Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis

'Through George Jelinek's advice I have learned how to take my vulnerable nervous system and nurture it back to a life free from MS. Jelinek's work has given me back my health and my confidence to live my life to the full again.... I cannot recommend this book highly enough to anyone whose life is affected by multiple sclerosis.' Dr Heather King MBCHB Dip Obs

'Professor Jelinek is inspirational in empowering patients to take responsibility
for the management of their disease. His holistic approach encouraging patients to consider more than just pharmaceutical treatment for the disease has proven itself as the modern approach to the management of multiple sclerosis. This is a book that all patients with multiple sclerosis should read and use as a platform for discussion with their neurologist.' Clinical Professor Peter Silbert MBBS FRACP State Director of Neurology in Western Australia Head of Department of Neurology, Royal Perth Hospital 'As a physician and the spouse of someone with multiple sclerosis, I feel that this book contains much wisdom and guidance for achieving one's greatest potential for healing when confronted by the reality of this disease.' Bernie Siegel MD Author of Faith, Hope & Healing and
365 Prescriptions for Living 'Dr. Jelinek is amazing. After hip-hopping around for a few weeks with a book I could NOT put down, I'm finally starting again, from the beginning. The story of how this book came about is an incredible gift from an extraordinary physician and teacher whose life and work are inseparable. An amazing blessing for we who live with MS. I'm keeping my fingers crossed (thanking my lucky stars) and moving on to the next chapter.' D. Krstulovich Oak Park, Illinois

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Overview

MS can be a tragic disease which usually affects adults in the prime of their lives, and may even occur in childhood. Many authorities suggest there is little that people can do for themselves apart from taking medication and waiting until they deteriorate. This approach is unhelpful, and can leave people feeling powerless and depressed.

In his new book Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis Professor Jelinek reviews the core principles of staying well after a diagnosis of MS, building on Taking Control of Multiple Sclerosis and the surprising conclusion that MS is a disease largely determined by lifestyle factors. Diet, sunlight, exercise, meditation, preventing depression, resolution of difficult emotional issues and other lifestyle factors are all examined in light of the massive growth in high quality medical research in recent years. This new research supports that attention to these factors can significantly improve quality of life and chance of recovery for people diagnosed with MS.

For people just diagnosed with MS who follow the recommendations here there is a great chance of living a normal life, well into old age. For those with MS that has already progressed, with some disability, the outlook is also optimistic. The progression of the disease can still be significantly slowed or stopped, and there is often then considerable recovery possible.

This book allows people with MS to be more certain of the science behind the decisions they make about lifestyle and medication choices. It turns a wealth of research into accessible information and practical recommendations to help fight and overcome this disease.

About the Author

Born in Perth in 1954 Professor George Jelinek is an academic emergency physician. He has current professorial appointments at the University of Western Australia, University of Melbourne, and Monash University. Considered a pioneer in his field he was the first Professor of Emergency Medicine in Australasia and founding editor of the journal Emergency Medicine Australasia. He is married with 5 children and enjoys keeping fit and has a passion for music. He also has Multiple Sclerosis.

Professor Jelinek's experiences with his own mother's death from MS - towards the end of her life she was totally incapacitated, unable to feed or care for herself - and his own diagnosis in 1999 led him to change the focus of his propensity for medicine and undertake an exhaustive evidence-based analysis of medical research. Professor Jelinek reached the surprising conclusion that MS is a disease largely determined by lifestyle factors and in 2002 published the book Taking Control of Multiple Sclerosis to share his findings.

Amongst other accolades his work for MS earned him the distinction of being a finalist for 'Australian of the Year' in 2008. The most powerful testament to his tireless work however is that Professor Jelinek himself has gone eleven years without a relapse and had eliminated all symptoms of his own MS within seven years of his diagnosis.

'People who have been diagnosed with MS are often vulnerable and open to ideas which offer false hope. Our Society recognises that George Jelinek's work provides important, genuine hope. People diagnosed with the condition often feel stripped of control over their lives and future. This book is a wonderful resource that will help to redress the balance and give people the opportunity to thrive despite their diagnosis. Every person diagnosed with multiple sclerosis should receive a copy as a reference work and a motivational tool, encouraging them to take sensible steps to minimise their symptoms and maximise their enjoyment of life.' Gary McMahon General Manager, MS Society of Auckland
and North Shore, New Zealand [The MS Society of Auckland has promoted Professor Jelinek's approach to symptom management on the basis of the evidence supplied and the fact that it does not discount clinical intervention and that both can work in tandem] 'This is the most exciting book I have read in some time. Everyone affected by MS, either directly or indirectly, needs to read it.' Ian Gawler OAM author of international bestseller,
You Can Conquer Cancer

Order Online

Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis is also available in all good local bookstores.

Ebooks (Electronic Books)

The book is also available as a downloadable PDF file for viewing on your computer or portable reading device.

What people are saying...

Radio New Zealand interview link An interview with George Jelinek. Listen to Interview

The Emergency
Medical Blog Peer review of this book, Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis. VIEW ARTICLE

The Facebook Community Keep intouch with the Professor via his Facebook page. View Facebook

The Taking Control of MS website forums Get the latest help and information from the forum. View Forum

Kens MS Recovery For an engaging view on the book, MS and life.... View Blog

Health Central A great resource for people seeking health information they can trust. VIEW ARTICLE

Message from the Author

'As with any journey, the beginning is often associated with much emotion, hope for the future, and great resolve. It was in that spirit that the first book Taking Control of Multiple Sclerosis was written. As time has gone by, and I have remained well and still firmly focused on my goal, I have had time to re-evaluate the information I initially collected and presented to people with MS. I have not changed my views on the core principles of staying well after a diagnosis of MS. Lifestyle change is the most important issue as it is with most chronic diseases. Diet, sunlight, exercise, meditation, preventing depression, resolution of difficult emotional issues; these are the keys. What has changed is that the medical literature supporting these principles has grown enormously...there is now a very large body of evidence making the case that it is possible to be well after a diagnosis of MS. There is every reason for people now diagnosed with MS to be optimistic.'

George Jelinek April 2009