Since 1998, when Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) first published Multiple Sclerosis: A Guide to Wellness, great strides have been made in research findings and treatment options. For this reason, PVA is proud to present this newly updated edition of the "MS Wellness Guide," as it has come to be called. Edited by Nancy J. Holland, RN, EdD, MSCN and June Halper, MSCN, ANP, FAAN, this second edition has been expanded to include new chapters on the promise of research, disease management, general health issues, managing financial resources, health insurance options, and community living options. Each of the other chapters has been updated and revised to reflect advances in the field and changing management strategies. The table of contents has been reorganized to facilitate finding information of special interest to the reader, and the appendix on "Helpful Resources" has been greatly expanded. The new edition continues to focus on staying well in the presence of MS. Wellness is a concept that does not normally come to mind when we think about a disease. We usually think of diseases in terms of curable or incurable.
But MS is a disease that - while incurable - can be managed and yields to many treatments and therapies. Although not cures, they can provide the patient with a great deal of control over his or her experience of well-being. This book covers a broad spectrum of topics related to MS and its effects, focusing especially on the needs of those who have been living with the disease for some time. Practical tips on self-care are designed to promote maximum independence, well-being, and productivity. The objective is to emphasize that wellness can be achieved with knowledge and commitment. PVA has been pleased to partner with Demos Medical Publishing in updating and producing this new edition. We are proud to see it take its place among the other books in the Demos catalog of reliable, practical guides on living with multiple sclerosis. Randy Pleva National President Paralyzed Veterans of America