March 2025
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an aggressive autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system causing the body to attack the tissue that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. This neurological disease affects nearly 1 million Americans and continues to increase. March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month to educate individuals about the disease and help support those living with it.
Myelin is a protective sheath around nerves and is what carries the signals that controls functions such as vision, sensation and movement around the body. Multple Sclerosis causes the immune system to become overactive, which results in mistaking healthy myelin as harmful and attacking it (this is called demyelination). When the myelin is damaged, signals have difficulty passing through the body and leads to developing symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis.
Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis vary by person, however, here are the most common:
- Fatigue
- Clumsiness or loss of balance and coordination
- Dizziness
- Numbness (usually affecting one side of the face or body)
- Cognitive function difficulty
- Mood changes
- Muscle stiffness and spasms
- Changes to vision
Though there is no clear cause for Multiple Sclerosis, there are a number of factors that have been linked to increasing the risk of developing the disease:
- Smoking
- Toxin exposure (secondhand smoke and pesticides)
- Low levels of vitamin D
- Exposure to viruses
- Childhood obesity
- Genetics
Multiple Sclerosis is diagnosed by a neurologist based on tests, such as a blood test, MRI, optical coherence omography, lumbar puncture, or evoked potential test. Once a person is diagnosed, treatment will begin. Though there is no cure for Multiple Sclerosis, there are treatment options that focus on managing symptoms and minimizing further damage such as medications and physical therapy.
As a Local 663 member, you have access to TEAM, an employee assistance provider, at no cost to you. (800) 634-7710 | www.startwithteam.com
To ensure you receive all pertinent information, please update your address with the Fund Office, Wilson-McShane Corporation, when you move. To update your information, you may access the Change of Personal Information Form from the website www.663benefits.com. You may also call (952) 851-5797 or toll-free (844) 468-5917 to request a Change of Information Form.