Stop smoking and get some Vitamin D, a theme from ECTRIMS

The sun vitamin has an impact
on the course of our MS
(c) cgermans photography, 2013

One of the three themes discussed during this year’s ECTRIMS (European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis) was the “Environmental Triggers” of Multiple Sclerosis. Not surprising, more studies reveal that Vitamin D has an impact on disease course and smoking is really bad for our health, more so for our MS health.

Geez. This makes me wonder, “Good Grief!  Did I get MS because I was addicted to cigarettes for ten years?” Good thing I quite my habit of a pack a day of Marlboro Lights. And, while I am not necessarily getting more sun, I did start taking a daily dose of Vitamin D supplements. Hopefully this gets me on track to lessen the impact of my MS.

So, have a watch of this video, which features three prominent doctors in neurology. Dr. Lublin, Dr. Fox and Dr Wilner discuss the top advances in MS and the most interesting ECTRIMS presentations. You'll have to sign up on Medscape.com to watch the flick but it’s a good update on the chatter of this year’s event. 

Click here to watch the video: Top Advances in MS highlighted from ECTRMIS 2013.

Best always,

Christie

Sources:

Ascherio A, Munger K, White R, et al. Vitamin D as a predictor of multiple sclerosis activity and progression. Program and abstracts of the 29th Congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis; October 2-5, 2013; Copenhagen, Denmark. Abstract 96.

Hedström AK, Hillert J, Olsson T, Alfredsson L. Smoking and multiple sclerosis susceptibility. Program and abstracts of the 29th Congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis; October 2-5, 2013; Copenhagen, Denmark. Abstract 118.