MS Forum & Virtual Expo

20% OFF with code EraseMS20

Bed of Nails acupressure, is an excellent aid in self-treatment that helps stimulate energy in the body. While triggering the body’s innate way of healing itself, it is an effective tool for easing tension and inducing a state of deep relaxation.

The mat's and pillow's unique designs instantly triggers your body's self-healing mechanisms and help alleviate chronic neck and back pain, sore muscles, headaches, daily stress and even insomnia.

With thousands of non-toxic plastic nails, harmless to the skin but with all the healing benefits of its legendary ancestor, Bed of Nails use more nails than most other acupressure mats on the market and allows for more treatment with more comfort.

Similar to acupuncture; the pressure of the rounded nails against the skin may help the body release endorphins, the body's very own "happiness drug" which provides a sense of joy, energy and pain relief, and oxytocin, which makes you feel calm and relaxed (yes, it is possible to feel energetic and be relaxed at the same time!)

Everybody reacts differently to Bed of Nails, and the effects may vary from time to time, depending on when it is used. You may experience feelings of happiness, relaxation, sleepiness, heightened body temperature, alertness and a clearer mind.

Due to its circulation benefits, it is also widely used by people who are not able to move around much. Bed of Nails may also help the body rid itself of toxins, so it is important to drink water after use.

If used regularly for a long enough period of time Bed of Nails may:

• Improve circulation
• Increase energy level
• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Alleviate headache and malaise
• Relieve tension and muscle aches
• Improve sleep and relieve insomnia
• Relieve chronic neck and back pain
• Activate the parasympathetic nervous system
• Benefit weight loss by reducing cortisol levels
• Improve heart rate variability
• Revitalize and rejuvenate
• Reduce blood pressure
• Improve skin complexion
• Relieve constipation
• Alleviate cellulite

The Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Center at Cedars-Sinai offers advanced treatment with access to cutting-edge research and clinical trials in a compassionate setting to help patients manage their symptoms and keep participating in activities they enjoy.

With new treatments emerging, primary neurologists can look to our MS and neuroimmunology specialists for second opinions on diagnosis and treatment. Our physicians are at the helm of research focused on novel diagnostic and monitoring biomarkers, offering Cedars-Sinai patients access to cutting-edge imaging and visual outcomes technology. We also offer access to national clinical trials, giving MS patients the opportunity to try new therapies while being part of groundbreaking research that will benefit other individuals around the world.

Each patient at our center receives an initial evaluation from one of our neurologists who have expertise in MS and other related autoimmune conditions. In addition, each patient will receive care from a multidisciplinary team that may include Cedars-Sinai specialists in ophthalmology, urology, rheumatology, and physical therapy. These team members use their expertise to develop a personalized treatment plan for each patient. This team-wide approach improves outcomes and quality of life for patients and remains a differentiating factor in the care received at Cedars-Sinai.

Cedars-Sinai is a designated National Multiple Sclerosis Society Partner in MS Comprehensive Care. In addition to providing diagnostic and treatment services, the center helps patients and their loved ones deal with physical and emotional demands by connecting them with resources and support.

Learn more at cedars-sinai.org/ms or call (310) 423-6472.

Patient Support Resources: https://www.ocrevus.com/patient/support.html

Dear MS videos: https://www.ocrevus.com/patient/real-patient-stories.html

The USC Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care Center & Research Group provides academically based, patient-centered programs of interdisciplinary medical care, rehabilitation and network support to multiple sclerosis patients, their families and caregivers. It is the largest referral center for MS patients in the greater Southern California area and is comprised of multiple clinics distributed around the greater Los Angeles County. The center is recognized as a "Partner in MS" by the National MS Society, and is a member of both the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) and the Race to Erase MS Center Without Walls. In addition to fellowship-trained neurologists who have chosen to specialize in MS care, our team includes nurses and a nurse practitioner certified to deliver MS care, among others. We facilitate access to numerous allied health professionals (physical and occupational therapists, social workers and psychologists) who also have extensive experience with issues faced by MS patients.

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) MS Center

Portland, OR
Director: Vijayshree Yadav, MD, MCR, FAAN

The Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Center offers a robust clinical care program with several clinics a week at OHSU and the adjacent Portland Veterans Affairs Health Care System (VAPORHCS). Seven neurologists and a multidisciplinary team of providers staff the OHSU MS Center who provide ongoing care to over 1,500 people with MS and evaluate about 300 new patient referrals each year. We diagnose and manage patients from all over Oregon, Southern Washington and elsewhere in the Pacific Northwest. Our multidisciplinary team includes nurses, medical assistants, physical, occupational and speech therapists, a neuro-urologist, a master’s level social worker, a pharmacist, counselors, neuropsychologists and psychiatrists. The OHSU MS Center is proud to have on-campus outstanding multi-disciplinary clinical care team collaborations with OHSU Clinicians comprising of Urological and Gastroenterological Physicians, Pain and Spasticity Consultants under the Comprehensive Pain Clinic and Neurosurgical team, Neuro-Ophthalmologists and Psychiatrists and Psychologists under the Department of Psychiatry, Women's health experts including sexual dysfunction and fertility issues who offer their state of the art services as deemed necessary for the individual needs of our MS patients. At both OHSU and the VAPORHCS we have 3T Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) available for accurate diagnosis and follow-up. We have infusion centers available at both OHSU and the VAPORHCS. Along with disease modifying therapies (DMTs) and rehabilitation interventions, we emphasize the importance of wellness approaches to our patients, including low fat diet, exercise, stress reduction and judicious use of supplements. We are proud to be a National MS Society (NMSS) Center for Comprehensive MS Care (the only one in Oregon) and a member of the Consortium of MS Centers (CMSC).

OHSU MS Center takes pride in its ability to offer state of the art educational programs and learning opportunities for clinicians and patients alike. OHSU MS and Neuroimmunology fellowship training program takes pride in educating the next generation of neurologists who are well-trained in MS and CNS neuroimmunological disorders. Our fellowship training program can easily boast of an outstanding clinical and research training environment for its neurologists and scientists.

OHSU MS Center researchers have been at the forefront of many discoveries for MS pathogenic pathways as well as novel therapeutic options and have produced many grant projects and clinical trials toward improving the lives of patients with MS. Our work in anti-oxidant therapies such as lipoic acid and drugs that stimulates remyelination is noteworthy. On one hand our basic science researchers excel in testing novel therapies in animal models of MS and on the other hand our clinical researchers excel in clinical trials translating those therapies in real patients. OHSU MS Center is a research and education pioneer in the complementary management approaches in MS. From the research of role of yoga, exercise, diet, antioxidants to supplements to treat MS symptoms and disease activity, the OHSU MS center clinician-researchers, have been on the forefront of advancing this field. Our researchers are funded by the National Institute of health, the Department pf Veterans Affairs, NMSS and multiple pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

The Marilyn Hilton MS Achievement Center at UCLA empowers people living with MS to take control of their health and well-being through educational and experiential programs. Established in 2001, the Center is a collaborative effort of the UCLA Department of Neurology and the National MS Society with generous support from the Hilton Family. It offers wellness interventions that complement the medical care participants receive for the disease.

The Center offers programs across the continuum of the disease, for those newly diagnosed with MS as well as those who have been living with MS for a longer period of time. A team of MS health and wellness professionals at the Center and in the community lead the programs. Participants learn not only from the instructors, but also from one another in an engaging, supportive and fun environment. See the following description of each program and the month(s) each program is held.

• Beyond Diagnosis (January) - is a half-day program for those diagnosed with MS within the last two years. Participants have an open conversation about MS with MS professionals from the Center and the National MS Society, and learn the importance of integrating wellness practices to live their best life with MS.
• CogniFitness (February) - is an interactive four-week program held on Saturday mornings for individuals with MS who are experiencing mild cognitive problems. Sessions are led by speech pathologists and provide strategies for dealing with common memory and cognitive challenges that can accompany MS including attention, memory, organization, problem solving and critical thinking skills.
• Living Well with MS (March thru May) – is a 12-week hybrid program to help those newly diagnosed with MS better understand MS and develop healthy lifestyle practices to manage symptoms and enhance wellbeing while gaining a support network of others newly diagnosed with MS.
• Exercise and MS – An Integrated Approach to Fitness (June to mid-August) - is a 12-week program specially designed for those who can easily walk a minimum of 25 feet with or without a cane or walker. Participants learn how to exercise to improve overall wellness and help manage MS symptoms.
• Free From Falls (October- November) - Free From Falls is an eight-week fall prevention program held on Saturday mornings. It is designed specifically for people with MS who are able to walk easily with or without a cane, but may be at risk for falling. Participants learn about risk factors for falls, strategies to reduce those risks, exercises to improve balance and mobility, and ways to manage a fall if one does occur.
• REACH to Achieve (Ongoing) – is the Center's flagship, comprehensive health and wellness program for those who have been living with MS for some time and may be experiencing multiple challenges. Members attend the program on a weekly basis and participate in a range of wellness activities including fitness, adaptive yoga, cognitive stimulation, emotional wellness, recreation and health education.

For more information, please visit our website at www.msac.ucla.edu or call the Center directly at (310) 267-4071.

Don't let the heat keep you from doing the things you love like going to the beach, backyard BBQ's, playing sports and spending time with family.

Sick of bulky cooling vests cramping your style? We get it. That's why ThermApparel created UnderCool, the first cooling vest to be worn under your clothes directly against the skin. UnderCool cooling vests are designed to be invisible for extreme comfort and freedom of movement and contoured to fit your body, lightweight under 2 pounds and breathable, but engineered to keep you cool. Four cooling pockets provide cooling relief when you need it most no matter where life takes you from chores around the house to skydiving. Where will UnderCool take you?

Undercool Features:

• Adjustable straps and velcro front for the best fit and comfort
• Wicking fabrics and built-in mesh panels to keep you dry and comfortable
• Cooling pack pockets along back to keep your core temp down
• Cooling relief for up to 1 - 3 hours depending on cooling pack
• Slim fitting with 7 Sizes and two colors
• 60-day money-back guaranteed

Our unique bio-degradable non-toxic Phase Change cooling pack technology keeps you cool when others can't. They are easy to use too! Ready to be frozen right out of the box, no need to soak or "plump." You can leave them in your fridge or freezer for an unlimited amount of time between uses without worry.

Our cooling packs are safe on your skin because they are not ice. The cooling packs contain PCM (Phase Change Material) that is entirely safe and comfortable when worn next to the skin. They cool the blood without constricting your blood vessels. As your blood flows past the PCM cooling packs, it cools the blood that is circulated throughout the whole body, safely cooling down your core.

Cooling Pack Features:

• Works great in humid and dry conditions (no condensation)
• Fast recharge in ice water, fridge or freezer
• No electricity needed
• Lightweight – weighs under 2lbs
• Reusable
• Many uses, great for pre and post cooling
• Easily transportable
• Enhances performance by lowing fatigue

Two industrial design graduate students founded ThermApparel at Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY. Kurtis Kracke & Brad Dunn put their design talents to work, after observing how those living with Multiple Sclerosis are constrained in hot weather due to their heat sensitivity. After researching other cooling products on the market, none of them meet the critical criteria for people with heat sensitivity caused by health conditions – concealable, lightweight, and comfortable. After more than 50 prototypes, the ThermApparel UnderCool cooling vest was born. To date, their vest has made life-changing differences for people in all 50 states, 17 countries and is made right here in the USA, in Rochester, NY.

15% of all proceeds benefit Race to Erase MS

UCLA Health is ranked #1 in Los Angeles, #1 in California, and #4 in the nation. Neuroscience dominates the UCLA campus. Across the street from the state-of-the-art Ronald Reagan Hospital are six separate buildings dedicated to neuroscience specialties: neurogenetics, neuroimaging, basic neuroscience, clinical neurology, neuropsychiatry, and neuro-ophthalmology. The UCLA MS Program Director is Rhonda Voskuhl, MD., holder of the Jack H. Skirball Chair in MS Research. Dr. Voskuhl's leadership leverages the vast neuroscience capabilities of UCLA toward the pursuit of neuroprotective treatments for MS. The next major step for MS treatments lies beyond relapse reduction. It is to prevent and repair disabilities, and this will depend on cutting-edge neuroscience.

The UCLA MS Program translates basic neuroscience findings within UCLA labs to novel clinical trials in MS, all grounded in addressing fundamental clinical observations in MS patients. Using clinical observations in MS patients as the foundation for basic research is why the traditional approach of “bench-to-bedside” is instead “bedside-to-bench-to-bedside” at UCLA. This assures that basic research findings will have relevance and significance for MS patients.

The UCLA MS Program's research has twice received an MS Collaborative Center Award from the National MS Society (NMSS) in the past as well as tremendous support for cultivation of novel projects from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation over the last decade which continues to this day. The UCLA MS Program's track record of success is clear having received consistent funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for the last 24 years. The UCLA MS Program was honored to be the most recent site to join the Nancy Davis Center Without Walls in 2019 and is excited about collaboration with other elite MS programs from around the country.

The UCLA MS Program's mission also includes providing patient care for MS patients in the southwestern United States and this clinical care outreach is expanding, with two new MS clinical faculty joining in October of 2018 and yet another planned for 2021. Finally, UCLA initiated one of the first of its kind MS clinical support infrastructures, the Marilyn Hilton MS Achievement Center at UCLA, which provides tailored rehabilitation and support programs for MS patients. This has served as a model for others of its kind that were subsequently developed across the nation.