Programs Connection -- January/February/March 2010 by Marni Deckter

Programs Connection January • February • March

Managing MS

in a Tough Economy Page 12

Discover the Benefits of Exercise Page 6 Teleconference Page14 Exercise Classes

Virtual Book Club Page13

National Multiple Sclerosis Society Southern California Chapter 310.479.4456 1.800.344.4867 nationalMSsociety.org/cal

If You or Someone You Know Has MS... Studies show that early and ongoing treatment with an FDA-approved therapy can reduce future disease activity and improve quality of life for many people with multiple sclerosis. Talk to your health care professional or contact the National MS Society (NMSS) at 800.344.4867 or www.nationalMSsociety.org to learn about ways to help manage MS and about current research that may one day reveal a cure. Information provided by the NMSS is based upon professional advice, published experience and expert opinion. Information provided in response to questions does not constitute therapeutic recommendations or prescriptions. The NMSS recommends that all questions and information be discussed with a personal physician. The NMSS does not endorse products, services or manufacturers. Such names appear here solely because they are considered valuable information. The Society assumes no liability for the use or contents of any product or service mentioned. © 2009 NMSS, Southern California Chapter, Issue 2 - Published Triannually

Financial Assistance

A Helping Hand When It’s Needed Most We offer financial assistance through the Direct Assistance Program to individuals with MS and their families to help access needed services that are not available using other resources (private insurance, Medicare, MediCal). The program is based on financial need and offers funding for the following services: Rhoda Goetz Personal Care Fund: • Beauty/Wellness: A fund to assist individuals who are faced with financial, logistical or physical barriers to maintaining healthy personal hygiene and care. Gain access to services such as hair, skin and nail care. • In-Home Assistance Support: 8 consecutive days, 4 hours/day after a hospital stay or exacerbation. Must use licensed home care agency. • Chore Service Program: Assistance for house cleaning service. Limit: up to $300 per fiscal year. Durable Medical Equipment: Share of cost for durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, hand rails, etc.) if not covered by insurance. Limit: up to $400 per year. Sherak Emergency Fund: Funding for unexpected onetime situations (food, rent, utilities). Official documentation demonstrating proof of emergency is required with application. Limit: up to $300 per year. Physical/Occupational/Speech Therapy: In-home evaluation and five to six follow-up visits for a person who cannot leave home and whose insurance will not cover this service. Grisanti Respite Fund: Provided through a licensed home care agency for the family member who is a full-time care partner and needs time off. Share-of-cost basis. Up to 6 days/year, up to 12 hours/day. Supporting the Family: A fund to take care of special out-of-theordinary family needs (i.e. school pictures, sports uniforms, etc.). Limit: up to $300 per year. Checks are made out and sent directly to the vendor. For more information about any of these financial assistance programs, please call 800.344.4867 or 310.479.4456.

Table of Contents

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inside? Find programs near you... Access these programs from the comfort of home Getting the Most out of Social Security Benefits of Exercise Living with Progressive MS Book Club Dodgers Tickets Peer Support Talk with a Professional Caregiver Support MS Awareness Week

Los Angeles County 5 6 7 13 13 22 23 24 26

Channel Islands Serving Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties Living Well with MS FallProof Clinical Trials CogniFitness Tough Economy Active Choices Community support groups Art of Safe Transfer

4 8 10 11 12 15 21 25

Inland Empire/Coachella Valley Serving Riverside, San Bernardino and Inyo Counties Living Well with MS Optimal Living with MS CogniFitness Tough Economy Active Choices Ask the Pharmacist Managing MS Symptoms Community support groups

4 9 11 12 16 19 19 21

Living Well with MS FallProof Clinical Trials CogniFitness Tough Economy Active Choices Day Wellness Programs Mind-Body Skills Community support groups

4 8 10 11 12 14 17 17 20

San Joaquin Valley Serving Bakersfield, Fresno, Kings, Madera and Tulare Counties Living Well with MS Clinical Trials CogniFitness Tough Economy Active Choices BAMS MS Service Day Community support groups

4 10 11 12 16 18 18 22

SIGN ME UP!

You can register for all of the programs listed inside by: Mail or fax Phone Online

Programs Connection 3

Living Well with MS Moving forward after an MS diagnosis A life interrupted…doesn’t need to be a life deferred. Discover what you can do to positively impact your health and well-being. Living Well with MS is an extraordinary program designed to help those newly diagnosed better understand MS and develop lifestyle strategies that can help diminish the effects of the disease. In just 12 weeks you will gain the tools and knowledge you need to build your personal plan for living well with MS.

A team of highly skilled medical, fitness, nutrition and behavioral health specialists in MS will help you: • develop a comprehensive personal fitness and nutrition plan • understand and better manage MS symptoms • develop positive emotional and spiritual health practices to use across your lifetime • increase your ability to cope with the diagnosis and unpredictability of MS • meet others living with MS, just like you, in a setting of shared support Experience the online and in-person combination this course has to offer. Online you will meet all of your classmates and access up-todate and current information in a user-friendly, highly interactive classroom. In-person you will meet fellow participants in your local area each week for the fitness component of the course. Enrolling NOW for classes beginning in midJanuary in the following cities: Bakersfield Fresno Palm Desert Pomona (San Gabriel Valley) San Luis Obispo Thousand Oaks West Los Angeles Sign me up! Mail or fax form on page 27. Call your local office (see page 27). Visit livingwellwithMS.com

4 National MS Society, Southern California Chapter

Learn from Home: Teleconference

Getting the Most

out of Social Security

Are you thinking about leaving the workplace because of the challenges around MS? Are you wondering how and when to apply for Social Security Disability? When is the best time to leave a job and ensure your financial stability moving forward?

Sign me up! One week prior to the program you will receive the toll-free dial-in number. Mail or fax the form on page 27. Call Tiffany Jordan at 800.344.4867. Visit nationalMSsociety.org/calendar

These questions are topics of concern for many people living with MS. This informative teleconference will address the questions you should be asking yourself before, during and after applying for Social Security Disability. Featured presenter: Judith Leland, JD, APLC was appointed as a Supplemental Security Income judge with the Social Security Administration in 1974. In that capacity, she presided over numerous Social Security Disability and SSI hearings in California. Ms. Leland has handled over 2,000 Social Security Disability cases at all adjudicatory levels, including the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. She currently heads a law practice with offices in Downey, Santa Ana, and Ontario. Cost: FREE Tuesday, January 12, 2010 6:00 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7:00 pm At-home, toll-free teleconference

Programs ProgramsConnection Connection 55

Learn from Home : Teleconference

The Benefits of Exercise It’s Hard to Hit A Moving Target, So Keep Moving

What will I learn? • If you aren’t moving, how can you start? • If you are moving a little, how can you move a little more? • If you quit moving, how can you start again? Featured presenter: Richard W. Hicks, Ph.D. became Director of Research and Education of The Heuga Center, Edwards, Colorado in 1988 and was named Executive Director in 1990. Throughout his eleven plus years with the Center, Dick held adjunct faculty appointments at several universities where he directed graduate students, doctoral, and post-doctoral fellows researching the effects of exercise in persons with MS. Dr. Hicks served as national board chair of Physically-Challenged Access to the Woods and on the National MS Society’s Clinical Advisory Committee in Colorado.

Currently, Dr. Hicks is President of The Heuga Center Endowment Board, as well as, a Heuga Center Research and Education Consultant. Cost: FREE Thursday, February 18, 2010 6:00 – 7:30 pm At-home, toll-free teleconference Sign me up! One week prior to the program you will receive the toll-free dial-in number. Mail or fax the form on page 27. Call Tiffany Jordan at 800.344.4867. Visit nationalMSsociety.org/calendar

To find exercise classes in you community, see pages 14-16 6 National MS Society, Southern California Chapter

Learn from Home: Teleconference

Living with

Progressive MS

Progressive MS manifests itself differently in each person. While there are still no effective medical treatments to repair nerves or reverse permanent losses of function, there are many useful strategies and treatments. It is possible to alleviate many symptoms, to improve some functions, and — just as important — to compensate for disabilities and thus lessen their impact on your life. What will I learn? • How to live well with progressive MS • Medical management of progressive MS • Managing the emotional issues that arise when Ms changes Featured presenter: Patricia K. Coyle, MD, is a professor and acting chair of neurology, and the director of the MS Comprehensive Care Center at the Stony Brook University Medical Center, Stony Brook, NY. Dr. Coyle is the author of numerous articles on clinical and basic research aspects of MS and neurologic infections and she is recognized as a leading expert on MS and neurologic infections. She is currently involved in a number of therapeutic trials testing new immunotherapies for MS, as well as studies addressing neurologic aspects of Lyme disease. Cost: FREE Monday, March 8, 2010 6:00 – 7:30 pm At-home, toll-free teleconference

Sign me up! One week prior to the program you will receive the toll-free dial-in number. Mail or fax the form on page 27. Call Tiffany Jordan at 800.344.4867. Visit nationalMSsociety.org/calendar If you are living with progressive MS, you may be interested in these programs: • Optimal Living with MS (Page 9) • FallProof (Page 8) • CogniFitness (Page 11) Programs Connection 7

FallProof ™

Comprehensive balance and mobility training programs Do you have poor balance? Have you lost your balance or fallen in the last year? Falls are a leading cause of injury in those with MS and can result in broken bones and further disability. Don’t let the misfortune of a bad fall compromise your health or independence. Learn how to improve balance and mobility and reduce your risk of falling.

Simi Valley For individuals who use a cane or a walker: 8 Wednesdays, January 6 - February 24 or March 3 - April 21 12:45 – 1:45 pm

For individuals who walk unassisted: 8 Wednesdays, January 6 - February 24 What will I learn? or March 3 - April 21 • Strategies to improve your ability to 2:00 – 3:00 pm recover from loss of balance • The various body systems that contribute 2880 Blackstock Ave., Simi Valley to balance and mobility Greater Los Angeles • Postural alignment and center of gravity For those who walk with or without a cane: control training 10 Mondays, January 25 – April 5, 2010 • Exercises to improve balance, strength, (no class 2/15) and flexibility 1:00 – 3:00 pm • Tips to increase safety and confidence The Marilyn Hilton MS Achievement with walking Center at UCLA 1000 Veteran Ave., Suite 11-62 “FallProof gave me the best gift ever: independence. I went from being at an extreme risk of falling to a moderate risk!” “Both my gait and my confidence have improved so much that friends and family have noticed!“

Sign me up! C all Jeanette Chian at 805.682.8783 for the Simi Valley classes. all Kara Kenton at 310.267.4071 for the C Los Angeles class.

8 National MS Society, Southern California Chapter

Optimal Living with MS

When MS changes

Positive Changes in 12 weeks Little changes that creep into life with MS often get swept under the rug. Over time these physical changes can accumulate and slowly erode a person’s independence and interfere with life’s everyday activities. Optimal Living with MS helps you improve performance, regain and maintain independence, and overcome challenges. In just 12 weeks, you will learn practical tips and strategies to make life at home and in your community easier, safer and more productive.

San Gabriel Valley ~ Pomona Casa Colina Centers for Rehabilitation Fridays, 11:00 am - 1:30 pm Sign me up! C all Julia Santigo at 800.344.4867 or 310.479.4456 for Los Angeles. Call Jill Jones at 909.949.1363 for Pomona.

Work with a team of rehabilitation professionals in occupational and physical therapy to: • Develop a comprehensive personal fitness program • Understand fatigue and integrate pacing and energy conservation strategies into everyday activities • Evaluate your home environment for efficiency and safety and more! Enroll today for upcoming sessions starting in Los Angeles on January 22nd and in Pomona in March. Los Angeles USC’s Health Science Campus Offered in collaboration with USC’s Departments of Neurology, Kinesiology & Physical Therapy, and Occupational Therapy Friday mornings, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Programs Connection 9

Clinical Trials: Solving One Piece of the MS Puzzle

Clinical trials help determine whether a drug is safe and effective for MS. Without people living with MS who are willing to serve as volunteers in these studies, we could not look forward to new and better therapies.

Hanford Thursday, February 11, 2010 10:00 am – 12:00 pm 1st Christian Church 505 W. Cameron St

In this DVD program, you will learn from MS experts:

Palmdale Wednesday, January 20, 2010 6:30 – 8:00 pm Larry Chimbole Cultural Center 38350 Sierra Hwy.

• “What You Need to Know about Clinical Trials” – the clinical trials process, the challenges to current clinical trials, and profiles participants of past trials • “Therapeutic Strategies in Clinical Trials” – specific medical treatments and their strategies to slow, stop, and repair the effects of multiple sclerosis Each participant will receive a workbook full of valuable information. Cost: FREE This year’s North American Education Program was made possible through unrestricted educational grants from Bayer HealthCare, Biogen Idec, Eli Lilly and Company, EMD Serono/Pfizer Inc, Genetech, Genzyme Corporation, Novartis, and Teva Neuroscience.

Arroyo Grande Tuesday, February 9, 2010 6:00 – 8:00 pm United Methodist Church, 275 N. Halcyon Fresno Thursday, February 18, 2010 10:00 am – 12:00 pm San Joaquin Valley Rehab, 7173 N. Sharon 10 National MS Society, Southern California Chapter

Sign me up! Mail or fax form on page 27. Call your local office (see page 27). Visit nationalMSsociety.org/calendar

CogniFitness Keeping the Mind Moving 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... 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

Cost: $25.00 per person 8-week courses enrolling now: Santa Clarita Tuesdays, February 2 – March 23 6:00 – 8:00 pm Blessed Kateri Catholic Church 22508 Copper Hill Dr. Bakersfield Thursdays, February 11 – April 1 2:00 – 4:00 pm HEALTHSOUTH Bakersfield Rehabilitation Hospital, 5001 Commerce Dr. Pomona and Loma Linda Fridays, February 19 – March 9 11:00 am – 1:00 pm Locations TBD Santa Barbara Class forming NOW. Call Francine Sullivan or Jeanette Chian at 805.682.8783 to learn more. Sign me up! Mail or fax form on page 27. Call your local office (see page 27). Visit nationalMSsociety.org/calendar Programs Connection 11

Managing MS

in a Tough Economy

The downturn in the economy has no doubt brought changes to your life. You aren’t alone. We have assembled a panel of local experts to help you navigate through these tough times with topics such as budgeting, financial planning, credit management, home mortgages and drug co-pays. This program has something for everyone! Learn about... • Creating a budget and managing debt • Financial planning and managing investments in a volatile market • Asset protection, Medi-Cal and you • Understanding mortgage modification • Advocating for your health care in a tough economy Cost: FREE program Bakersfield Saturday, March 6, 2010 9:30 am – 12:30 pm Kern County Department of Public Health 1800 Mt. Vernon Ave. Also includes Kern County Volunteer Appreciation Fresno location TBD Sunday, March 14, 2010 1:00 – 3:00 pm Also includes San Joaquin Valley volunteer appreciation Palm Desert Saturday, March 13, 2010 9:00 am – 12:00 pm 73-710 Fred Waring Drive, Suite 115 12 National MS Society, Southern California Chapter

Palmdale Saturday, March 13, 2010 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Larry Chimbole Cultural Center 38350 Sierra Hwy. Pasadena Saturday, February 27, 2010 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Pasadena Senior Center, 85 E. Holly St. Rancho Cucamonga Saturday, March 13, 2010 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Goldy S. Lewis Community Center 11200 Base Line Dr. San Luis Obispo Saturday, March 13, 2010 1:00 - 4:00 pm French Hospital Medical Center 1911 Johnson Ave., Auditorium Santa Maria Saturday, March 6, 2010 1:00 – 4:00 pm Minami Community Center, 600 W. Enos Dr. Sign me up! Mail or fax form on page 27. Call your local office (see page 27). Visit nationalMSsociety.org/calendar

Virtual Book Club

If you love to read and enjoy discussing books with other book lovers, join the MS Book Club! Participate from the comfort of your own home. Book club meetings take place every other month via conference call. Group members are asked to read the selection before the meetings. Please call Tiffany Jordan at 800.344.4867 to sign up and receive the dial-in number. You may also call Tiffany to request the club’s selection from the Chapter’s lending library. Paperback copies or the book on CD are both available. We’ll even provide a return postagepaid envelope. The next books we’ll read and meeting dates are: Wednesday, January 20 at noon The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams Wednesday, March 17 at noon The Great Santini by Pat Conroy

Dodgers Tickets

Our generous trustees Dave Perren and Scott Perren have once again donated pairs of seats for the 2010 Dodgers season. Reserve free, accessible tickets for your favorite game. Please contact Tiffany Jordan at 310.479.4456 x130, 800.344.4867 or tiffany.jordan@nmss.org to request your seats. Tickets are available on a first call, first serve basis. Programs Connection 13

Active Choices Exercise is key to your overall health and wellness. So get moving—and have fun while doing it. Take advantage of a Chapter-sponsored or community-sponsored physical activity class. The following pages highlight just a few of the many resources for physical activity classes available in your community. When noted, contact the facility or instructor directly to register. Or call 800.344.4867 for additional classes near you.

Eric Small Adaptive Iyengar Yoga

Improve your balance, endurance, posture, flexibility, mobility and quality of life. Please bring a mat or beach towel. Cost for 10 weeks: $30.00*

Feldenkrais

Pilates Improve balance, flexibility and strength. Movements in Pilates reformer classes are done on specialized pieces of equipment and require strong seated balance and transfer skills. Cost for 10 weeks: $45.00*

Gentle, non-strenuous movements help improve flexibility & stability and manage stress & pain. Please bring a thick mat and beach towel to class. Cost for 10 weeks: $30.00*

Training & Conditioning

Los Angeles County

Newhall – Yoga Yoga Yoga Studio, 24421 Walnut St. Wednesdays, January 6 - March 10 noon - 1:00 pm

Glendale – Yoga Yoga at the Village, 1306 Sonora Ave. Thursdays, January 7 - March 11 7:30 - 8:30 pm Long Beach-Pilates Mat & Reformer John Garey Pilates Studio, 6539 E. Pacific Coast Hwy. Wednesdays, January 6 - March 10 Participants must be ambulatory. Marina Del Rey – Yoga Angel City Body Kinetics, 4143 Glencoe Ave. Thursdays, January 7 - March 11 6:30 - 8:00 pm

14 National MS Society, Southern California Chapter

Improve functional levels of fitness. A trainer will create a customized fitness program for each participant in a semi-private group setting. Cost for 10 weeks: $30.00* unless noted

Redondo Beach – Pilates Mat & Reformer Beach Cities Pilates Center 514 N. Prospect, 1st Floor Saturdays, Jan. 6 - Mar. 10, 11:00 am - noon 5 weeks of mat work & 5 weeks of Reformer Studio City – Feldenkrais Studio City Library, 12511 Moorpark St. Wednesdays, January 6 - March 10 11:00 am - noon Walnut – Yoga Walnut Senior Center, 21215 La Puente Rd. Wednesdays, January 6 - March 10 noon - 1:00 pm

Channel Islands Santa Barbara – Yoga Vista Del Monte, Patio Room 3775 Modoc Road Mondays, January 4 - March 8 11:00 am – 12:00 pm -orWednesdays, January 6 - March 10 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Santa Barbara – Training & Conditioning Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital 2415 De La Vina Street Tuesdays, January 5 - March 9 12:00 – 1:00 pm -orThursdays, January 7 - March 11 12:00 – 1:00 pm Simi Valley – Yoga Yoga Nook, 2472 Sterns Street Special Yoga Mat Series Tuesdays, January 8 - March 12 11:30 am – 12:00 pm - or Postures for Torso Strength & Balance Fridays, January 8 - March 12 12:00 – 1:00 pm

San Luis Obispo County – Yoga San Luis Obispo Veterans Memorial Building, 804 Grand Ave. Meets Mondays & Wednesdays, starting January 11. Beginners: 5:15 - 6:15 pm; All levels: 6:30 - 7:45 pm. Contact instructor Shoosh Crotzer, who has trained with Eric Small and has extensive experience with MS at 805.772.3560. San Luis Obispo - Aquatics The San Luis Obispo Parks and Rec Dept. offers a water exercise class which can accommodate special needs. (Note: pool temp is 88 degrees.) Call the SLO Swim Center at 805.781.7288. The Swim Center is located at Sinsheimer Park, 902 Southwood. Call San Luis Sports Therapy at 805.788.0805 if you wish to use the pool with instruction/supervision from a physical therapist.

Westlake Village – Yoga TrueYoga 3625 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., #322 Wednesdays, January 6 - March 10 2:00 - 3:00 pm Channel Islands Community Classes Grover Beach – Yoga Adaptive Yoga at Tullius Chiropractic & Pilates Center, 902 W. Grand Avenue. Meets each Tuesday at 11 am. Call the Center at 805.481.1566 for more information.

Programs Connection 15

Inland Empire/Coachella Valley

San Joaquin Community Classes

Palm Desert Tuesdays, January 5 - March 9 10:30 - 11:30 am Haberkorn Health Center, 41555 Cook St. #160

Clovis - Variety Clovis Adult School offers adaptive fitness classes: dance, Pilates, t’ai chi, yoga and much more. Call 661.327.2842 for more information.

Bakersfield - Yoga Catholic Healthcare West offers free adaptive Claremont – Yoga for people with MS yoga classes at Mercy Hospital, Mercy Mondays, 6:00 – 7:00 pm Pomona Valley Health Center, 1601 Monte Vista Southwest Hospital, and Memorial Hospital. Contact Sally Baker at sallybk@sbcglobal.net or Cost: $65 for 10 classes 661.332.5371 for day, time, and location. Next 10-week series begins in February. For more information call 951.235.1117. Fresno - Training/Stretch Riverside – Yoga San Joaquin Valley Rehabilitation Hospital FUN Yoga studio, 75 W Blaine St. has an adaptive gym with two locations, and ~ or ~ Inland Yoga, Tibbetts studio offers circuit training classes and “Stretch It 3742 Tibbetts St., Suite 202 Out” classes. Cost; $100 Initiation fee and $35 Classes taught by Christie Hall, who has trained monthly dues. Contact 559.431.2635 ext. 119 with Eric Small and has extensive experience for more information. with MS. For info about which classes might be best for you and a schedule, please e-mail Hanford - Personal Training yogaalways@att.net or call 909.534.6952. In Shape Health Club, 325 N 11th Ave. Personal trainers for adaptive one-on-one Temecula - Aquatics training. Call 559.585.6555 for info. SW Family YMCA, 29119 Margarita Rd. Water Therapy Class in a cool pool with a lift Visalia offered twice a week. Cost: free for members; 1616 W. Mineral King Ave $5 non members. Call 951.677.YMCA (9622) Yoga for MS classes offered Tuesdays, for more info. 11:00 am - 12:15 pm. Cost: $50 for 6 classes (good for 3 months). Visit www.valleyyoga.net San Joaquin Valley or call 559.561.1010 for info. Bakersfield – Yoga Sign me up for Chapter-sponsored classes! Arthritis Adaptive Aquatics Center 1800 Westwind Dr., Building 500 Mail or fax form on page 27. Thursdays, January 7 - March 11, 10:30 - 11:30 am Call your local office (see page 27. Inland Empire Community Classes

Bakersfield – Training & Conditioning Total Woman Fitness, 9901 Hageman Tuesdays, January 5 - March 9 Sessions between 10:30 am - 12:30 pm Cost: $45.00 16 National MS Society, Southern California Chapter

Visit nationalMSsociety.org/calendar

In Los Angeles

Day Wellness Programs This empowering program could be the best thing you do for yourself each week

Explore a new approach to healthy livingstaying fit, having fun, finding balance and becoming more the person you want to be! In just one day each week, you can take part in activities that can enhance your overall health, improve or stabilize function, increase independence and optimize your ability to live well with MS, including: • adaptive exercise (yoga, tai chi, strength training) • memory enhancement • group support • art therapy • stress management • health education …and more! An experienced team of professionals who understand MS and can help bring your personal goals to life with a customized a program that’s right for you.

Empower Yourself...Enroll Today! West Los Angeles The Marilyn Hilton MS Achievement Center at UCLA “REACH to Achieve” program ~ open Tuesdays through Fridays C ontact Elise Herlihy, RN at 310.267.4071 for more information.

Downey The Eric Small Center for Optimal Living with MS on the Rancho Los Amigos Rehabilitation Center campus Call Julia Santiago at 1.800.344.4867

or 310.479.4456 for details or to arrange a tour. The Eric Small Centers for Optimal Living with MS are supported in part by a generous grant from the Flora L. Thornton Foundation.

Mind-Body Skills for Stress Management Learn from licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Carolyn Roberts, PhD to deal with life changes, stress and illness in a supportive group setting. Wellness involves not only the body, but also the mind, emotions and spirit. This group focuses on helping mobilize inner resources for healing and wellness. 10 Monday evenings, February 22 - May 3 at The Marilyn Hilton MS Achievement Center at UCLA Cost: $120 per person, with scholarships available. Contact Stephanie Fisher at 310.267.4071 or ssfisher@mednet.ucla.edu for more information. Programs Connection 17

In the San Joaquin Valley

BAMS

MS Awareness Week Kick-Off

Do you have a special talent, an excellent connection, available resources or creative ideas which can help us raise MS awareness in Kern County to create a world free of MS? If so, Bakersfield Against Multiple Sclerosis (BAMS) can use your help! Join brainstorming meetings to help generate ideas for raising MS awareness in our community throughout the year. For more information, contact Fotini Alfieris at 661.321.9512 or fotini.alfieris@nmss.org.

Please join us on March 8, 2010 at 12:00 pm on the corner of Chester & Truxtun Avenues, at the Liberty Bell in front of the courthouse. We’ll release orange balloons to kick off MS Awareness Week.

MS Service Day If you are living with MS and need a helping hand inside or outside the house, the MS James ORourke

Service Day volunteers are here to help! During MS Awareness Week (March 8 – 14, 2010), teams of boy scouts and their dads will complete projects for people with MS in Bakersfield, including: • Interior chores • Outdoor jobs • Light repairs and chores • De-cluttering & organizing

James O’Rourke, a Boy Scout with Troop 484, is working with the Kern County office to organize these special projects. James’ mother was diagnosed with MS several years ago. He said, “She could no longer do many of the things that we loved to do together as a family, but the MS Society has been very helpful to her in those years. Naturally, I came to them first, hoping help those who had helped my family. Although this MS Service Day will last but one day, I hope it lasts forever, blooming into an annual program for the MS Society to help those in their reach.”

18 National MS Society, Southern California Chapter

Call Kim Kotrla at 661.321.9512.

In the Coachella Valley

Table of Contents

Ask the

Pharmacist Do you have questions about medications? Then this program is the one for you. Join us for an open question and answer session with an experienced pharmacist from A-Med Healthcare, a medical supply delivery service, who will be available to answer questions about prescriptions you are currently taking as well as medications you might be considering. Learn about side effects, drug interactions as well as the latest in state of the art symptom management medications. Presented in collaboration with A-Med Health Care Learn about... • Drugs prescribed for MS treatment and symptom management • The role of generic drugs • Possible drug interactions • Why prescription drugs are so expensive • Important drug side effects Cost: FREE program, includes light refreshments Palm Desert Tuesday, January 19, 2010 6:00 – 8:00 pm 73-710 Fred Waring Drive, Suite 115

Managing MS

Symptoms

Multiple sclerosis can cause various symptoms that may benefit from state-of-the-art management. Learn approaches to several common MS symptoms including fatigue, bladder issues, cognitive changes and difficulties with mobility. Featured speaker: Elizabeth Morrison, MD, MSEd worked as an MS physician at Northwest Neurology in 2008 after moving to Bellingham from Los Angeles.After completing fellowship training in MS at the UC, Irvine in 2005, she conducted clinical research and practiced at the LA County-USC MS Center, where she was Voluntary Clinical Associate Professor of Neurology. Cost: FREE program, includes light refreshments Palm Desert Tuesday, February 16, 2010 6:00 – 8:00 pm University of California, Riverside Palm Desert Campus 75080 Frank Sinatra Drive, B114-117

Sign me up! Mail or fax form on page 27.

Call Suellen Evavold 760.776.5740

Visit nationalMSsociety.org/calendar Programs Connection 19

Connect

with others...

Do you ever wish you could talk with others who understand what it’s like to live with MS and the challenges the disease brings?

Community Self-Help Groups Los Angeles County

Please contact the group’s facilitator(s) to learn more about a specific self-help group listed below, or contact area Chapter coordinator Mary Ann Holm at 310.479.4456 or 800.344.4867. Beach Cities 2nd Sunday, 10:00 am, Beach Cities Health District Call Dena at 310.376.8426 Burbank 4th Wednesday, 3:00 pm Call Nan at 818.762.5432 Central LA 4th Saturday, noon, Bilbrew Library Call Alva at 323.233.5413 GLAMS (Gay and Lesbian Support Group) 2nd Saturday, 1:00 pm, Location varies Contact Ronni at 626.392.4321 or socalglams@cs.com Glendora 2nd & 4th Saturdays, 10:00 am Contact Laura at 626.335.0613 or le3293@aol.com Lakewood/Long Beach 2nd Sunday, 1:00 pm, Lakewood Youth Center Call Fran at 562.925.4405 Lancaster/Palmdale 1st Wednesday, 6:30 pm, Chimbole Cultural Center Call Colleen at 661.225.9826

20 National MS Society, Southern California Chapter

Los Angeles 3rd Thursday, 6:00 pm, Fairfax Branch Library Call Michael at 213.804.1249 LA – Spanish Speaking Group 2nd Saturday, 10:00 am Salvation Army/Red Shield Community Center Contact Maria at 818.781.0181 or cyt1709@aol.com North Hollywood - Drumming Group Learn a unique way to express yourself. No musical experience needed. Last Thursday of each month, 10:15 am, Remo Drum Center Please call Beth at 818.219.1715 Northridge last Thursday, 10:15 am, Mid Valley Regional Library Call Carolyn at 818.348.6628 or Linda at 818.989.6044 before attending. Pasadena 2nd Monday, 10:00 am, California Assistance League Call Aynn at 626.303.4343 Santa Clarita 2nd Thursday, 6:30 pm, Blessed Katari Catholic Church Call Linda at 661.297.3040 Sherman Oaks (Social Group) 3nd Saturday, 11:30 am - 2 pm, Sherman Oaks Library Call Linda at 818.222.7678

Torrance 2nd Tuesday, 1:00 pm, North Torrance Library Call Pattie at 310.769.0694 West Covina 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 11:00 am Senior Center North Building Call Tadd at 626.962.7909 West LA Last Monday, 6:30 pm, National MS Society Contact Nancy at 310.827.5714 or nancyrush@ca.rr.com West LA – Men’s Group 3rd Tuesday, 6:00 pm, National MS Society Call Larry at 310.423.3425 West Hills/Woodland Hills 1st Thursday, 7:00 pm, First United Methodist Church Call Mary Ann at 310.479.4456

Channel Islands

Please contact the group’s facilitator(s) to learn more about a specific self-help group listed below, or contact area Chapter coordinator Jeanette Chian at 805.682.8783 (Ventura & Santa Barbara) or Devin Wallace at 805.772.2046 (San Luis Obispo). Arroyo Grande 2nd Tuesday, 6:00 pm, United Methodist Church Call Ellen at 805.343.6094

Morro Bay 4th Saturday, 10:30 am, St. Peters by the Sea church Call Devin at 805.772.2046 Ojai 2nd Thursday, 7:00 pm, Oak View Community Center or 4th Tuesday, 12:45 pm, Eggs and Things Call Donna at 805.646.3750 Paso Robles 2nd Saturday, 11:45 am at Touch of Paso or 4th Tuesday, Park Grill Call Judy at 805.468.4555

MS Community Circle – this group is open to people with MS, caregivers, friends and family. • Meets Fridays at 10:00 am at First Presbyterian Church in San Luis Obispo. Call Devin at 805.772.2046. • Monthly meetings begin in Santa Barbara on January 20 at 11:30 am at the Chapter office, 14 W. Valerio St. Will then meet monthly 3rd Wednesday, 12:00 pm. Call Francine at 805.682.8783. Simi Valley 1st Monday, 10:00 am Sunrise Christian Fellowship Church Call Dennis Zurcher at 805.584.2526 Thousand Oaks 4th Tuesday, 11:00 am, Location varies Call Darcy at 805.368.7918 Ventura Last Friday, 11:30 am, Carrow’s Call Vincy at 805.340.9627

Inland Empire/Coachella Valley

Please contact the group’s facilitator(s) to learn more about a specific self-help group listed below or contact area Chapter coordinator Todd Eckel at 909.949.1363 for Inland Empire groups or Suellen Evavold at 760.776.5740 in the Coachella Valley. Hemet 3rd Saturday, 10:00 am, Hemet Public Library Call Lori at 951.658.6007 High Desert 4th Saturday, 10:00 am, High Desert Church Contact Dorothy at 760.241.6247 or thmpsnrd@hotmail.com Lake Arrrowhead 1st Friday, 4:30 pm, Mountain Community Hospital Call Joyce at 909.337.7573 Montclair 1st Saturday, 10:00 am, Montclair Community Center Call Ginny at 909.981.7035

Programs Connection 21

Murrieta/Temecula 4th Saturday, 10:00 am, Chancellor Place Call Bonnie at 951.674.5959 Palm Desert 2nd Thursday, 10:00 am, IHOP Call Richard at 760.899.4174 Riverside 1st Saturday, 10:00 am, Kaiser Call Gilbert at 951.544.1441 Temecula 1st Wednesday, 10:00, Trinity Luthern Church Call Denise at 951.698.9725 Upland Last Wednesday, 10:00 am, Calvary Chapel Contact Kathleen at 909.986.2125 or kathleenanderson127@msn.com Yucaipa 3rd Tuesday, 2:00 pm, Good Shepherd Church Call Clare at 909.795.5128 or Tom at 909.795.1717

San Joaquin Valley

Please contact the group’s facilitator(s) to learn more about a specific self-help group listed below, or contact area Chapter coordinator Susan Wallis at 559.439.2154 (Fresno, Kings, Madera & Tulare) or Kim Kotrla at 661.321.9512 (Kern).

Bakersfield – African American Group Call Kim at 661.321.9512 Bakersfield 1st Thursday, 7:00 pm, Health South Rehab Hospital Call Carol at 661.363.9747 Bakersfield 2nd Wednesday, noon or 4th Wednesday, 9:30 am Lorene’s Coffee Shop Call Mary at 661.397.0489

22 National MS Society, Southern California Chapter

Bakersfield - Family Support Group 4th Saturday, 10:30 am, Call Kim at 661.321.9512 Fresno 1st Monday, 7:00pm, San Joaquin Valley Rehab Cafeteria Call Karen at 559.871.115 of Jeff at 559.261.2695 3rd Thursday, 9:30 am Call Yolanda at 559.908.4644 or Doris at 559.299.2072 Hanford -- NEW day/location! 1st Thursday, 10:00 am, First Christian Church Call Barbara at 559.584.1903 or Debra at 559.585.8054 Lake Isabella Call Jennifer at 760.549.3838 Tehachapi 1st Wednesday, 6:00 pm, St. Jude’s Anglican Church Call Kimberly at 661.822.7178 or clemenskimberly@gmail.com Visalia 2nd Saturday, 10:00 am, Call Jim at 559.734.7576

Talk to Someone with MS Chat one on one with someone else who has MS! In our Peer Support program, you are matched with a trained volunteer who has MS and is dedicated to helping you navigate the challenges of the disease. This long running program has successfully paired hundreds of clients with a peer who can truly understand what it means to live with MS. Peer Support all takes place via phone, so there is no need to travel to get the support that you need and deserve. Please call Mary Ann Holm at 1.800.344.4867 for details or to sign up.

Talk with a Professional Find a Telecounselor

Living with the Challenges of MS An 8-week afternoon group will begin soon. Have you been thinking about talking This group is designed for those who are with a licensed professional therapist who facing significant challenges and disability understands MS? surrounding their MS diagnosis. This Have you been unsure about how to find such convenient phone group offers professional a person, or have been unable to find someone support and a great way to connect with others who may be feeling isolated and alone, and in your area? have difficulties leaving home. Have you been hesitant to seek out counseling due to lack of finances or insurance to do so? Sign me up! Is transportation an issue for you in seeking this service? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may qualify for our TELECOUNSELOR program!

F or any of the resources listed above, please call your local office (see page 27) for more information or to register by

This exciting opportunity allows for 8-10 individualized sessions via telephone with a licensed therapist provided by the National MS Society. 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 MSâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;with all of the comfort and ease of calling from your own home. Newly Diagnosed Phone Group An 8-week evening group will begin soon. A professional counselor will facilitate this group for people diagnosed in the last two years, who are looking for accurate MS information in addition to fantastic emotional support. Guest speakers include an MS neurologist and an employment specialist.

Programs Connection 23

For the Care Partner

Caregiver Telephone

Support Group

Life is stressful enough. Family responsibilities, career obligations â&#x20AC;&#x201D; even the everyday grind of battling rush-hour traffic, racing to the supermarket and getting the laundry done â&#x20AC;&#x201D; can contribute to raising our anxiety level. When you add in the responsibility of caring for a loved one with a chronic illness, life can sometimes seem overwhelming. Talking and sharing with others can alleviate some of the stress and isolation that we sometimes feel. Join us Monday evenings via teleconference and connect with others with similar experiences, share resources and receive information that can help you support your loved one.

24 National MS Society, Southern California Chapter

Monday evenings, 5:30 -- 7:00 pm Support group facilitated by caregiver and caregiver coach Jon Strum (1st Mondays facilitated by Ann Gerstenfeld, LMFT) Cost: FREE Sign me up! all Mary Ann Holm at 800.344.4867 C or 310.479.4456.

For the Care Partner

The Art of

Safe Transfer

There is a science to lifting, and failure to learn the basics can lead to unnecessary and often severe injury. Care giving is challenging enough in itself without adding physical risks! In this workshop, you will receive one-to-one coaching from licensed physical therapist Julianna Winninghoff, PT on how to properly help your loved one transfer, get up after a fall, and how to assist her/him with walking when necessary. These techniques take practice before they become second nature, and that’s what the workshop will provide. You’ll learn to cue yourself each time you assist so you won’t fall back into bad habits when the stress is on. Don’t miss this valuable training opportunity. Even if you learned these basics before, a refresher course will ensure that you haven’t forgotten important information that can preserve your back and your peace of mind. Grover Beach Saturday, February 27, 2010 10:00 am – 12:00 noon Grover Beach Community Center 1230 Trouville Ave. Cost: FREE Sign me up! Mail or fax form on page 27. Call Devin Wallace at 805.772.2046. Visit nationalMSsociety.org/calendar Programs ProgramsConnection Connection 25 25

Kathryn, MS Activist, diagnosed with MS in 1984 National Multiple Sclerosis Society

How will you move it?

nationalMSsociety.org/cal

The Southern California Chapter has seven offices serving 14,500 people with MS and their loved ones in 12-county area. For more information, call 800. 344.4867 or visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/cal.

Sign Me Up! Mail or fax registration to your

local National MS Society office. Or register online at

www.nationalMSsociety.org/cal. Name: ___________________________________ Date of diagnosis:_ ______________ Age: _______

Southern California Chapter

2440 S. Sepulveda Boulevard, Suite 115 Los Angeles, CA 90064 310.479.4456, 800.344.4867 310.479.4436 fax

Channel Islands Office

14 West Valerio Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101 805.682.8783 • 805.563.1489 fax

San Luis Obispo office 805.772.2046

Address:__________________________________ City: _ ___________________________________ Zip: _____________________________________ Phone:___________________________________ E-mail: ___________________________________ Mobility device used (if any): _________________ ________________________________________

Inland Empire Office

869 E. Foothill Boulevard, Suite I Upland, CA 91786 909.949.1363 • 909.949.0766 fax

I’d like to register for these program(s):  Social Security (teleconference – 1/12)

Coachella Valley Office

73-710 Fred Waring Drive, Suite 103 Palm Desert, CA 92260 760.776.5740 • 760.776.5742 fax

Antelope Valley & Santa Clarita Valley Office

1669 West Avenue J, Suite 309 Lancaster, CA 93534 661.945.9111 • 661.948.6875 fax

Kern County Office

 Benefits of Exercise (teleconference – 2/18)  Progressive MS (teleconference – 3/8)  Clinical Trials _____ # attending Names of guest (if any): ___________________ ______________________________________

1800 30th Street, Suite 105 Bakersfield, CA 93301 661.321.9512 • 661.321.9518 fax

Choose one: 

Arroyo Grande (2/9)

San Joaquin Valley Office



Fresno (2/18)



Hanford (2/11)



Palmdale (1/20)

690 E. Bullard Avenue, Suite 103 Fresno, CA 93710 559.439.2154 • 559.439.1745 fax

Registration form comtinued on next page

C ogniFitness ($25/person, pay below) Choose one: Santa Clarita  Bakersfield T ough Economy _____ # attending Name of guests (if any): ________________ ___________________________________ Location (city):_______________________ A sk the Pharmacist (Palm Desert – 1/19) _____ # attending

 Safe Transfer (Grover Beach – 2/27) Name of caregiver: ___________________ _ _________________________________ Relationship to person with MS:  spouse/partner  parent  child  sibling  friend

Active Choices Pay below for Chapter-sponsored physical activity classes. Check pages 14 - 16 for cost.

Name of guests (if any): ________________

 Fitness series type: ___________________

___________________________________

City: ______________________________

 MS Symptoms (Palm Desert – 2/16) _____ # attending

Day: ______________________________  Fitness series type:_ __________________

Name of guests (if any): ________________

City: ______________________________

___________________________________

Day: ______________________________

Total Enclosed $________________  Check enclosed or Charge my:  Visa  MasterCard  AmEx  Discover Account # __________________________________ Exp. Date ___________________________ Name on Card_ ____________________________________________________________________________ In consideration of your acceptance of this application, I hereby, for myself, my heirs, executors and administrators, waive and release any and all rights and claims for damages I may have against the National MS Society, Southern California Chapter (NMSS) or any other people connected with this program, their agents, representatives and assign for any and all injuries suffered by, or illness to, myself resulting in participation in this program. I give the NMSS permission to use my name and my guests’ names, photograph or other media taken of us during the event for promotional materials, publications or on the NMSS Web site. Signature:_ _____________________________________________________Date:________________________

Programs Connection 29

Sunday

25 • Living Well in 6 locations 25 • FallProof Los Angeles

Monday

• Ask the Pharmacist Palm Desert

12 • Getting the Most out of Social Security teleconference

Tuesday

20 • Clinical Trials Palmdale • Virtual Book Club teleconference

• FallProof Simi Valley

Wednesday

Thursday

January 2010

• Optimal Living Los Angeles

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

• Living Well Los Angeles 30

Monday

• Managing MS Symptoms Palm Desert

• Clinical Trials Arroyo Grande

• CogniFitness Santa Clarita

Tuesday

Wednesday

• Clinical Trials 18 Fresno • Benefits of Exercise teleconference

11 • Clinical Trials Hanford • CogniFitness Bakersfield

Thursday

February 2010 5

19 • CogniFitness Pomona • CogniFitness Loma Linda

Friday

27 • Caregiver Body Mechanics Grover Beach • Tough Economy Pasadena

Saturday

Programs ProgramsConnection Connection 31 31

• Tough Economy Fresno

Sunday

teleconference

• Living with Progressive MS

Monday

Tuesday

• Virtual Book Club Teleconference

Wednesday

Thursday

March 2010 5

Friday

13 • Tough Economy Palmdale, Rancho Cucamonga, Palm Desert, San Luis Obispo

• Tough Economy Bakersfield, Santa Maria

Saturday

Southern California Chapter

2440 S. Sepulveda Boulevard, Suite 115 Los Angeles, CA 90064

If not you, then who? We need you now, more than ever. • MS research is moving at record speed, but for the first time is more than 50 years, we can’t keep up. That’s why events like Walk MS are so critical — to fund research for a cure. • Just think, of people affected by MS don’t drive the movement forward, who will? • This year, we will call on everyone — especially people affected by MS — to join the movement. • We need your drive. We need your passion. We need you now. Walk with us April 2010. If not you, then who?

for Walk MS: Southern California walkMSsocal.org • 800.344.4867 32 National MS Society, Southern California Chapter