b'A chance to celebrate caregiversNovember is National Caregiver Appreciation Month. Whether they are a friend or family member, young or old, or are with you one day a week or all the time, caregivers are a huge part of life. For many people, the assistance offered by a caregiver helps them live healthier, more productively, and, in some cases, more independently. For everything they do, caregivers typically ask for nothing more than a thank you. But, sometimes, you want to give more back to them. To honor the caregivers out there, MS Focus is holding our annual Caregivers Night Out contest. We are asking anyone with MS to write us a letter and tell us about their caregiver. Winners will receive dinner for two at a restaurant of their choice and their story will be published in the Winter issue of the MS Focus magazine. Find the application on the next page. Submissions will be accepted through Sept. 15. Applications can be faxed to 954-351-0630, emailed to homecare@msfocus.org, or mailed to Caregivers Night Out Contest, Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, 6520 N. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309. MS in the Black Community BookletOur new booklet, MS in the Black Community, is now available and delves into the reasons for the differences, disease management, how to re your doctor and nd the right provider, treatment, lifestyle, and MS in thesocial support. Black Community The healthcare community is becoming more aware of the bias, misconceptions, and other factors that have led to poorer outcomes for people of color. Until recently, the typical view of MS was that it mainly affected white people, particularly those of northern European descent. However, newer data suggests MS affects people of color more frequently, with Black Americans having a higher incidence of MS. With contributions from: Black Americans have a 47 percent increased risk of being diagnosed Annette Okai, MD; Jacqueline Rosenthal, MD; Evelyn A. Hunter Ph.D.with MS when compared to their White counterparts in the U.S. The mistaken belief that MS is not as common in Black persons may contribute to the more frequent misdiagnosis or the delays in diagnosis Black Americans often experience. People of color also are less likely to be insured and have less access to transportationOur new booklet is meant to serve as a guide to identifying and helping to bridge the gaps of understanding and treatment in the African American community. To register to get your free copy, contact our offices. This publication was made possible with support from:7 msfocusmagazine.org'