summer 2015 south bay: Programs & services in your community Unless otherwise indicated, to register for any events, please visit nationalMSsociety.org/calendar/norcal and select the date of the event, or call (800) 344-4867 (800-FIGHT-MS).
upcoming programs Newly Diagnosed Orientations Available In-Person or Online Are you newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis? A diagnosis of MS can create many unexpected emotions that leave you with a strong need to understand the changes you may be facing. This informative program (available online or in-person) will address the most common concerns for people who are newly diagnosed and family and friends who want to learn more.
in-person Tuesday, August 4th 7:00pm - 9:00pm National MS Society Office 2589 Scott Blvd, Santa Clara
Online Thursday, July 9th and September 10th 6:00pm - 7:00pm Online and over the phone This web based program will be conducted by Dr. Elizabeth Crabtree, Assistant Clinical Professor of Neurology at UCSF and Director of Patient Program Development at UCSF’s MS Center. Dr. Crabtree will address the most common concerns for people who are newly diagnosed. A phone and computer with internet access will be necessary to join this program.
Free From Falls: Levels 1 & 2 8-week series on Thursdays, July 16th August 20th | 4:00pm - 5:30pm Hartnell Professional Center 576 Hartnell St, Suite #120 & #200, Monterey Studies indicate that falls are quite common among people with MS and are often associated with injuries and negative impact on quality of life. This fall prevention program is designed for people living with MS who are ambulatory but who may be at risk for falling. Each week’s 2-hour program will have a discussion component and an exercise component. Level 1: You must be able to walk at least 15 steps unaided or with only one cane, crutch or walking stick. Level 2: You are experiencing moderate mobility impairment, utilizing a mobility device such as a cane, walker or wheelchair/scooter, but are capable of independently transferring, standing and walking a few steps or short distances. Registration deadline is Thursday, July 19th. For more information, please contact Zoe Edwards at 916-927-9113 ext. 75201 or email zoe.edwards@nmss.org.
08 Partners of MS support & social: Communication and Intimacy Saturday, August 1st | 12:30pm - 2:30pm NMSS Santa Clara Office 2589 Scott Blvd, Santa Clara Is communicating about MS with your loved one challenging? Do you have strategies that work? Come ready to learn and share how to communicate with your loved one about difficult topics or challenging situations.
everyday matters: living your best life with ms 5-week series on Tuesdays, August 25th September 22nd | 6:30pm - 8:30pm NMSS Santa Clara Office 2589 Scott Blvd, Santa Clara The idea of your “best life” can change due to the challenges of having a chronic and unpredictable condition. To address this challenge, the National MS Society developed this free program for people living with MS, their support partners and family members. This interactive program strives to increase participants’ knowledge about the fundamental teachings of positive psychology to address the everyday challenges of living with MS.
wine down wednesday Wednesday, August 19th | 5:00pm - 8:00pm Cin-Cin Wine Bar Village Ln, Los Gatos Are you looking to meet others living with MS? If so, we will be gathering at happy hour at one
south bay: Programs & Services: summer 2015
of the Bay Area’s most critically acclaimed wine bars and restaurants. Cin-Cin offers a new contemporary cuisine with an international wine list and innovative cocktails. This wine down time is for you to relax, eat some good food and connect with other National MS Society members. Come solo, bring your family or your friends. We hope to see you there! Light appetizers will be provided.
American River South Fork Rafting Saturday, September 12th |10:00am - 6:00pm Environmental Travel Companions River Camp Grab a paddle and climb aboard! Environmental Travel Companions is leading a rafting trip exclusively for people living with MS. Anyone 12 years and older is encouraged to join, regardless of mobility level. Previous experience is not necessary, but space is limited so reserve your spot early. Please bring your own meal as well as snacks to eat on the raft. Equipment, safety gear, and instructions are provided. Cost is $35 per person. To register, please contact Riely White at Environmental Traveling Companions at 415474-7662 ext. 15 or riverprogram@etctrips.org.
register at nationalmssociety.org/can | 1-800-344-4867
self-advocacy skills training: overcoming barriers to getting what you need Sunday, September 20 | 1:00pm - 4:00pm Santa Clara Senior Center 1303 Fremont St, Santa Clara th
Whether you want to obtain approval for services or accommodations from your health plan, doctor, employer or favorite grocery store, many of the same principles apply. This practical “hands-on” workshop will offer you an opportunity to hear from communication and advocacy professionals about the most effective methods for presenting your fact-based needs to achieve maximum results. At this workshop you will learn: • Resources to help resolve disputes with your health provider, employer or local business • How to enlist your elected officials to help you short-circuit problems • How to file winning grievances • How to identify and prepare for potential problems before they arise Presenter Annan Paterson lives with MS and knows firsthand the importance of advocating for the needs and treatment of people with chronic conditions through her own involvement in local politics. Representatives from congressional and statewide offices will discuss how to expedite problems with Medicare and Medi-Cal, accessibility issues, Social Security claims, and intervening with governmental issues. Other community resources-related topics will also be discussed.
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Gentle Yoga for People with MS Thursdays | 10:30am - 12:00pm Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Wellness Center, Room 5 and 6 12270 Saratoga Avenue, Saratoga This class is designed for people with multiple sclerosis. Your practice will include stretching, breathing and relaxation while sitting or lying down (standing poses are optional). All exercises will emphasize transferring weight onto the bones, lengthening and straightening the spine and working without tension. The objective is to improve your balance and ease of movement in all activities of daily life. Call Thea Sawyer at 408-489-9436 for availability.
Horse Power: Living Strong with MS 6 week series, Thursdays | 10:00 - 11:00am DreamPower Barn at WoodMyst Farm 7460 Crews Rd, Gilroy This unique equine empowerment group is open to adults who are living with MS. Connect and share with others living with MS in a supportive, flexible, and fun outdoor environment. This is an unmounted group but you will have the opportunity to participate in grooming, leading, ground work exercises, and various other horsemanship activities. To register for this program contact Cherié E. Page, Ph.D. at cherie_e_page@yahoo.com or call (925) 864-7907.
10 what’s happening in northern california bay area
• Love Lessons, July 14 in Berkeley • Coffee Connections, August 3 in Oakland • Mix & Mingle Networking Hour, August 3
in Walnut Creek • Newly Diagnosed Orientation, August 6 in San Francisco • Everyday Matters: Living Your Best Life, August 8 in Berkeley • Free From Falls: Levels 1 & 2, October 1 November 19 in Oakland
central valley
• Newly Diagnosed Orientation, August 4 in
Modesto • Relationship Matters, August 29 - 30 in Murphys • Self-Advocacy Skills Training: Overcoming Barriers to Getting What You Need, September 19 in Tracy • Yoga Class for People Living with MS, Tuesdays in Modesto
North State
• Ask the MS Specialist with Dr. John Schafer,
July 10 in Eureka and July 11 in Ft. Bragg • MS Connect Crafting Social, August 26 in Chico • Telemedicine and Other New Developments in MS, September 19 in Redding • Love Lessons, September 24 in Santa Rosa
Sacramento
• Getting Your Head Around Cognitive
Issues, July 15 in Sacramento
south bay: Programs & Services summer 2015 • Free From Falls: Level 2, July 21 - September • • • • •
•
8 in Citrus Heights Newly Diagnosed Orientation, August 6 in Carmichael Mix & Mingle Networking Hour, August 11 in Sacramento Love Lessons, August 12 in Citrus Heights Supporting Our Loved Ones Teen Group, August 15 in Citrus Heights ReUseIt Clothing Drive, August 31 - September 13 in Citrus Heights & Sacramento Exercise Your Options: How to Move Forward with Physical Activity, September 15 in Carmichael
SELF-HELP GROUPS Monterey COUNTY
• Monterey - Veronica: 831-869-1684
SAN BENITO COUNTY
• Hollister Group - Joann and Andrew: 831-630-0266
SANTA CLARA COUNTY • • • •
Milpitas - Phyllis: 408-509-8137 Palo Alto - Kathy: 408-921-9888 San Jose - Marie: 510-520-7276 Santa Clara - Susan: 408-253-4489, Bruce: 408-978-9648
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
• Capitola - Estefana: 831-406-9127, Jon: 831-332-5265
ONLINE
• “Second Life” - John: 916-708-9708