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Multiple Sclerosis - MS LifeLines

An educational and supportive community for people living with multiple sclerosis.

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"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 bit, 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 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. Efficacy has been established in controlled studies up to 2 years in duration. 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 and the Rebif logo is a trademark of EMD Serono, Inc. or its affiliates.

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