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“Our body has the ability to heal itself. Of utmost importance are: nutrition,
movement, the environment, the way of life and the way of thinking”
Hippocrates 460-377 BC
*Written by Antonia Kaltsatou Researcher, FAME Lab Environmental Physiology Laboratory
It is known that systematic exercise combined with psychological support and proper nutrition are the most recognized and effective non-pharmacological approaches, which contribute to promoting health and improving the quality of life of people with Multiple sclerosis.
People with Multiple Sclerosis experience a multitude of different symptoms, which are often difficult to treat with medication alone, and the need to implement alternative therapeutic strategies has become necessary. And while MS patients for years were encouraged not to participate in exercise programs, the In recent decades, many studies have shown that exerciseis not only appropriate, but contributes significantly to the improvement of their functional capacity and their psychology and by extension their quality of life. Therefore, even though the benefits of exercise are known, the majority of people with multiple sclerosis do not participate in similar systematic exercise programs.
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One of the reasons for refraining from therapeutic exercise is possible increase in body temperature, which is brought about by physical work (exercise), and which may possibly worsen the severity of the neurological symptoms. The majority of people with multiple sclerosis are characterized by thermosensitivity (a condition that has also been described as Uthoff’s Syndrome), since every time their body temperature rises even by 0.5oC, e.g. after a hot bath or even after drying the hair with a hairdryer or after a walk in the sun, they experience a worsening of the neurological symptoms, which is of course temporary but enough to debilitate them.
In an effort to find simple and affordable ways that could protect individuals from increasing body temperature during exercise, the use of cooling caps in combination with neck cooling pads during exercise, which have been shown to be effective and practical in people with multiple sclerosis.
The application of cooling patches combined with a mindfulness-based psychoeducational program specifically designed to promote regular exercise, mental empowerment and the adoption of a healthy diet in those living with multiple sclerosis has produced beneficial results and positively impacted their quality of life. .
THE Hellenic Society for Multiple Sclerosis (MSS) in collaboration with the Researcher of the Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, Ms. Antonia Kaltsatou have introduced one innovative holistic support program “Be Cool”, from July 2023, following an honorary distinction from the European Center for Treatment and Rehabilitation for Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) for the global originality of this particular method. A team of scientists from different specialties collaborates in the program such as the psychologists Mr. Sofia Theodorou, Mr. Petros Kechagias and Mrs. Manya Kourou as well as Mrs. Kalliopi Georgakoulis, Associate Professor of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics of the University of Thessaly with the dietitian – nutritionist Mr. Loukia Draganidakis, where with different approaches they aim to maximally improve the quality of life of these individuals.
The Be Cool is an innovative, groundbreaking science program specially designed for the needs of those living with multiple sclerosis. It is an integrated program of physical and mental strengthening, which proved to be able to offer immediate positive results, while at the same time it can be a useful guide for a better future.
It is a modern method, which is applied by specialized personnel, with the combination of the following fields:
– cryotherapy, with a cooling cap and a cooling pad on the neck
– provision of specially adapted regular exercise programs
– mental empowerment and group counseling for living with multiple sclerosis
– nutritional advice focused on the needs of people with multiple sclerosis.
The purpose of applying Be Cool to the Greek population with multiple sclerosis is to educate the participants to change their lifestyle. Through proper nutrition, systematic exercise, the application of cold patches and psychological support, their quality of life improves significantly and they can now effectively manage the various symptoms of the disease.
The Be Cool program is innovative as it is:
– instantly accessible to anyone, as long as they have access to the internet
– targeted to the needs of those with MS
– with easy application in everyday life and
– pleasant watching by the participants, through the comfort of their personal space
Important advantage of the program is that the training material is provided in an asynchronous format, through an online platform, so that the participants can follow it at their leisure and adapt it according to their daily obligations. However, in parallel with the asynchronous information material, the possibility of modern online meetings of the entire group of participants with the scientific staff of Be Cool (occupational physiologist, psychologist, nutritionist) is provided on a systematic weekly basis.
It is important that similar programs are applied to people suffering from other chronic diseases. Finally, we hope that in the coming years the Health System will provide patients with similar programs free of charge, which have a much lower cost than medication and can contribute effectively and on a long-term basis to the patients’ better quality of life.
* THE Antonia Kalchatou is a Researcher, FAME Lab Environmental Physiology Laboratory, FAME Laboratory, Environmental Physiology Laboratory, School of Physical Education & Sports Science – University of Thessaly, SEFAA, Karyes, Trikala, 42100, www.famelab.gr
Read also:
Multiple Sclerosis: Therapeutic targets for a challenging disease
Neurological diseases: The exercises that slow down the symptoms
Multiple Sclerosis: New drug may delay early symptoms of disease