Amy McKay Speaks...

Amy McKay Speaks…

about the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America 

By: Rachel Cinquepalmi

Did you know that more than 400,000 people in the United States have Multiple Sclerosis (MS)? MS is a chronic and often disabling disease which involves an immune system attack against the central nervous system. It affects the individual’s brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. Some symptoms for multiple sclerosis include numbness, impairment of speech or coordination, blurred vision, and severe fatigue.

The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America is a group of passionate individuals who aim to better the lives of those suffering from Multiple Sclerosis. Amy McKay, Kinesiology Professor at Tarleton State University who has been an active member of the association for the past five years says, “The importance of this society is to enhance the quality of life in addition to providing technology and funding for individuals with MS.” A friend of McKay’s granted her the opportunity to join the organization in 2008 and since then she has served as an avid speaker to MS groups about the role of nutrition and wellness in “treating” the disease. McKay believes that until a cure is found for MS, it is important for these individuals to aim to live healthy lifestyles.

While the origin of MS has not been distinctively identified, scientists currently theorize that the disease may stem from a number of different factors. According to the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, some believe that the environment and temperature climates may have an effect on a person’s risk to the disease. Statistics show that different populations and ethnic groups have a considerably different prevalence of MS. Others believe that MS may be associated with genetics. These individuals believe that MS may be inherited and that siblings of a person with MS may have a risk of attributing MS. While genetics or the environment may or may not be the reason for one’s MS, there are other potential factors such as viruses or hormone levels.

McKay also works to treat MS through the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).

This form of treatment is used in conjunction with the medical treatments and includes everything from diet and exercise, lifestyle changes, and acupuncture. Since there is no cure, medications are used to help modify the disease activity and progression, and rehabilitation sources help MS patients to maintain their ability to perform effectively at home or work. These sources may include cognitive rehabilitation, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech, or vocational therapy. Until a cure is found, the work of the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America and individuals like Amy McKay is vital to the quality of life of persons with MS.