The Hyderabad Chapter organised a picnic on 25 December 2022 at Shilaparamam, Hyderabad. It is a beautiful place and every year artisans from all over the country participate in the All India Crafts Mela held between 15th-31st December. They exhibit textiles and artefacts famous from their respective states. The place has been developed beautifully over the years and is a feast to the eyes. 75 PwMS and their caregivers attended the picnic. The USP of the picnic was that not only did PwMS from Hyderabad participated but many came from different parts of Telangana as well. A game of Tambola was organised and prizes for the same were distributed in various categories. Delicious snacks and lunch were served which everyone enjoyed. It was a good bonding time for everyone as they chatted and exchanged pleasantries. There was a lot of enthusiasm in the air as it was Christmas day. After lunch, many indulged in shopping and had a great time with their respective families and friends.

An event of celebration was organized with fun, frolic, music, dance and games for all PwMS, Caregivers and their children.

Dr. T. Sunil Kumar Reddy, Neuro Physiotherapist from Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, has an experience of 16 years in this field and practices at the Asian Trans Care in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad. Some of the services provided by him are, Trauma Injury Physiotherapy/Rehab, Neuro Developmental Therapy, Post Surgery Physiotherapy/Rehabilitation and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation etc. MSSI Hyderabad chapter had an interactive, informative and very enlightening session with him where he emphasized the following points:

1. Briefed on MS and stated how one can slow down the progression of MS.
2. Treatment for each patient is relative.
3. Exercise levels should be increased gradually.
4. The rise in the body temperature increases fatigue therefore hot water baths should be avoided. He gave small tips on how to avoid fatigue.
5. Walking is an activity, not an exercise.
6. Advised to eat smaller meals.
7. Patients with a high BMI are prescribed ‘Hydration Therapy’.

It is a myth that exercise causes disease progression.

Hyderabad Chapter hosted an interactive online yoga session focusing on Breath in Pain Management, by Shakuntala Devulapally, Yoga Therapist. She taught ‘guided breathing’ to PwMS during the session and talked about recognising pain & how the breath is important in pain management.