The LIFE Program for MS: Lifestyle, Independence, Fitness and Energy

by Susan J. Epstein

Due to some of the limitations imposed by MS, such as chronic fatigue, depression, and muscle weakness, patients often become sedentary, gaining excess weight and developing poor eating and exercise habits. The LIFE Program for MS is a user-friendly teaching tool that helps sufferers to incorporate new behaviors into their daily routines, to live a healthier life and reduce the chances of secondary illnesses, such as cancer, stroke, and heart disease. Drawing on her own experience as a professional athlete, as well as her work at the Jacobs Neurological Institute in Buffalo, New York, Susan J. Epstein provides readers with tips and strategies for healthy eating, managing weight, incorporating exercise into daily life, and managing and conserving both mental and physical energy for daily living. She also emphasizes the importance of establishing a support system of coaches who can provide the MS patient with motivation and reinforcement. Finally, she addresses the unpredictable
factors in life that affect behavior outcomes, whether family, environment, vocation, or self-awareness.

176 pages, Paperback

First published April 13, 2009

Reviews

[Lynnea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good ideas in this book. However, the first 114 (of 149 pages) talk about calories and how to manage them. In other words, the first 114 pages apply to anyone trying to manage their weight and didn't seem to apply specifically to an MS patient. Part IV begins talking about balancing schedules and energy, much like the "spoon theory." It was all common sense, but good to read. However, the visual of the energy "blocks" were confusing - the order in which they are drawn. I didn't understand that.
Overall, there were good ideas in this book but nothing extraordinary or that seemed specific to MS.