Web ResourcesThis resource guide includes a list of organizations and web-sites that health care professionals have found helpful in caring for their clients and families with multiple sclerosis. The consumer sites are a useful information resource for the health care professional to recommend to their clients. This list is not exhaustive. Organizations will be added as they are submitted and reviewed by the CMSC Web-site Editorial Review Board.
Medicine
Medlineplus Health Information from the National Library of Medicine
A consumer resource that provides access to extensive information about specific diseases, conditions and drugs, including spellings and definitions of medical terms, generic and brand name drug information, locations and credentials of doctors, dentists and hospitals. (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/)
National Library of Medicine
A resource for healthcare providers that includes references and abstracts from 4300 biomedical journals, information for patients about clinical research studies, directory of health organizations and catalog of books, journals, and audiovisuals in the NLM collection. (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/)
National Library of Medicine (NLM) Gateway
The NLM Gateway is a multiple retrieval system, which allows for simultaneous searching in multiple databases. (http://www.Gateway.nlm.nih.gov/gw/Cmd)
American Academy of Neurology (AAN) The association web-site for neurologists and neuroscience professionals. This site offers medical economic updates, clinical practice tools and guidelines, research resources, CME, extensive education and training programs including mentorship, clerkship, fellowship and resident programs. Several publications are listed as well as the associations official journal Neurology which is available with a subscription. (http://www.aan.com)
The Whole Brain Atlas
A wonderful graphic site with good anatomical models to aid in patient and professional education. (http://www.med.harvard.edu/AANLIB/home.html) Multiple Sclerosis Complementary and Alternative Medicine (MS-CAM)
The Rocky Mountain MS Center runs this site, a non-profit corporation located in Colorado. The goal is to provide accurate unbiased reviews regarding Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) therapies in Multiple Sclerosis. Visitor registration is requested as well as a thirty-dollar ($30) annual subscription fee (free access can be obtained for those who are unable or unwilling to pay the fee). (http://www.ms-cam.org)
Neuroscience on the Internet
A searchable and browsable index of neuroscience resources available on the Internet: Neurobiology, neurology, neurosurgery, psychiatry, psychology, cognitive science sites and information on human neurological diseases. (http://www.neuroguide.com/)
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is dedicated to exploring complementary and alternative healing practices in the context of rigorous science; training CAM researchers; and disseminating authoritative information. Among other things, this site offers fact sheets, consensus statements, CAM databases, research and a clearinghouse of CAM information, a clinical trial section and links. (http://nccam.nih.gov)
Neuromuscular Information Services
The site provides timely information on topics that are pertinent to health care professionals who treat neuromuscular conditions. It is supported by an educational grant from Elan Pharmaceuticals. Neuromuscular Information
Services provides a knowledge base and interactive forum for health care professionals on neuromuscular conditions. Information provided in the site is for improving the quality of health care for neuromuscularly impaired patients. The site provides an archive of Pain Watch, a monthly broadcast faxed literature review to 18,000 pain practitioners, and Spasticity Watch, a bimonthly newsletter to 11,000 neurorehabilitation nurses.(www.neruomuscularinfo.com)
International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders The International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) is a nonprofit education and research organization that addresses issues surrounding digestive disorders.
Multiple sclerosis patients have often complained of bowel problems management. To address this need, IFFGD has published a brochure titled, “Bowel Problems Associated with Neurologic Disease.” In addition, IFFGD has a toll-free number that connects to staff members knowledgeable about gastrointestinal conditions and offers a library of publications that address constipation, bowel incontinence, and other related symptoms. (www.iffgd.org)
Multicultural
Multicultural Health Clearinghouse of the University of Illinois This site provides helpful health and wellness information and links to other health resources. (http://www.mckinley.uiuc.edu/multiculturalhealth/index.html)
Rural Information Center Health Service
The Hispanic/Latino community is the fastest growing minority population in the United States. It is estimated that Hispanics/Latinos will constitute the largest minority group in the United States by the year 2010. Meeting the health care needs of Hispanics requires an understanding of their social, cultural, economic, and physical environments. This site offers a good focused listing of links to information on Hispanic health. (http://www.nalusda.gov/ric/richs/hispanic.htm)
Office of Minority Health This is the US Department of Health and Human Services office of Minority Health. The mission of OMH is to improve the health of racial and ethnic populations through the development of effective health policies and programs that help to eliminate disparities in health. This site offers information on conference links, publications, data and statistics, health links, an extensive listing of government resources and an employment announcement section. (http://www.omhrc.gov)
Agape/Baylor Community Care Program
This site is a resource to help the health care professional better understand Hispanic patients, families and communities. Contains thoughtful, referenced articles about culture, communication, religious and health beliefs. The Agape clinic, is a cooperative community ministry and health program. Staffed by volunteer MD"s nurses, social workers, pharmacists, and other health, spiritual, and social service organizations. The site offers bilingual resources and links to translation sites. (http://www.baylor.edu/~Charles_Kemp/hispanic_health.htm)
New York On Line Access to Health (NOAH)
This site provides a variety of health information for consumers in both English and Spanish. (www.noah-health.org/index.html)
Latin America Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (LACTRIMS) LACTRIMS is a newly formed organization which was organized recently by neurologists representing clinical services in multiple sclerosis throughout Latin America (Mexico, Central America, Cuba, and South America) as well as the southern part of the United States. LACTRIMS is broadening its focus in the new millennium to include an MS team of health care professionals. ( http://www.lactrims.org.ar/)
Rehabilitation in Multiple Sclerosis (RIMS) RIMS is a network of MS Centers in Europe that are involved in clinical care and rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis. RIMS focuses on an interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary team approach to MS care. ( http://www.rims.be/)
Nursing
International Organization of Multiple Sclerosis Nurses (IOMSN) The IOMSN is the first and only international organization focused solely on the need and goals of professional nurses, anywhere in the world, who care for people with multiple sclerosis. Mentoring, educating, networking, and sharing, the IOMSN supports nurses in their continuing effort to offer hope. (http://www.iomsn.org)
Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN)
An association web-site offering information whose focus is improving people"s functional outcomes. The ARN is the certifying organization for rehabilitation nurses and offers a variety of online continuing education articles, conference information, a journal, certification information and practice test, and opportunities for networking. (http://www.rehabnurse.org)
American Nurses Association (ANA) The website of the ANA organization that represents the nations 2.6 million registered nurses through its state organizations. The site fosters high standards of nursing practice, promotes welfare of nurses and legislative lobbying of health care issues. It is a full service site with many offerings. It has a nice listing of useful web-site links. (http://www.nursingworld.com)
American Association of Neuroscience Nurses (AANN)
This is the association web-site of the AANN and is the certifying organization for neuroscience nurses. The web-site offers a newsletter, annual meeting information and certification information. This organization develops core curriculum and standards of practice for neuroscience nursing. (http://www.aann.org)
Behavioral Medicine Research Center (BMRC) The center is completing their studies on injection anxiety. They have developed a patient workbook and a counselor manual that they are making available through their website, www.ucsf.edu/bmrc.
Nutrition
American Dietetic Association
This is the official website of the largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The site includes resources for health professionals and consumers. It includes a nutrition tip of the day, a monthly feature, good nutrition reading list, nutrition fact sheets, how to find a nutrition professional in your area and a catalog of educational materials for purchase. (http://www.eatright.org)
Food Medication Interactions
This site offers two comprehensive, well-documented, up to date items of interest to professionals. The first, Food Medication Interactions Handbook by Zaneta F. Pronsky, MS, RD, LDN, FADA is available in handbook and software versions for Windows and Palm or Pocket PC. The other item of interest is The Herb-Drug Interactions Handbook by Sharon Herr, RD, CDN. A sample page from each can be viewed on the website. (http://www.foodmedinteractions.com)
Mission Pharmacal / CITRACAL
This web site for Mission Pharmacal Company"s calcium supplement, Citracal, includes an interactive "calcium counter" that allows individuals to evaluate the adequacy of their calcium intake. It also provides information on calcium requirements and dietary sources. The calcium counter requires flash 5 player. (http://www.citracal.com)
Quackwatch, Inc.
This website, operated by Dr. Stephen Barrett, for the non profit organization
which he began in 1969 as the Lehigh Valley Committee Against Health Fraud, provides
information about health care related frauds, hoaxes, myths and fallacies. It
critiques alternative medicines, dubious products, and questionable advertisements.
Information is well documented. Much of the information included here is not available
anywhere else. Information is available in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese.
(http://www.quackwatch.org)
Food and Nutrition Information Center
This website provides a wealth of information on general nutrition for professionals
and consumers. Included here are the MyPyramid, Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
Dietary Guidelines from Around the World are available by clicking under "Topics
A-Z"-Ethnic and Cultural Resources. (These should not be confused with bilingual
food guide pyramids which provide the food guide pyramid translated into many
languages, incorporating American and ethnic foods.) Materials are available in
downloadable format. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required and can be downloaded free
of charge here. (http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/)
MyPyramid.Gov
http://mypyramid.gov has replaced the web site about the Food Guide Pyramid. MyPyramid
is the new food guidance system, released by the USDA in April of 2005, based
on the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. It provides food guidance for the
general public, ages 2 and above. Included in the site is information about food,
physical activity and advice on balancing the two. "Inside the Pyramid" provides
detailed information about each food group, health benefits of each, what foods
are included, what constitutes a portion, and how to include the foods in your
diet. Colorful visuals are provided to help consumers estimate portions. "My Pyramid
Plan" can select an eating plan based on an individual's age, gender, height,
weight, and physical activity level. "My Pyramid Tracker" provides a personalized
assessment of food intake and physical activity. It can track up to one year,
helping consumers visualize changes over time. "My Pyramid for Kids" is an interactive
computer game for children 6-11 years old. (http://mypyramid.gov/)
Occupational Therapy
Abledata ABLEDATA is a federally funded project whose primary mission is to provide information on assistive technology and rehabilitation equipment available from domestic and international sources to consumers, organizations, professionals, and caregivers within the United States. The ABLEDATA database contains information on more than 30,000 assistive technology products (over 20,000 of which are currently available), from white canes to voice output. They do not produce, distribute or sell any of the products listed on the database, but they will provide you with information on how to contact manufacturers or distributors of these products. They are a national assistive technology information exchange. (http://www.abledata.com/)
American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
4720 Montgomery Lane PO Box 31220 Bethesda, MD 20824-1220 Tel: (301) 652-2682 TDD: 1-800-377-8555 Fax: (301) 652-7711 (http://www.aota.org)
Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED) The Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists was established as a nonprofit association in 1977 to support professionals working in the field of driver education / driver training and transportation equipment modifications for persons with disabilities through education and information dissemination. To locate a driver rehabilitation specialist in a specific area, visit their Membership Directory. (http://www.driver-ed.org)
Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT)
CTTC Building, Suite 3400 1125 Colonel By Drive Ottawa, ON K1S 5R1 Canada Tel: (613) 523-2268 / 1-800-434-2268 Fax: (613) 523-2552 (http://www.caot.ca/)
Closing the Gap, Inc.
Resource for computer technology in special education and rehabilitation. Through their newsletter, resource directory, annual conferences and web site, they provide practical up-to-date information on assistive technology products, procedures and best practices. (http://www.closingthegap.com)
National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA)
NMEDA is a non-profit trade association of mobility equipment dealers that provide vehicle modifications and equipment installation, manufacturers of equipment and other services, driver rehabilitation specialists, and other professionals dedicated to broadening the opportunities for people with disabilities to drive or be transported in vehicles modified with mobility equipment. (http://www.nmeda.org/)
Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) RESNA is a resource for technology-related services, information, or referrals. Many resources and links to other sites provided. (www.resna.org)
The Center for Universal Design
The Center for Universal Design is a national research, information, and technical assistance center that evaluates, develops, and promotes universal design in housing, public and commercial facilities, and related products. (www.ncsu.edu/ncsu/design/cud)
The Home Wheelchair Ramp Project
MCIL (Metropolitan Center for Independent Living)
How to Build Wheelchair Ramps for Homes is a manual of design and construction for modular wheelchair ramps. This manual includes information about ramps and long-tread low-riser steps to improve safe home accessibility. (http://www.wheelchairramp.org/)
Trace Research & Development Center
The Trace Center is currently working on ways to make standard information technologies and telecommunications systems more accessible and usable by people with disabilities. (http://www.tracecenter.org/)
Patient Information National Multiple Sclerosis Society
A resource for individuals with MS and their families that provides information pertaining to living with MS, MS treatment, scientific progress, publications and its organization structure and functions. Provides information about MS specialty centers, ongoing basic and clinical research, MS Society publications for professionals, funding opportunities for research, and an annotated bibliography for healthcare professionals. (http://www.nationalmssociety.org)
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
Welcome to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada web site. Just click the links at the right and left of your screen for information about the disease, progress in MS research, available services, details about fund raising events and donation opportunities and quick access to the MS Society in your region and local community. (http://www.mssociety.ca)
Multiple Sclerosis Association of America
The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for those affected by multiple sclerosis. MSAA provides ongoing support and direct services to individuals with MS and their families. (http://www.msaa.com)
Multiple Sclerosis Foundation
Great source of basic information about MS. Website has interactive, multimedia MS library and online forum. Those who are interested can join the mailing list to subscribe to MSFocus a complimentary quarterly magazine and the MS Foundation newsletter. (http://www.msfacts.org/)
International Federation of MS Societies (IFMSS)
The Federation seeks to work in worldwide partnership with member MS societies and the international research community to eliminate MS and its consequences and to speak out globally on behalf of those affected by MS. Patients can access MS symptoms, definitions and publications; professional publications are access at this site. (www.msif.org)
Understanding MS
UnderstandingMS.com delivers current information on multiple sclerosis, and enables people with MS to make informed treatment and quality of life decisions. The site offers a full range of information about treatments, lifestyle issues, and new research. This site has webcasts, which are moderated Audio or Video discussions between leading health professionals on a particular topic. Before or during a live webcast, a viewer can e-mail questions to a particular panelist. (http://www.understandingms.com/)
Mswatch
This website is dedicated to managing MS. Patients have the ability to keep a diary on the site, ask an expert a question, and communicate with other MS patients via the message boards. Note - Although this site is sponsored by Teva Marion Partners, it is unbiased. (http://www.mswatch.com/)
Computer Literate Advocates for MS (CLAMS)
This website strives to bring those with MS out of isolation and into computer communications for support, companionship and information with others sharing the disease. CLAMS is comprised of people who are provisionally diagnosed or diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This site can be used as a resource for finding healthcare providers in MS who have been recommended by people with MS. Also has good links to other sites. (http://www.clams.org/)
Healthfinder
Sponsored by the Department of Health and Human Services, Healthfinder is a consumer resource that provides access to health information pertaining to prevention and self-care, latest government health news, Medicare, and other health topics of interest across all ages. This website provides links to other health-related websites. (http://www.healthfinder.gov)
Caregiving Online
Provides a support system for caregivers (professional or family member) through tips, real life stories, and message boards. (http://www.caregiving.com/)
ElderWeb
ElderWeb is an ongoing learning activity born out of the expressed needs of older adults trying to cope with the expanding world of technology. It has links to long term care information, as well as an expanding library of articles and reports, news, and events. Includes information on elder care and links to legal, financial, medical and housing issues. The site is accessible to handicapped-enabled and text-only browsers; text size can be increased or decreased. (http://www.elderweb.org/)
Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect This site is a place for the consumer to gain important information on nursing home abuse and neglect, and what can be done about it, federal and state law, steps in filing a complaint. The website was developed by an investigative and consulting firm that assists law firms in the investigation and litigation of federal qui tam lawsuits and state wrongful death, abuse and neglect actions. Also has links to sites that are useful to senior citizens. (http://www.txlegal.com/nursing.htm)
Multiple Sclerosis Trust
The MS Trust is a leading independent UK charity for people with multiple sclerosis, their families and friends, and for all health professionals. The Library and Information Service (LIS) is provided to meet the information needs of people with MS and health professionals working with people with MS in the UK. (http://www.mstrust.org.uk/)
Multiple Sclerosis Society of UK The MS Society is the UK"s largest charity for people affected by Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The Society is the main source of reliable information about MS and the leading UK funder of MS research. It also provides a strong voice on issues related to MS. (http://www.mssociety.org.uk/)
MS Association of King County
Provides articles on MS diagnosis, symptom management, conventional and alternative treatments, rehabilitation therapies and latest research news. In addition, they have information on their programs and services, community calendar, helpful links and resources, newsletters, volunteer opportunities, seminars and workshops and much more.
Multiple Sclerosis Resource Center (United Kingdom)
The Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre is about you, whether you have been diagnosed with MS recently or for years, or if you are a relative, friend, carer, a professional in the field of MS or just plain interested in Multiple Sclerosis. The MSRC funds "The MS 24 Hour Telephone Counselling Service" which can currently be contacted by calling 0800 783 0518 and is free within the UK. The service is manned entirely by people who themselves have experience of MS or are MS carers and you can speak to them confidentially and anonymously.
What is Multiple Sclerosis? The Multiple Sclerosis Web site offers comprehensive information about the understanding of the disease, treatment options, and daily management strategies. It also provides patients and caregivers with evidence-based, scientific information about Multiple Sclerosis. Also, readers have the ability to ‘Ask the Expert’ any questions they may have for additional information that is not listed on the site. (www.multiplesclerosis.com)
Pharmacy
Centers for Disease Control Public health guidelines, vaccine and travel information and CDC publications (http://www.cdc.gov/)
HealthFinder
Sponsored by the Department of Health and Human Services, Healthfinder is a consumer resource that provides access to health information pertaining to prevention and self-care, latest government health news, Medicare, and other health topics of interest across all ages. This website provides links to other health-related websites.(http://www.healthfinder.com)
Mayo Clinic
Provides information on more than 8000 prescription and OTC medications as well as health information (http://www.mayoclinic.com/)
National counsel on patient information and education
Links to timely guidelines, tips and resources to help patients use their medications safely and appropriately. (http://www.talkaboutrx.org/)
Quackwatch
This is a non-profit site which provides information on health related frauds, myths and fads related to products, health advice and advertising. (http://www.quackwatch.org)
Safe medications
Provides user friendly, easy to read information on over 700 drug products (http://www.safemedications.com/)
Web MD Health
Information on prescription and herbal medications, providing drug news and product recalls and links to health information. (http://www.webmd.com/)
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Site providing adverse drug reaction information for herbal products and supplements (http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/list.html)
American Psychological Association Division 22 - Rehabilitation Psychology
Division 22 - Rehabilitation Psychology seeks to bring together all APA members interested in the psychological aspects of disability and rehabilitation, to educate the public on issues related to disability and rehabilitation, and to develop high standards and practices for professional psychologists who work in this field. Members may be involved in clinical service, research, teaching, or administration. The Division publishes a quarterly journal, Rehabilitation Psychology, and a quarterly newsletter, Rehabilitation Psychology News. (http://www.apa.org/about/division/div22.html)
American Psychological Association - Division 40 - Clinical Neuropsychology
Division 40 of the American Psychological Association, the Division of Clinical Neuropsychology is a scientific and professional forum for psychologists interested in the study of brain-behavior relationships, and the clinical application of that knowledge to human problems. Division 40 promotes the use of scientific research to develop its knowledge base and clinical techniques. It is active in the development and promotion of quality standards of professional training and practice. (http://www.div40.org/)
National Academy of Neuropsychology
The National Academy of Neuropsychology is a professional society that includes clinicians, scientist-practitioners, and researchers interested in neuropsychology. (http://nanonline.org)
International Neuropsychological Society
The International Neuropsychological Society is a multi-disciplinary non-profit organization dedicated to promoting research, service and education in neuropsychology, and to enhancing communication among the scientific disciplines, which contribute to the understanding of brain-behavior relationships. (http://www.osu.edu/ins)
Rehab Net-West
Last Fall's RehabNetWest/EES/and VA RR&D conference on multi-site trials in rehabilitation that was held in Denver in October 2004 can now be viewed at: http://rehabnetwest.washington.edu/media/msctva.html. For your convenience in finding the information you need, the footage is divided by speakers/sessions, with the close captioning and separate text transcripts available.
In addition, there are other interactive sessions based on topics well received from that conference that are coming up. More information and free online registration for these training sessions can be found by going to: http://rehabnetwest.washington.edu/livemeetings.htm
Institute of Disabilities The Institute on Disabilities at Temple University is Pennsylvania's University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service, one of 67 such centers nationwide. Working with people with disabilities and families throughout Pennsylvania and nationwide, we provide innovative services, insightful research, policy analysis and training on both the university and community levels. Established in 1973, the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University envisions a society where all people are valued and respected, and where all people have the knowledge, opportunity and power to improve their lives and the lives of others.
(http://www.disabilities.temple.edu)
Speech Language Pathology
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
The website of the professional, scientific and credentialing association for speech-language pathologists, audiologists, speech-language and hearing scientists in the US and internationally. It serves as an advocate organization for people with communications disorders as well. (http://www.asha.org/)
Dysphagia Resource Center
Broad based resources for swallowing and swallowing disorders. (http://www.dysphagia.com)
Medonline
Provides a forum for professionals to discuss clinical cases and various topics related to swallowing and swallowing disorders. (http://
)
CMSC Online 
