NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CHAPTER PROGRAMS & SERVICES WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR COMMUNITY...
The National MS Society, Northern California Chapter provides a variety of programs, services and information for people living with multiple sclerosis, their friends and families, and health care professionals engaged in our shared movement toward a world free of MS. We are committed to helping the over 84,000 Northern Californians affected by MS address the challenges of living with MS. The Northern California Chapter provides programs that focus on how people living with MS can develop effective strategies for symptom management, maintain positive and productive relationships, and live as independently as possible. We are excited to announce a new section in the MS Connection, “Mark Your Calendar: Upcoming Local Programs”. Northern California Chapter clients shared with us their desire to have a greater sense of community engagement. This customized, regional insert is a tool to foster engagement by highlighting programs and events happening in your community for the next three months, while at the same time, continuing to inform readers about Society and Chapter news, including research, advocacy, and special events. To learn more about any of these programs, and to register for programs, please visit the website, www.nationalMSsociety.org/can.
Included in this regional programs insert is also a list of self-help groups in your community and the contact information for the self-help group lead. Northern California Chapter self-help groups have different purposes and goals. Groups may focus on support, advocacy, education, or be more social in nature. Some groups also serve specific populations, such as young adults, parents with MS, care partners, or African-Americans. Please contact the self-help group leader or call 1-800-FIGHT MS to learn more about the group and when they meet. The back page of the programs insert will highlight programs and events happening across Northern California, which everyone is invited to attend, regardless of where you live. If you are up for the travel, we’d love to have you! On this same page, you will also find a listing of programs accessible from the comfort of home. Please visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/can to learn more about programs and services available where you live, and across Northern California. If you have questions, please feel free to contact the Northern California Chapter at can_info@nmss.org or 800.344.4867. Look for MS Connection in your mailbox four times a year!
Newly Diagnosed Orientation Wednesday, November 2, 2011 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. National MS Society - Santa Clara Office 2589 Scott Blvd. Santa Clara, CA If you have recently been diagnosed with MS, please join us for our Newly Diagnosed Orientation. This orientation provides accurate and up-to-date information about MS in order to help you make well-informed decisions, successfully take on the challenges that often accompany a diagnosis of MS and begin to understand and gain control over this unpredictable disease. Please join Susan Wallis, Northern California Chapter staff and Marie Hansen, R.N. to learn more about MS and about resources available through the National MS Society. Pre-registration is required. Please visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/can or call 800-344-4867.
Yoga for MS in Santa Cruz How can someone with MS find the right type of yoga, the right class, and the inspiration to try it? Check out this adaptive yoga program in Santa Cruz! The Yoga for MS series starts in October and runs on Fridays from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. for six weeks. All classes are held in Santa Cruz at the Pacific Cultural Center and Ashtanga Yoga Institute. Please contact Shakti Bell at 831-425-3521 or shakti@baymoon.com to enroll today and for pricing information.
Free from Falls October 19, 2011 - December 14, 2011 Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Palo Alto, CA Do you avoid certain activities because you are afraid of falling? Have you experienced one or more falls in the last 6 months? Free from Falls is an exciting new 8-week series focusing on falls and multiple sclerosis. This program is designed for individuals that are able to walk unassisted for 10-15 steps, alone or with one cane, walking stick or crutch. Each week’s 2-hour program will have two parts; a discussion component and exercise component. You will learn how to minimize different hazards and fall risks, how to make changes to daily activities to conserve energy and build confidence to safely enjoy activities. You will work with physical therapists and occupational therapists to increase your balance, stability, endurance, strength, environment and confidence. Please join us along with professionals from Stanford Hospital and Clinics in Palo Alto, CA. What will I learn? • To increase awareness of fall risks • Ways to minimize fall risk by managing symptoms, evaluating your environment and increasing strength, balance and endurance • To increase your confidence and improve safety • Engage and develop a home fitness plan aimed at preventing falls Please call Susan Wallis at 408-988-7587 ext. 74102 for pricing information and to register.
CogniFitness Keep the Mind Moving December 7, 2011 - January 25, 2012 Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Monterey, CA Do you find it difficult to focus on a task without getting distracted? Do you have difficulty finding words or finishing your sentences? Do you often have a hard time keeping track of activities & appointments? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this program is for you. CogniFitness is a fun and educational 8 week series that will help you keep the mind moving and develop new techniques to strengthen your cognitive skills. Realize your optimal thinking skills utilizing techniques that have everyday applications. Learn to: • Facilitate focus and concentration • Improve memory using new strategies • Improve organization, problem solving & critical thinking skills • Manage cognitive fatigue
South Bay Area Self-Help Groups MONTEREY COUNTY Monterey, Currently on hold. Seeking new leaders. Please contact Susan Wallis at 800-344-4867, option 2, ext 74102. SAN BENITO COUNTY Hollister Group Gina 831-636-3241, Joann and Andrew 831-630-0266 SANTA CLARA COUNTY Milpitas Indu 510-656-3408 or Phyllis 408-509-8137 Palo Alto George 650-281-7646 Palo Alto MS Caregivers Group, Bob 650-826-0300 San Jose David 408-578-3752 Santa Clara Brian 408-739-9445 or Susan 408-253-4489 SANTA CRUZ COUNTY Capitola Tom 831-684-2252 or Ada 831-440-1211
Please call Susan Wallis at 408-988-7587 ext. 74102 for pricing information and to register.
FACEBOOK Become a Facebook fan today and get connected to other people living with MS. Stay informed about upcoming programs and events, research news, advocacy updates, volunteer opportunities and more! www.facebook.com/msnortherncal
What’s Happening Around the Chapter Greater Bay Area
North Bay
CogniFitness - starts in October Free From Falls - starts in October Newly Diagnosed Orientation - November 2
Can Do Multiple Sclerosis JUMPSTART Program - October 1
Sacramento
Central Valley
CogniFitness - starts in October Sleep and MS - October 1 Musings of an MS Mind - October 9 Family Dynamics and MS - October 24 Newly Diagnosed Orientation - November 3
Friends & Family Event at Boomers October 14 Newly Diagnosed Orientation - November 1 3rd Annual Gallo Holiday Celebration December 11
Visit nationalMSsociety.org/can to register and for full program descriptions.
Accessible from the Comfort of Home Tele-Counseling Program This exciting opportunity allows people living with MS to have 10 individualized counseling sessions by telephone with a licensed therapist, and is funded by the National MS Society. • • • •
Have you been thinking about talking with a professional therapist who understands MS? Have you been unsure how to find such a person, or unable to find someone in your area? Have you been reluctant to seek counseling due to lack of finances or insurance? Is transportation an issue for you in seeking this service?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may qualify for our Tele-Counseling Program! Many people with MS have greatly benefited from receiving counseling from someone who understands the emotional challenges related to the disease. Improve your ability to cope with MS - with all of the comfort and ease of calling from your own home. Call Andrew Rose, Client Services Manager today at 1-800-344-4867, option 2 extension 73004, to complete an intake questionnaire.