in clinical trial. There is not yet anything that has been released or launched specifically to help with this condition that we're about to talk about, but it's a really exciting area of research! So, we are going to dive into what remyelination is and why that's important in the first place. And then we're also going to dive into what is required for remyelination! Additional Resou...
Jun 26, 2024•24 min
We have a repeat guest today, one of my favorites, Dr. Joshua Katz. He is the director of the Elliot Lewis Center and a nationally recognized expert in MS, NMO, MOG associated disease and transverse myelitis. I've worked alongside Dr. Katz for many years and have many mutual patients. On today's episode, Dr. Katz and I talk all about clinical trials. He shares how to know what clinical trials are happening, how to participate in one, and what the process is like. Dr. Katz is the Director of the ...
Jun 19, 2024•29 min
This is a very special episode because it is my first time recording a podcast episode since returning from maternity leave. And I've been thinking long and hard about what I wanted this podcast episode to be about. And since I had my baby back on March 11th, 2024, I've had a lot of people ask me questions about the birth story. And I do have a few notes about. MS in here as well! Additional Resources: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider Reach out to Me: hello@doctorgretchenhawley.com W...
Jun 12, 2024•32 min
This is the 3rd time Dr. Kim Bretz, ND has been on the podcast since she always has new information on complex topics surrounding gut health. Dr. Kim Bretz is a practicing naturopathic doctor with a focus on gut health for over 20 years. Her main area of focus is the microbiota and gastrointestinal health. On this episode, we talk about how neuroplasticity plays a role in gut disorders and she offers guidance and an understanding of what is happening in our gut when certain symptoms arise. Dr. K...
Jun 05, 2024•53 min
I have a very special guest that is talking to us today. And the reason that she is so special is because this is an area of expertise that we have never delved into on the MSing Link podcast! So, I'm really excited for you guys to learn from her. I'm going to be talking with Dr. Rachel Wolfe. She is a chiropractor focused on finding the root cause of disease or dysfunction for anyone struggling with chronic health conditions. Website to find a clinic near you: https://www.thewellnessway.com/ Fi...
May 29, 2024•34 min
This is an episode where I wanted to share a conversation that I just had with someone who has multiple sclerosis about a week or so ago. And this conversation was just so eye opening and really stopped me in my tracks and made me think about something, this phrase that I have been telling people for about 10 years. And essentially it all boils down to the comparison game. Additional Resources: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider Reach out to Me: hello@doctorgretchenhawley.com Website: ...
May 22, 2024•13 min
Mathew Embry is an award-winning documentary filmmaker and advocate for patients with multiple sclerosis. Mathew Embry was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1995 and his documentary Living Proof is an autobiographical story demonstrating why more than 25 years after his diagnosis he is symptom free and living an incredible life. He’s now releasing his 2nd documentary within the next 6 months or so and has a lot of upcoming changes and information on MS research that we’ll be discussing in tod...
May 15, 2024•38 min
