Multiple Sclerosis Wellness Program

People living with multiple sclerosis (MS) need more than the latest medications to thrive. Social needs, physical activity, mental health support, nutrition, and stress management all need to be part of the game plan. And because these needs are impossible to meet within the structure of routine office visits, The C. Olsten Wellness Program was conceived and launched. Since 2020, the Wellness Program strives to provide truly comprehensive, patient-centered care to those living with MS. Our goal is to be the “village,” the support system that our patients need to thrive.

The Wellness Program provides access to one-on-one counseling nurse practitioners, dietitians, physical therapists, and social workers. All these services are available virtually by smartphone, tablet, or computer. In addition, we have collaborated with a virtual exercise platform to provide our participants with at-home workouts specifically MS patients. Each patient is provided a personalized plan that will help them to live their life as fully as possible.

Program Services

Personalized Management

The nurse practitioners play a pivotal role in our wellness program by providing comprehensive care and support. They assess the patient’s overall health status and educate them on managing symptoms and adhering to lifestyle changes. Our nurse practitioners collaborate with other health care professionals to develop personalized wellness plans tailored to each patient's needs, focusing on physical activity, nutrition, stress management, and mental health support. By offering ongoing monitoring and guidance, nurse practitioners empower our patients to enhance their overall well-being and quality of life.

Nutritional Counseling

Our wellness program dietitian helps each patient develop nutritional strategies to manage symptoms and support overall health. The dietitian conducts comprehensive assessments to understand individual dietary habits, medical history, and nutritional needs specific to MS. With this information, the dietitian develops personalized nutrition plans focusing on anti-inflammatory foods, nutrient-rich diets, and hydration strategies to mitigate symptoms such as fatigue and inflammation. Additionally, they provide ongoing education and support to empower patients in making sustainable dietary choices that can positively impact their quality of life and disease management.

Physical Therapy

In our wellness program, physical therapists play a crucial role in promoting mobility, strength, and functional independence. They conduct thorough assessments to identify areas of impairment and develop personalized exercise programs to address specific needs and goals. Through targeted interventions such as balance training, gait exercises, and range of motion techniques, physical therapists help manage symptoms and enhance overall quality of life. Additionally, they educate patients on proper body mechanics and assistive devices to facilitate safe movement and prevent injuries, empowering individuals to maintain an active lifestyle despite the challenges of MS.

Social Services

Social workers provide invaluable support by addressing psychosocial needs and connecting individuals with community resources. They offer emotional support and counseling to help patients cope with the challenges of living with a chronic illness, such as stress, depression, and social isolation. Our social worker assesses patients' support systems and facilitates access to services like support groups, financial assistance, and home care. By advocating for patients' rights and coordinating care across multiple disciplines, our social workers play a vital role in promoting holistic well-being and empowering individuals to navigate the complexities of managing MS effectively.

What to Expect

With each Wellness Program visit, patients meet with a nurse practitioner, a registered dietitian and with a physical therapist.  

Nurse Practitioner Visit

Each Wellness visit starts with the nurse practitioner. During this 30-minute virtual visit, the nurse practitioner reviews the patients concerns and goals for the program. Some of the questions or topics might include:

  • Are you having persistent symptoms?
  • Do you have muscle weakness, pain or spasticity?
  • Are you having trouble sleeping?
  • How are you managing with your dietary or fitness goals?
  • Are you experiencing any logistical issues with employment, transportation or housing?
  • Do you have adequate access to resources such as food, medical or mental health care?
  • Are you experiencing any cognitive issues?

The goal is to help the patient identify and explore where they are struggling, which in turn helps to direct the rest of the visit. This is the bird’s eye view which informs the team how we can best provide support to the patient. After the patient has seen all four providers, they meet briefly with the nurse practitioner again for a “wrap up,” to review their experience, get their “take-away”, determine what orders or referrals they might need, and what kind of follow-up is warranted.

Registered Dietitian Visit

For the Wellness Program's initial nutrition assessment, the registered dietitian works with the patient to determine their unique health needs and goals. The dietitian will review the patient's diet, lifestyle, medical history and lab results. Together with the patient, they will then create a practical and sustainable plan, while providing individualized recommendations and meal ideas. 

Physical Therapist Visit

The role of the wellness physical therapist is to review your daily routine, exercise, and fitness level.  During this time, the therapist will assess any weakness, balance issues, walking difficulties, sensory concerns limiting your ability to perform any tasks at home or work and address any concerns with your speech or memory.  Your physical therapist can provide general exercise recommendations to improve your overall health and fitness level based on your current daily routine.   If there are any concerns that cannot be addressed during your evaluation, you may be referred to a variety of other types of therapists: Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy.  Our team also works closely with orthotists and the wheelchair clinic if there are additional equipment and/or bracing needs. 

Meet the Team

Ilana Katz Sand, MD
Medical Doctor, Wellness Program Co-director
Dr. Katz Sand is currently the Associate Director of The Corinne Goldsmith Dickenson Center for Multiple Sclerosis.  She cares for patients with multiple mclerosis, neuromyelitis optica, and other neuro-immunological conditions.  She received a Cullman Family Award for Excellence in Physician Communication in 2016 and 2022.  She is currently the Principal Investigator on several studies at the Center, with a particular interest in how environmental factors, especially diet, affect prognosis.  Recent and current studies include a pilot clinical trial of a dietary intervention for MS, observational studies related to diet and other lifestyle factors in MS, and investigations of the role of the gut microbiome in MS. 

Anastasia Lyras, FNP- BC
Anastasia is a board-certified family nurse practitioner at the The Corinne Goldsmith Dickenson Center for Multiple Sclerosis where she provides holistic and evidence-based care to patients with complex neurological conditions. With over three years of experience in this role she has developed knowledge in diagnosing, treating, and managing multiple sclerosis and related symptoms, as well as educating and empowering patients and their families. Anastasia serves as the Center’s MS walk team captain every year. She is also part of the wellness program at the center, helping to coordinate and facilitate comprehensive patient care within a talented team, and passionate about healthy lifestyle choices and mental health awareness.

Gretchen Mathewson, FNP-BC
Wellness Program Co-Director
Gretchen is a board-certified family nurse practitioner at the Center where she has been providing comprehensive care for our patients for fourteen years. Gretchen collaborates with our entire clinical and research team to address each patient as an individual and create a customized care plan for them. Her role extends to each patient’s support system (families and caregivers) as well.  Gretchen is co-director of the Wellness Program, which she helped to create along with Dr. Katz Sand and Fred Lublin, MD, Director of the Center. Gretchen is very interested in the impact of diet and exercise on mental health and provides community care for the mentally ill in her spare time. 

Jessica Gelman, RD
Jessica is a Registered Dietitian (RD) and International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Jessica is passionate about empowering others to help manage their MS symptoms and improve their overall health and wellbeing through nutrition. She works with her patients in the Wellness Program to create an individualized plan using evidence-based recommendations that are sustainable and realistic for their lifestyle.