Skip to navigation MENU Navigation National Multiple Sclerosis Society Search Diet, Exercise & Healthy Behaviors Brian DIAGNOSED IN 2012 For a person living with MS, physical wellness involves much more than disease and symptom management. Research shows that a healthy diet, exercise, not smoking, ongoing preventive care and management of other medical conditions not only contribute to overall health but can also impact a person’s MS progression and lifespan. MS management is an essential component of optimal physical wellness. Managing MS includes: modifying the disease course, treating relapses (also called exacerbations or attacks), managing symptoms and ongoing rehabilitation to promote functional mobility, safety, independence and participation at home, at work and in the community. An ongoing collaboration with your primary care provider and MS healthcare provider can help ensure a comprehensive health management plan that doesn't take a back seat to your MS, including — age-related preventive healthcare and vaccinations, and careful attention to any co-existing medical conditions that can affect overall health and lifespan, as well as the course of MS. Integrating healthy behaviors into your lifestyle can be hard work even without the added challenges of MS. In addition to working with your health care team, recruit friends and family to support you. Talk to them about your goals and ask for their support in helping you eat well, engage in physical activity, stop smoking, get out of the house more frequently or to do whatever you are finding challenging. You may also want to explore working with a wellness coach. Professionally trained wellness coaches can offer you strategies to live your best life and support you along your wellness journey. Find out more in this resource. Diet & Nutrition Eating healthy can help manage MS symptoms. Learn about dietary research and evidence-based recommendations. Get The Facts Exercise Exercise is key for your overall health and well-being. Get Started Now Heat & Temperature Sensitivity Many people with MS experience temperature sensitivity. Learn Strategies To Beat The Heat Sleep In MS, sleep disturbance is a very common, yet underdiagnosed problem. Learn More Vaccinations Are routine vaccinations safe for people with MS? Learn More About Vaccine Recommendations Women's Health The course of multiple sclerosis is influenced by gender, pregnancy and other hormonal factors. Learn More Unhealthy Habits Smoking and alcohol use are modifiable risk factors — they can be altered by personal choice — and are known from large research studies to increase a person’s risk of developing MS or of disease progression. Many of the the same risk factors for MS are known to contribute to other health conditions as well. Read The Latest Managing MS and Another Condition Don’t assume it’s your MS. People with MS can face unrelated health problems. Tips For Managing Multiple Conditions Anesthesia and Surgery MS is generally not a reason to avoid having surgery. Learn More About Risks Managing Your MS Modifying the disease course, treating relapses, managing symptoms and seeking rehabilitation to promote functional mobility, safely, independence and participation at home, at work and in the community. Learn More Find Your Wellness Program Search for community-sponsored health, wellness and exercise classes in your area. The National MS Society provides this directory as a service to the community. Learn More SHARE Share 56 FIND AN MS CARE PROVIDER The Partners in MS Care program recognizes and supports quality MS care. Find a provider Discover More Here are a few related topics that may interest you Preventive Care Recommendations for Adults with MS (.pdf) DOWNLOAD BROCHURE A Doctor's Travel Tips LEARN MORE Accessibility LEARN MORE Online MS Communities LEARN MORE Previous Next The National MS Society is Here to Help NEED MORE INFORMATION? We Are Here Our MS Navigators help identify solutions and provide access to the resources you are looking for. Call 1-800-344-4867 or contact us online. Contact Us NEWLY DIAGNOSED If you or somone close to you has recently been diagnosed, access our MS information and resources. Start Here Colophon STAY INFORMED JOIN US What Is MS? 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