Ep88 Women, Wellbeing and MS: Finding What Works for You

<p>Women are around three times more likely than men to develop <a href="https://www.msaustralia.org.au/what-is-multiple-sclerosis-ms/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">multiple sclerosis (MS)</a>, but why remains an enduring question in <a href="https://www.msaustralia.org.au/research/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MS research</a>.</p><p>In this episode of The Raw Nerve, Head of Research Dr Tennille Luker marks <a href="https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/get-involved/womens-health-week/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Women’s Health Week 2026</a> with <a href="https://www.austinmacauley.ae/author/cuddihy-deborah" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Deborah Cuddihy</a> and <a href="https://teisharose.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Teisha Rose</a>, whose different lives are connected by MS.</p><p>Inspired by this year’s theme, Do It Anyway, the conversation explores five topics: To Fuel, To Move, To Rest, To Breathe and To Connect, through MS.</p><p>Deborah and Teisha share how they listen to their bodies and adapt their approach to <a href="https://www.msaustralia.org.au/health-and-wellbeing/diet-and-nutrition/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">food</a>, <a href="https://www.msaustralia.org.au/health-and-wellbeing/exercise/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">exercise</a>, <a href="https://www.msaustralia.org.au/symptom/fatigue/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MS fatigue</a>, <a href="https://www.msaustralia.org.au/news/sleep-in-ms-more-important-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">rest and sleep</a>, and <a href="https://www.msaustralia.org.au/health-and-wellbeing/mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">mental wellbeing</a>, including finding workable movement, managing <a href="https://www.msaustralia.org.au/symptom/heat-sensitivity/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">heat sensitivity</a>, slowing down and releasing guilt when plans change.</p><p>Teisha reflects on how a tailored mobility aid helped her become more active and explore her 100-acre property in central Victoria, while Dubai-based Deborah discusses exercising with her four beloved dogs (“pups”) and balancing challenge with rest.</p><p>They also explore MS-related uncertainty and mental wellbeing, discussing strategies, relationships, and support networks that help them manage their days and stay connected.</p><p>Dr Luker examines why <a href="https://www.msaustralia.org.au/news/why-women-diagnosed-with-ms-dr-julia-morahan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MS is much more common in women</a>, outlining clues researchers are investigating, including genetic and environmental factors and the potential role of sex hormones.</p><p>Ultimately, Deborah and Teisha’s experiences show that looking after your health with MS does not mean doing everything perfectly. It can mean <a href="https://www.msaustralia.org.au/lifestyle/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">adapting</a>, listening to your body and <a href="https://www.msaustralia.org.au/bot/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">taking small, meaningful steps toward your wellbeing</a> with guidance from your healthcare team and <a href="https://www.msaustralia.org.au/supports-and-services/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">support networks</a>.</p><p>Deborah Cuddihy<br>An Irish primary school teacher living in Dubai, Deborah was diagnosed with MS in 2011. She is an ambassador for the <a href="https://www.nationalmssociety.ae/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">National MS Society UAE</a> and author of <a href="https://austinmacauley.ae/book/willows-mum-has-ms" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Willow’s Mum Has MS</a>, helping children understand MS.</p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/MSAustralia/posts/pfbid02PLJ4agwtiHSfWFTTPwbopVr4QUbfBzBfYh7F7bmD4fnYhEsJKkvPENAJLY8eKTNXl" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Teisha Rose</a><br>Diag