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 Office 1700 Owens Street, Suite 190 San Francisco, CA Are you Newly Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis? A diagnosis of MS can create many unexpected emotions that leave you with a strong need to understand the changes you may be facing. On a quarterly basis, this informative program, conducted by trained National MS Society staff and an RN specializing in MS, will address the most common concerns for people who are newly diagnosed. This orientation provides an excellent opportunity to have any questions you may wish to ask answered and learn more about the resources available to persons with multiple sclerosis. Pre-registration is required. To register, please visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/can or call 800-344-4867.
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
Free From Falls October 7 - December 2, 2011 Fridays, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. for 8 weeks UCSF Physical Therapy Health & Wellness Center Bakar Fitness Center 1675 Owens Street San Francisco, 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. 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 Joy O’Donnell at 415-230-6678 ext. 73016 for pricing information and to register.
CogniFitness Keep the Mind Moving October 2011 for 8 weeks Vallejo, 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 Please call Joy O’Donnell at 415-230-6678 ext. 73016 for exact location, dates, times, pricing information and to register.
Chapter Lending Library Did you know that you can borrow books and DVDs about MS from the Chapter’s lending library, absolutely free, without ever having to step foot in our office? To check out a newly updated list of titles, please go to www.nationalMSsociety.org/can or call 800-344-4867 to request a list.
Bay Area Self-Help Groups ALAMEDA COUNTY Alameda Sharon 510-521-6260 or Ray 510-522-5210 Berkeley Estelle 510-204-4407 Berkeley Lunch Group (meets periodically) Toni 510-653-4534 Central Berkeley Audrey 510-287-6543 East Bay Lesbians Nora 510-837-4166 Fremont Kim 510-793-0765 Oakland Katrina 510-523-1891 Oakland: African Americans Karen 510-757-3290 Oakland: Latinos Elsa 510-777-1414 CONTRA COSTA COUNTY Brentwood MS for lunch bunch Kathy 925-286-7674 or Julie 925-513-4686 Mt. Diablo (Concord) John and Janis 925-372-0859 El Cerrito Elizabeth 510-549-2154 Richmond Contact Andrew Rose at 800-344-4867, option 2, ext. 73004 SAN MATEO COUNTY Foster City Eli 650-377-1970 San Mateo George 650-593-5154 SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY San Francisco Young at Heart Group George 415-724-0064 SF Potluck Luncheon (meets periodically) Karen 415-584-6115
What’s Happening Around the Chapter North Bay
South Bay Area
Can Do Multiple Sclerosis JUMPSTART Program - October 1
Free From Falls - starts in October Newly Diagnosed Orientation - November 2 CogniFitness - starts in December
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.