5 Did you know that your body has more than 230 freely movable or semi- movable joints? That’s 230 points at which you can bend, twist, rotate, flex, or stretch. Clearly, the human body is meant to move. But what exactly does all that movement do? We all know that exercise builds muscle, burns fat, and improves cardiovascular health, but it does many more things. Some that may be of special interest to those with MS include: • Increases oxygen flow to the brain • Triggers new brain cell growth • Improves memory and learning skills • Encourages brain plasticity • Reduces inflammatory markers • Increases energy • Releases endorphins that elevate mood Exercise is also important to your body’s continued ability to function in your daily routine. Whether you want to be able to walk to the mailbox or run a marathon, you need regular activity to support those abilities. When it comes to your functional abilities, exercise can accomplish several different things. It can: • Strengthen – Take an existing ability to a higher level • Maintain – Keep your abilities where they are • Rehabilitate – Restore an ability you have lost • Compensate – Strengthen other abilities to compensate for ones that haven’t yet been or can’t be rehabilitated Though you may need guidance from a professional to rehabilitate or compensate for abilities you’ve lost, you can work on maintaining or strengthening the abilities you have as part of your self-care routine. If you have the ability to move, use it! Find the exercise you can do. Even for those with severely limited mobility, this holds true. Can you turn your head? Do it! Stretch your neck daily. Can you tap your toes? Point and flex your feet. Any degree of exercise brings some benefit. And as you exercise, over time, you will likely find what you can do has increased. Nutrition Exercise Sleep Stress Treatment