Public still doesn't understand MS, experts say

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) are still living with a condition not fully understood by the general public, experts say.

A lack of knowledge on the condition was especially prevalent among the potential partners and employers.

“Awareness needs to be raised among the public and employers,” said consultant neurologist at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City and member of the NMSS, Dr Ahmed Shatila.

“There are still some people who don’t want to get married to those with MS and many employers don’t understand employees with MS."

Dr Shatila's comments coincided with the National MS Society's (NMSS) launch of the Move for MS scheme during Ramadan, to encourage the wider community to support those living with the condition.

“We have come a long way. We have gone leaps and bounds but we aren’t there yet,” he said.

What is MS?

MS is an immune disorder caused by damage to the protective layer of nerve fibres (myelin), which allows nerves to transmit impulses to and from the brain.

Symptoms vary from person to person based on the location of the affected nerve fibres, and the severity of impact on the central nervous system.

Common%20symptoms%20of%20MS

%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3EFatigue%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3Enumbness%20and%20tingling%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ELoss%20of%20balance%20and%20dizziness%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EStiffness%20or%20spasms%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ETremor%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EPain%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EBladder%20problems%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EBowel%20trouble%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EVision%20problems%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EProblems%20with%20memory%20and%20thinking%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A

While there is currently no cure for the neurological disorder, treatments are widely available to manage the symptoms and help to delay its progression.

The Move for MS initiative offers a range of activities for people with the condition including walking, jogging, cycling, swimming and hiking.

Participants from all backgrounds are encouraged to take part in the scheme, which also coincides with World Multiple Sclerosis Month, taking place throughout March.

More than 2,100 people across the country are taking part in Move for MS, with more than 20,000km being recorded so far by those taking part.

Dr Ahmed Shatila, consultant neurologist at Sheikh Shakbout Medical City and member of the NMSS, has called for raised awareness when it comes to MS. Photo: Pawan Singh

Fear of revealing condition

One UAE resident living with the condition said education around MS needs to improve.

“There definitely needs to be more awareness about MS among the public and provisions for people with MS in the workplace," said Syrian-American health coach Fatima Makhlouf, 47.

"Some people are not comfortable revealing their diagnosis because of potential bias and stigma. MS is a condition that can be managed with support, understanding and compassion.”

Ms Makhlouf has found exercise is key to managing her symptoms, with a focus on more sustainable activities.

“I always say that the best exercise for MS is the thing you do consistently,”

“So if you love swimming, do swimming, if you love yoga, do yoga.

“Finding an exercise that fits your lifestyle, there are different exercises that can help. Just get into the habit. How much time you spend exercising doesn't matter.”

UAE figures

Findings by the NMSS also show that the prevalence of the disease in the UAE is much higher than the global average.

There are 65 people living with MS for every 100,000 people in the country.

Young adults aged 18 to 39 make up the largest group of people living with the disease in the UAE, accounting for 64.3 per cent of all cases.

People aged 40-59 comprise the second-largest group, with 31 per cent of cases.

Globally, the level of MS is higher in women, which is mirrored in the UAE, with more than 65 per cent of affected people being female.

Another expert urged the public to get behind the campaign.

“Through this initiative, we aim to garner support for people living with this condition; to make them feel included, ensure that they are visible and know how much we care about their well-being,” said Dr Fatima Al Kaabi, vice chair of the NMSS.

“Raising awareness is a significant aspect of NMSS’s work and the funds raised from this initiative will go towards support and research.”

David Haye record

Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

Opening weekend Premier League fixtures

Weekend of August 10-13

Arsenal v Manchester City

Bournemouth v Cardiff City

Fulham v Crystal Palace

Huddersfield Town v Chelsea

Liverpool v West Ham United

Manchester United v Leicester City

Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur

Southampton v Burnley

Watford v Brighton & Hove Albion

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Everton

What is an ETF?

An exchange traded fund is a type of investment fund that can be traded quickly and easily, just like stocks and shares. They come with no upfront costs aside from your brokerage's dealing charges and annual fees, which are far lower than on traditional mutual investment funds. Charges are as low as 0.03 per cent on one of the very cheapest (and most popular), Vanguard S&P 500 ETF, with the maximum around 0.75 per cent.

There is no fund manager deciding which stocks and other assets to invest in, instead they passively track their chosen index, country, region or commodity, regardless of whether it goes up or down.

The first ETF was launched as recently as 1993, but the sector boasted $5.78 billion in assets under management at the end of September as inflows hit record highs, according to the latest figures from ETFGI, a leading independent research and consultancy firm.

There are thousands to choose from, with the five largest providers BlackRock’s iShares, Vanguard, State Street Global Advisers, Deutsche Bank X-trackers and Invesco PowerShares.

While the best-known track major indices such as MSCI World, the S&P 500 and FTSE 100, you can also invest in specific countries or regions, large, medium or small companies, government bonds, gold, crude oil, cocoa, water, carbon, cattle, corn futures, currency shifts or even a stock market crash.

The President's Cake

Director: Hasan Hadi

Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem

Rating: 4/5

Company Profile:

Name: The Protein Bakeshop

Date of start: 2013

Founders: Rashi Chowdhary and Saad Umerani

Based: Dubai

Size, number of employees: 12

Funding/investors: $400,000 (2018)

Going grey? A stylist's advice

If you’re going to go grey, a great style, well-cared for hair (in a sleek, classy style, like a bob), and a young spirit and attitude go a long way, says Maria Dowling, founder of the Maria Dowling Salon in Dubai.
It’s easier to go grey from a lighter colour, so you may want to do that first. And this is the time to try a shorter style, she advises. Then a stylist can introduce highlights, start lightening up the roots, and let it fade out. Once it’s entirely grey, a purple shampoo will prevent yellowing.
“Get professional help – there’s no other way to go around it,” she says. “And don’t just let it grow out because that looks really bad. Put effort into it: properly condition, straighten, get regular trims, make sure it’s glossy.”

W.
Wael Kfoury
(Rotana)

While you're here

Con Coughlin: To survive, Nato must renew its sense of common purpose

Gavin Esler: Nato summit failed for making news more than it made deals

Simon Waldman: Nato continues to be Ankara’s best security guarantor

On Women's Day

Dr Nawal Al-Hosany: Why more women should be on the frontlines of climate action

Shelina Janmohamed: Why shouldn't a spouse be compensated fairly for housework?

Samar Elmnhrawy: How companies in the Middle East can catch up on gender equality

The National Editorial: Is there much to celebrate on International Women's Day 2021?

LOVE%20AGAIN

%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Jim%20Strouse%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStars%3A%20Priyanka%20Chopra%20Jonas%2C%20Sam%20Heughan%2C%20Celine%20Dion%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%202%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

Covid-19 jargon buster: from apex to zoonotic disease

Coronavirus: Doctors urge public to help track Covid-19 cases with tracing app

Coronavirus: How we should prepare for the next crisis

Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites

The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.

It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.

“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.

The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.