MOVING TOWARD A WORLD FREE OF MS | VOLUME 7 • EDITION 4
In this Issue: New Chair for GA Chapter Board of Trustees Page 3
Walk MS & Bike MS 2015 Top 100 Club Pages 6 & 10
Extreme Cold Guide Page 14 MS Activism - Lame Duck Session Pages 12
MS Connection 1-800-344-4867 PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY Georgia Chapter • 950 East Paces Ferry Road, NE Ste. 110 • Atlanta, GA 30326 Chairman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Annette Mengert Vice Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Keith Keller Secretary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Denise Dauphin Treasurer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tom Holler Chapter President . . . . . . . Roy A. Rangel
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society does not endorse products, services or manufacturers. Such names appear here solely because they are considered valuable information. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society assumes no liability for the use of contents of any product or service mentioned. Information provided by the Society is based upon professional advice, published experience and expert opinion. Information provided in response to questions does not constitute therapeutic recommendations or prescriptions. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society recommends that all questions and information be discussed with a personal physician. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society‘s mission is to mobilize people and resources, to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS. © 2014 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Georgia Chapter
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Are you looking for a Self-Help Group or Peer Supporter in your community? Are you looking for a Self-Help Group or Peer Supporter in your community? Whether you just received a MS diagnosis or have been living with MS for a long time, the National MS Society, GA Chapter, has impactful programs available where you can find support and experience-based guidance on how to live a productive and happy life with MS. Self-Help Groups meet regularly for educational and social purposes, allowing members to express feelings and provide support to one another. Members share a belief that positive personal change can happen through individual effort with the support of others. To find Self-Help Groups near you, call an MS Navigator at 1-800-344-4867. Peer Supporters are trained individuals living with MS or have a family member living with MS. Via telephone, our Peer Supporters called “MS Friends,” offer information, companionship, emotional support and encouragement to peers living with MS. There is no cost to participate in a Self-Help Group or Peer Support Program. To request services or if you are interested in starting a Self-Help Group or becoming a Peer Supporter, call the GA Chapter Office at 1-800-344-4867 or e-mail the GA Chapter’s Services Manager, Carole Anderson, at carole.anderson@nmss.org For general information about the support resources available through the National MS Society, please visit http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Resources-Support/ Find-Support.
See complete listing of Self-Help Groups in Georgia on Page 16.
Congratulations Annette Mengert,
2015 Chair Of Georgia Chapter Board of Trustees owners, tenants and developers around the world. Her responsibilities at Colliers include managing retail and office properties within the company’s retail/office portfolio.
Annette Mengert Senior Vice President Colliers International
We are pleased to announce Annette Mengert as the 2015 Chair for the the Georgia Chapter Board of Trustees. Annette has served on the Board of Trustees since 2008 where she has held several positions including Government Relations Committee Chair and Special Events Chair. “Annette brings an abundance of financial literacy and corporate networks to our Chapter,” says Roy A. Rangel, Chapter President. “Her global enterprise perspective, innovativeness and passion for our mission will further lead us to mobilizing resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of people living with MS.” Professionally, Annette is the Senior Vice President of Colliers International, a leading company in global real estate offering comprehensive services to investors, property
Annette joined Colliers International in 2006. Previously, she served as the Vice President for Cumberland Management Partners/The Hawkins Companies where she managed a portfolio of five million square feet of single story and mid-rise office. Annette is a member of Commercial Real Estate Women – Atlanta (CREW), and Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA).
Annette Mengert & granddaughter at Walk MS 2014
Generations of Hope award recipients at the 2014 Annual Meeting
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Say HELLO to Tricia Passuth, LMSW Director, Clinical & Chapter Programs Tricia Passuth is the newest member of the National MS Society, Georgia Chapter and will be serving as the Director of Clinical and Chapter Programs. She will be responsible for administering the chapter’s client, professional, and community based programs to assist in meeting the needs of individuals with multiple sclerosis, their families and care partners. A native of New Jersey, Tricia recently relocated to Atlanta. While in New Jersey, Tricia worked as the Director of a transitional living program for homeless and at risk teens. In this position, she developed programs to foster independence for the youth served. Prior to this position, she was the Executive Director of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Ocean County, a volunteer-based program which advocates for children in foster care. Tricia is a 2010 graduate of Fordham University, receiving a master’s in social work degree. Additionally, she earned an undergraduate degree in social work in 2008 from Georgian Court University. She is a licensed master of social worker.
Welcome Julie Dilisio Intern, Programs & Services Department Julie Dilisio joins the Georgia Chapter as a Programs & Services intern. She graduated from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the spring of 2013, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. After graduation, she spent a year working as a preschool teacher in Charlotte, North Carolina. Although Julie enjoyed her time as an educator, her passions and talents are more aligned in pursuing a career in the non-profit sector. Julie is originally from Charlotte, North Carolina where most of her family still resides. She has an older sister and a younger brother. Her older sister recently got engaged and Julie is very excited to be a sister-in-law! Julie was drawn to the National MS Society because of the connection she has with her best friend, whose father is living with MS. Over the years Julie has witnessed the struggles and challenges those living with MS routinely face. After a long conversation with her best friend and the Georgia Chapter about services and support offered through the Society, she knew the experience here would be the best fit for her to learn and make a valuable impact! 4
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November is National Family Caregivers Month
WE JO THE M
Now more than ever...
You are needed. You are appreciated TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867
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MS & the JOB When I found out I had MS, I had been working for the same company for 28 years. At the time, I had been a store director for 20 years. My expertise was traveling to stores that were not making a profit, retraining and boosting sales. The last store I managed became the most profitable and busiest in the division; it served as the newest training location for managers. But, after being diagnosed, I needed a less stressful position.
Ronnie Wilson Columbus, Georgia
On a Wednesday evening, after disclosing my illness and discussing my options with the boss, I was pulled outside where no one else could hear us. He explained to me that they did not have another position for me and I was asked to leave. After I explained all I had done for the company and all the hours I put in, (which averaged 6065 hours per week), he responded with “I’m sorry but you will have to leave.” He then walked away, and I was left in shock.
I didn’t work the next day, and I wondered what could be done. I couldn’t tell my wife, who was already upset and worried about my MS diagnosis, and my daughter, only 13 at the time, was too young to understand. Then it hit me - I had previously been to a store directors meeting that went over a new federal law called “The Americans with Disabilities Act.” The act stated that a company has to make reasonable accommodations for someone with a disability. Immediately, I contacted an ADA representative. I explained to an advocate at the ADA headquarters that I worked for a company for over 20 years, and they told me I had to leave due to my MS. She then told me “Oh, honey they are not going to do that! I have six lawyers here that would love to speak to them.” She then asked for the company’s name and contact information. The next morning, I made the decision to go back to the store. I arrived at 7:00am, as I normally did, and my boss asked to speak with me. He asked if I called the ADA, and after I told him yes, he explained that the company was going to take care of me, and that I didn’t need to call or report them again. I later found out the ADA warned the company they would be fined a million dollars if this situation occurred again. I worked ten more years after my diagnosis, and retired after the death of my wife and daughter. Six months later I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, but am now cancer free! My advice to you is: do not let anyone or any company treat you as a disabled person! You are still very important and can still be productive. Remember if you feel you are being discriminated against at your job, call the ADA. Southeast ADA Center 1419 Mayson St NE, Atlanta, GA 30324 Phone:(404) 541-9001 www.adasoutheast.org/ 6
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The National MS Society telelearning program for people with multiple sclerosis and their families aims to provide information and guidance on current matters essential to living one’s best life with MS. Each free telelearning features topic-area expert(s) by phone with online presentations and Q&A session.
MS Research –Your Questions Answered
Sex Ed for Grownups – Intimacy in MS
MS and Employment
Gender Differences in MS
Managing MS Bowel & Bladder Symptoms
Preparing for MS Doctor Visits
January 20 & 22, 2015
February 12 & 26, March 12 & 26, 2015
March 17 & 19, 2015
May 19 & 21, 2015
July 21 & 23, 2015
September 15 & 17, 2015
Learn more and reserve your spot at
nationalMSsociety.org/telelearning or call 1-800-344-4867 TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867
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2015 Walk MS Top 100 Club
WALK MS 1. Michael Combs $29,600 2. Don Logana $17,242 3. Kelly Freeman $15,908 4. Therese Stepowany $11,140 5. Amy Nash $10,442 6. Scott Moore $5,750 7. Nancy Jo McDaniel $5,130 8. Brent Wilkes $5,090 9. Linda Hilscher $4,840 10. Linda Agnello $4,644 11. Lanie Nash $4,450 12. Sheri Polk $4,245 13. Abby Karsch $4,224 14. Todd Hardy $4,200 15. Jessica LeClaire $3,984 16. Tina Schuh $3,810 17. Isabelle LeClaire $3,738 18. Jasmine Kenney $3,735 19. Mary Beth Ritthaler $3,655 20. Martha Mattews $3,584 21. Christine Hatcher $3,540 22. Cheryl Harris $3,500 23. Lynn Kaden $3,408 24. Kathryn Youmans $3,405 25. Sabrina Kulinski $3,390 26. Julie Bumpus $3,370 27. Kelli Zaremba $3,115 28. Kelly Meredith $3,105 29. Elizabeth Barfield $3,060 30. Robert Stepowany $3,055 31. Jo-Anne Liakakos $3,005 32. Rebecca Hampton $2,945 33. Jane Branham $2,915 34. Sandra Taylor $2,860 35. Jacob Boxer $2,837 8
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Based on 2014 Walk MS Totals as of Pledge Deadline June 30, 2014
67. Katye Watkins $1,905 68. Peggy Saunders $1,845 69. Staci Wilson $1,830 70. Larry Clements $1,805 36. Ellen Hellman $2,763 71. Sheila Glenn $1,783 37. Yosafa Deutsch $2,726 72. Britney Darby $1,760 38. Katherine Davis $2,635 73. Jeannette McGowen $1,720 39. David Hicks $2,615 40. John Young $2,583 74. Jodi Giles $1,700 41. Martina Flanagan $2,521 75. Wanda Headrick $1,694 42. Theresa McDaniel $2,500 76. Josh Mannino $1,625 43. Fay Gibson $2,495 77. Dawn Stone $1,602 44. Destiny Strider $2,439 78. LaTonya O’Neal $1,590 45. Larissa Henson $2,387 79. Ashley Van Lede $1,550 46. Diane Wright $2,385 80. Gayle Palmer $1,542 47. Russ Johnson $2,340 81. Natalie Croy $1,515 48. Cindy Wilson $2,315 82. Robin Horne $1,501 49. Robert Udwin $2,275 83. Joan Daniel $1,495 50. Sarah Neighbors $2,245 84. Laura Murray $1,470 51. Ronnie Wilson $2,155 85. Christine Silver $1,450 52. Lee Kordel $2,145 86. Frank Jones $1,440 53. Mary Ellen Gray $2,120 87. Paige McCullough $1,405 54. Charlotte Wilson $2,113 88. Gwendolyn Albrecht$1,380 55. Sue Foege $2,105 89. Brittany Rapheal $1,375 56. Graham Kuhn $2,100 90. Kevin Jackson $1,330 57. Jonathan Reiss $2,098 91. Elisa Dorton $1,300 58. Stacey Samuel- 92. Catherine Farlow $1,295 O’Brien $2,097 93. Kay Gardner $1,295 59. Katie Kulinski $2,085 94. Sunday Pate $1,290 60. Kathleen Bennett $2,080 95. Christine Hall $1,280 61. Robin Remich $2,065 96. May Kulinski $1,270 62. Lisa Hecht $2,029 97. Scott White $1,270 63. Kelly Calvo $2,000 98. Donna Martin $1,264 64. Kate Dugan $1,975 99. Cristen Core $1,245 65. Amy Fuller $1,955 100. Debbie Hamilton $1,245 66. Emily Moore $1,945 101. Cris Davis $1,240
JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org
REGISTER TODAY walkMS.org or 1.800.344.4867 Georgia 2015
Walk MS connects people living with MS and those who care about them. This community event raises critical funds to support life-changing programs and cutting-edge research.
Sarah, diagnosed 2009
MARCH 21, 2015
MARCH 28, 2015
APRIL 11, 2015
APRIL 25, 2015
MAY 2, 2015
Albany Albany Municipal Auditorium
Marietta Marietta Square
Columbus Golden Park
Atlanta Piedmont Park
Savannah Daffin Park
Athens Oconee Veterans Park
Macon GEICO Corporate Campus
Augusta Lake Olmstead
Rome Berry College
BE INSPIRED. GET CONNECTED. WALK MS. THANK YOU TO OUR NATIONAL SPONSORS:
TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867
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My first Bike MS adventure started with an MRI... Well sort of Rebecca Gaston, Team Captain, Sag Harbor
Shortly after learning, through the results of an MRI, that one of the lesions on my brain (caused by MS) increased in size, I received a text message from my friend April saying...
Having wanted to try road biking for some time, my immediate response was an emphatic “Yes!” So we, along with a few more of my dear girlfriends, signed up to ride in the Bike MS: Cox Atlanta Ride 2014 at Callaway Gardens. We named our team “Sag Harbor”.
found the best time for us to ride together was on Saturday mornings. We carved out individual rides when we could but these Saturday morning gatherings were our favorite. There’s just something exhilarating about getting up ridiculously early on a Saturday morning to meet your friends for a bike ride. That’s what we told ourselves, anyway. As much as I’d like to tell you our rides were about building strength and endurance and developing all of the physical attributes we’d need for the Bike MS ride, I can’t. I won’t. Those “training” rides with my Sag Harbor teammates ended up being more about communing with friends and sharing life’s troubles and triumphs together. We rarely pedaled beyond our capacity to talk and although we were certainly preparing our bodies for the Bike MS weekend, we were actually fortifying our souls... From the seats of our bikes.
I sent my first fundraising e-mail before I or anybody else on my team even owned a road bike. We didn’t have spandex shorts and didn’t grasp the need for chamois cream. Yet.
“These training
Despite the fact that we were completely unequipped for the ride, people were already giving… And giving… And giving… I reached my initial fundraising goal pretty quickly and it was at that point that I knew there would be no turning back. So… My teammates and I bought bikes. And spandex shorts. And, after my first ride, I bought some chamois cream.
about the whole
Training for the ride: We didn’t have a training plan; we just rode when we could. Since we’re all working mothers corresponding hectic schedules, we 10 with | JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org
rides are what
I treasure most Bike MS experi-
ence.”
Fundraising through selfies: As our training continued, so did our fundraising. While we were able to secure donations through e-mails and word-of-mouth, there is one tool that was more powerful than any other we used: Selfie photos.
Continued
That’s right, selfies posted on social media are, without a doubt, the reason Team Sag Harbor was able to double our fundraising goal of $2,500. Each time we’d meet for a ride, we posted photos on Instagram and Facebook. The selfies are what prompted people to ask us about the Bike MS event in passing conversation and, personally, they gave me a platform to share my own story of MS and how a bike is helping me battle the disease on so many fronts, including physically, mentally and emotionally. Go Time: We decided to turn the Bike MS: Cox Atlanta Ride into a girls’ weekend (aka: mommy needs a getaway). We descended on Callaway Gardens with no preconceived notions about what the weekend would hold. Heck, we didn’t even know for sure what distance(s) we were going to ride. All we knew is that we were finally there and ready to support a great cause, and have fun. We were ready to ride our bikes, too. The whole weekend was amazing, actually. We were blown away by how well the event was organized, the number of riders there, and the sea of volunteers… Oh the volunteers! I’m convinced, after my experience at the Bike MS event, that volunteers are what make the world go ‘round. The routes were challenging but safe and wove through some of the most beautiful Georgia back roads I’ve ever seen. There were several – mostly rolling – hills but for each challenging climb there was an equal – and much more fun – descent!
cars to our presence on the roads. The break stations seemed to be placed just where we needed them most and were well stocked with yummy treats and staffed with friendly people who were as helpful as they were encouraging. Our fellow riders came in all shapes and sizes and their equipment ranged from top-ofthe- line road bikes to rusty cruisers. It was a beautiful sight to see so many people come together for a cause that is so near-and-dear to me. I saw several other fellow MS warriors and enjoyed learning more about how the Bike MS event was so personal to them, as well. Although exhausted and relieved, I was really kind of sad when we finished our Sunday ride. Tears welled up in my eyes as we turned into the Callaway Gardens entrance to cross the finish line and I began to reflect on the weekend and the culmination of so much love and support from my teammates as well as those who backed me with donations, well-wishes, and prayers It was truly a wonderful experience and I can’t say enough about how thankful I am to have had the Bike MS: Cox Atlanta Ride as my introduction to organized road riding.
After riding 130+ miles on my bike that weekend, I learned one very important lesson: don’t skimp on the chamois cream.
We were never far from the SAG (Supply and Gear) support vans and our wonderful motorcycle escorts kept us safe and alerted TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867
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BIKE MS
Bike MS Top 100 Club 2015 A woman in Georgia posts an article Based on 2014 Bike MS Totals as of
on how personal appearance affects mood. Pledge Deadline October 31, 2014.
1. Dan Yuhaschek $18,876 68. Steve Agnello $2,000 2. Cherise Mlott $17,905 69. Philip Boedeker $2,000 35. Bobbi Noland $3,090 3. William Barney $15,854 70. Kyle Teasdale $1,960 36. Diane Heller $3,085 4. Scott Stafford $11,910 71. Andy Weiss $1,921 37. Jim Moulton $3,080 5. Richard Spencer $11,400 72. Chris Boyle $1,920 38. Marilea Welhouse $3,076 6. Kevin Fitzpatrick $10,183 73. Diane Michaels $1,915 39. Richard Griffiths $3,020 7. Rosetta Dillard $9,350 74. Robert Meyring $1,905 40. Rebecca Gaston $2,775 8. Bob Lepping $9,350 75. Mackay Asbury $1,870 41. Kevin Kuntz $2,710 9. Daniel Shim $8,523 76. Jay Walters $1,859 42. David Shope $2,695 10. David Cohen $7,515 77. Chris Williams $1,850 43. David Wilderman $2,655 11. Terri Latimer $7,274 78. Cynthia Curry $1,838 44. Vern Herr $2,648 12. Jeffrey Lund $6,800 79. Dan Coats $1,825 45. Brian Martin $2,605 13. Francisco Izurieta $6,046 80. Robert Moody $1,815 46. Dan White $2,605 14. Ryan Rodriguez $5,373 81. Peter Bade $1,785 47. Barry Nash $2,600 15. David Small $5,355 82. Mark Davidson $1,780 48. Tony Harrington $2,575 16. Bill Holley $5,255 83. Randal Garner $1,730 49. Zev Yanovich $2,551 17. William Plough $5,120 84. William Hawkins $1,725 50. Steve Morrow $2,520 18. Frank Bell $5,000 A woman NewWilson York decides $2,465 to start a program 85. Don Chapman $1,710 51. inTerri that gives makeovers to people with MS. 19. Alex Holloway $4,883 86. Ralph Gallagher $1,710 52. Angela Black $2,386 20. Harald Walter $4,860 87. Brent Mlott $1,700 53. Cliff Hagan $2,375 21. Glenn Mason $4,200 88. David Kaiser $1,681 54. John Lawrence $2,350 22. Allan Wendt $3,965 89. Sandra McNamee $1,671 55. Joe O’Rourke $2,335 23. Barton Mitchell $3,785 90. Douglas McNamee $1,670 56. Michael Jahl $2,330 24. Jack Basham $3,750 91. Christina Story $1,668 57. Renee Spivy $2,320 25. Jeanne Slagel $3,710 92. Ed Story $1,666 58. John Strickland $2,310 26. Michael La Kier $3,694 $1,666 59. Christiana Muntzel $2,285 93. Janice Story 27. Wight Mixon $3,650 94. Lisa Montbellier $1,640 60. Guy Tucker $2,268 28. Tristen Anderson $3,592 95. Andrew Goldberg $1,630 61. Randy Hawley $2,220 29. Dan Jones $3,480 96. Renee Torina $1,610 62. Jack Lyons $2,190 30. Eric Williams $3,450 97. Bob Kendall $1,570 63. Jerry Lipsky $2,165 31. Kinney Bacon $3,320 98. Alan Voss $1,565 64. David Furmanski $2,160 32. Steve Webb $3,288 99. Peter Allen $1,545 65. Julie Schendel $2,151 33. Catherine LeMay $3,255 100. Dan Brown $1,525 66. Sean Baxter $2.101 34. Paul Barrie $3,120 101. Joe Henson $1,525 67. John Stamey $2,005 12
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The Annual Meeting & Volunteer Recognition Ceremony is a time for the MS Community to join together and celebrate the accomplishments of donors, volunteers and community partners who are moving us toward a world free of MS. We say thank you to those who are mobilizing Georgians to do something about MS now, through fundraising, activism, advocacy and influence. Learn how the Society is helping Georgians living with MS and find out the latest news in MS treatments.
Be informed. Be inspired. Be there.
Thursday, January 29, 2015 Hyatt Hotel Atlanta in Buckhead 3300 Peachtree Road, NE Atlanta, GA 30305 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Registration Required, visit : MSGeorgia.org TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867
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MS ACTIVISM Needed in Remaining Days of 113th Congress Post-election day on November 4, members of Congress will return to Washington for a lame duck session with several important issues to resolve. Namely, Congress must fund the federal government for 2015 by extending current spending levels past mid-December or combining all remaining spending measures, referred to as an omnibus. The National MS Society will be advocating that Congress pass the omnibus because it is the best chance that $10 million for the MS Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program-- which was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives this summer—will be included in next year’s budget. Additionally, the Society hopes that Congress will advance the bipartisan Ensuring Access to Quality Complex Rehabilitation Technology Act (HR 942/ S948). Thanks to MS Activists and more than 50 partnering organizations, the Act has gained nearly 90 co-sponsors just this year. The bill would create a separate Medicare benefit for complex rehabilitation technology (CRT), protecting access to customized products like wheelchairs and seating and positioning systems so that people living with significant disabilities, including MS, can have their medical needs addressed and remain active members of their communities. CRT can currently be covered by Medicare’s durable medical equipment (DME) benefit, but a separate benefit category is warranted because CRT typically have incredible technology advances that promote function and independence that simply did not exist when the DME benefit was created more than 40 years ago. The complex rehab bill rightly supports community integration by covering CRT for people transitioning from skilled nursing facilities to the home and community. It also exempts CRT products from Medicare’s “in-the-home” restriction, an illogical policy only covering mobility devices when they are used inside a person’s home (and not for out-of-the-home necessary activities like grocery shopping). Prior to the lame duck session, members of Congress need to hear from their constituents about the importance of MS research funding and complex rehab technology. Get more information about all of the Society’s policy priorities at: www.nationalmssociety.org/advocateforchange. 14
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The National MS Society, Georgia Chapter Honored by Wells Fargo through ‘Days of Giving’ The National MS Society, Georgia Chapter was honored by Wells Fargo with a $2,000 grant at the Days of Giving celebration in North Atlanta on Oct. 28 at the Marriott Perimeter Center. The Georgia Chapter was among 240 groups chosen by the bank’s team members for the recognition across metro Atlanta. The donation helped push total giving to more than $1.5 million across Georgia since the program’s beginning six years ago. Wells Fargo Area President Scott Asher led the ceremony. “To some a $2,000 grant may seem small, but we know each of these great groups will be able to make a huge difference with this,” he said. “And collectively this will have a major impact in our community.” Added Robert Dobbs, Wells Fargo Business Banking Area Manager, “This is one way we are trying to be the best local bank in Atlanta.” Wells Fargo also announced that its metro Atlanta employees gave or pledged $1.8 million this fall in the United Way and Community Support campaign – 24 percent more than last year.
TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867
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EXTREME COLD GUIDE A prevention guide to promote your personal health and safety When winter temperatures drop significantly below normal, staying warm and safe can become a challenge. Extremely cold temperatures often accompany a winter storm, so you may have to cope with power failures and icy roads. Although staying indoors as much as possible can help reduce the risk of car crashes and falls on the ice, you may also face indoor hazards. Many homes will be too cold—either due to a power failure or because the heating system isn’t adequate for the weather. When people must use space heaters and fireplaces to stay warm, the risk of household fires increases, as well as the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Exposure to cold temperatures, whether indoors or outside, can cause other serious or life-threatening health problems. Infants and the elderly are particularly at risk, but anyone can be affected. To keep yourself and your family safe, you should know how to prevent cold-related health problems and what to do if a cold-weather health emergency arises.
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Plan Ahead
Prepare for extremely cold weather every winter—it’s always a possibility. There are steps you can take in advance for greater wintertime safety in your home and in your car.
Winter Survival Kit for Your Home Keep several days’ supply of these items:
• Food that needs no cooking or refrigeration, such as bread, crackers, cereal, canned foods, and dried fruits. Remember baby food and formula if you have young children. • Water stored in clean containers, or purchased bottled water (5 gallons per person) in case your water pipes freeze and rupture. • Medicines that any family member may need. If your area is prone to long periods of cold temperatures, or if your home is isolated, stock additional amounts of food, water, and medicine.
Emergency Supplies List:
• an alternate way to heat your home during a power failure: • dry firewood for a fireplace or wood stove, or • kerosene for a kerosene heater • furnace fuel (coal, propane, or oil) • electric space heater with automatic shut-off switch and non-glowing elements • blankets • matches • multipurpose, dry-chemical fire extinguisher • first aid kit and instruction manual • flashlight or battery-powered lantern • battery-powered radio • battery-powered clock or watch • extra batteries • non-electric can opener • snow shovel • rock salt • special needs items (diapers, hearing aid batteries, medications, etc.) TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867
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Prepare Your Home for Winter Although periods of extreme cold cannot always be predicted far in advance, weather forecasts can sometimes provide you with several days’ notice. Listen to weather forecasts regularly, and check your emergency supplies whenever a period of extreme cold is predicted. If you plan to use a fireplace or wood stove for emergency heating, have your chimney or flue inspected each year. Ask your local fire department to recommend an inspector, or find one in the yellow pages of your telephone directory under “chimney cleaning.” Also, if you’ll be using a fireplace, wood stove, or kerosene heater, install a smoke detector and a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector near the area to be heated. Test them monthly, and replace batteries twice yearly. Your ability to feel a change in temperature decreases with age, and older people are more susceptible to health problems caused by cold. If you are over 65 years old, place an easy-to-read thermometer in an indoor location where you will see it frequently, and check the temperature of your home often during the winter months. Insulate any water lines that run along exterior walls so your water supply will be less likely to freeze. To the extent possible, weatherproof your home by adding weatherstripping, insulation, insulated doors and storm windows, or thermal-pane windows. If you have pets, bring them indoors. If you cannot bring them inside, provide adequate shelter to keep them warm and make sure that they have access to unfrozen water.
Keep A Water Supply Extreme cold can cause water pipes in your home to freeze and sometimes rupture. When very cold temperatures are expected: • Leave all water taps slightly open so they drip continuously. • Keep the indoor temperature warm. • Improve the circulation of heated air near pipes. For example, open kitchen cabinet doors beneath the kitchen sink. If your pipes do freeze, do not thaw them with a torch. Instead, thaw them slowly by directing the warm air from an electric hair dryer onto the pipes. If you cannot thaw your pipes, or the pipes are ruptured, use bottled water or get water from a neighbor’s home. As an emergency measure—if no other water is available— snow can be melted for water. Bringing water to a rolling boil for one minute will kill most microorganisms or parasites that may be present, but won’t remove chemical pollutants sometimes found in snow.
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Prepare Your Car for Winter
You can avoid many dangerous winter travel problems by planning ahead. Have maintenance service on your vehicle as often as the manufacturer recommends. In addition, every fall: • Have the radiator system serviced, or check the antifreeze level yourself with an antifreeze tester. Add antifreeze, as needed. • Replace windshield-wiper fluid with a wintertime mixture. • Replace any worn tires, and check the air pressure in the tires. • During winter, keep the gas tank near full to help avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
Winter Survival Kit for Your Car Equip your car with these items: • blankets • first aid kit • a can and waterproof matches (to melt snow for water) • windshield scraper • booster cables • road maps • mobile phone • compass • tool kit • paper towels
• bag of sand or cat litter (to pour on ice or snow for added traction) • tow rope • tire chains (in areas with heavy snow) • collapsible shovel • container of water and high-calorie canned or dried foods and a can opener • flashlight and extra batteries • canned compressed air with sealant (for emergency tire repair) • brightly colored cloth
Outdoor Safety Avoid Exertion
Cold weather puts an extra strain on the heart. If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, follow your doctor’s advice about shoveling snow or performing other hard work in the cold. Otherwise, if you have to do heavy outdoor chores, dress warmly and work slowly. Remember, your body is already working hard just to stay warm, so don’t overdo it.
Understand Wind Chill
The Wind Chill Index is the temperature your body feels when the air temperature is combined with the wind speed. It is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin caused by the effects of wind and cold. As the speed of the wind increases, it can carry heat away from your body much more quickly, causing skin temperature to drop. When there are high winds, serious weather-related health problems are more likely, even when temperatures are only cool. TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867
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Avoid Ice Walking on ice is extremely dangerous. Many cold-weather injuries result from falls on ice-covered sidewalks, steps, driveways, and porches. Keep your steps and walkways as free of ice as possible by using rock salt or another chemical de-icing compound. Sand may also be used on walkways to reduce the risk of slipping.
Be Safe During Recreation Notify friends and family where you will be before you go hiking, camping, or skiing. Do not leave areas of the skin exposed to the cold. Avoid perspiring or becoming overtired. Be prepared to take emergency shelter. Pack dry clothing, a two-wave radio, waterproof matches and paraffin fire starters with you. Do not use alcohol and other mood altering substances, and avoid caffeinated beverages. Avoid walking on ice or getting wet. Carefully watch for signs of cold-weather health problems.
Be Cautious About Travel • • • • •
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Listen for radio or television reports of travel advisories issued by the National Weather Service. Do not travel in low visibility conditions. Avoid traveling on ice-covered roads, overpasses, and bridges if at all possible. If you must travel by car, use tire chains and take a mobile phone with you. If you must travel, let someone know your destination and when you expect to arrive. Ask them to notify authorities if you are late. Check and restock the winter emergency supplies in your car before you leave. Never pour water on your windshield to remove ice or snow; shattering may occur. Don’t rely on a car to provide sufficient heat; the car may break down. Always carry additional warm clothing appropriate for the winter conditions.
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To make a reservation, please call 1-800-344-4867or register online at www.MSGeorgia.org
Happy Holidays GAA HolidayCard 11-17-14.indd 1
11/17/2014 9:25:43 AM
With deepest appreciation for making your connections count.
Together, we will create a world free of MS. Happy Holidays from your friends at the
The National MS Society Georgia Chapter TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 GAA HolidayCard 11-17-14.indd 2
11/17/2014 9:25:44 AM
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CHALLENGE WALK MS: SAVANNAH MARCH 6-8, 2015
3 DAYS. 50 MILES. CONNECT TO END MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS LEARN MORE: challengeMS.org or 1.800.344.4867
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JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org
SELF-HELP GROUPS GEORGIA METRO ATLANTA BASED SELF-HELP GROUPS African Americans with MS Self-Help Group Contact Info: JoAnn: (404) 932-2662 Email: joanndicksonsm@bellsouth.net Location: Berean Seventh Day Adventist Church 291 Hamilton E. Holmes Drive Atlanta, GA 30318 When do we meet? Meets the 2nd Saturday of every month from 3:00pm - 5:00 pm
Snellville Self-Help Group Contact Info: Vicki (770) 978-1517 Email: Thepomeroys@gmail.com Co-Facilitator: Lois: (770) 339-6520 Location: Eastside Medical Center 1700 Medical Way SW Snellville, GA 30078 When do we meet? Meets the 4th Saturday of every month from 10:00am - 12:00pm
Atlanta Women’s Self-Help Group Contact Info: Claire Clements (404) 351-0205 {ext. 123} Location: MS Center of Atlanta 3200 Downwood Circle NW, Suite 550 Atlanta, GA 30327 Level C conference room When do we meet? Meets the 4th Tuesday of every month from 6:15pm - 8:00pm (No meetings in November and December)
OUTSIDE “METRO” ATLANTA BASED SELF-HELP GROUPS
Decatur Self-Help Group Contact Info: O.J. (770) 256-2516 Email: ojf2@yahoo.com Location: Green Forest Community Baptist Church 3250 Rainbow Road Decatur, GA 30034 When do we meet? Meets the 2nd Saturday of every month from 10:00am - 12:00pm
Albany-African American Self-Help Group Contact Info: Colette (229) 395-4150 Location: Chosen to Conquer, Inc. , 1120 W. Broad Ave., Suite C-1, Albany, GA 31707 When do we meet? Meets the 1st Saturday of every month from 11:00am - 1:00pm
Lawrenceville Women’s Self-Help Group Contact Info: Karen M. (678) 975-7167 Location: McKendree Methodist Church 1570 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd Lawrenceville, GA 30043 When do we meet? Meets the 2nd Saturday of every month from 10:30am - 12:00pm This group will not be meeting until September Perimeter – Atlanta Area: “Dine and Discuss: For Partners and Spouses” (This is a “Well Spouse” not meant for individuals living with MS) Contact Info: Jan (404) 579-6782 Location: La Madeleine Restaurant at The Perimeter 1165 Perimeter Center West Atlanta, GA 30346 When do we meet? Meets the 2nd Thursday of every month from 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Albany Self-Help Group Contact Info: Janet (229) 435-2517 Email: jkhancock45@yahoo.com Location: Phoebe Putney NW Conference Center 2336 Dawson Road Albany, GA 31701 When do we meet? Meets the 1st Monday of every month from 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Athens MS Family Contact Info: Siri Baker (706) 353-0606 Email: sbaker@athensneuro.com Co-Facilitator: Danielle (706) 983-9802 Email: depps@athensneuro.com Location: Athens Neurological Associates 1086A Baxter Street Athens, GA 30606 When do we meet? Meets the 3rd Thursday of every other month from 6:00pm - 8:00pm in the months of Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept and Nov
TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867
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SELF-HELP GROUPS GEORGIA Augusta MS Self-Help Group Contact Info: Erin (706) 721-1411 Location: Georgia Health Sciences - MS Center 6th Floor 1120 15th Street Augusta, GA When do we meet? Meets the last Monday of every month from 6:00pm - 7:30pm Cartersville “Bartow County Self-Help Group” Contact Info: Towanda (770) 344-8887 Email: tobme3@gmail.com Location: IHOP, 640 E. Main Street, Cartersville, GA 30121 When do we meet? Meets the 4th Thursday of every month from 6:30pm - 8:30pm Camilla Self-Help Group “Mitchell County MS Self-Help Group” Contact Info: Lucas (229) 224-5979 Location: Mitchell County Hospital-Community Room, 90 E. Stephens Street Camilla, GA When do we meet? Meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 6:00pm – 7:00pm Columbus, Georgia “Chattahoochee Valley Self-Help Group” Contact Info: Lori (706) 575-6925 Email: lorikiker@yahoo.com Location: Columbus Regional Hospital When do we meet: This group’s schedule changes monthly; please call Lori for updated times and days. Cumming Self-Help Group Contact Info: Anthony (Tony) (678) 455-4139 Email: ravengreen@comcast.net Location: Northside Forsyth Hospital 1400 Doctors Bldg., Cumming, GA When do we meet? Meets the 1st Saturday of every month from 10:00am - 12:00pm Douglasville Self-Help Group Contact Info: Stephanie (770) 577-0408 Location: First Presbyterian Church Parlor Room Douglasville, GA When do we meet? Meets the 3rd Thursday of every month from 7:00pm - 8:30pm 24 || JOIN JOIN THE THE MOVEMENT: MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org nationalMSsociety.org
Peachtree City/ Fayetteville: “Let’s Lunch: MS Group for Working Professionals” Contact Info: Bill Clements (770) 631-4194 Email: bclements59@att.net Lynn (612)-655-9901 Email: lynn.meloche@gmail.com Location: Piedmont Fayette Hospital 1279 Hwy 54 West, Fayetteville, Ga. 30214 Conference Room D 3rd Flr. ( West side Bldg entrance) When do we meet? Meets the last Saturday of the month from 11:00am - 1:00pm Thomaston “T.A.M.S. Self-Help Group” Contact Info: Sherry (706) 472-3273 or (706) 975-9762 Location: American Pie Pizzeria of Thomaston 710 N. Church Street Thomaston, GA When do we meet? Meets the 3rd Thursday of every month from 12:30pm – 2:00pm Thomasville MS Self-Help Group Contact Info: Mike (229) 346-9746 Location: Plaza Restaurant - Thomasville, GA When do we meet? Meets the 3rd Tuesday of every month from 6:00pm - 8:00pm Valdosta MS Self Help Group Contact Info: Barbara (229) 247-7792 Smith Northview Hospital 4280 Location: North Valdosta Road Valdosta, GA 31602 Located in the cafeteria of the hospital When do we meet? Meets the 3rd Thursday of every month at 6:30pm Vidalia Self-Help Group “Looking Good Self-Help Group” Contact Info: Paula (912) 538-0142 Email: nonerves@bellsouth.net Location: Tree House, 723 North Street West Highway 292 Vidalia, GA When do we meet? Meets the 2nd Tuesday of every other month from 7:00pm - 9:00pm
SELF-HELP GROUPS GEORGIA Waleska Self Help Group Contact Info: Jennifer Email: jjaress1@gmail.com Location: Cherokee Outdoor Family YMCA G. Cecil Pruett Community Center Family YMCA 151 Waleska St. Canton, GA 30114 When do we meet? Meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 6:00pm - 7:30pm Warner Robins “Middle GA Self-Help Group” Contact Info: Michelle (478) 335-4675 Email: msmidga@yahoo.com Location: Houston Medical Center, North Tower 1601 Watson Blvd. Warner Robins, GA When do we meet? Meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 6:30pm - 8:30pm Woodstock MS Self-Help Group Contact Info: Zaida (770) 485-4226 Location: St. Michael the Archangel Church inside the main church building 490 Arnold Mill Rd., Woodstock, GA 30188 When do we meet? Meets the 3rd Saturday of every month from 11:00am-1:00pm (No meetings in July and August) This group starts its meetings with a short opening prayer
SAVANNAH BASED SELF-HELP GROUPS Pooler Self-Help Group “Pooler’s Positive Movers and Shakers: MS Share & Support Group” Contact Info: Andraya: (912) 658-9629 or PoolersPositiveMS@gmail.com Savannah Self-Help Group –“PRYME2” Contact Info: Virginia (912) 355-5832 Email: vmorriso@bellsouth.net One of the rooms in St. Joseph Hospital For more information, contact Virginia When do we meet? Meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:00pm Please call Virginia to confirm location and meeting dates. TELEPHONE BASED SELF-HELP GROUP Statesboro Supports Contact Info: Carolyn: (912) 531-0416 This is a telephone support group. Please contact Carolyn for additional information.
The National MS Society is a secular organization, welcoming those of every faith and those that espouse none. Please contact the Self-Help Group leaders prior to attending a group meeting to assure that the meeting time, date, and location are accurate. Groups occasionally change their meeting schedules to participate in other National MS Society events. Please note, our Self Help Group leaders are volunteers who have been trained by the National MS Society. They are not necessarily licensed mental health providers. Please respect their role as a volunteer and contact them during reasonable hours of 8am-8pm. If you are facing an immediate crisis please dial 911. For more information on attending Self-Help Groups or starting SelfHelp Groups in your community please call 678-672-1000 OR 1-800-FIGHTMS
TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867
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