Archived Webinars

COVID-19

The MS Society offered a series of COVID-19 specific webinars in 2020 and 2021:

Feb 2021:

Covid-19 Vaccines and MS

June 2020:

Research Update: Covid-19 and MS

May 2020:

MS and Mental Health - During a Pandemic

April 2020: 

MS & COVID-19 Series (3 webinars with relevant experts)
 

Hear from the Experts: Stem Cells Research & Treatment in MS

This webinar was recorded October 3rd, 2023

Watch recording here: Stem Cells Research & Treatment in MS

Hear from the Experts: Concrete Strategies for Building Resilience

This webinar was recorded February 7th, 2023

Watch with french subtitles here: Hear from the Experts: Concrete Strategies for Building Resilience (French subtitles)

Hear from the Experts: Cognitive Impairment in MS: What Does It Mean To Me?    

This webinar was recorded September 5th, 2023

Watch recording here: Cognitive Impairment in MS: What Does It Mean To Me?

Hear from the Experts: Fatigue in MS

This webinar was recorded July 4th, 2023

Watch recording here: Fatigue in MS

Hear from the Experts: Managing Mental Health Associated with Chronic Illness

This webinar was recorded June 13th, 2023

Watch recording here: Managing Mental Health Associated with Chronic Illness

Hear from the Experts: Working With Your Pharmacy for Enhanced Wellness

This webinar was recorded June 6th, 2023

Watch recording here: Working With Your Pharmacy for Enhanced Wellness

Hear from the Experts: Staying Active to Enhance Your Physical Wellness

This webinar was recorded May 2nd, 2023

Watch recording here: Staying Active to Enhance Your Physical Wellness

Hear from the Experts: Creating Financial Wellness

This webinar was recorded April 4th, 2023

Watch recording here: Creating Financial Wellness

Hear from the Experts: Setting Workable Wellness Goals

This webinar was recorded March 7th, 2023

Watch recording here:  Setting Workable Wellness Goals

Hear from the Experts: Concrete Strategies for Building Resilience

This webinar was recorded Feb 7, 2023

Watch recording here: Concrete Strategies for Building Resilience

Hear from the Experts: Lifestyle Choices & MS

This webinar was recorded December 8th, 2022

Watch recording here: Hear from the Experts: Lifestyle Choices & MS

Watch with French Subtitles here: Hear from the Experts: Lifestyle Choices & MS(French Subtitles)

Hear from the Experts: Dietary Choices & MS

This webinar was recorded November 10th, 2022

Watch recording here: Hear from the Experts: Dietary Choices & MS 

Hear from the Experts: Care That’s Not a Bubble Bath: The Concept of Two Cups of Tea

This webinar was recorded October 13th, 2022

Watch recording here: Hear from the Experts: Care That’s Not a Bubble Bath: The Concept of Two Cups of Tea 

Hear from the Experts: COVID-19 & MS Update

This webinar was recorded September 29th, 2022

Watch recording here: Hear from the Experts: COVID-19 & MS Update 

Watch with French Subtitles here: Hear from the Experts: COVID-19 & MS Update (French Subtitles)

Hear From the Experts: Unpredictability & Uncertainty When You Have MS Diagnosis

This webinar was recorded September 15th, 2022

Watch recording here: Hear From the Experts: Unpredictability & Uncertainty When You Have MS Diagnosis 

Watch with French subtitles here: Hear from the Experts: Unpredictability & Uncertainty When You Have MS Diagnosis (French subtitles)

Hear from the Experts: Workplace Challenges & Accommodations When You Have Multiple Sclerosis 

This webinar was recorded June 1, 2022

Watch recording here: Hear from the Experts: Workplace Challenges & Accommodations When You Have Multiple Sclerosis 

About the webinar: It is natural to wonder how MS might affect your ability to work. It isn’t possible to predict how MS might affect you, but the majority of people with MS lead fulfilling lives and continue working. Employers are becoming more adept at accommodating employees with chronic illness or disability. You need to know your rights when it comes to workplace accommodation; the Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work (CCRW) is available to support individuals to ensure equal treatment and access to employment.

Hear from the Experts: Tips For Better Sleep

This webinar was recorded July 14, 2022

Watch recording here: Hear from the Experts: Tips For Better Sleep 

Watch with French subtitles here: Hear from the Experts: Tips for Better Sleep (French Subtitles) 

About the webinar: Do you experience insomnia? Does it take a long time to fall asleep? Mid-night awakenings? Your sleep is not refreshing? This webinar highlights the sleep challenges that people with MS may face; plus, practices to overcome sleep disturbances including the most effective drug-free strategies that promote better and more restful sleep. Presenter Kathy Somers runs the Stress Management and High Performance Clinic in Guelph, Ontario. She is a registered Kinesiologist who is certified in stress management education and for over 30 years she has taught relaxation and stress management skills. Learn about Sleep Hygiene and what you can do to help improve the quality of your sleep.

Hear from the Experts: Family Well-Being When Someone Has MS – Realistic Possibilities

This webinar was recorded May 26, 2022

Watch recording here:  Hear from the Experts: Family Well-Being When Someone Has MS – Realistic Possibilities

Hear From The Experts: Epstein-Barr Virus Associated with Development of MS

This webinar was recorded March 29, 2022

Watch recording here:  Hear From The Experts: Epstein-Barr Virus Associated with Development of MS

Hear from the Experts: CRA Benefits 

This webinar was recorded March 23, 2022

Watch recording here: coming soon

About the webinar: The Government of Canada offers a variety of services and financial benefits to assist people with disabilities and their families. Join us as we welcome James Barclay, Volunteer & Outreach Officer from the Canada Revenue Agency for this informative presentation about the benefits that are available from the Government of Canada. Please note the live presentation will be given in English only.

English Webinar part 1
English Webinar part 2
Webinaire en française première partie
Webinaire en française deuxième partie

Hear from the Experts: Maintaining Health Through Movement

This webinar was recorded February 28, 2022

Watch recording here: Hear from the Experts: Maintaining Health Through Movement

About the webinar: This webinar highlights the benefit of staying active with MS, plus practical tips and wellness strategies. Also provided is an overview of the virtual Wellness Programs, tailored to people affected by MS, that are offered by the MS Society of Canada. The broadcast was presented in English but French subtitles have been added.

Generic and Biosimilar Therapies for MS Treatment

This webinar was recorded June 30, 2021

Watch recording here: Generic and Biosimilar Therapies for MS Treatment

About the webinar: Dr. Mark Freedman discusses biosimilar and generic drugs and provides information that will help you through the treatment decision making process.

Demystifying MS Research

This webinar was recorded April 20, 2021

Watch recording here: Demystifying MS Research

About the webinar: Dr. Julie Petrin explains how to confidently navigate the complex world of MS research. She reviews key questions to ask yourself as you attempt to evaluate research and how it applies to your life. She discusses concepts that are important in research including: peer-review, blinding, randomization, study design, and level of evidence while also delving into the structure of research articles, making it easier for you to find the information you need to make informed decisions.

How to Take Charge of Your MS

This webinar was recorded on Sept 23, 2020

Watch recording here: How to Take Charge of Your MS

About this webinar: With several different options for managing multiple sclerosis do you sometimes feel overwhelmed when trying to decide what is best for you? Assessing all of the information you hear can be difficult, but it is critical to helping you take charge of your MS.

How Physical Activity Supports MS Management

This webinar was recorded on July 14, 2020

Watch recording here: How Physical Activity Supports MS Management

About this webinar: Research has provided evidence to support that exercise is beneficial and safe for people living with MS and it is now considered to be an important aspect of the overall management of the disease. However, many people have a hard time identifying what physical activity works best for their body and/or fitting it into their routine.

Building Resiliency for Caregivers

This webinar was recorded on May 28, 2020

Watch recording here: Building Resiliency for Caregivers

About this webinar: Caring for individuals with MS may be demanding and these responsibilities are altered and heightened during a health crisis like COVID-19. Self-care, while important, often takes a back seat. However, self-care discussions can often be either too broad or packed with time and energy consuming activities essentially adding more things to the plates of already busy people. The MS Society is bringing together two speakers who will help refocus and reframe this discussion to focus on manageable, concrete, and realistic ways for caregivers to shore up their resilience and take care of themselves.

Self Advocacy: Your voice matters

This webinar took place on October 21st 2020. The session was hosted by the MS Society of Canada and was funded in part by the Law Foundation of British Columbia.

Watch recording here: Self Advocacy: Your voice matters

About the webinar: Self-advocacy is important in educating others about your needs and empowering yourself to achieve your goals, whether it is to get information, change legislation and policy, or to obtain a service. We understand being a self-advocate can be a stressful and overwhelming process, especially for those living with a disability. This webinar will provide information and guidance on how to be an effective self-advocate, including advocating for yourself through government channels and the medical system.

MS 101: Newly Diagnosed

This webinar was recorded October 27, 2022.

Watch recording here: MS 101: Newly Diagnosed

Watch with French subtitles here: MS 101: Newly Diagnosed (French Subtitles)

This webinar series was recorded in Oct 2020.

Watch recordings here: MS 101 - Sessions 1,2,3

About the webinar: Being newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) can be an overwhelming and confusing time. The MS Society hosted a three-part webinar series on a variety of topics for people who are beginning their MS journey.

Vitamin D and MS

This webinar was recorded on November 27, 2019.

Watch recording here: Vitamin D and MS

About the webinar: In this webinar, learn more about what vitamin D is, the origin of the interest in vitamin D in MS, what is known about vitamin D deficiency as a risk factor for MS, and what studies are being conducted to learn if vitamin D can be used as an additional disease-modifying treatment for MS.

Pregnancy and MS

This webinar was recorded on June 18, 2019 with funding from Shoppers Love. You., a leader in supporting the health of Canadian women living with MS.

Watch recording here: Pregnancy and MS

About the webinar: Dr. Sadovnick discusses various issues in the decision-making process about reproduction (“reproductive counselling”) including topics such as the safety of MS therapies, fertility, management of MS prior to conception until delivery, breastfeeding, MS relapses, and psychosocial considerations. MS. Rebecca Scott Rawn shares her experience of flare ups, meltdowns and workarounds as she managed through her two pregnancies after being diagnosed with MS.

Exploring Nutrition and MS

This webinar was recorded on May 27, 2019.

Watch recording here: Exploring Nutrition and MS

About the webinar: This workshop discussed the most common naturopathic treatment approaches for MS, with an emphasis on nutrition. Latest research in nutrition and MS and a variety of dietary protocols and how optimizing your diet can support your neurological system was also discussed.

The Disability Tax Credit for People with Multiple Sclerosis

This webinar was recorded on November 21, 2018 as part of the National Education Series

Watch recording here: The Disability Tax Credit for People with Multiple Sclerosis

strong>About the webinar: The disability tax credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit that helps person with disabilities to reduce the amount of income tax they may have to pay. Some people living with MS may qualify for the DTC. This webinar helps participants to understand how the DTC may benefit them, who may be eligible, and how to apply to Canada Revenue Agency with the support of a medical practitioner. Speakers from the MS Society BCY Volunteer Legal Advocacy Program (VLAP) and from the Disability Alliance of BC (DABC) provide this overview, as well as information on how you can access the assistance of an advocate if you are apply for the DTC.

This session was hosted by the British Columbia & Yukon Division of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada. It was offered free of charge and was funded in part by the Law Foundation of British Columbia.

Comprendre les troubles cognitifs, trucs et astuces

Ce webinaire a été enregistrée le 29 novembre, 2018, et il a été présenté par le Division de Québec.

Pour regarder l'enregistrement, cliquez ici :Comprendre les troubles cognitifs, trucs et astuces

Résumé : Plus de 50 % des personnes ayant la SP présentent des troubles cognitifs au fil de l’évolution de la maladie. En quoi consistent ces troubles et comment les reconnaître? Quelle en est la cause? Quelles sont les stratégies qui permettent de mieux composer avec ce type de symptômes? La présentatrice expliquera de quelle façon la SP influe sur le fonctionnement cognitif et parlera des fonctions les plus souvent touchées : vitesse de traitement de l’information, attention, concentration, mémoire, organisation, inhibition et résolution de problèmes. Vous en apprendrez plus sur les facteurs qui peuvent contribuer aux troubles cognitifs et sur les moyens qui permettent de limiter l’impact de ces derniers. Quelques stratégies d’intervention telles que l’adaptation de l’environnement et les méthodes de compensation seront également explorées.

Physical Activity and MS: You can do it!

This webinar was recorded on October 11, 2018 as part of the National Education Series

Watch recording here: Physical Activity and MS

About the webinar: This webinar reviews the benefits of exercise and physical activity for individuals with MS, the basic principles of exercise, and introduce ways to integrate more physical activity and exercise into daily life.

Cannabis and MS

This webinar was recorded on October 3, 2018 as part of the National Education Series

Watch recording here: Cannabis and MS

About the webinar: Management of MS symptoms can involve a wide array of medications, many of which may come with undesirable side effects. This speaks to the ever growing number of individuals living with MS, who are now turning to cannabis as a treatment plan option. This webinar reviews the basics of medical cannabis, as well as an in depth look at available products, usage, administration methods, and access to safe medication. Emphasis will be made on the use of cannabis treatment specific to the management of MS symptoms.

Preparing For The Future: Where There's A Will, There's A Way

This webinar was recorded on July 10, 2018 as part of the National Education Series.

Watch recording here: Preparing for the Future

About the webinar: Whether one is healthy, or coping with a chronic illness such as MS, planning for aging and long term care needs is an ever-present, but too often an unmet need. Long term planning can easily be put on the shelf, when families are faced with trying to survive more pressing daily challenges—such as how to get the food shopping done or getting the most out of a medical appointment. This webinar will provide practical tips on planning for and meeting both the little and big planning challenges that face us all—from when is the right time to retire, to re-evaluating your location, to an easy way to keep your advance directive current.

Living with Grief Long Before Death

This webinar was recorded on June 26, 2018 for the Caregiver Network in partnership with the Alzheimer Society, Parkinson Canada, and the MS Society of Canada.

Watch recording here: Living with Grief

About the webinar: Grief is not just experienced after a death; those of us with life-altering and life-limiting conditions often live with grief that is not recognized or understood by others, including health care professionals. This grief is another factor that can separate us from our communities. It may last for a life-time, years, months or days prior to any death.This webinar will explore the concept of how grief can be part of our ongoing lives that may begin at diagnosis or the first presentation of symptoms and continues to death and beyond, along with strategies to incorporate this grief into our lives and to use it to thrive.

The Evolving Landscape of MS Treatment

This webinar was recorded on May 29, 2018, as part of the National Education Series.

Watch recording here: The Evolving Landscape of MS Treatment

About the webinar: ‘The Evolving Landscape of MS Treatment’, provides a brief overview of an assortment of subjects from a patient-oriented standpoint. In particular, our presenter discusses the below topics as they pertain to the management of MS.

Drug development and patient safety Biosimilars and their regulation Recent drug news and future prospects Drug support programs The role for atypical and controversial therapies Patient advocacy issues The role of the pharmacist in MS management

Successfully Riding the Waves of Emotion: Coping with the Uncertainty of MS

This webinar was recorded on April 12, 2018, as part of the National Education Series.

Watch recording here: Coping with the Uncertainty of MS

About the webinar: Just when you seem to have adjusted to the reality of MS, something else changes. New symptoms, a day of weakness and decreased mobility, relationship stress, greater fatigue, or a full blown relapse. The stress and uncertainty of a chronic and unpredictable health condition can be irritating, frightening, challenging and at times unbearable. You are not alone. MS calls upon us to use and develop internal and external resources to keep our lives meaningful and enjoyable. This webinar invites you to acknowledge emotions you face on the journey and to explore ways of adapting to and coping with the reality of MS.

Current Advances in Multiple Sclerosis

This webinar was recorded on March 7, 2018, as part of the National Education Series.

Watch recording here: Current Advancee in Multiple Sclerosis

About the webinar: This presentation covers two main domains based on Dr. Michael Namaka's recent book chapter on Multiple Sclerosis published in the textbook entitled "Therapeutic Choices". This includes a comprehensive overview of the underlying pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis with special attention to the relapsing remitting form of the disease, and discussion of currently available treatment strategies for the relapsing remitting form of the disease.

La santé du corps et de l’esprit

Ce webinaire a été enregistrée le 28 février, 2018, et il a été présenté par le Division de Québec.

Pour regarder l'enregistrement, cliquez ici : La santé du corps et de l’esprit

Résumé : Les personnes atteintes d’une maladie dégénérative comme la sclérose en plaques cherchent de plus en plus des options thérapeutiques holistiques et ont un intérêt croissant pour ces dernières. Une telle approche vise l’optimisation de la santé et du bien-être des patients au moyen d’interventions leur permettant de modifier leur mode de vie. Rose-Marie Giroux abordera ce vaste sujet et sera là pour répondre à vos questions.

Making Sense of a New Diagnosis

This webinar was recorded on November 28, 2017, presented by the British Columbia & Yukon Division.

Watch recording here: Making Sense of a New Diagnosis

About the webinar: This presentation is designed to support anyone newly diagnosed with MS in managing the emotional and psychological impact of their diagnosis. Traditional models of illness adjustment tend to emphasize ways to cope with loss and manage a decline in functioning. Instead, speaker Michelle Srdanovic focuses on re-framing this understandable adjustment as an ongoing transition to a “new normal”. She offers information, strategies and tips that will encourage participants to find ways to live along-side their MS diagnosis instead of allowing it to hijack their identity. Related issues such as self-care, the impact of having MS on relationships, and support for care-givers will also be addressed.

Income Security and MS: Planning for the Future

This webinar was recorded on November 8, 2017, presented by the Volunteer Legal Advocacy Program (VLAP) from the British Columbia & Yukon Division.

Watch recording here: Income Security and MS: Planning for the Future

About the webinar: Multiple Sclerosis is an unpredictable and episode disease which can have a profound impact on the ability to earn a living. Should maintaining employment income become difficult or no longer possible, it is important to understand the income supports and disability benefits available and how to access them. This webinar will help participants gather information about EI Sickness Benefits, Long Term Disability, and Canada Pension Plan – Disability, in order to plan for the future, in the case that ability to work is at some point impacted by MS.

"I don't know what to say..." Beginning Difficult Conversations

This webinar was recorded on Oct 25, 2017 for the Caregiver Network in partnership with the Alzheimer Society, Parkinson Canada, and the MS Society of Canada.

Watch recording here: Beginning Difficult Conversations

About the webinar: This webinar explores some of the main factors that make certain conversations particularly difficult to have. Challenging topics are discussed and strategies are presented to help you address these situations. A question and answer session with the panel of social workers who have expertise in Multiple Sclerosis/Parkinson’s Disease/ Alzheimer’s disease is also provided.

Diet and MS

This webinar was recorded on Sep 20, 2017 as part of the National Education Series.

Watch recording here: Diet and MS

About the webinar: We explore information related to diet and multiple sclerosis. We will discuss existing evidence for dietary considerations among individuals with multiple sclerosis including evidence for vitamin supplementation. Following discussion, we provide recommendations for modifiable risk factors in multiple sclerosis.

Alternative and Complementary Therapies & MS

This webinar was recorded on May 23, 2017 as part of the National Education Series.

Watch recording here: Alternative and Complementary Therapies & MS

About the webinar: This webinar highlights evidence-based approaches to alternative and complementary multiple sclerosis care. Dr. Muradov discusses common natural agents that are being investigated as disease modifying therapies as well as alternative and complementary treatments for symptom management. LDN, CBD, Borage, Vitamin D, Curcumin, B12 and Thiamine are discussed.

MS: Depression, Cognition, and Fatigue

This webinar was recorded on April 25, 2017 as part of the National Education Series.

Watch recording here: MS: Depression, Cognition, and Fatigue

About the webinar: In addition to its physical symptoms, MS may bring about changes in mood and cognition. At first, it may be difficult to adjust to the diagnosis of a disorder that is unpredictable, and carries a risk of progressing over time to some level of physical disability. In the face of MS, people may tend to focus primarily on their physical health and neglect their emotional health—which is an essential component of overall health and wellness.

Cognitive and Brain Changes in MS

This webinar was recorded on March 27, 2017 as part of the National Education Series.

Watch recording here: Cognitive and Brain Changes

About the webinar: Changes in thinking and memory are common in MS and can be a challenge to everyday functioning, quality of life, and independence. This webinar will provide an overview on measurement of cognitive changes in MS and their underlying brain changes. Risk and protective factors for MS brain health will be summarized, with an outlook on strategies to address them.

Research Updates

This webinar was recorded on Feb 23, 2017 as part of the National Education Series.

Watch recording here: Research Updates

About the webinar:

Have you ever wondered…

• How does the MS Society allocate funds for research?

• How is MS research done in Canada?

• What is current in research & what does the future hold?

Bladder and Bowel Continence... Meet Your Friend the Pelvic Floor Muscle

This webinar was recorded on Jan 31, 2017 as part of the National Education Series.

Watch recording here: Bladder and Bowel Continence

About the webinar: Bladder and bowel control is challenging for many people, and men and women with multiple sclerosis often report struggles in this area. The pelvic floor muscle is responsible for opening and closing the bladder and bowel and, therefore, plays an important role in continence. This presentation will discuss the functions of this muscle and how healthy diet and lifestyle combined with pelvic floor muscle exercise can prevent or improve issues with bladder and bowel dysfunction. Pelvic floor physiotherapists work directly with this muscle and can help with those struggling with bladder and bowel issues. The role of the pelvic floor physiotherapist and the treatments they offer will also be presented. Please join us to learn more about what you can do for yourself to improve your bladder and bowel health as well as to learn about the conservative medical treatment options that may be helpful to you.

MS Fatigue Management

This webinar was recorded on November 3rd, 2016 as part of the National Education Series.

Watch recording here: MS Fatigue Management

About the webinar: Fatigue is one of the least understood and most frequent symptoms of MS. Many have reported that their fatigue levels fluctuate on a day-to-day basis and impact all areas of daily life. During this webinar you will learn from an Occupational Therapist how to recognise different types of fatigue, understand their contributing factors and develop strategies to manage your fatigue using a methodical approach. The event was hosted by BC and Yukon Division and featured Denise Kendrick OT.

Learning How to Get the Help You Need: How Caregivers can Navigate the Health and Social Care System

This webinar was recorded on May 26, 2016 for the Caregiver Network in partnership with the Alzheimer Society, Parkinson Canada, and the MS Society of Canada.

Watch recording here: Learning How to Get the Help You Need

About the webinar: This webinar aims to provide an overview of how care partners can navigate different systems, and share different resources that care partners can use to help support themselves and their loved ones living with chronic health conditions.

Working it Out: MS and Employment

This webinar was recorded on Feb 24, 2016 as part of the National Education Series.

Watch recording here: Working it Out

About the webinar: Multiple sclerosis can have a profound impact on the ability to earn a living. The unpredictable and episodic nature of the disease leaves people affected by MS with many overwhelming questions and decisions. This session will help participants navigate the landscape of employment issues as they relate to MS.

Taking Care of Yourself Through the Ups and Downs of Caregiving

This webinar was recorded on December 10, 2015 for the Caregiver Network in partnership with the Alzheimer Society, Parkinson Canada, and the MS Society of Canada.

Watch recording here: Taking Care of Yourself Through the Ups and Downs of Caregiving

About the webinar: Caregivers play a major role taking care of family members with neurological health conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis. Many caregivers would not have it any other way. Yet, caregivers need help to see to their own needs. We know that stress can be a serious issue and can lead to poorer health for caregivers.