Managing MS "Pawsitively"
	Service animals can be an invaluable aid to both people with MS and their caretakers. For those with MS, service animals can assist with mobility, provide emotional support, and even help with small motor tasks that MS makes difficult. For caregivers, service animals can reduce stress and overwork. This article discusses many different kinds of service animals, but also presents some aspects of animal care that must be considered before making the decision to integrate a service animal into a family.
	Uncovering Depression Within
	The high levels of stress and exhaustion sometimes associated with being a caregiver can make developing depression more likely. Somewhere between 30% and 60% of caretakers are estimated to show some signs of depression, about 10 times more than in the general population. This article discusses causes of depression, including signs to watch out for, and gives information about seeking diagnosis and treatment.
	Caregiver Rights in the Workplace
	Life for caregivers is a daily balancing act between personal commitments and professional/work commitments. All too often, caregivers are forced to report late to work, miss days, or give up work entirely. The American workplace is gradually becoming a more supportive environment for employees who are also caregivers. This article covers the most up-to-date laws and practices, such as the Family and Medical Leave Act, that promise to help caregivers attend to their obligations while also keeping themselves healthy.
	Respite for the Caregiver
	Without an occasional reprieve from their duties, caregivers may be jeopardizing their own physical, emotional, or financial well-being. This article describes respite care, a service that provides a temporary break to a caregiver. Addressed in this article are the different types of respite care and ways to find funding for such care. Also included are resources for patients and caregivers to find more information about respite care.
	Caring for the Caregiver
	For many who are not the primary caregiver to a person with MS, the desire to help out is often suppressed by worries of being intrusive, unprepared, or financially burdened. In truth, there are lots of uncomplicated and inexpensive ways to help out. This article provides a list of things you can do to help care for the caregiver.
	You as a Partner in Care
	This article helps guide caregivers through some of the many aspects of caring for a loved one with MS, including the practical, personal, physical, and emotional demands involved in MS caregiving.
	Caregiving From a Distance
	Personal circumstances, such as jobs and marriage, can often make families and friends live far apart. It is possible that distance will be a factor if a loved one with MS needs assistance.
	When a Child Has MS
	When the person with MS is your child, regardless of his or her age, the challenges may be overwhelming.
	Rights in the Workplace
	This section will provide caregivers with valuable information on their rights in the workplace and suggestions for creating a flexible work schedule that may help ease some of the stress caregivers face.
	Marital Stress
	An estimated 85% of marriages affected by chronic MS illness eventually fail. This article suggests ways of rebalancing equity at home and helping relationships stay strong.
	Intimacy
	The shift from being a caregiver to a lover may be a difficult transition. This section suggests ways to redefine intimacy and overcome some of the obstacles that can hamper you and your partner’s intimate relationship.
	Getting Help for the Caregiver
	This section is included to inform caregivers of the people and programs available to assist in providing care when help is needed. Taking advantage of these forms of assistance is not a sign of weakness or cause for guilt; it is a sign of responsibility and interest in the well-being of both the caregiver and the person with MS.
	Dealing With Anger
	The image of a caregiver is one of a person who is always patient, calm, and loving. While this may be true most of the time, feelings of anger and resentment can be felt as well and are usually the result of stress. Such emotions are not shameful and should not be ignored. This section suggests ways a caregiver can express anger in an appropriate manner.
	Children & a Family Member With MS
	MS is a confusing disease, especially for children who are not yet able to understand the medical terminology and disease process. issue’s “Thinking of You, The Caregiving Partner” offers ways to help explain MS and the impact it has on a loved one’s life as well as on a child’s.
	Mood Swings
	Caregivers have also submitted topics they would like to see addressed in Making Strides. Wanting to know ways to help deal with a loved one’s mood swings while keeping one’s own mood in check was a frequent query. Some methods that may help are provided.
	The Caregiver Partner
	MS not only affects the person diagnosed with the disease but also affects everyone who has a significant relationship with that person, especially the caregiver. This article offers suggestions and resources for caregivers that might be experiencing emotional or physical stress. As a caregiver, it is important to seek out help so that you can care for both the person with MS and yourself.