With new insights into multiple sclerosis (MS) becoming available all the time, know that it’s possible to live a fulfilling life with this chronic illness.

In this post, we’re going to offer tips for living with multiple sclerosis — even making some simple changes can go a long way to enhancing your everyday life.

We’ll also take a look at the facts and figures around this disease, which affects around 25,600 Australians.

What is multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis is a disease that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the myelin, the protective layer around nerve fibres of the central nervous system.

This interrupts the signals the brain sends around the body to make it function normally.

The result is a wide spectrum of symptoms, which include:

Fatigue
Numbness
Tingling
Changes to vision
Dizziness
Urinary incontinence
Problems with balance and coordination
Difficulty walking
Muscle contractions
Slurred speech

Know that there are several different types of MS, so each will require a tailored treatment plan.

MS tends to affect women more than men, and most people with the condition are diagnosed in their 20s, 30s or 40s.

Making living with multiple sclerosis easier

Fortunately, there are lots of simple things you can do to make your day-to-day life with MS easier. Let’s take a look at a selection of these.

Gather information

Finding out everything you can about MS, and your particular type, can help you manage your condition and feel more in control.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions when you go for your medical appointments, and try to glean as much information as you can from your doctor or specialist nurse.

You can also find out lots of info and advice on the MS Australia website. As well as offering facts on the disease, it’s updated with news on the latest MS research and therapies.

Get active

Improving your general fitness levels can have many benefits if you’re living with MS.

Exercising regularly will improve your muscle strength, stamina, flexibility and posture, and it may also help to reduce pain.

Even if you haven’t exercised for a while, you can find many ways to get more active. Here are some ideas for gentle activities to get you started:

Gardening
Walking
Swimming
Yoga
Dancing
Playing frisbee
Cycling

Eat well

Eating a well-balanced and nutritious diet will benefit your overall health and wellness. It will also help you stay within a healthy weight range. This is important if your symptoms stop you from being as active as you would like.

Make sure you include plenty of fruit, vegetables, fibre, healthy fats (like olive oil or found in nuts like walnuts and almonds), wholegrains and lean protein in your diet.

You should also take care to keep hydrated, avoid sugary and processed food and restrict your alcohol intake.

Create a good sleep routine

If you are living with MS, the chances are you will be affected by fatigue and possibly by insomnia too.

That’s why it’s so important to get into a good sleep routine. Here are some tips to help you:

Go to bed and get up at the same time every day.
Get into a soothing bedtime routine. This could include a warm bath, listening to soft music or meditating.
Avoid screens for at least an hour before bedtime and banish devices from the bedroom.
Don’t drink caffeinated drinks after mid-afternoon.

Share your status

Sharing your health status with friends, family and colleagues can help you feel more confident about living with multiple sclerosis. It can also help you get the support you need.

You can do this by telling people around you that you are living with MS and explaining what this means.

Many people will find it useful to know about the invisible symptoms of MS, such as fatigue, and will be only too happy to support you.

You can also invest in a medical alert wristband that gives information about your condition.

You can opt for a pre-printed multiple sclerosis medical ID or even have a medic alert customised with details of your choice — for example, information about your medication or your next of kin’s contact details.

Many people find silicone bracelets ideal, as they’re hard-wearing, comfortable and hypoallergenic.

Medical IDs give you the freedom to simply get on with your everyday life knowing that if you have a medical emergency, you will receive the right treatment to suit your condition.

Take back control of your life

Living with MS may not always be easy, but it can certainly be more manageable if you employ simple ways to take back control of your life.

Wearing med alerts, for example, can give you the confidence to go about your day-to-day activities, safe in the knowledge that you’ll get the right treatment in an emergency.

Have a look at our complete range of pre-printed and customisable medical alert wristbands — they’re affordable, effective and can be personalised to include any message you like about your condition.

They’re all about giving you back the independence to live your best life with multiple sclerosis.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a medical ID and why should I wear one?

A medical ID helps first responders identify critical conditions, allergies, and emergency contacts so they can provide the right care quickly. It is recommended for anyone with medical conditions, allergies, or who takes regular medications.

2. Can I customise my Mediband?

Yes. You can personalise text, medical conditions, and contact details across a wide range of band styles and sizes. Custom and ready-made options are available.

3. Do you supply organisations such as school, hospitals or NDIS participants?

Yes. We support B2B orders for hospitals, clinics, schools and health organisations, and we are NDIS registered for eligible participants. Contact the Mediband team via [email protected] for assistance.

4. How fast is shipping?

In-stock items are typically dispatched quickly from our Sydney location. Custom orders have short production lead times. Express options are available at checkout.

5. How do I find the right size?

Each product page includes sizing guidance. If unsure, choose an adjustable style or contact our team for help.

6. I Am Healthy, Why Should I Wear Medical ID?

Accidents and medical emergencies do happen to healthy people without warning. In the US, 103 million people were taken to emergency rooms last year alone. Mediband medical ID bracelets provide peace of mind so that if the unexpected occurs, critical medical information can be conveyed to emergency personnel. A Medical ID helps to prevent incorrect diagnosis, raises awareness of conditions like allergies and diabetes, and provides essential contact information in emergencies.

7. Will Emergency Personnel Find My Medical ID?

Emergency personnel are trained to search personal belongings for identification and medical information. Mediband medical wristbands are designed to be highly visible and feature the star of life medical emblem, recognized universally by caregivers and medical personnel.

8. Wouldn't Emergency Room Personnel Be Able to Obtain My Medical Records from My Local Hospital or Doctor?

While they probably can, it could take hours. If the request is made after office hours, your medical records might not be retrieved until the next day. In emergencies, seconds count, and having immediate access to vital information could make a life-saving difference.

9. How Do I Change the Currency of the Site?

Select your country from the dropdown menu at the top left corner under "International Sites". Note: Your shopping cart must be empty to change the currency.

10. What Is the Minimum Order?

There’s no minimum order for non-custom Mediband products. For custom silicone medical ID bracelets, a minimum order of 7 is required due to setup costs. Ordering 7 also provides spares to store in various locations for convenience.

11. What Size Is Right for Me?

Our Mediband medical IDs come in sizes: Extra Large (220 mm), Large (202 mm), Medium (180 mm), and Small (150 mm). Choose based on wrist size, with Medium typically suited for children under 12 and Small for children under 6.

12. Why Are Some Medibands Only Available in a Particular Colour?

Some medical conditions are associated with specific colors, like blue for diabetes and red/orange for allergies. This color-coding aids quick recognition by medical personnel. We also offer customizable colors and styles for a personalized look.

13. Ordering Customised Bands?

Production time for custom stainless steel bracelets and silicone wristbands can take 10-15 business days, excluding shipping.

14. What Number Do I Call If I Want to Talk to Someone?

You can reach us at 1300-796-401 between 9 am to 5 pm AEST, 365 days a year. Alternatively, Email Us or message us on Facebook.

15. What Distinguishes Mediband from Its Competitors?

Mediband is dedicated to superior customer service and quality. Our customer testimonials reflect our commitment to excellence.

16.How Do I Order?

Simply browse our catalogue, add your desired items to the cart, and check out. If you need assistance, feel free to contact us.

17. Can't Find What You Are Looking For?

If you need a specific condition covered, reach out to us to discuss adding it to our catalogue or creating a custom Mediband. Our Write-On silicone bands allow for manual information input as needed.

18. How Do I Place an Order on Behalf of a School or Government?

Create a new account, select 'School' or 'Government', and choose the cheque payment option upon checkout. Send us an Official Purchase Order (OPO) to start production.

Living your best life with multiple sclerosis