Multiple sclerosis
health session set

"The Healing Journal," a free emotional health program, will be held for multiple sclerosis patients, families and friends from 5:30 to 7 p.m. March 24 at the MS Office, 505 Kaaahi St.

'The Healing Journal' When: 5:30-7 p.m. March 24 Where: MS Office, 505 Kaaahi St.

David Shapiro, a Honolulu Advertiser newspaper columnist and MS patient, and Dr. Nancy Hughes, a clinical psychologist with the Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific, will facilitate the free session. It will include an introduction to keeping a journal, practice sessions and a discussion about "understanding and accepting ourselves."

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. Symptoms can range from numbness and blurred vision to paralysis and blindness. They also can include speech difficulties, balance and coordination problems, difficulty walking, pain, extreme fatigue, bladder and bowel problems.

They might come and go without warning, making it difficult for a person with MS to plan for the future, says the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Most cases are diagnosed in early adulthood, between the ages of 20 and 50.

Call 532-0806 for information and reservations for the program by March 23. Information also is available at that number about multiple sclerosis and other programs of the MS Hawaii Division.