b'MS Focus Activities[ TAKEAWAYSAugust 10 - AtlantaSpasticity in MS:Tips for ManagementWe returned to the Shepherd Centerfor the October edition of our monthlyprogram. Dr. Ben Thrower gave apresentation about what spasticity isand the dierent treatments availableto people living with MS.Sometimes its dicult to discern the dierence between spasticity, where your musclesare so tense you cant move and experience pain, and weakness, where you just dont quitehave the strength to move easily anymore.Sept. 12 - AtlantaManaging Your Bladder SymptomsDuring the September presentation of our monthlyprogramsattheShepherdCenter,Dr.BenThrowerspoke to a full house about the causes behind, and somesolutions for, bladder symptoms caused by MS.There are so many things that we drink that arebladder irritants. Alcohol, caeine, and aspartame arethree of the biggest culprits. These can cause issues toare up, or may make you think that an issue is aringup. I always tell people, if you want to make your bladder angry, order a rum and diet coke.Oct. 31 - Jacksonville, Fla.MS is Scary, but Not Too ScaryOn the spookiest day of the year, we traveled to Jacksonvillefor a presentation from Scott Silliman, M.D. and Nilou Minaei,RDN, LDN, MSL, about how to overcome the scarier aspects ofmultiple sclerosis.According to Minaei, One of the things we stray away fromin this country is portion control. Back in the day, the size of adinner plate is the current salad plate. In terms of fruit, one servingmsfocusmagazine.org 40'