Words by Smiley Team
Overcoming MS have launched a series of successful webinars - Refresh with OMS - with over 2000 people registered to watch the series and with over 1000 attendees to the webinars from 55 countries around the globe.
MS or Multiple Sclerosis is a condition affecting the brain and spinal cord resulting in a wide range of symptoms. It is a lifelong condition and although there are treatments that can help, life expectancy for those living with MS is often reduced.
The Refresh with OMS series included five weekly webinars plus supporting digital content including podcasts, articles, infographics, videos and personal stories. The aim was to keep the MS community talking during the current global health crisis, connect thousands of people and share experiences and hope, so that no one with MS ever felt alone or unsupported.
The charity was formally established in 2012 with the goal to reach everyone diagnosed with multiple sclerosis around the world and provide them with evidenced-based information about lifestyle changes that have benefited people in their recovery from MS.
As part of Overcoming MS’ webinar series, two polls were also launched to gauge the habits of their audience during the pandemic, which showed 35% of attendees were doing at least 3-5 hours of exercise each week and separately, fatigue is the most common symptom amongst those with MS (68% experienced). This information has helped the charity understand further how MS affects people in their day-to-day lives.
“We want to bring people with MS together online and give them access to specialists who have evidence-based, up-to-date and relevant information. But more than that, we want to listen and answer questions to truly understand how the MS community is feeling so we can best adapt our support digitally.” Gary McMahon, CEO of OMS, said.
“People with MS live with uncertainty and have already had to adapt to new challenges and changing symptoms. We also know it’s important to be kind to yourself, to look after yourself physically and mentally, so when we can come together again we will be in good shape, positive and hopeful, ready for whatever health curveballs are thrown at us.'
To support Overcoming MS you can donate via their website, where you can also find out more about the charity's volunteering and fundraising opportunities.
