Latest news with #MultipleSclerosisSocietyofIndia
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
MS awareness programmes end with a meet
It starts with blurry vision, numbness in your legs, body weakness, imbalance, bladder issues and fatigue. Even when people visit a general physician with some symptoms of this disease, it goes missed,' pointed out Dr Venkataraman Karthikeyan, consultant neurologist at Kauvery Hospitals. In discussion was Multiple Sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease, 'where your own immunological system has gone rogue and the system which it wants to protect, it is going and hitting.' The neurologist was speaking at the awareness meeting about Multiple Sclerosis to empower persons with the disease, conducted by the Multiple Sclerosis Society of India (MSSI) Chennai Chapter on Friday at Anna Nagar Tower Park. World Multiple Sclerosis Day is celebrated on May 30 every year. The theme for this year's World MS Day was 'Navigating MS together - My MS diagnosis'. To spread awareness, the organisation had been conducting a range of activities throughout May, including neurographic art, transforming one's traumatic diagnosis into a colourful storybook, interaction with neurologists, energising yoga therapy, counselling, and brain lab sessions, as well as public awareness programmes at Chennai Airport and radio talk shows.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
On World MS Day, Chennai Chapter of MSSI raises awareness
To mark the World Multiple Sclerosis Day which falls on May 30 every year, the Multiple Sclerosis Society of India (MSSI ) Chennai Chapter held an awareness campaign on Friday at Anna Nagar Tower Park. 'The theme of World MS Day 2025 is 'My MS Diagnosis' which puts an emphasis on how to diagnose MS, a neuro degenerative disorder. The program is held at the park to create awareness among the general public about Multiple Sclerosis and how quickly they should consult a neurologist,' says Ann Gonsalvez, founder member of the Chennai chapter. 'To de-stress persons living with MS, we have yoga therapy, art therapy, fatigue management, and more - which is also why we have brought music today,' she said. 'The Multiple Sclerosis mainly affects people aged 18-40, and it tends to affect women more. But as a society, there is only limited awareness about it. If it is detected early and treated, people affected can live just like anyone else,' said Dr Venkatraman Karthikeayan, Consultant Neurologist at Kauvery Hospital. 'The MSSI Chennai Chapter hopes to continue improving the quality of life for those affected. There are many people who are unaware of the treatments available for MS, which is why campaigns like these are important,' said Archana Ganesan, a member with MS condition. Around 40 members of MSSI and individuals with MS condition attended the event.
The Hindu
11-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Special session on yoga, multiple sclerosis held
A special session on yoga and multiple sclerosis (MS) was organised in the city on Sunday. The Chennai chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of India (MSSI) along with Yogavahini Foundation and the Radial Road branch of Kauvery Hospital, organised the special event to commemorate World Multiple Sclerosis Day, observed on May 30. Experts at the hospital spoke on the condition and its diagnosis, medication, rehabilitation, and wellness beyond medication that could help improve the quality of life. The participants also learned about yoga therapy for neurological conditions. They were taught tools and practices to manage symptoms to empower them to live with multiple sclerosis. The initiative aimed to promote holistic approaches to managing MS and improve the quality of life for individuals with the condition, said . 'The event provided a platform for persons with MS to connect with experts, learn new coping strategies, and find support,' Ann Gonsalvez, honorary secretary of MSSI, Chennai chapter, said.
The Hindu
10-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Workshop explores art as therapy
Sujatha Karthik's hands felt number than usual while waiting to wield the brush. Her right leg was acting up. And a cough was not helping matters. The scene shifted and the change was dramatic when she joined 50 other participants in the room to sketch neuron-like lines and shapes. 'For 45 minutes, I forgot all the emotions I carried with me to immerse myself in drawing. I felt relaxed,' says Sujatha, a Velachery resident and a mother of two. Since being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2020, Sujatha had not bothered to 'trouble' her painting brushes, and she went into this drawing effort. Multiple Sclerosis Society of India Chennai chapter organised an art session on May 3, 2025 at the Bosch office off Greams Road, offering those with MS a platform to express emotions, release inner tension and reframe their thoughts. The workshop was a prelude to the World MS Day (May 30). No prior experience of painting was needed. Common symptoms such as muscle weakness, numbness, fatigue, and difficulty with coordination and balance and blurred vision discourage those with MS from pursuing art as a therapy. Therapists say any art when pursued by those with neurological disorders can help increase their confidence levels. Sathya Ganapathi, who facilitated the workshop, chose neurographic art, developed by Russian psychologist Pavel Piskarev for its free-flowing method that is fun and meditative. Meenakshi Nandakumar, a yoga therapist and a person with MS, says they need more artists organising such workshops. Ann Gonzalvez, chairperson, MSSI Chennai, says multiple sclerosis affects cognition and also causes depression. 'These are just two of the many invisible symptoms associated with MS. We at MSSI Chennai Chapter chose art as a medium to deal with these symptoms,' says Ann. She adds, 'The chapter welcomes those with MS to attend its monthly meetups and participate in occupational and art therapies that will empower them to lead quality lives.' For details, visit What the experts say about art therapy 'Scribbling can be fun' I avoid going with a plan while conducting a workshop for a new audience. In this case, I was conducting a session for persons with multiple sclerosis for the first time so I adapted the neurographic art to suit the group. Brush pens were chosen as they are easy on the hands (colour pencils can be difficult to hold; water colours can be spilt; and thin sketch pens can be difficult to grip). I chose pastel shades of the colours so that they are not too harsh. Colours have a soothing effect on the mind. Neurographic art comprises free flowing lines from one end of the paper to the other and it can be practised at home. One does not have to go looking for an art instructor. I suggest people explore whatever they are curious about. Buy colouring books for adults and choose any medium one is comfortable with. Scribbling can be fun. Sathya Ganapathi, freelance graphic designer who works with special children and as a yoga therapist 'Art therapy helps self-expression' Art is an important treatment modality that occupational therapists adopt in treating patients with clinical depression, which can be applied to neurological diseases and neurogenerative disorders. The activities that help with emotions include journaling, line art, postcard designing, creating a family sculpture with clay and drawing feelings in a heart formation. Scribbling, finger painting, blow painting, charcoal painting, mandala art, zentangles and painting with eyes closed are activities that help with relaxation. The best part of all these activities is that one need not take it only if you have a condition. These are leisure activities for everyone. No art activity should be imposed on the person, but one must be provided with the tools or supplies so that the person is able to express emotions and explore thoughts. We have seen than art therapy helps one express better, thereby improving mood and social interactions. Sarah Daniel, occupational therapist 'Warli art to elevate the mood' During the pandemic, I taught members of Parivarthan for Parkinson's warli art, which I chose as it can elevate and enhance even a simple design. Drawing and filling those simple, geometric patterns with colours is also an exercise apt for those with Parkinson's Disease. In authentic warli, we mainly work around with one colour, so I ask them to choose their favourite, any medium to bring about a feel good factor. There are plenty of short YouTube tutorials that can help one learn how to draw warli art on white paper. One just has to make sure the art is easy and the outcome is nice. Himani Bhatnagar, freelance artist
