Why is MS more common in women than men?
Data show that 78.4 percent of the people who have MS are women. The average age is 45.7 years old. There are four categories of research–genetics, the virus aspect, immune system and geography. With genetics, though it is not directly inherited, there is a predisposition to it. The virus part is if you come in contact with viral infections. With the immune system, (researchers) look at certain cells in the body and whatever is the culprit that attacks the myelin, or the sheath that covers nerve fibers. Geographically, if you live above the 37th parallel, which is a line from Newport News, Va., to Santa Cruz, Calif., it (the disease) is more common. It is also more common in Caucasians. Q: Tell me about your involvement with Walk 2000. A: There are seven walk sites in northern Illinois. At the McHenry County walk site, where I am a co-chair, there will be 600 people. Each person registers to walk and gets sponsors. All the money goes to the MS Society. Participants can walk–or ride i
