“Learn as much as you can about your disease, but stick to science-backed sources such as a medical library or university websites. I once had a person with MS tell me that she had had all of her teeth pulled out, not for dental reasons but because she had read on the internet that MS was caused by the metals in dental work.”

--  Seth Morgan, MD, neurologist who has MS

The current crop of MS medications are extremely effective, and they can control this disease. Make sure you understand why it's important to take your medication -- what the benefits are, and what to expect. And take your medication just as your doctor prescribed it to get the most benefit.

-- Clyde Markowitz, MD, director, Multiple Sclerosis Center at Penn Medicine, Philadelphia.

MS may try to take control of your life, but you are more resilient than you know. Most urgently, find a health care provider who is right for you. Get on the MS medication that’s best for you. Build your wellness plan: a healthy diet, plenty of exercise, good sleep habits, and making a priority of the things that give you joy.

--  Cyndi Zagieboylo, president and CEO, National MS Society, New York

Make healthy lifestyle choices. Eat a healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean-style diet. Get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise weekly. Make sleep a priority. Doing these things lowers the risk of diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. These conditions have a link to later MS disability. They also help people with MS have a better quality of life.

--  Ellen Mowry, MD, co-director, Multiple Sclerosis Precision Medicine Center of Excellence, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore

You are the best expert on your own body. Remember to listen to and respect it. It’s OK to say “No” and to adjust your schedule if you don’t feel well. Taking a brief rest today could keep you from taking several days rest to recover from overdoing it.

-- Mitzi Joi Williams, MD, neurologist and MS specialist, Atlanta