"I learned to see life in a different way."
Dave, MS LifeLines Ambassador
Living with RRMS
Health Tips
Healthy Habits Made Simple
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle may be easier than you think. There are ways to "sneak" healthy habits
into your life—especially if you incorporate a few shortcuts. Under a doctor's supervision, find out if you
can take small steps to incorporate exercise into your lifestyle. For example, see if you can do the following:
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
- Walk short distances instead of driving.
- Take a low-impact aerobics class at your local gym.
- Play music while doing chores; it may put an extra spring in your step!
Eating healthy doesn't have to mean giving up good taste or require you to spend a lot of time and effort.
These tips may help:
- Buy precut vegetables and packaged lettuce for a quick salad.
- Buy precooked chicken breasts; add to salad or use in other recipes.
- Make smart substitutions when you can: a salad instead of chips or fruit instead of a cookie.
- You don't have to give up on your favorite treats (even decadent ones), as long as you enjoy them in moderation.
- When eating out: split your entrée—you'll still get all the flavor, but only half the fat and calories; you can either share your dish with your dining partner or have a ready-made meal for later.
- If you're in a fast food restaurant, choose a barbecued or grilled chicken sandwich instead of a burger.1
- Make your pasta with a meatless red sauce such as marinara, instead of alfredo or other cream sauce.1
- Have a drink of water or a piece of fruit a half hour before you eat so you'll be less likely to overeat at your meal.1
- Eat slowly. When you take time to savor each bite, you may not only eat less, you may enjoy your food even more.2
Whether you try one or more of these tips or you come up with some of your own shortcuts, we wish you a healthy and happy 2010!
1. University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. "Nutrition Care for You - Tips for Healthy Eating Out"
http://www.uhs.wisc.edu/docs/uwhealth_eating_out_203.pdf, 2004
2. HealthGuide.org "Healthy Eating, Tips for a Healthy Diet and Better Nutrition"
http://helpguide.org/life/healthy_eating_diet.htm, 2009
Brought to you by EMD Serono, Inc. and Pfizer Inc, the co-marketers of Rebif® (interferon beta-1a) in the US 
Prescribing Information - Medication Guide
This information is intended only for residents of the United States.
Indication
Rebif is used to treat relapsing forms of MS to decrease the frequency of relapses and delay the occurrence
of some of the physical disability that is common in people with MS. Rebif is not approved for treatment of
chronic progressive MS. Rebif is available in 22 mcg and 44 mcg prefilled, preassembled syringes and a titration
pack by prescription only.
Important Safety Information
Before beginning treatment, patients should discuss with their doctor the potential benefits and risks
associated with Rebif. Let your doctor know if you have a history of depression, seizures, liver disease,
thyroid problems, or blood cell count or bleeding problems, or if you have had previous allergic reactions
to medications. Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription
medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Rebif and other medicines may affect each other causing serious
side effects. Talk to your doctor before you take any new medicines. Rebif is not recommended for women who
are or plan to become pregnant.
Potential serious side effects of Rebif include depression and risk of suicide, liver problems, risk to
pregnancy, injection-site problems, and severe allergic reactions. Allergic reactions are rare and may be
associated with difficulty in breathing and loss of consciousness, which require immediate medical attention.
The most common side effects with Rebif are injection-site reactions, flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, muscle
aches, tiredness), depression, abdominal pain, increased liver enzymes, and blood cell count decreases. Let
your doctor know if you have any of these symptoms or feel sad, tired, hot or cold, or experience hives,
rashes, bruising, yellowing of the skin, or a change in body weight (gain or loss).
Compared with Avonex, side effects were generally similar despite the higher, more frequent dosing of Rebif.
Differences included people taking Avonex had more flulike symptoms than those taking Rebif. People taking
Rebif had a greater number of injection-site reactions, elevated liver enzymes, and decreased white blood cell
counts; these events also occurred more frequently with Rebif posttransition versus prior use of Avonex.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit
www.fda.gov/medwatch,
or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
This information is not intended to replace discussions with your doctor. For additional information about
Rebif, please consult the Prescribing Information and Medication Guide and talk to your doctor.
You can also visit www.mslifelines.com or call toll-free 1-877-44-REBIF (1-877-447-3243). Rebif is available
by prescription only.
MS LifeLines is an educational support service for people living with MS and their families. MS LifeLines and
MS LifeLines Ambassadors are sponsored by EMD Serono, Inc. and Pfizer Inc.
Rebif, Rebiject II and MS LifeLines are registered trademarks and the Rebif logo is a trademark of EMD Serono,
Inc. or its affiliates.
MS in Balance Your Life in Full is a service mark of EMD Serono, Inc. or its affiliates.
Copyright 2010 EMD Serono, Inc. All rights reserved.