Live webinar Oct. 23 on managing MG with support and confidence

A live, virtual panel at 6 p.m. EST on Oct. 23 will explore how people with myasthenia gravis (MG) can make lifestyle changes to reduce flares, have a more supportive relationship with their healthcare team, and find reliable information about the neuromuscular disorder.

The free webinar, “Pushing Back at MG: From Getting Informed to Taking Action,” is presented by Myasthenia Gravis News and its publisher, Bionews, with support from the biopharmaceutical company UCB. Registration is open.

Building trust and confidence

According to the program’s registration webpage: “Managing myasthenia gravis isn’t just about treatment; it’s about having the right information and support to make confident choices.”

The roundtable event welcomes those with MG, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and anyone who is interested in learning about the disease or has a chronic or rare condition.

“Understanding where to get factual and reliable information when you are a patient or provider is critical when building trust and developing a treatment plan with your care team,” said Shawna Barnes, the event’s host and a columnist for Myasthenia Gravis News. “I can’t wait to discuss this and more during our event.”

MG is an autoimmune disease that causes weakness and fatigue. There are several types of MG, which can lead to issues with mobility, vision, speech, and breathing. MG symptoms may come and go, and worsen with activity and other triggers. MG flare-ups — also known as relapses — are temporary periods of intense symptoms that can affect daily life.

MG is most commonly diagnosed in adults, though people of any age can develop it.

The panelists are three people living with MG and a leading neurologist in the field:

• Barnes is a writer, website designer, and disabled veteran who was diagnosed with seronegative generalized MG in 2018. Through her Myasthenia Gravis News column, she seeks to encourage others with MG to advocate for themselves.
• James F. Howard Jr., MD, is a neurologist whose focus includes the diagnosis and treatment of MG. An author of more than 250 works on the disorder, Howard directs the Myasthenia Gravis Clinical Trials Program at the University of North Carolina.
• Bruce Guercio was diagnosed with MG in 2013, a year after his symptoms began, which included difficulty swallowing and speaking. With the help of his medication, he was able to continue working as a letter carrier until retirement.
• Vanetta Drummer-Fenton was diagnosed with MG in 2003. She shares her journey to inspire and connect with others who are dealing with similar challenges.

The webinar will be available for on-demand viewing on the Myasthenia Gravis News site soon after the event.