MS Society to host informative talk
To learn more about multiple scelrosis take part in this free talk in PMB on 23 July.
THE Multiple Sclerosis Society, KZN branch, will host an enlightening and informative MS function in Pietermaritzburg on Saturday 23 July at the Victoria Country Club at 3pm.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neurological condition that affects about 2.5 million people around the world and 5 000 people in South Africa. It is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. The CNS is attacked by the person’s own immune system, causing severe damage to the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. In severe cases, the patient becomes paralysed or blind. Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 to 40 years old, but it can affect younger and older people as well. Medical science has no conclusive answer as to what causes the condition.
MS is complex, and has many debilitating symptoms. MS is also labelled as a silent disease or invisible disability. Many people with MS look no different from a healthy person because many of the symptoms, such as blurred vision, sensory problems, and chronic pain, are not visible. “People need to get to understand these so that they can be supportive and encouraging. Educating the patient and our community on this dreaded and complex condition is a priority of the MS society,” said Dee Munks, chairman of the MS Society SA, KZN.
Some of the topics being discussed at the function include, the Human Cannabinoid system, the silent MS symptoms, MS through culture and race, how to handle depression, anxiety and mood swings and how to deal with people who think there is nothing wrong with you when you only have the silent symptoms.
The event is open to everyone and entrance is free. Contact Mala Naidoo on 079 894 4784 or Dee Munks on 083 411 4282.
