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.

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.

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.

In this podcast, MS dietician Julie discusses the impact of diet on menopause and provides practical tips for managing menopausal symptoms through nutrition. Julie discusses hot topics such as soy, foods that can worsen or ease symptoms like hot flushes, and why weight gain occurs during this time. Julie provides evidence-based information and simple tips to improve your eating habits.

Associate Professor Priya Sumithran, endocrinologist and clinical researcher discusses weight loss medications, the most commonly known as Ozempic. Priya discusses the history of this medication, how it works and what considerations there are before starting this medication. Priya touches on the barriers to treating obesity, stigma around weight loss medications, and the importance of a comprehensive approach to weight management.

In this episode of the MS Boost, we speak with Michael Mortenson, a seasoned MS nurse. Michael shares his journey into MS nursing and recent award, his experiences throughout his 15-year career, and the significant changes in the treatment landscape. Michael shares his insights as a MS Nurse based in Tasmania, the evolving approach to managing MS and the importance of having access to an MS Nurse.

In this Men's Health Week episode, David and Andrew openly discuss their MS diagnoses, mental health impacts, and how societal pressures played a role in their journey. Stressing the importance of support systems, they share coping strategies and advocate for self-care and seeking support. Tune in for valuable insights and advice for men navigating life with MS.

In this episode of The MS Boost, we interview Luke Mitchell, a Men's Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in sexual health to discuss erectile dysfunction (ED), its prevalence in the population, misconceptions and links with mental health. Luke provides insight and practical advice for managing ED discussing holistic treatment options, the importance of trusting your health care practitioner and broader health and relationship implications.

In this episode of the MS Boost podcast series, we are joined by Fatima, a person living with multiple sclerosis (MS), who shares her personal journey to diagnosis. Like many other people living with MS, Fatima was constantly misdiagnosed while experiencing a myriad of symptoms. Fatima's story delves into the importance of persistence in seeking medical help, the emotional impact of receiving a diagnosis, and the gradual process of acceptance and adjustment as a person living with a new diagnosis. Fatima talks about how she built her village of support people, including the integration of physical and mental health supports to help her continue to live well with MS. Fatima talks about her fears and anxiety around her diagnosis, and how she continued to do all the things she wanted to in her life, having children, travelling and running her own business. Fatima's resilience and determination shine through as she navigates life with MS, and it’s inspiring to hear her journey and advice for other people who may have just been newly diagnosed.

In this episode of the MS Boost, psychotherapist Katie Willard Virant discusses the impact of a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) and how it can be a source of trauma for some people . We discuss how the shock of receiving a chronic illness diagnosis can cause long-lasting trauma, affecting peoples’ perceptions of themselves and their interactions with the healthcare system.

Psychotherapist Katie Willard Virant discusses the challenges of chronic illness and the societal pressure to appear well despite having health struggles. We discuss how this can affect daily life for people living with chronic illness, and Katie shares advice on authenticity and taking space despite chronic illness.

Vitamin D has a complex relationship with MS, with links to increased risk of diagnosis, influencing gene expression in immune cells and generally being lower in people living with MS. In this episode, Dr Wei, neurologist and researcher, discusses how much vitamin D people need, how to get it, and the role of supplementation in children of parents with MS.

In this episode of the MS Boost, we talk to Nicola Palfrey, clinical psychologist, about the parenting challenge of talking to teenagers about chronic illness. Nicola shares her expert insights into approaching these difficult conversations sensitively. We also explore the important topic of knowing the signs that your teen may need some mental health support and how to navigate access.

In this episode we chat with neurologist Dr Cassie Nesbitt, one of the principal investigators for haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne. Cassie explains the process of HSCT, risks and considerations for accessing HSCT overseas, as well as the current research on who is likely to benefit and how this is accessed in Australia.

In this episode, we talk to Olivia Wills, a brain health researcher who has been working towards a holistic model of brain health in MS. Olivia outlines why brain health can be seen as a tangible concept that people can control by ensuring regular physical activity, quitting smoking, managing comorbidities, following a balanced diet, and catering to their mental health. Olivia discusses how external factors such as financial security can be a challenge for people in adopting healthy behaviors and that it's never too late for anyone to adopt healthier behaviors and livelihoods.

Linda Rowley, mental health consultant, delves into the complexities of mental health for carers, focusing on the overlooked experience of ambiguous loss. Linda discusses the importance of acknowledging these emotions, how to find meaning and hope, as well as the need for compassion and self-care for carers.

In this episode of the MS Boost, we speak with Rachel Horne, a UK journalist and MS advocate about the phenomena of ‘medical gaslighting’, which is when health care professionals downplay, dismiss, minimize or ignore patient symptoms or blame their concerns on psychological factors rather than having a physical cause. Rachel discusses her own journey with MS and her personal struggle for proper treatment, as well as her own experience with medical gaslighting. Rachel provides tips for self-advocacy and the potential signs of medical gaslighting. We also cover the challenges of diagnosing and treating MS, the systemic issue of gender bias in healthcare, and potential ways forward.

In this episode of the MS Boost, we discuss a new subcutaneous delivery mode for Tysabri, with MS nurse Louise Rath and the things you need to consider when making a switch, including the practical considerations, efficacy, logistics to costs and potential side effects. With thanks to Louise Rath, MS Nurse Louise Rath is the MS neuroimmunology nurse consultant at Alfred Health in Melbourne, Victoria. She has over 20 years’ experience in public neurology services including outpatient appointments. Louise is the nurse clinical lead at the Alfred Multiple Sclerosis & Neuroimmunology Clinic focusing on patient experience, promoting engagement in health care and developing health literacy documents for the service with consumers. For more information about medications, call MS Plus Connect to speak with a Nurse Advisor. 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

In this podcast episode, Leif Lagesen, an accredited practicing dietitian and habit science practitioner, discusses the mechanisms behind building better habits. He explores the steps involved in building long-lasting habits and shares his tips on how small changes can lead to lasting lifestyle changes. Leif is an accredited practicing dietitian, with dual degrees in Sport and Exercise and Nutrition Dietetics. He is highly energised by the fusion of behavioural change strategies with health technologies. His experience extends from working with national health coaching programs to clinical settings, and includes various collaborations with health tech startups.

Summer brings the risk of natural disasters, and preparing mentally is just as important as preparing physically. In this podcast, Catherine and Michael, MS Social Work Advisors discuss the importance of preparing mentally for crisis, and strategies to help people feel confident this coming summer season.