(2^nd Edition). Nancy Holland and June Halper (Eds). New York: Demos Medical Publishing, 2005. www.demosmedpub.com ISBN 1932603077

This book provides practical advice on dealing with the physical and lifestyle challenges of MS, while achieving wellness. Experts discuss topics such as symptoms, exercise, stress, sexuality, complementary therapies, and general health. The book also includes helpful diagrams and step-by-step instructions.

(2^nd Edition). George H. Kraft and Marci Catanzaro. New York: Demos Medical Publishing, 2000. www.demosmedpub.com ISBN 1888799269

This question-and-answer format book deals with the cause and course of MS, symptom management, emotional health, social issues, and treatments. Dr. Kraft is particularly interested in alternative therapies, wellness and fitness.

 

Allen C. Bowling. New York: Demos Medical Publishing, 2004. ISBN 188879990

This succinct publication provides a review of various supplements with relevance to MS: supplements known to be used by people with MS, those which have claimed efficacy for slowing disease progression or relieving MS symptoms, those potentially interacting with drugs commonly used to treat MS, and those which potentially worsen MS or its symptoms

Carole Shaw and Barbara Low. University of British Columbia Hospital, MS Clinic (2002).

Prepared by health care professionals who specialize in MS, this booklet includes general information on MS and fatigue and discusses the role of exercise in the physical management of MS. Guidelines for exercising, walking and maintaining good posture are included. The exercise component of the booklet is divided into stretching, strengthening and balance activities and each of the three sections is separated into two categories according to the degree of difficulty, so that physiotherapists can prescribe an exercise program geared specifically to a patient's level of disability. All exercises are illustrated. A section on relaxation techniques completes the manual.

Copies can be ordered and/or are available online as a PDF from: http://vch.eduhealth.ca -- search using either the publication title or catalogue number: FM.460.M9194

 

Anne Robert. Hong Kong: Apple Tree Publishing, 2004. www.applepublishing.com ISBN 1896817289

This publication is written by a Registered Nurse and Registered Massage Therapist. Included in this edition of Muscle Medicine is an instructional DVD, which demonstrates step-by-step techniques for giving an on-the-spot soothing, and relaxing 15 minute "over-the-clothes" back, neck and arm massage.

 

(DVD and VHS)
Mobility Unlimited, 2000.
DVD: ISBN 01000340X VHS: ISBN 17889998XXXXX
www.demosmedpub.com

NMSS writes that this is, “One of the best exercise videos for people with MS.”

 

 

 

Kristine M. Napier. New York: Macmillan, 1998. ISBN 0028620593

Kristine Napier, director of the Nutrition Enhancement Project for Preventive Cardiology at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, offers practical advice on nutrition, food shopping, and meal preparation, along with clear and easy-to-prepare recipes. The book also includes sections on specific diseases, including MS and lupus (a disease which Napier herself has).

(2^nd Edition). Shelley Peterman Schwartz. New York: Demos Medical Publishing, 2006. www.demosmedpub.com ISBN 1932603212

This is an easy-to-use, practical book for people with moderate to severe limitations. Please note, however, that it refers only to American-based resources.

 

 

(3^rd Edition). Candy Harrington. New York: Demos Medical Publishing, 2009. www.demosmedpub.com ISBN 1932603832

While this book may focus in particular on American resources and destinations, it also looks at travel abroad and offers helpful general travel tips. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society in the States writes that the author, “takes a no-holds-barred approach as she reviews the best and worst airlines, hotel and motel chains, travel agents, and destinations. She recommends finding out everything before traveling. The depth of research and painstakingly careful documentation in this book are particularly useful. Harrington offers information on recreation and vacation destinations.”

Cynthia Benz
London: Vermillion Publications, Random House, 2005.
ISBN 0091902460

This book offers a comprehensive view of what it is like to have MS with all of its symptoms, moods and fluctuations. Topics include diagnosis, living with MS, and coping with the crisis of MS. This book also gives a wealth of practical advice on coping with this unpredictable disease and could change your entire attitude towards living with MS.

 

Alexander Burnfield.
Books Britain, 1997. ISBN 0285650181

Dr. Burnfield is a practicing British psychiatrist who has multiple sclerosis. His book describes MS, how it affects people and how to cope with distressing difficulties such as MS related fatigue, sexual difficulties, and communication within the family. The importance of preserving self-respect and dignity are discussed with understanding and practical advice. This book would also be helpful in providing a much deeper understanding of what it means to have MS for family members, doctors, nurses and others who know someone with MS. This is a warm, refreshingly frank and practical book.

 

David D. Burns.
New York: Avon Books, 1999. ISBN 0380810336

In this user-friendly book, Dr. Burns explains the causes and treatment for depression. While Burns supports appropriate drug therapy, he also provides research-based non-drug related techniques that individuals can use to control depression.

 

 

Janis Dietz. New York: Demos Medical Publications, 2000. www.demosmedpub.com ISBN 188879948X

The International Journal of MS Care writes, “This excellent little book deals with how to take the lemon life has dealt you and make lemonade...Heartily recommend[ed]!"

Ken Kroll and Erica Levy Klein.
Horsham: No Limits Communications, 1992.
ISBN 0971284202

This book challenges stereotypes around disability and sexuality and aims to explore different ways that people with disability can express their sexuality. It covers both general information and specific disabilities. While the section on MS is short and tends to focus on more progressive cases of the illness, the other chapters could also be of value. Please note: the explicit nature of some drawings and testimonies may not be for everyone.

 

Cory Silverberg. Clies Press, 2003. ISBN 1573441767

For men and women of all ages and sexual identities, this resource on sex and disability covers the span of disabilities—from chronic fatigue and back pain to spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis, cerebral palsy, and many others.

 

 

Lucille Carlton . New York: Delacorte Press, 1996. ISBN 0385315252

This candid book offers practical advice and emotional insight, based on Carlton’s own experience with a husband who had Parkinson’s disease.

 

Victoria Brownworth and Susan Raffo (Eds). Seattle: Seal Press, 1999.
ISBN158005028X

This collection of stories and essays offers a variety of personal and political reflections on disability issues for lesbians with disabilities.

 

(3^rd Edition). Rosalind C. Kalb (Ed). New York: Demos Medical Publishing, 2005. www.demosmedpub.com ISBN 1932603107

Experts in the fields of medicine, psychiatry, sociology, psychology, social work, law and economics discuss the ways in which MS impacts the family group. The book describes strategies and resources available to more effectively help families manage living with MS. It is written for health care providers, professionals, persons with MS and their families.

 

Judith Rogers and Molleen Matsumura. New York: Demos Medical Publishing, Inc., 2005. ISBN 1932603085

Comprehensive and well written, this easy-to-read book deals in general with disability and pregnancy.

 

 

Caroline Courey. Montreal: CC Books, 2000 (2^nd Edition). ISBN 0968563317

This novel tells the poignant story of a family affected by MS. It should be noted that Crossed Signals is not always factual in its rendering of some important treatment and management issues. Nonetheless, it deals accurately with many of the emotional aspects of life with MS, and is recommended in particular for teens of parents with MS.

 

Vanita Oelschlager. Cleveland: Cleveland Clinic Press, 2006. ISBN 1596240156

The NMSS writes, “Told in simple but heart-warming language and gorgeous full-color illustrations, My Grampy Can't Walk is an excellent book for younger children who have a grandparent-or other older relative-with mobility limitations. In its 34 oversized pages, Grampy and his grandchildren take a ride in an adapted jeep, fly in an airplane, watch the sunset, tell each other stories, and explore.”

 

Produced by the National MS Society
VHS or DVD format, 15 minutes

Timmy’s Journey to Understanding MS is an animated cartoon that shares a little boy’s (Timmy) adventure learning about MS. David Lander is the voice of Captain S’myelin, who is Timmy’s guide on his journey. The cartoon is an excellent resource for talking to children about MS.

Please contact your division regarding copies of the VHS or DVD: 1-800-268-7582.

 

Kathleen McCue. New York: St. Marten’s Press, 1994.
ISBN 0312113501

Offering supportive, practical advice from a leading child-life specialist, this book includes information such as what to tell a child about the illness, how to recognize early-warning signs of difficulty with the illness in a child's drawings, sleep patterns, schoolwork and eating habits, and when and where to seek professional help. Please note: this book deals with a variety of illness, including terminal and not all of the discussion will be relevant to MS.

 

Julia Segal and John Simkins. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 1996. ISBN 1853024090

This book encompasses a range of illnesses and suggests ways of approaching issues that can arise with children in the family. Please note that the resources referred to in the book are British.

New York, NY: Beth Israel Medical Centre, Department of Pain Medicine & Palliative Care. Available online at: www.stoppain.org/caregivers/pdf/5-youhaveneedstoo.pdf

 

 

Maria Meyer and Paula Derr. New York: Demos Medical Publishing, 2006. www.demosmedpub.com ISBN 096647676X

This book is a practical, “how to” guide for families providing care at home to someone with significant care needs. It provides practical information on preparing the home, yourself and your loved one; as well as the fundamentals of common caregiving tasks. Information on taxation, healthcare options and resources are directed at American readers.

 

Suzanne Geffen Mintz. Sterling, VA: Capital Books Inc., 2002. ISBN 1892123568

The author draws on her personal experience as a caregiver as well as her knowledge of other caregivers’ experiences to offer strategies and solutions for common caregiving challenges. Topics such as taking charge and getting help are explored in detail with many practical tools, including concrete examples of charts for planning and organization, suggested step-by-step processes, and questions for personal reflection and planning. There is also an Appendix with several tip sheets on more specific issues.

 

Lawrence Brammer and Marian Bingea.
New York, NY: Vantage Press, 1999. ISBN 0533128765

The content of this book is organized around the themes of coping and survival, understanding your inner resources, facing difficult feelings, knowing your community resources and planning for wellness and renewal. Theoretical information as well as ideas and encouragement for practical application are found throughout the book. Please note: the resources in this book are American-specific.

Chris McGonigle. New York, NY: Henry Holt & Co., 1999. ISBN 0805055738

This book addresses the emotional and psychological impact of caring for a chronically ill spouse. The author shares frankly from her own and others’ experiences as caregivers. The topics covered include initial reaction to diagnosis, denial, communication, losing the sexual part of marriage, anger, violence, parenting and spirituality. The book includes both international and U.S. based resources.

 

Jodi Olshevski et al.
Philadelphia: Brunner/Mazel, 1999. ISBN 0876309414

This book focuses on how to help caregivers manage and reduce their stress. It includes a discussion of coping theories and information on coping strategies for stress management (for example, stress level monitoring, relaxation training, relaxing events, and cognitive restructuring). This would be an appropriate resource for professionals working with caregivers or caregivers interested in a more academic approach to the topic.

 

Pat Samples et al. Center City, MN: Hazelden Information Education, 2000.
ISBN 1568385609

This book takes a “Twelve Step” approach to helping caregivers to reflect and make decisions about their caregiving role and their self-care. This focus may not be helpful for everyone, but may suit those who want to explore the spiritual aspects of caregiving.

 

Mainstay: for the Well Spouse of the Chronically Ill. Maggie Strong. Northhampton: Bradford Books, 1997. ISBN 0965717909

The author describes her own and other caregivers’ experiences caring for a spouse with a chronic illness. The topics covered range from the diagnosis to changes in the relationship over the course of the illness. Information is also included about realistic and practical ways for caregivers to seek support and maintain their own physical and emotional health. The value of support groups for the well spouse (for example, caregiver) is also emphasized. Please note the following: this book describes a severe case of progressive MS that is not typical of the disease; and the author does not recommend her book for caregivers in newly diagnosed situations.