MOVING TOWARD A WORLD FREE OF MS VOLUME 8 • EDITION 2
How to Survive Summer Heat with MS Page 4-5 Research - Dr. Backus Page 10-11
In this Issue Pages 24
Meet the GA Chapter New Staff Member Page 1
MS Activism Pages 8-9
Walk MS: Georgia a SUCCESS & 2016 Top 100 Club Pages 14
Yoga & MS Pages 22-23
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Phillip Hodges 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.
Welcome the Georgia Chapter’s Newest Staff Member Brooks Palmerton Event Production Specialist Join us in welcoming Brooks Palmerton to the Georgia Chapter staff. Brooks officially joined our team as the Event Production Specialist in Spring 2015. In this role he is responsible for logistical management for the Society’s signature special events, Walk MS, Bike MS and other Society events. Brooks, born in Auburn, Alabama has lived in Atlanta since the age of 13. In 2014 he graduated from the University of Georgia (UGA), earning a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural and Applied Economics. Post-graduation, Brooks entered the workforce gaining experience in outside sales, retail management and event production. Quickly developing his knowledge and aptitude in logistics and events, Brooks secured a position with Bold American Events and helped execute corporate events at the 2015 Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, Georgia. Brooks has a keen interest in the environment, and when he is not working, he loves to cook, take care of his balcony garden, and cheer on the Georgia Bulldogs, Braves, Falcons and Hawks. Brooks Palmerton (678) 534-3588 Brooks.Palmerton@nmss.org TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867
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How to Survive the with MS Almost everyone loves summer, but some of us could do without the heat that summertime brings. Overheating your body can have unsettling consequences. While exposure to heat generally does not do permanent damage to someone with MS, even a slight (one-half of a degree) elevation in core body temperature can make MS symptoms temporarily worse. You may experience fatigue, visual disturbances, or a feeling of weakness, especially in the limbs. Once you get cooled down, symptoms generally go away by themselves.
Why does heat make MS symptoms worse?
Heat is thought to cause these pseudo-exacerbations because demyelinated nerves have more trouble conducting messages at higher temperatures. That doesn’t mean you need to miss out on summer. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy summer without getting burned by the heat.
Prevention is your first and best defense Prevention is your first and best defense against heat sensitivity in MS. Limit your time outside in extremely hot or humid conditions. And summer or winter, it’s always wise to avoid taking long hot showers and baths, and using hot tubs, steam rooms and saunas.
Beat the heat, don’t shun the sun
There are many ways you can keep your body from overheating and still enjoy the summertime sun. Enjoy outdoor activities during cooler times of the day, usually early morning or evening, and take a break when needed. Swim or do aerobics in cool water (recom4
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HEAT
mended temperature 80-84 degrees). Not only will it help you keep cool but swimming and other water activities have a long list of benefits. They can improve your endurance and cardiovascular fitness as well as reduce stress and help you relax. All while helping you survive the summer heat! Find swimming exercises you can do. Dress for the weather. Wear wide brimmed hats and light-colored loose clothing in breathable fabrics such as cotton. If you’re exercising outside, wear cooling garments such as vests, headbands and neckbands – these are used by many athletes to prevent overheating. Dampen and refrigerate a towel, or freeze a wet T-shirt to put on over your clothes when you’re headed out into the heat. Cool your core. Keeping your body cool before going outside or exercising can help you beat the heat by increasing the time it takes for your core body temperature to rise. In other words, it gives you longer before you feel the heat. Here are a few ways you can cool your core. • Drink plenty of fluids; water is an ideal choice Drinking cool water can help keep you cool. • It’s important to stay well hydrated. Avoid beverages containing caffeine (like many soft drinks) as this acts as a diuretic. • Hot weather can dampen your enthusiasm for cooking, let alone for eating a hot meal. Look beyond the popsicle freezer for cool and nutri-
tious foods that won’t cause your blood sugar to spike and possibly contribute to fatigue. • Freeze your favorite fruit beverage and eat it as a slushy. Try raw vegetables with a hummus dip, fruit with (frozen) yogurt, salads with meat, fish or hard boiled eggs for protein, cold soups, or even smoothies made with your favorite fruit and cold milk or soy beverage. When you do want to cook, consider using the BBQ to avoid heating up the kitchen. • A cool bath or shower can help reduce core body temperature before and/or after activity or exposure to a hot environment. Start by getting into a bathtub of comfortably lukewarm water, and add cooler water over a period of 20-30 minutes. Submerging the upper body in cool water will maximize the cooling effect.
Chillin’ at home
Air conditioning can save the day when a heat wave strikes, or the humidity soars. If you need an air conditioner because of MS-related heat intolerance, the cost may be tax-deductible. Install window tinting to shield you from the hot summer sun; this can cut your cooling costs by 30 percent in summer months. If you want to exercise inside, use air conditioning or a fan, to help keep your body temperature at an appropriate level. Spend summertime out on your patio, deck or porch. Install misting fans, which blow a fine mist of water into the air and can lower temperatures in the immediate area 20 to 30 degrees. They can be mounted to a wall or overhead beams, or there are free-standing ones that sit on the ground.
vitamin D synthesis.)
Other tips
Hit the mall Air conditioned shopping malls can be a great place to get all your errands done in the summer without breaking a sweat. If you are a frequent mall shopper, or have other reasons to cross an expanse of simmering pavement during the summer, consider getting an Accessible Parking Permit (APP) to allow you to park closer to where you’re going. The Permit is issued at no charge to people who have conditions such as MS that limit their mobility. The Permit is issued to an individual, so you can use it in any vehicle you travel in to park in a designated accessible parking space. Vacation time Traveling with medications and syringes requires advance planning. Here are a few tips to help you have the best experience possible when traveling. • Take an extra week’s worth of medication in case of travel delays, and enough syringes to last for your entire vacation. • Don’t forget to keep your medications cool (if required) by using a cooler bag with ice packs. • Have a letter from your doctor outlining the medications and medical devices that you require, and certifying that syringes are for medical use. • Keep all medications in their original packaging showing the prescription label. • If you are flying, be prepared to meet security requirements. • Clarify the airline’s policy regarding carry-on baggage and syringes, to ensure that you will have access to your medical supplies or assistive devices while in the air. • Make the airline aware of devices you use (leg braces, walker or wheelchair) and of any assistance that you will need to get on and off the plane and during the flight.
Maintain healthy levels of vitamin D with approximately 5-30 minutes of sun exposure between 10 AM and 3 PM at least twice a week to the face, arms, legs, or back without sunscreen. That’s especially important when you have MS. (Using sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) lower than 8 also allows some TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867
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LIVING WITH MS
STORIES OF A FATHER BY THERESA MOORE
Fraser Robinson III never let multiple sclerosis get in the way of living a full and meaningful life. That attitude is part of the legacy he left to his two children, ESPN broadcaster Craig Robinson and First Lady Michelle Obama. “People ask me all the time, ‘What did your parents do?’ and they look at my sister Michelle, and they look at me. I tell them our parents never held us back. They never let MS hold us back.” Robinson told this story to 700 guests at a fundraising luncheon for the National MS Society that raised $350,000 for research, programs and services for people affected by MS. The elder Robinson was diagnosed with MS when Craig and Michelle were very young. Although their father walked with a pronounced limp that progressed over the years, they never thought of him as being anything less than fully able to work, play and enjoy life. Regaling the crowd with anecdotes of growing up with Michelle - “a health nut, even back then” - Robinson recalled that his dad never missed more than a few days working the
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CRAIG AND MICHELLE WITH THEIR PARENTS, FRASER AND MARIAN swing shift at the Chicago Water Department and was always there as a steady presence in his family’s lives. “I do not know where I would be if I hadn’t seen my dad battle this disease with such courage and with such grace. I don’t know who I would be,” he said. “In a funny way, MS has had a profoundly positive effect on my life.” n Theresa Moore is a regular volunteer for the Society. Originally published in Greater Northwest’s MS Connection newsletter. The National MS Society’s Family Matters group at www.MSconnection.org is an online community for everyone - children, brothers, sisters, parents or other relatives of people with MS - who are affected by life with the disease. Visit www.nationalMSsociety.org and search for “Family Matters,” or call 1-800-344-4867, to access videos, care partners guides, and a range of materials for children and teenagers affected by MS.
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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Disabled Person Home Purchase or Retrofit Credit By: Tyler Lamb, Southeast Advocacy Manager
As more people choose to age in place, and as people with disabilities face challenges functioning independently in their homes, impediments to living safely in our communities must be removed. People with multiple sclerosis (MS), older adults and others with disabilities need the resources and funding necessary to increase the accessibility of their homes or the opportunity to purchase a home that is fully accessible in order to increase the safety and accessibility of their homes and remain independent, active members of their community. Accessible housing includes any home modifications made to adapt living spaces to meet the needs of people with physical limitations so that they can continue to live independently and safely. People with MS have very unique, personalized needs and home modifications range greatly to meet those diverse needs. Modifications can be simple such as installing a grab bar in the shower with minimal costs associated; involve assistive technology coming at moderate expense; or can require much costlier structural changes to the home such as widening doorways or building a ramp or an accessible bathroom. According to the Center for Universal Design, home modifications can range in price from $100 to $50,000. Georgia MS Activists were on the forefront of addressing affordable accessible housing. In 2001, the Disabled Person Home Purchase or Retrofit Credit (Credit) became law. The Credit provides up to $125 of tax liability to modify a home or $500 to purchase new homes with accessibility features already in place. The Georgia Department of Revenue figures show that use of the Credit has steadily climbed, nearly doubling from 536 people who used the tax credit in 2011 to 1,016 who used it in 2014, the most recent year for which statistics are available. Presently, the Disabled Home Purchase and Retrofit Tax Credit is a more modest offering than other states, but with increased usage and a focused advocacy effort from the Society, we may be able to increase and expand the credit. If you have used the credit, we’d like to hear from you! Your story can help make a difference in the lives of people living with MS. Please contact Tyler Lamb at tyler.lamb@nmss.org. For more information on the Disabled Home Purchase and Retrofit Tax Credit, please visit the Department of Revenue at dor.georgia.gov.
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MS... It’s a Family Thing Story of Brian Griffin and the Griffin family
All his life, Brian Griffin has watched his father battle MS. His father, Dr. Charles William Griffin, a practicing neurologist, treated MS patients regularly for twenty years before retiring due to his illness in 2012. As a child, Brian participated at Walk MS with the team known as “Charlie’s Angels,” which was comprised of his father and many of his nurses. “I have been involved with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society pretty much my whole life. My view is that when a family mem-
ber has MS, the whole family has MS. It’s a family thing.” Dr. Griffin, who was diagnosed with MS in 1995, practiced medicine out of his wheelchair from 1998 until 2012- nearly 15 years. That year, he survived a near-death experience as a result of complications with his medications. The medication led to an ulcer in his small intestine, which perforated and led to a large amount of potentially deadly bacteria entering his bloodstream. Unfortunately, he was never able to return to work. Back at school at Georgia Southern University, Brian was determined to help. “I felt like there had to be something I could do to help fight against something that’s taken so much away from my dad and my family.” He and his fraternity brothers at Sigma Nu- Theta Kappa
chapter, decided to host a fundraiser for the National MS Society, the END MS Benefit concert. Sigma Nu – Theta Kappa sold tickets all over campus for the event, which featured three local bands and a low country boil. In what was named Georgia Southern University’s “Most Outstanding Charitable Fundraiser of the Year,” a total of $4,700 was raised for the Society. In 2013, $7,206 was raised. In 2014, the fraternity raised over $10,000 from the event and fundraising campaign. “It’s become a very well-known thing across campus that everyone wants to come to. We had over 300 people in attendance this past year. That’s a lot of people for our front yard.” The fourth annual event is scheduled for October, 2015. “I plan to remain involved with the National MS Society until the day that they put me in the ground. My dad is the greatest guy I’ve ever met and my biggest role model. To know all that he’s done for my family and for me personally, raising money for the Society and working to fight against the disease that has taken so much from him is to me, a way to give back.” Brian is also on the Georgia Chapter’s Government Relations Committee, where he shares his personal story but also advocates for legislation that will further mobilize millions of people to do something about MS now. Brian and the other committee members speak with government officials and at public hearings. You too can advocate to improve the lives of people living with MS. contact Tyler.Lamb@ nmss.org or call 678-672-1000. To read more about the event at Georgia Southern or to see event photos, visit www. sigmanugsu.com/end-ms-benefit TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867
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Evidence that exercise is safe for people with moderate to severe MS Deborah Backus, PT, PhD, FACRM
Director of Multiple Sclerosis Research The Eula C. and Andrew C. Carlos MS Rehabilitation and Wellness Program at Shepherd Center
This is an exciting time in MS research as we learn more about what things people with MS can do to have a healthier, more productive and happier quality of life. Once thought to be detrimental to people with MS, exercise has now been shown to be safe, and may even be able to reverse some of the negative consequences of the decreased mobility and cognitive challenges brought on by MS. The research related to people with moderate to severe MS (Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score >6.0) has been a little limited. This is not because it is not important to do studies that include people with moderate to severe MS, it is just more difficult since there are more variables that need to be considered.
However, emerging evidence from studies that include people with significant disability due to moderate to severe MS suggest that they too can exercise safely. In fact, people who are non-ambulatory may receive benefit from exercise. One exercise option that is receiving more attention lately is a form of cycling that uses electrical stimulation to the muscles. This is called neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) or functional electrical stimulation (FES) cycling. For the remainder of this article I will refer to this as FES cycling. FES cycling requires pads, called electrodes, to be applied to the skin over the muscles that are needed to produce the cycling motion. This includes the thigh muscles (hamstring and quadriceps muscles), the muscles in the buttocks (gluteal 10
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muscles), or muscles of the calves (the gastrocnemius muscles). The benefit of FES cycling is that people who are very weak or paralyzed can achieve cycling with assistance from the electrical stimulation. So, if someone has the ability to push the pedals with their legs by themselves, there will be no electrical stimulation. However, if their muscles start to fatigue and cannot continue to cycle, the electrical stimulation will come on and help the muscles to contract to cause the cycling motion. If the muscles cannot contract on their own at all, the electrical stimulation can activate the muscles for cycling, until they become tired and need to rest. Therefore, FES cycling may offer a way to exercise the legs. One hypothesis, or thought, is that FES cycling may decrease disability and improve function in people with MS. Onc concern about FES cycling is that the stimulation may increase inflammation in the central nervous system, make the symptoms worse and potentially cause relapse. Another possibility is that FES cycling will decrease inflammation and even increase the factors in the brain and spinal cord that will lead to recovery of function. One group of investigators (Ratchford et al.) showed that in 4 people who had MS between 6 and 21 years they could cycle without any adverse (negative) events. EDSS scores ranged between 6.0 and 6.5, and each participant could walk at least enough to do walking tests. Participants had the FES cycle in their home and cycled an average of
3.8 times a week for 6 months. There were no signs of increased inflammation after cycling. Participants were able to improve their performance on the FES cycle; there was an increase in distance traveled and power (how much they were able to push) after 6 months of cycling. In addition, there was some improvement in walking ability and in reports of quality of life. However, research is required to further assess this given that the number of participants was small. In a more recent study, investigators studied women with moderate to severe MS who utilized accessibility devices for mobility. In the study, articipants cycled for up to 40 minutes for 18 sessions over about 10 weeks. Participants improved in a variety of ways. There was an increase in size of the thigh muscles, suggesting the muscles might be healthier after cycling. There were reported improvements in cramping, spasticity, and pain. Overall, participants also reported improvements in transfers. These findings suggest again that FES cycling is safe for people with moderate to severe MS, and might actually be an intervention for people with weak and paralyzed muscles. FES cycling may offer a way for people with MS to exercise their leg muscles. Whether FES cycling can decrease disability and improve function requires further investigation. However, while further research is necessary to really understand the full benefit of FES cycling, it is exciting to know that people with moderate to severe MS can safely exercise, and may achieve benefit from this exercise. References Niea, P., Tana’d, K., Quigga’e, M. E., de Lateura, B. J., & Kerri‘fi, D. A. (2010). A pilot study of functional electrical stimulation cycling in progressive multiple sclerosis. Neuro-Rehabilitation, 27, l2l12S. Fornusek, C., & Hoang, P. (2014). Neuromuscular electrical stimulation cycling exercise for persons with advanced multiple sclerosis. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 46(7), 698-702. Should you exercise? Safety first. Always get clearance from your physician. But instead of asking your physician if it is safe to exercise with MS (because, if done correctly, exercise has been shown to be safe), consider these questions: • Is your heart healthy? • Are your bones healthy? • Are you on any medications that might make you dizzy or have impaired balance? • Do you have epilepsy? • Do you have another medical condition that will make it unsafe for you to exercise, such as unmanaged high blood pressure? If the answer is “yes” to any of these questions, it still might not mean you cannot exercise. You may need to seek advice from a professional who can help you determine the safest way for you to exercise. Physical and occupational therapists, as well as exercise specialists who have experience working with people who have disability, can evaluate you, find out your strengths as well as your limitations and provide you with the appropriate guidelines for exercise. The Georgia Chapter offers member resources and support for wellness activities. Contact Carole.Anderson@nmss.org or call 678-672-1000 for assistance. TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867
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Annual Meeting Continued
Functional Electrical Stimulation Cycling For People with MS - STUDY Are you feeling that MS fatigue? Exercise may help! Dr. Deborah Backus, PT, Ph.D, is seeking volunteers for a 12-week cycling study. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) cycling uses electric stimulation to cause muscles in the leg to contract and cycle. The purpose of this study is to evaluate if people with moderate to severe MS who train on the FES cycle experience decreased fatigue, and if this decreased fatigue leads to improved quality of life. Volunteers must • Be age 18+ • Have physician - diagnosed MS • Be wheelchair - dependent for mobility • Be experiencing issues with fatigue Volunteers may not • Have experienced a relapse in the past 6 months • Have used FES cycling or regular electrical stimulation in the past month If you are interested in participating or would like to find out if you qualify, please contact Marina Moldavskiy at 404-350-7655 or marina_moldavskiy@shepherd.org. Read more about the FES Cycling for people with MS here.
As a service and courtesy to you, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Georgia Chapter (NMSSGA) wants to inform you of this educational opportunity. The NMSSGA has had no role in developing the content or choosing the speaker(s) for this program. The NMSSGA respects your privacy and does not disclose your personal information to third parties. For more information regarding this program, please call 404-350-7655. 12
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MS EXPO
Middle Georgia
MOVING FORWARD,
STOP Disease Progression,
Restore Function and END MS FOREVER August 8, 2015 TIME: 9am - 3pm Educational Programs Vendor Exhibits will be available throughout the day * A complimentary lunch will be provided
WHERE: Macon Centreplex 200 Coliseum Drive Macon, GA 31217 TOPICS: The Middle Georgia MS Wellness Expo offers an extensive variety of educational programs, healthcare resources, vendor exhibits and connection opportunities for people living with and affected by MS, including familiy members, caregivers and other members of their support systems. You must pre-register for this program by July 31, 2015. To register please call (678) 672-1000 / 1-800-344-4867 TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 13 or register online at MSgeorgia.org
Be Inspired >> Get Connected >>WALK MS: GEORGIA... Walk MS: Georgia 2015 hosted more than 5,466 participants , 547 teams and RAISED A TOTAL OF $770,000 exceeding our fundraising goal by 3%. Though our Walk MS season has come to an end, we are still busy making connections and pushing the mission forward, to mobilize people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of people living with MS. Thank you to those who joined us this season, and demonstrated the power of connections. As you view the images below and reminisce on the good times we had, think about how you can further your engagement with the Society. Continue to spread awareness and inspire those around you to join the efforts toward a world free of MS. Today we encourage you to take the next step toward your active engagement. Contact the GA Chapter to volunteer, lead a self help group, become an official MS Ambassador, or... throw on your cycling shoes and join us at Bike MS: Atlanta in September. Whatever you decide, know that we need you and the 2.3 million people living with MS need YOU too.
#BeatMS!
CONGRATULATIONS
Walk MS: Georgia 2016 Top 100 Club
TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867
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Wellness
LIVING WITH MS
RECOGNIZING ANXIETY BY JULIE STACHOWIAK, PHD
It is not often that I feel “lucky” as a person with multiple sclerosis. However, I do feel extremely fortunate to have never experienced a mood disorder as a symptom of my disease. For a very brief time when I was younger, I suffered periodic depression as a symptom of premenstrual syndrome, and that was enough to give me the tiniest glimpse into the enormity of a mood disorder. When I was diagnosed with MS and learned about the variety of symptoms that I could experience, my fear of depression and cognitive dysfunction far outweighed my fear of losing mobility. At the annual meeting of the Americas and European Committees for Treatment and Research in MS (ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS), I learned that more people with MS have an anxiety disorder than have depression. One study of 7,786 adults with MS showed that 54.1 percent had “excessive symptoms of anxiety,” while 46.9 percent had “excessive symptoms of depression.”
MORE PEOPLE WITH MS HAVE AN ANXIETY DISORDER THAN HAVE DEPRESSION. It turns out that the prevalence of anxiety disorders in people with MS is roughly three times the prevalence of these disorders in the 16
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DR. JULIE STACHOWIAK general population. More specifically, statistics show that among people with MS: • 18.6
percent have general anxiety disorder at any time (vs. 5.1 percent of people in the general population) • 10 percent have panic disorder (vs. 3.5 percent
in general population)
8.6 percent have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) (vs. 2.5 percent in the general population) •
• Social
anxiety is also higher in people with MS than the general population. In addition, more women with relapsingremitting MS (RRMS) than men with RRMS are affected by anxiety disorders. People with secondary-progressive MS are more likely to have symptoms of anxiety than those with other disease types.
Anxiety has received only a fraction of the attention that depression has received as a disorder overall. However, it has been shown that anxiety in combination with depression, rather than anxiety or depression alone, are associated with increased thoughts of selfharm and more social problems. Despite its high prevalence in people with MS, as well as the potential risks when anxiety is combined with depression, the treatment or management of anxiety in MS has not been specifically studied. In my opinion, this is a problem since MS symptoms can be made worse by the side effects of anti-anxiety drugs, which include: drowsiness and lack of energy, clumsiness, impaired thinking and memory loss, and slurred speech. Another challenging factor is the difficulty faced by neurologists when diagnosing this disorder in their patients. There are a couple of reasons for this. People who are newly diagnosed with MS often exhibit symptoms of anxiety that may be transitory as they adjust to their diagnosis. More challenging is the overlap of symptoms between anxiety and MS. It may be difficult to distinguish MS-based symptoms such as pain, tremors, swallowing problems, sexual dysfunction and weakness from some of the physical sensations caused by anxiety. However, a neurologist or primary care provider can help discuss with you the differences between the two. What I would like to emphasize for anyone experiencing symptoms of an anxiety disorder or depression is to know that it is not your fault. If you are feeling any of the symptoms of
these mood disorders, please seek professional help from a mental health professional who has experience treating people with MS. Note: One very specific form of anxiety that was mentioned in the session was injection phobia, brought about when people have anxiety around self-injecting their MS diseasemodifying therapies. There has been some success in alleviating this using cognitive behavioral therapy. It is important to address injection phobia as soon as possible, as this reluctance to self-inject can lead to problems with adherence. n Julie Stachowiak, PhD, is an epidemiologist, author of The Multiple Sclerosis Manifesto, and a person living with MS. Originally published at www.MSconnection. org/blog.
If you suspect you are experiencing depression, anxiety or other mental health issues, call an MS Navigator at 1-800344-4867 to connect with a mental health professional in your area. To learn more about depression or cognitive changes associated with MS and ways to manage those symptoms, visit www. nationalMSsociety.org/depression and www.nationalMSsociety.org/ cognition. My GCAL crisis hotline number 800-715-4225
TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867
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MS EXPO
Coastal Georgia
MOVING FORWARD,
STOP Disease Progression,
Restore Function and END MS FOREVER August 29, 2015 TIME: 9am - 3pm Educational Programs Vendor Exhibits will be available throughout the day * A complimentary lunch will be provided
WHERE: Marriott Savannah Riverfront 100 General McIntosh Boulevard Savannah, Georgia (Downtown) TOPICS: The Coastal Georgia MS Wellness Expo offers an extensive variety of educational programs, healthcare resources, vendor exhibits and connection opportunities for people living with and affected by MS, including familiy members, caregivers and other members of their support systems. You must pre-register for this program by August 19, 2015. To register please call (678) 672-1000 / 1-800-344-4867 or register online at MSgeorgia.org
2015 MS Leadership Class Graduates 47 Business Leaders
Walk MS Atlanta. Their volunteer spirit was not dampened, as many immediately signed up to help with future MS Society events.
On May 2, 2015, forty-seven business men and women graduated from the 2015 MS Leadership class with outstanding success in fundraising for MS Research. The 2015 class tipped the million dollar mark by raising over $151,000. To date the National MS Society, Georgia Chapter’s MS Leadership Class program has raised a total of $1,004,170, aiding the Society’s No Opportunity Wasted (NOW) Research Campaign. Since 2009, 368 Atlanta based business men and women have united with a common goal - to contribute to a world free of MS through fundraising and corporate responsibility.
The class attended leadership seminars ranging in subjects from Executive Presence presented by Dale Carnegie to Surviving Change presented by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. The Emergency Preparedness Institute for Business Leaders presented by the Atlanta Fire & Rescue Department was a part of the MS Leadership curriculum and was enthusiastically embraced by class members. The course elevated emergency preparedness awareness and what individuals can do to empower their places of business for accident prevention, commitment to safety, and minimizing the effects of a catastrophic event. Class members also attended MS Leadership Executive Roundtables hosted by some of Atlanta’s key business leaders who discussed their leadership philosophy and style, overcoming obstacles, and making key decisions.
The class had exceptional participation in Service Projects for those living with multiple sclerosis. On Saturday, March 7th, class members volunteered for MS Service Day, serving the MS community by painting ceilings and walls, building ramps and railings, and raking and weeding lawns for individuals living with MS. Their weekend work made a tremendous difference, improving home accessibility and accomplishing home repair projects for families living with MS in the Atlanta metro area. In April, Class members also volunteered for Walk MS. Leadership volunteers at Walk MS Marietta assisted with tent setup, break points, Walk MS registration, first aid, and walk site breakdown. MS Leadership volunteers were also ready to execute the volunteer tasks for Walk MS Atlanta when the sky opened up and a deluge of rain forced the cancellation of
The 2015 MS Leadership Class graduates celebrated their accomplishments, and fundraising that tipped the $1million dollar mark for the MS Leadership Class program. The class composite photo was published in the May 8th, 2015 edition of the Atlanta Business Chronicle.
Our enthusiastic congratulations and thanks to the outstanding Graduates of the MS Leadership Class 2015!
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Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilites Act (ADA) July 26, 2015 marks the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensuring the civil rights of people with disabilities. The enactment of the ADA established a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities. The ADA has broken down barriers, increased accessibility, and allowed people affected by MS to live their best lives. The ADA anniversary is an opportunity to reflect positively on a law that has made a great impact on the lives of people with disabilities and our country over the past 25 years. However, our work is ongoing: we have not yet reached complete implementation in all states and localities. The full promise of the ADA will only be reached if we all remain committed to this critical law. You can recognize the ADA anniversary by taking the following actions: • Make your ADA recommitment pledge at www.nationalmssociety.org • Join the MS Action Network and advocate for accessible communities and long-term services and supports. • Share how the ADA has impacted your life using social media identifiers like #ADA25 & #MSactivist • Attend a local ADA celebration In 2010, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the ADA, MS activist Alex O’Connor shared that the passage of the ADA allowed her greater access “to use my service dog Polly. Before Polly, navigating the busy world was very hard. She helps me with my sight, my balance and clearing the perimeter on my weak side. She has given me a new confidence…I am back to the level of activity before my MS diagnosis.” For more information visit www.nationalmssociety.org .
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BIKE MS: COX ATLANTA RIDE SEPTEMBER 19-20 » 2 DAYS » MULTIPLE ROUTES REGISTER TODAY! » BIKEMS.ORG OR CALL 800.344.4867 Enjoy a cycling adventure for riders of all skill levels as you travel through the charming town and beautiful country roads of Pine Mountain, Georgia. The two day celebration at Callaway Gardens boasts unparalleled support and safety, and the experience of a lifetime. Form a team today!
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VOLUNTEER Opportunities One of our primary strategies is to expand the impact of the MS movement by fully integrating volunteer talents and skills Society-wide and by developing new and enhanced community collaborations and partnerships. Join us in our movement to create a world free of MS. Volunteer at the MS Life Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Alternatively volunteer at one of the upcoming events below. For more information or to register to volunteer please contact pamela.owunta@nmss.org or (678) 534-3653. MS Wellness Expos • August 8, 2015 in Macon, Georgia • August 29, 2015 in Savannah, GA Bike MS: Cox Atlanta Ride • September 19-20, 2015 at Callaway Gardens MS Wine Event: Harvest for a Cure • October 22, 2015 at Westside Cultural Arts Center
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Healthy Living
Yoga for MS by Shara Rutberg
The scientific community is becoming more—well, flexible—when it comes to attitudes about yoga and its role in alleviating symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Until recently, the effects of the practice on MS had never been subjected to rigorous scientific inquiry, and therefore it couldn’t be recommended. But a recent pilot study conducted at Rutgers University is changing that with promising preliminary outcomes. And the study’s participants seem to be at least as excited about the results as the researchers, if not more so. “After nine years, I was finally able to feel the sand underneath my feet at the beach near our house on the Jersey shore,” reported one participant in a follow-up survey. Another said she was able to get up from her seat unassisted for the first time in 11 years. Such comments echo a large volume of anecdotal evidence that’s accumulated over the years that supports yoga as a powerful tool for helping people with MS live safer, healthier and happier lives. “And the scientific research is beginning to catch up,” says Dr. Allen C. Bowling, a neurologist and author of Optimal Health with Multiple Sclerosis: A Guide to Integrating Lifestyle, Alternative, and Conventional Medicine (Demos Health, 2014). Not just a bunch of posers Susan Gould Fogerite, PhD, director of research for the Institute for Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the School of Health Related Professions at Rutgers, gathered 26 experts, including neurologists, psychologists, physical therapists and yoga instructors, as well as people with MS who practice yoga. Together, they created a progressive series of 90-minute, twice-weekly gentle yoga classes. Fourteen women who had either relapsing-remitting or progressive MS, ages 34–64, completed eight weeks of the classes.
Some popular types of yoga Hatha Any yoga style that focuses on the practice’s physical postures. Often a less-intense workout.
Ashtanga A physically demanding series of postures performed sequentially, linked with the breath.
Iyengar A slower, meticulous style of yoga with an emphasis on proper pose alignment.
Bikram Students of this yoga style (sometimes called “hot yoga”) work through a series of 26 poses. This type is not recommended for people with MS whose symptoms are triggered by heat.
The researchers took baseline and post-study measures of mobility, coordination, fatigue, and mental and emotional status. They found that after the program, the women were better able to walk for short distances and for longer periods of time, had better balance and fine motor coordination, and were better able to move from sitting to standing. The women also reported that their quality of life improved in key areas, including perceived mental health, concentration, bladder control, walking and vision, with a decrease in pain and fatigue. All of these improvements rose to the level of “statistical significance,” an important benchmark of scientific credibility. Previously, a 2004 Oregon Health Sciences University study found that six months of yoga significantly helped relieve fatigue, and improved strength and flexibility and other quality of life measurements among 69 people with MS. Other
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smaller studies in the past 10 years have found improvements in anxiety, depression, bladder function, pain, spasticity, weakness and walking among people with MS who practice yoga. Dr. Fogerite attributes the benefits seen in research, in part, to the mind-body-spirit aspect of yoga. Yoga’s calming, focused method of breathing and mindfulness, along with its acceptance of the body’s limitations, works in tandem with the strength, balance and flexibility training that come with the actual poses, she says. Drs. Fogerite and Bowling both say more research is needed to discover the mechanics of how yoga works for people with MS, but Dr. Fogerite suspects that the slow, mindful repetitions of the movements in yoga may help “recruit” brain cells next to the cells damaged by the disease—in essence rerouting the network needed to connect for a particular function. Yoga for every body For people with MS who practice yoga, the research validates what they already suspected. Eric Small, a Los Angeles–based senior certified Iyengar yoga instructor, says his practice completely transformed his life. “Had I gone along with my diagnosis and the recommendation to go home, do nothing and stay out of the sun, I would have been long gone,” says Small, who was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS in 1953 when he was 20 years old and there were no available medical treatments for the disease. “But here I am at 81, stronger and more able than I was before my diagnosis.” Small, who is co-author with Dr. Loren Fishman of Yoga and Multiple Sclerosis: A Journey to Health and Healing (Demos Medical Publishing, 2007), notes that people don’t have to be especially flexible or strong to do yoga. “Even for a student in a wheelchair, there is a way to do Iyengar yoga,” he says. Adapted yoga poses can also be performed while lying down in bed. “For people to understand that there is something they can do to improve their state, that’s really the most important part. People gain a sense of freedom, independence and confidence knowing that they have tools that can help manage symptoms.” Mary Ann Braubach, 56, diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS in 2003, began adaptive Iyengar yoga after a particularly bad relapse, working from her wheelchair with Small. “It’s extraordinary how much yoga has helped me. It’s really strengthened my body,” says Braubach, a resident of Brentwood, California. She adds that her practice also has improved her balance and spasticity, ultimately enabling her to forgo her wheelchair and use a cane for mobility. Yoga has also helped her manage stress, she says. “They call some of the poses ‘restorative,’ and they really do restore your body,” she says. Going with the flow As you begin practicing, pay attention to your body, and be very careful as to how much you push yourself, warns Dr. Bowling. “For people with muscle stiffness and spasticity, it’s important to be very cautious about how much to stretch their muscles,” he says. “Err on the side of underperforming, just until you see how your body handles it.” As with all physical practices, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider first. How long and how often you need to practice yoga before you begin to feel benefits depends on you, says Small, who underscores that yoga is not a “quick fix,” and consistency is key. You can take elements—like a few minutes of yoga-style breathing—and do them throughout the day as needed: at home, in your office or even barefoot on the beach.
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Bike MS, CONNECTING friends to the MISSION Rebecca Gaston’s story.
Until five years ago, the only person Rebecca Gaston knew who had been diagnosed with MS was her aunt. That all changed when Rebecca received a diagnosis of MS in 2010. “Mine’s a whole lot more hopeful. She was diagnosed long before they had all of the wonderful, modern treatments that we have.” When she learned she too had MS, Rebecca received a lot of information from the Society. “That was the first place I went to learn about the disease and to understand what I was dealing with, and other than from my neurologist, that’s where most of my education came from. The Society came to be a very valuable resource for me, really from the very beginning.” Last year, Rebecca got involved in her first event with the National MS Society. She had a doctor’s appointment that didn’t go so well. “Two of my closest girlfriends conspired to cheer me up, behind my back, and started looking into something we could do together. One thing led to another and we all just decided we were going to do the Bike MS ride... even though none of us even owned a road bike.” 24
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The women all bought road bikes and started training together. “It was an awesome experience. The ride itself was wonderful, but the training and just kind of doing something beyond ourselves, it really breathed new life into all of us in different ways. It took me physically beyond where I had been in a long time…having a goal for myself and doing it with friends, for me, was awesome. So was having the opportunity to share about the disease with people who didn’t understand what it was or maybe had misconceptions about what somebody with MS could or couldn’t do. It opened up a lot of dialogue with co-workers, friends and family, as far as what we were doing, or why we were doing it.” The group signed up for the 2015 Bike MS: Atlanta ride as soon as registration opened. Rebecca says she has a couple of reasons why it’s important for her to give back. “Obviously the Society benefits from the money received, it’s good to know that’s the end result. But I think for me, it’s knowing that I’ve found this new passion for riding my bike and it’s something that I’m able to do with the disease. And if I’m able to do this, then I should. God’s allowing me to do things that maybe other people with the disease can’t do, and so I feel like I should do it. Not just for me, but for them too. It’s a gift to be able to do this; it’s a beautiful gift.” The camaraderie, passion and memories that come from participating in Bike MS: Atlanta ride lasts a lifetime. Like Rebecca and her friends, connect with us at Bike MS and help fund global research projects that give hope to more than 2.3 million people worldwide living with MS.
BIKE MS 1. Dan Yuhaschek $19,031 2. Cherise Mlott $17,905 3. William Barney $15,954 4. Scott Stafford $11,910 5. Richard Spencer $11,400 6. Kevin Fitzpatrick $10,213 7. Rosetta Dillard $9,350 8. Bob Lepping $9,350 9. Daniel Shim $8,573 10. David Cohen $7,515 11. Terri Latimer $7,284 12. Jeffrey Lund $6,800 13. Francisco Izurieta $6,046 14. Ryan Rodriguez $5,373 15. David Small $5,355 16. Bill Holley $5,255 17. William Plough $5,120 18. Frank Bell $5,000 19. Alex Holloway $4,883 20. Harald Walter $4,860 21. Glenn Mason $4,200 22. Allan Wendt $3,965 23. Barton Mitchell $3,785 24. Jack Basham $3,750 25. Jeanne Slagel $3,710 26. Michael La Kier $3,694 27. Wight Mixon $3,650 28. Tristen Anderson $3,642 29. Dan Jones $3,480 30. Eric Williams $3,450 31. Kinney Bacon $3,320 32. Steve Webb $3,288 33. Catherine LeMay $3,255 34. Paul Barrie $3,120
Bike MS Top 100 Club
2015
Based on 2014 Bike MS Totals as of Pledge Deadline October 31, 2014.
35. Bobbi Noland $3,090 36. Diane Heller $3,085 37. Jim Moulton $3,080 38. Marilea Welhouse $3,076 39. Richard Griffiths $3,020 40. Rebecca Gaston $2,775 41. Guy Tucker $2,753 42. Kevin Kuntz $2,710 43. Vern Herr $2,698 44. David Shope $2,695 45. David Wilderman $2,655 46. Renee Spivy $2,620 47. Brian Martin $2,605 48. Dan White $2,605 49. Barry Nash $2,600 50. Tony Harrington $2,575 51. Zev Yanovich $2,551 52. Steve Morrow $2,520 53. Terri Wilson $2,465 54. Angela Black $2,386 55. Cliff Hagan $2,375 56. John Lawrence $2,350 57. Joe O’Rourke $2,335 58. Michael Jahl $2,330 59. John Strickland $2,310 60. Christiana Muntzel $2,285 61. Randy Hawley $2,220 62. Jack Lyons $2,190 63. Jerry Lipsky $2,190 64. David Furmanski $2,160 65. Julie Schendel $2,151 66. Sean Baxter $2,101
67. John Stamey $2,005 68. Steve Agnello $2,000 69. Philip Boedeker $2,000 70. Kyle Teasdale $1,960 71. Andy Weiss $1,921 72. Chris Boyle $1,920 73. Diane Michaels $1,915 74. Robert Meyring $1,905 75. Mackay Asbury $1,870 76. Jay Walters $1,859 77. Kenneth Linning $1,850 78. Chris Williams $1,850 79. Cynthia Curry $1,838 80. Dan Coats $1,825 81. Robert Moody $1,815 82. Peter Bade $1,785 83. Mark Davidson $1,780 84. Sandra McNamee $1,736 85. Randal Garner $1,730 86. William Hawkins $1,725 87. Don Chapman $1,710 88. Ralph Gallagher $1,710 89. Brent Mlott $1,700 90. Michael Purdo $1,695 91. David Kaiser $1,681 92. Douglas McNamee $1,670 93. Christina Story $1,668 94. Ed Story $1,666 95. Janice K. Story $1,666 96. Alan Voss $1,665 97. Lisa Montbellier $1,640 98. Andrew Goldberg $1,630 99. Renee Torina $1,610 100. Bob Kendall
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Can Do Multiple Sclerosis Upcoming Webinars 2nd Tuesday of each month 8:00p.m. – 9:15p.m. ET. Reserve your spot now! Can Do MS’s monthly webinar series offers insight from MS experts representing different medical disciplines so that participants can gain additional knowledge relating to MS. Participants interact with a team of Can Do MS Programs Consultants, by asking questions to learn how to actively co-manage their MS from the comfort of their home, free of charge.
July 14, 2015, 8:00 – 9:15 p.m. ET Coping Effectively with Anger in Your Relationships Presented by Can Do MS Programs Consultants: Peggy Crawford, PhD & Susan Kushner, MS, PT Please join Psychologist, Peggy Crawford, and Physical Therapist, Sue Kushner, for a discussion of some of the more common triggers for anger, the impact of conflict on relationships and strategies for improving communication and coping constructively with anger.
August 11, 2015, 8:00 – 9:15 p.m. ET Taking Charge of Your MS Transitions: A Solution Focused Approach Presented by Can Do MS Programs Consultants: David Rintell, EdD & Mandy Rohrig, PT, DPT In this webinar, you will learn to identify four important transitions that occur among individuals and loved ones who live with multiple sclerosis. Join Psychologist David Rintell and Physical Therapist Mandy Rohrig who will offer practical, solution focused strategies to help you and your loved ones successfully manage these transitions.
September 8, 2015, 8:00 – 9:15 p.m. ET Taking Charge of Depression and Other Mood Changes in MS Presented by Can Do MS Programs Consultants: Rosalind Kalb, PhD & Courtney Macksoud, DPT, MSCS Please join Courtney Macksoud and Rosalind Kalb for a conversation about how to recognize and manage depression and other mood changes. They will be offering the facts you need to know about depression, some tips for recognizing significant mood changes in yourself or your partner, and insights on the possible role of exercise in managing depression. Questions? Anne Lee Gilbert, Director of Programs 800-367-3101 ext. 1281 / 970-926-1281 / agilbert@mscando.org Visit Can Do MS’s website to register today! http://www.mscando.org/webinar 26
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Self-help groups bring people together who share common life experiences for support, education and mutual aid. Benefits of participating in a self-help group include: • • • •
Learning new information and strategies for confronting problems. Finding support from others. The opportunity to help others. Feeling empowered and more self-confident in coping with challenges.
National MS Society self-help 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, carepartners, or African-Americans. Members of self-help groups share a belief that positive personal change happens through individual efforts with the support of others. Find a group in your area here, or to talk to someone about establishing a group, contact an MS Navigator at 1-800-344-4867 or online. 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 Self-Help Groups in your community please call 678-672-1000 OR 1-800-FIGHTMS
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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
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)
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 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
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 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
OUTSIDE “METRO” ATLANTA BASED SELF-HELP GROUPS 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
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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
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OUTSIDE “METRO” ATLANTA BASED SELF-HELP GROUPS- CONT’D 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 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
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
Columbus, Georgia “Chattahoochee Valley Self-Help Group” Contact Info: Lori (706) 575-6925 Email: lorikiker@yahoo.com Location: Columbus Public Library 3000 Macon Road Columbus, GA 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
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. ( Westside Bldg entrance) When do we meet? Meets the last Saturday of the month from 11:00am - 1:00pm
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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
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OUTSIDE “METRO” ATLANTA BASED SELF-HELP GROUPS- CONT’D Rome/Floyd County Self-Help Group Contact Info:Serena (706) 295-5780 Location: Sara Hightower Regional Library 205 Riverside Parkway Rome, GA 30161 When do we meet? 3rd Thursday of every month 6:00pm – 7:30 pm Thomasville MS Self-Help Group Contact Info: Mike (229) 346-9746 Location: Plaza Restaurant - Thomasville, GA 217 S. Broad Street Thomasville, GA When do we meet? Meets the 3rd Tuesday of every month from 6:00pm - 8:00pm
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 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
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 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 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 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
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. 678.672.1000
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COASTAL GEORGIA BASED SELF-HELP GROUPS - CONT’D 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 Location: St. Joseph Hospital 5353 Reynolds Street Savannah, GA When do we meet? Meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:00pm Please call Virginia to confirm room location and meeting dates.