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

Lifestyle Tips

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Stay Active, Spread Joy with Gift Baskets

A basket isn't just for doing laundry or a place to store things. It can be the perfect package for a present. When Rosanna selects a basket, she sees a world of possibilities.

"It's not the outside of a basket that counts. It's what you put into it," explains Rosanna.

Along with a creative selection of goodies personally tailored for each recipient, Rosanna, an MS LifeLines® Ambassador, puts her heart into every gift basket she assembles for friends and family members.

"I just love it. No two baskets are the same. I may fill one with an assortment of chocolates, while another may be for a tea drinker and include some cute cups and saucers," explains Rosanna. "It all depends on the person."

Most importantly, Rosanna's passion helps her focus on her loved ones, and not her relapsing MS.

The Gift that Keeps on Giving

As is the case with many popular hobbies, besides the pure enjoyment of the activity, there are benefits to basket making that can help you live well with MS. Here are just a few of the benefits that Rosanna experiences while she assembles her gift baskets.

  • She is able to keep her memory sharp by staying on top of her next steps, which materials to use and which goodies to purchase.
  • Because it's an indoor hobby, Rosanna can stay cool and avoid the heat and humidity outside her front door (i.e., Rosanna lives in Florida).
  • On days when Rosanna is feeling achy or fatigued, working on her baskets is a positive distraction. It helps take her mind off of her relapsing MS.
  • Traveling to and from various stores to gather all of her necessary materials keeps Rosanna active and engaged.

"Making baskets keeps me healthy and happy," explains Rosanna. "If you have a flare for the creative and are looking for a new way to stay active and live well with MS, maybe you should give basket making a try."

One Basket Does Not Fit All

If you think arranging baskets might be a hobby that interests you, but don't know where to begin, here are a few possibilities for you to consider:

  • "Lights, Camera, Action!" Basket - Do you have a friend who is a huge movie buff? If so, this basket should fit the bill. You could include a few DVD's, a gift card to a local theater, some popcorn and maybe a movie poster or two for good measure. It's the perfect basket for that aspiring film critic in your life.
  • "Spring has Sprung" Basket - Good-bye winter. Hello spring. Get that special person in your life reenergized and ready for warmer temperatures and longer days with this fun basket. You could include some fresh flowers and vegetables, a few seeds to plant, a bottle of sunscreen, and a map of walking trails in your area.
  • "Play Ball" Basket - Opening Day is right around the corner. Send that superfan in your life a basket full of baseball-related items. You could include a pair of tickets to an upcoming game, a team schedule, some fun snacks (e.g., popcorn, peanuts and sunflower seeds), a team hat and a few baseball cards. You could even autograph a baseball and turn it into a creative note!
  • "SuperDad" Basket - Ask any dad. Father's Day should be every day. Prepare that special dad in your life a basket full of some of his personal favorites. If he enjoys golfing, include a few balls, a glove and maybe a set of fun golf club covers. If he loves to read, you could include a gift card from his favorite book store along with a few hardcover classics. Be creative and have some fun with it!

Hopefully, these examples will get your creative juices flowing, and help you to develop your own personal gift basket ideas. Your friends and family members are sure to love them and you for thinking of them.

Of course, if basket making isn't your speed, there are an endless number of other potential hobbies out there for you to consider. Remember, no matter the hobby, what's important is that you stay active and have fun!

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.