Multiple Sclerosis Survivor
Staying active is an important part of good health, even for someone living with a disability.
Doctor Kim Mulvihill has the story of one woman who has continued exploring the world.
Teresa Campbell has always led a full and active life.
She's a professor of nursing at San Francisco State University, and an avid traveller.
Teresa Campbell/Adventure Author: "I STARTED TRAVELING WHEN I WAS VERY YOUNG AND I HAVEN'T STOPPED TRAVELING. LAST SUMMER WAS THE LAST CRUISE I TOOK AND THAT WAS TO ALASKA."
At 70 years old, Teresa has lived half her life with multiple sclerosis, but she hasn't let that slow her down.
TERESA CAMPBELL/ADVENTURE AUTHOR:"I DECIDED THAT I HAD M.S., M.S. DIDN'T HAVE ME. I WOULD DO WHATEVER I COULD TO MAINTAIN THE SAME QUALITY OF LIFE THAT I HAD PRIOR TO M.S."
So she's continued travelling all over the world.
TERESA CAMPBELL/ADVENTURE AUTHOR: "THIS IS THE ACROPOLIS AND I WANTED TO CLIMB THE ACROPOLIS."
And now she's written a book, appropriately titled "Life is an Adventure."
TERESA CAMPBELL/ADVENTURE AUTHOR:"IT'S NOT JUST REALLY TO DO WITH M.S., IT'S TO DO WITH CHRONIC ILLNESSES, WITH CARETAKERS, HOW YOU PLAN YOUR LIFE, HOW YOU LOOK AT WHAT IT IS YOU CAN DO, AND THAT'S THE MESSAGE THAT I WANT TO GET ACROSS TO PEOPLE."
It's a message she shares every day, riding around the city on her scooter.
TERESA CAMPBELL/ADVENTURE AUTHOR: "I'M ALL OVER THE CITY NOW, SO I FEEL LIKE I'M NOT DISABLED IN THAT SENSE. THERE ARE A LOT OF PLACES THAT I CAN GO, AND A LOT OF THINGS THAT I CAN DO."
She exercises regularly to maintain strength, range of motion, and help prevent contractures.
Dr. Kim Mulvihill/Healthbeat: "LIKE MANY PEOPLE LIVING WITH A DISABILITY, TERESA GAINS ACCESS TO THE SWIMMING POOL WITH THE HELP OF A SWIM LIFT."
And as always, Teresa is planning her next adventure, perhaps to Machu Pichu.
TERESA CAMPBELL/ADVENTURE AUTHOR: "I JUST THINK EVERYBODY SHOULD BUILD AS MUCH INTO LIFE AS THEY CAN. AS I SAID, YOU'RE ONLY HERE ONCE, ENJOY IT."
