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"I learned to see life in a different way."

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Spring Into Action!
Four Tips to Help You Get Through the Winter Doldrums

No matter if you live in Portland, ME or Phoenix, AZ, after weeks of shorter days and colder nights, winter can begin to wear on you.

Although we are in the home stretch, and the beginning of spring is almost in sight, many people are experiencing a case of the winter doldrums. If you're one of these people, for your own health and well-being, it's important to identify ways to lose those blues and reenergize yourself. Fortunately, MS LifeLines is here to help you do just that!

1. Break from the norm.

When the days are short and the temperatures frigid, it is easy to get caught up in a daily routine.

Wake-up. Get ready for your day. Go to work. Hunker down for the evening. Sleep. Repeat.

Sometimes, experiencing the "same old, same old" each day for an extended stretch can take a toll on your mental well-being. To buck the trend, whenever possible, try to spice up your routine. Meet some friends out for dinner at your favorite restaurant. Join a book club. Take the kids to see a movie. No matter the activity, the key is to set aside some time to enjoy life and shake things up a bit!

2. Dine on some food for thought.

Are those holiday pounds hanging around like houseguests who have overstayed their welcome? Has your "holiday diet" become your daily routine? If so, now is a great time to get invigorated and take steps to become a healthier you. Incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet. Opt for a healthy snack. Drink plenty of water.

The power to make a change is with you! You know your body and what you're eating better than anyone else. Of course, if you need specific dietary advice, talk with your doctor or a nutritionist.

3. Get moving! Hibernating is for bears, not for you.

When the weather is so dreary, sometimes it can be difficult to find the motivation to stay active. That's why it's important to energize yourself, get back into the swing of things and start exercising.

If you don't already belong to one, you may want to consider joining a gym. The same is true for developing a workout schedule and routine. Maybe enlist the help of a personal trainer. Or, if gyms aren't your speed, maybe you can take a brisk walk around the local mall or ride an exercise bike in your basement.

Of course, if the weather doesn't bother you, and it isn't too cold and wet, you can always take a walk outside or go for a quick jog. If you enjoy winter sports, try snowshoeing or cross country skiing. Remember, making time for regular exercise is always smart practice. It can improve both your physical and mental well-being.

As always, talk with your health care provider to determine the exercise regimen that will work best for you.

4. Soak in the sunshine.

The sun isn't on vacation during the winter, but sometimes it sure feels that way. If only to stay warm, many people spend an inordinate amount of time indoors during the winter. As a result, if you're not proactive, you can go days without adequate exposure to sunlight. To help you get your daily fix of sunlight, set aside some time to go outside during the day and soak in some rays. Whether you go for a 10 minute walk or simply step outside for a breath of fresh air, do your best to schedule an appointment with the sun whenever possible. It can go a long way towards improving your mood!

Of course, no matter the season, it's always a good idea to learn more about nutrition, exercise and other ways you can improve your health and live well with MS.

Brought to you by EMD Serono, Inc. and Pfizer Inc., the co-marketers of Rebif® (interferon beta-1a) in the US EMD SeronoPfizer

Prescribing Information - Medication Guide

This information is intended only for residents of the United States.

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 the treatment of chronic progressive multiple sclerosis. Rebif is available by prescription only in 22 mcg and 44 mcg pre-filled syringes and a titration pack.

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, and blood 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, liver problems, risk to pregnancy, injection site problems and severe allergic reactions. Allergic reactions are rare and may be associated with difficulty breathing and loss of consciousness, which requires 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 immediately if you have any of these symptoms or feel sad, tired, hot or cold, experience hives, rashes, bruising, yellowing of the skin, or a change in body weight (gain or loss).

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 healthcare provider. For additional information about Rebif, please consult the Medication Guide or Prescribing Information and talk to your doctor. You can also 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 of EMD Serono, Inc. or its affiliates.

MS in Balance is a service mark of EMD Serono, Inc. or its affiliates.

Copyright 2008 EMD Serono, Inc. All rights reserved.