Tips For College StudentsManaging A Chronic Disease MSLifeLines, you can take comfort in knowing that the person at (NAPSA}—College is an entirely new world for recenthigh school graduates. But for young people with a chronic disease, college presents even more uniquechallenges.Fortunately, there are ways they can manage their condition and enjoy their college experience. It’s a lesson learned by Tiffany, a sophomore at Central State University in Ohio.Tiffany is a full- the other end of the line is a good listener whois qualified to give you support to help navigate com- mon challenges faced by people with MS.” Batchelder, along with Tiffany and Vickie, offer the following tips to other students trying to man- age a chronic condition in college: time, working studentliving with relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). Be Proactive Meet with the campushealth Sheattributes her ability to juggle it all andstill have funin the process center in advance of the school to herpositive spirit and ability to take charge of her health. “It's not always easy, but if you're willing to make the neces- sary adjustments,livingthelife of a typical college student is com- Vickie, a graduate student who has multiple sclerosis, helps other students who have MS manage their condition. pletely doable. For me, taking my * Registered, MS-certified MS treatment is key, combined nurses who are available to help with getting plenty of rest and peopleliving with MS with educamanaging stress as much as possi- tion, training and support; ence,it helps to havea ‘go-to’ per- that matches people living with ble,” said Tiffany. “In my experi- available. Get a referral from your home- town physician andinterview campus doctorsat orientation. Ask the school health center to keep a copy of your most recent medical records on file. If you feel comfortable, let select professors know about your condition so they will understand son who can give you a hand if relapsing MS with program if you need to take breaks during you aren't feeling up to attending class and need to get your assignments from your professors.” This sentiment is echoed byVickie, whoalso has relapsing MS andis a master’s studentat Albertus Magnus College in Connecticut. To help managetheir MSandstay focused on getting the most out oftheir college experiences, Vickie and Tiffanyjoined MS * Peer Connection program year to inform them of your condition and find out what help is ambassadors to discuss issues fac- ing them with someone who understands; * Magazine featuring strate- gies for living well with MS; and * Financial information and reimbursement services for those whoqualify. Vickie and Tiffany credit the program with helping them to get. class or reschedule a test. Seek Support Seek out campus or commu- nity support groups to meet others who share your experiences. * Consider reaching out to a local nonprofit organization such as the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to learn about available services. Join Online Communities LifeLines, a hands-on support net- through manydifficult times; now munity by providing guidance, support and empowerment about time,” said Vickie. work of support, visit www. a nurse supervisor, “When youcall (877) 447-3243. * Find an online community to work and educational community for they both serve as student ambaspeople with MSandtheir families. sadorsfor the program. speak to others whoidentify with This dynamic program, which fea“Before joining this program, I what you're going through and to tures online, in-person and telephone didn’t know anyone else with MS. access the latest research and services, includes resources such as: I'm now involved with a peer chat information about your condition. Learn More * Ambassadors—Individuals program and have learned so For more information about living with relapsing MS who much from people who have been serve as resources to the MS com- living with this disease for a long relapsing MS and joining a net- living well with MS; According to Sarah Batchelder, MSLifeLines.com/college or call
