Episode 97: The Power of the Bike with Mike Zimits & Cat Tsigakos

My guests this week are 2 exceptional MS warriors, Mike Zimits and Cat Tsigakos. When Mike was diagnosed with MS, he decided he could best help himself by getting into shape, so he got on a bike. And then he convinced his friend's sister, Catherine, to get on a bike. Cat was serving as her brother's caregiver after he was diagnosed with progressive MS.   So these 2 people, who had each been affected differently by MS, went from being biking newbies to avid cyclists -- even taking on several stages of the Tour de France. They also raised more than one million dollars for MS research while reminding the world that having an MS diagnosis doesn't mean that you're no longer entitled to have hopes, dreams, and goals.      We're also taking a look back at this year's World MS Day, and talking about some of the 400 events that raised awareness about MS in 79 countries. We'll tell you about the MS stem cell research that's about to begin on the International Space Station. We'll review the outcome of a specific rehab treatment that's been shown to improve hand and upper limb ability among people living with MS. We'll let you know how you can participate in an important MS rehabilitation clinical trial. And we'll tell you about a research study that looked at the economic burden faced by people living with a minimal level of MS disability. The results might surprise you! We have a lot to talk about. Are you ready for RealTalk MS??! NEW! Download a transcript of this episode! ___________   World MS Day Recap -- Over 400 Events in 79 Countries  1:16 Stem Cells Travel to Outer Space for MS Research  3:52 Task-Oriented Upper Limb Rehab Program Delivers Results for People Living with MS   7:11 You Can Participate in the STEP For MS Study  9:53 Low MS Disability = A High Level of Economic Burden  13:14 My Interview with Mike Zimits & Cat Tsigakos  18:15 Have You Subscribed to RealTalk MS?  33:11  ___________ ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE CONVERSATION I've always thought about the RealTalk MS podcast as a conversation. And this is your opportunity to join the conversation by sharing your feedback, questions, and suggestions for topics that we can discuss in future podcast episodes. Please shoot me an email or call the RealTalk MS Listener Hotline and share your thoughts! Email: [email protected]: (310) 526-2283 ___________ LINKS If your podcast app doesn't allow you to click on these links, you'll find them in the show notes in the RealTalk MS app or at www.RealTalkMS.com Join Mike & Cat on Team MSAA Bike Rides The Effects of Microgravity on Microglia 3-Dimensional Models of Parkinson's Disease and Multiple Sclerosis Intensity-Dependent Clinical Effects of an Individualized Technology-Supported Task-Oriented Upper Limb Training Program in Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial STEP for MS Clinical Trial Eligibility Criteria & Trial Site Contact Information Economic Burden of Multiple Sclerosis in a Population with Low Physical Disability Download the RealTalk MS App for iOS Download the RealTalk MS App for Android Give RealTalk MS a Rating & Review  NEW! Download a Transcript of This Episode ___________ Follow RealTalk MS on Twitter, @RealTalkMS_jon, and subscribe to our newsletter at our website, RealTalkMS.com. RealTalk MS Episode 97 Hosted By: Jon Strum Guest: Mike Zimits & Catherine Tsigakos Tags: MS, MultipleSclerosis, MSResearch, MSAssociation, RealTalkMS