PROPOSAL ABOUT THE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
(MS) MAGAZINE
“MS… Inform Yourself ”

INFORMATION MAGAZINE ABOUT MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (MS)

THE MAGAZINE “MS…INFORM YOURSELF” is a Peruvian publication which has been in circulation interruptedly for three years. Its publication is trimestral and free.
It has been recognized internationally by experts, as one of the most serious and rengonsible means to inform people affected by the illness, their families, friends and even doctors who read it in Latin America.
At present 15 Latin American countries receive one copy every three months. These countries are very interested in receiving the magazine continuously and in distributing it to all the people diagnosed with MS in their countries. It may be distributed between every person that has been diagnosed with the disease once subscribed by sending us an e-mail to:

revistaem@ulasem.org

The aforementioned magazine also reaches, in a limited way, Spanish speaking North Americans who heard about it through its web page: www.esclerosismultipleperu.org

The Director of the magazine “MS…INFORM YOURSELF” was diagnosed with MS eleven years ago. She is the one in charge of selecting and writing the articles included in each issue, which are then revised by a specialist before being published
The form and style are reader friendly; keeping in mind the information needs of those who suffer the illness. Besides, details in diagram are kept in mind, such as letter type and size, interline spacing, paragraphs without cuts, use of photos and live colors, all this trying to achieve an entertaining and easily understood reading.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PUBLICATION:

- To inform people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and neurologists from both the private and public sectors about aspects related to the illness.
- To inform family and friends about the illness and its implications through the person with MS.
- To provide information about the possibilities of improving the quality of life for people with MS.
- To inform health professionals and neurologists about how patients may achieve a better quality of life through adequate treatment
- To provide information about the impact of the illness on people’s lives through articles and reports
- To offer information about presently available resources to aid in coping with the illness.
- To make known among patients and doctors the results of the latest research about MS and the advances achieved toward its management
- To inform doctors and patients about treatments to modify the course of the illness which are available currently
- To inform doctors and patients about treatments currently available to handle symptoms pertaining to the illness
- To make known the rights of people who have MS to receive treatment, both from private and public health insurance providers
- To offer the possibility for people with MS to express their ideas, feelings and questions through e-mail and regular mail.
- To have trained professionals answer the questions and doubts that people with MS may have

METHODOLOGY
The magazine is divided into six sections.

1. INFORM YOURSELF
This space is for publication of several articles related to the illness. Different duly documented subjects are presented.
Diverse articles that deal with different subjects related to improving the quality of life of people with MS will also be included.

2. MEDICAL TRIBUNE
A neurologist with experience in treating multiple sclerosis (MS) will be in charge of this section.
Information that is considered relevant will be presented, allowing people to learn from a reliable source about their illness and its implications.
Likewise, questions that arrive at our editing office will be answered and we will publish articles by guest doctors who have specialized in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. (They will be asked to participate according to the topics to be dealt with).

3. RECENT REASEARCH
This very important section will provide information about the latest research carried out worldwide and about methods for combating the illness.
These investigations- with their sources duly identified and certified- will allow those who read the magazine to keep abreast oft what is available with rengect to research about MS.

4. LIFE EXPERIENCES
This section will be dedicated to writings received by our editorial office. Here people with multiple sclerosis (MS) will be able to discuss their experiences, emotions and concerns.
We will also offer patients the possibility to communicate via “e-mail” with other MS patients:

5. PRACTICAL ADVICE
This section will contain a series of recommendations for fighting some of the specific symptoms of the illness; practical advice for use in daily life will depend on the subjects dealt with in the articles.
It will teach people with MS how to manage and find relief from situations that keep them from feeling and living wholly.

6. LATIN AMERICAN NEWS
Each Latin American country would have the opportunity to contribute with news from their country

NOTE 1
The material contained in the sources mentioned are from publications from the year 2004 to the present time.
Contact is maintained continuously with the sources mentioned. We receive recent information about the latest advances in all the topics related to the illness

Our content and commentaries are based on professional orientations, experiences, articles, internationally published investigations and experts opinions, but they are not therapeutic recommendations or prescriptions. People with the illness receive information and specific and objective orientation, which they can consult with a qualified doctor if need be.
It is important to mention that all issues of the magazine will contain the following information.