Lynne Risdon, determined
and fit at 62

Lynne Risdon of Palm Desert has an energetic spirit and enthusiastic smile. She speaks with determination and grace and appears much younger than her 62 years.

You would never know that Lynne has lived with the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis for 22 years. She attributes her fit condition to exercise and nutrition and is grateful for the support she receives through Act for MS, the valley’s only resource exclusively for locals living with MS. The organization provides programs aimed at improving quality of life such as fitness, yoga, massage therapy, social interaction, and counseling – all at no cost to clients.

They share Lynne’s philosophy on research and understand that nutrition and movement help manage MS symptoms. “Because of the fatigue that accompanies MS, clinicians once questioned whether exercise was good for patients,” says Program Director Anne Pope, who adds that research now encourages exercise.

Act for MS offers individually customized programs with personal trainers at Next Level Fitness, Zach’s Fitness (formerly Creek’s) and World Gym of Palm Springs. Lynne is an active member at Zach’s Fitness which also has two vibration plates specifically purchased for MS therapy.

Lynne also makes sure she gets 8-9 hours of sleep a night, and since last year, has been gluten, dairy and sugar free. She eats organic foods, drinks large quantities of water, and takes supplements. She hasn’t taken medication in several years.

The Act for MS exercise team (from top left): Marilynn Yeates, Lynne Risdon, Mariellen Boss; trainers Zach Adams, Crystal West, and Creek Williams. (Front row): Amy Zendle, Maria Scribner, Pat Harabedian, and
Rene Hurtado

For Lynne, her nutritional choices and fitness have helped reduce symptoms. “The stabbings in my back and burning on my skin have disappeared,” she says, as has the fibromyalgia with which she was also diagnosed. Her body more readily eliminates toxins and she feels healthy.

Lynne is grateful for the friendships and services that Act for MS provides. Anne returns the appreciation calling Lynne “a definite inspiration” to others in their organization.

Act for MS is located in Palm Desert and can be reached at (760) 773.9806. For more information visit www.ActforMS.org.