In this special women’s health episode of the MS Plus podcast series, Continence Nurse Fiona Easton discusses the impact of menopause and perimenopause on bladder health, especially in women with MS. She elaborates on typical changes during menopause, effective management strategies, and the importance of pelvic floor exercises. This episode provides valuable information for women navigating menopause and its associated bladder changes. With thanks to Fiona Easton.  Fiona Easton is a registered nurse as well as an MS Continence Nurse and has been working at MS Plus for over 16 years. Fion ..read more

In this special women’s health episode of the MS Plus podcast series, we speak with Susan Agland, an MS neuroimmunology transitional nurse practitioner at John Hunter Hospital, about fertility, subfertility and MS. The discussion covers how MS and its treatments can impact conception, the roles of medication, stress, and the importance of understanding personal risk factors.  Susan shares insights from a study she is co-leading, on Artificial Reproductive Technologies in MS, emphasising the challenges faced by women with MS undergoing IVF and the need for better guidelines and support. Th ..read more

In this episode of the MS Boost, we speak with Dr. Emma Beckett, a passionate science communicator with expertise in food science, nutrition, and biomedical sciences. Dr. Beckett discusses her new book, 'You Are More Than What You Eat,' which focuses on simplifying nutrition and food science to reduce stress and complexity for people, especially those living with MS. The conversation delves into the misconceptions of diet perfection, the challenges of weight management, the societal biases in healthcare, and the importance of focusing on manageable and tailored changes to your diet. Emma empha ..read more

In this podcast episode, Julie Orr, an accredited dietitian with MS Plus, explores the relationship between diet and menopause, offering easy to follow strategies for managing menopausal symptoms through nutrition. With a focus on evidence-based insights and compassionate guidance, Julie explores the significance of adopting a wholesome diet rich in whole foods, based on current research. She navigates through hot topics such as soy, identifying foods that can either exacerbate or alleviate symptoms like hot flushes, and unpacks the common issue of weight gain among women during this life stag ..read more

In this episode of the MS Boost, we sit down with Associate Professor Priya Sumithran, an endocrinologist and clinical researcher to discuss weight loss medications, with the most popular and commonly known, being semaglutide or known as the brand name Ozempic.  Priya discusses the surprisingly long history of this medication, how it works and what considerations there are before starting this medication, especially for people with other chronic conditions or MS.  Priya touches on the barriers to treating obesity, as well as the stigma around weight loss medications but also being ob ..read more

Once it is confirmed you are having a relapse you may be treated in hospital or at home.  This episode steps you through the options available to you, the treatments, durations and tips about how to get through a relapse in the most resilient way. Presenter Executive Manager Client Engagement and Wellbeing Jodi Haartsen is a registered MS Nurse who has helped thousands of patients over her 20 years’ experience at Eastern Health MS service in Australia, in several roles including nurse educator, research nurse and nurse practitioner. Jodi is the 2022 winner of the global MS Brain Health Le ..read more

In this episode we are discussing the “Road to Recovery” after you have had a relapse.  We will cover what to expect post relapse, how long your recovery might take, who can help and what aids and supports are available. Presenter Executive Manager Client Engagement and Wellbeing Jodi Haartsen is a registered MS Nurse who has helped thousands of patients over her 20 years’ experience at Eastern Health MS service in Australia, in several roles including nurse educator, research nurse and nurse practitioner. Jodi is the 2022 winner of the global MS Brain Health Leader Award in the Independe ..read more

MS Nurse Advisor Jane  talks about what to do if you think you are having a relapse. Who do you call? How urgent is it? What do you need to do? How do you document and communicate effectively what is happening? Lots of great info in 12 short minutes. With thanks to MS Nurse Advisor Jane. Reach out for support: MS Plus Connect 1800 042 138 or email connect@msplus.org.au Get in touch to share your comments and suggestions about this episode, or for future guests and episode topics by emailing education@ms.org.au     Views expressed on the MS Podcast, including any discus ..read more

In this episode of the MS Boost, we sit down with Associate Professor Priya Sumithran, an endocrinologist and clinical researcher to discuss weight loss medications, with the most popular and commonly known, being semaglutide or known as the brand name Ozempic.  Priya discusses the surprisingly long history of this medication, how it works and what considerations there are before starting this medication, especially for people with other chronic conditions or MS.  Priya touches on the barriers to treating obesity, as well as the stigma around weight loss medications but also being ob ..read more

*Trigger warning* This is a trigger warning. In today's episode, we're discussing two men's experience of diagnosis and the impact on their lives and mental health, and we briefly discuss suicidal ideation. If you are not in the right place to listen to this topic, please skip from 7 minutes to 8:40 minutes of the episode. Please take care of yourself, and if you are in need of any assistance, please reach out to the people around you, your GP, or supports such as Lifeline, by calling 13 11 14. In this episode of the MS podcast series, in recognition of Men's Health Week, running from 10th to ..read more