MSCalendar July - September 2011

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Activities Calendar JULY - SEPTEMBER 2011 JOIN THE MOVEMENT National MS Society—Northern California Chapter Working and MS: Protect Yourself and Plan Ahead Society Statewide Teleseries Focuses on MS and Employment As a complex and unpredictable disease, MS can have varying effects on a person’s ability to work. New symptoms might make you question whether you can continue working and, when those symptoms subside, you might wonder why you were worried about work at all. People living with MS often continue working long after their diagnosis. On the flip side, some people with MS decide to leave their jobs when they are first diagnosed or experience their first major exacerbation, often at the suggestion of their family or doctor. This decision is often made too quickly and at a time when symptoms can color judgment. Disease-modifying drugs, new technologies, better symptom management, legal employment protections, and community resources can help you remain in the workforce. Developing and achieving employment goals can be accomplished despite your MS diagnosis. Education and preparation can be your most powerful secret weapon. The National MS Society is here to work with you as you navigate your employment options. We have the resources to add to your employment tool kit: Brochures, publications, and videos Staff trained in employment issues Visit the Living With MS section of nationalmssociety.org and find the resources listed above in the employment section. Armed with knowledge of resources and legal employment protections, you can set goals that are achievable, challenging, and exciting. This summer’s statewide teleseries is focused on MS and employment. “Working and MS: Protect Yourself and Plan Ahead” has five teleconferences designed to support individuals with MS through the continuum of work; from staying employed, to retraining and on to post-employment options. Learn about vital resources and get key information that will help you make the best choices through any stage in your employment journey! Read more about the statewide teleseries on page 4 of this Activities Calendar.

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Activities Calendar

Transcript of MSCalendar July - September 2011

Activities Calendar JULY - SEPTEMBER 2011

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

National MS Society—Northern California Chapter

Working and MS: Protect Yourself and Plan AheadSociety Statewide Teleseries Focuses on MS and Employment

As a complex and unpredictable disease, MS can have varying effects on a person’s ability to work. New symptoms might make you question whether you can continue working and, when those symptoms subside, you might wonder why you were worried about work at all.

People living with MS often continue working long after their diagnosis. On the flip side, some people with MS decide to leave their jobs when they are first diagnosed or experience their first major exacerbation, often at the suggestion of their family or doctor. This decision is often made too quickly and at a time when symptoms can color judgment. Disease-modifying drugs, new technologies, better symptom management, legal employment protections, and community resources can help you remain in the workforce.

Developing and achieving employment goals can be accomplished despite your MS diagnosis.

Education and preparation can be your most powerful secret weapon. The National MS Society is here to work with you as you navigate your employment options.

We have the resources to add to your employment tool kit:

• Brochures, publications, and videos • Staff trained in employment issues

Visit the Living With MS section of nationalmssociety.org and find the resources listed above in the employment section. Armed with knowledge of resources and legal employment protections, you can set goals that are achievable, challenging, and exciting.

This summer’s statewide teleseries is focused on MS and employment. “Working and MS: Protect Yourself and Plan Ahead” has five teleconferences designed to support individuals with MS through the continuum of work; from staying employed, to retraining and on to post-employment options. Learn about vital resources and get key information that will help you make the best choices through any stage in your employment journey!

Read more about the statewide teleseries on page 4 of this Activities Calendar.

If you or someone you know has MS:Studies show that early and ongoing treatment with an FDA-approved therapy can reduce future disease activity and improve quality of life for many people with multiple sclerosis. Talk to your health professional or contact the National MS Society at 1.800.344.4867 or www.nationalmssociety.org to learn about ways to help manage multiple sclerosis and about current research that may one day reveal a cure.

Information provided by the National MS 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 Society recommends that all questions and information be discussed with a personal physician.

The National MS Society does not endorse products, services or manufacturers. Such names appear here solely because they are considered valuable information. The Society assumes no liability for the use or contents of any product or service mentioned.

© 2010 National MS Society, Northern California Chapter

800-344-4867 www.nationalmssociety.org

Find Programs in Your Area

Accessible from the comfort of your homeEmotional Wellness Teleconference Series 3Working and MS: Protect Yourself and Plan

Ahead 4Telephone Coping Skills Group 5Stay at Home Telephone Support Group 5 Sacramento AreaUnderstanding Sex, Intimacy & MS 6Emerging Therapies & Research in MS 6Self-Help Groups 7 MS and Bladder Management 7Strike Out MS Night 8Newly Diagnosed Orientation 8Whitewater Rafting with Environmental

Traveling Companions 8Central ValleyEmerging Therapies & Research in MS 9Self-Help Groups 9Newly Diagnosed Orientation 9Family Night at Boomers 9 Greater Bay AreaSymptom Management Sleep Program 10 Using Poles to Achieve and Maintain

Mobility 10Newly Diagnosed Orientation 10 Summer Social and Open House 11Self-Help Groups 11Community and Pharmaceutical Program 11North Bay and BeyondMS Can Do Jumpstart Program 12Wellness Resources 12Self-Help Groups 12 South Bay AreaSelf-Help Groups 13Emerging Therapies and Research in MS 13

Healthcare Reform One Year Later 14Newly Diagnosed Orientation 14 Community and Pharmaceutical Program 15Yoga for MS? You Bet! 15

Chapter Headquarters 415-230-6677 1700 Owens St. Suite 190 San Francisco, CA 94158

Central Valley Office800-344-4867 422 McHenry Ave Modesto, CA 95354

Silicon Valley Office408-988-7557 2589 Scott Blvd. Santa Clara, CA 95050 Sacramento Office 916-927-8000 4221 Northgate Blvd. Suite 4 Sacramento, CA 95834

What’s Inside?

31-800-344-4867 www.nationalmssociety.org/can

Emotional Wellness Monthly Teleseries

We are excited to present an on-going Emotional Wellness Teleseries with a new topic offered every month. Life Coach and Psychotherapist Catherine Freemire, LCSW leads the discussion on these exciting upcoming topics. Please note: each monthly topic has two separate call times and dates, allowing you to choose a time and date which works best for your schedule. Each monthly topic call is exactly the same, so you only need to register for one time/date per topic.

Accessible From the Comfort of Home

Finding FlowTuesday, July 5, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm OR Tuesday, July 19, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pmHave you ever been involved in something and the time just went by quickly without you realizing it? Have you ever done something that is considered work but you enjoy it so much it doesn’t feel like work? These would be defined as “flow experiences.” Come to this workshop to understand and learn to create the “flow experience” in your life.

Maintaining Good Self-Care with MSTuesday, August 9, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm OR Tuesday, August 16, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pmGood self-care is an important practice for protecting your emotional and physical well-being. In this workshop, we will look at the components of standard good self-care and expand this to include good self-care with MS. Then we will look at nurturing, not scolding, ways to support yourself to practice good self-care.

The Importance of Play and HumorTuesday, September 6, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm OR Tuesday, September 13, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pmHave you gotten too serious in your life? Have you lost touch with your sense of humor? Have you stopped playing and are more focused on organizing, coping or getting things done? Come to this workshop to get back in touch with the value of play and humor. Bring a favorite funny story to the call.

For more information and to register for any or all portions of this teleconference, please call 800-344-4867 or visit us online at www.nationalmssociety.org/can.

Resource Volunteer Specialist Needed

Help the Northern California Chapter provide the best community and allied health referrals available. Your efforts in ensuring accurate referrals will benefit people living with MS for years

to come! You can work from your own home, or at one of our Chapter offices, based on your availability and location. For information on this project, call Andrew Rose at 800-344-4867,

option 2 ext. 73004 or by email [email protected].

4 JUL - SEPT 2011Pre-registration is required for all programs. Call 1-800-344-4867.

This teleconference series is designed to support individuals with MS through the continuum of work; from staying employed, to retraining and on to post-employment options. Learn about vital resources and get key information that will help you make the best choices through any stage in your employment journey!

American Disability Act and DisclosureWednesday, July 13, 2011

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm.

Featured Speaker: Eddie Whidden, M.A. is a Senior Consultant with the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) Motor Team. Eddie will discuss when and how to disclose that you have MS, as well as provide input on what kinds of accommodations can be offered to employees and how to request them.

Secrets to a Successful Career ChangeWednesday, July 20, 2011

6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Featured Speakers: Steve W. Nissen, M.S., CRC, Senior Director of Employment and Communication Programs at the National Capital Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in Washington, DC and Director of Operation Job Match (OJM), the employment assistance and support program of the chapter, Michelle Alford-Williams, Manager

for Workforce Development Section of the California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) and Lana Reynolds, M.S., C.R.C. DOR will address retraining and other issues faced with a change in career direction.

Volunteering: A Win-WinPutting Your Skills and Passion to Work

Wednesday, August 3, 20116:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Featured Speakers: Valerie Troup, Volunteer Services Manager from One O.C., Orange Counties Volunteer Center, Jim Langdon, Volunteer of a Second Grade Reading Program and Mike Milne, Loan Closet Volunteer Manager for the Pacific South Coast Chapter of the National MS Society will discuss volunteerism as an option if you are no longer able to be employed.

Applying Through Your Employer’s Long Term Disability

Benefits When MS ProgressesWednesday, August 10, 2011

6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Featured Speaker: Lisa Kantor, LLP from Kantor and Kantor. Lisa Kantor will share her expertise as an advocate who has successfully

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Accessible From the Comfort of Home

Working and MS: Protect Yourself and Plan AheadSociety Statewide Teleseries Focuses on MS and Employment

Telephone Coping Skills Group

Are you living with MS? Would you like to learn new ways to manage stress and/or physical pain associated with MS? Many people use stress and pain reduction techniques to significantly improve their quality of life. Psychologist Pearl Werfel will be facilitating two short term telephone counseling groups in the fall of 2011. These groups are low cost, and will incorporate educational learning and development of positive coping skills and techniques which you can use in your daily life. Stipends may also be available as needed. To learn more about these groups please contact Andrew Rose, LCSW at 800-344-4867, option 2, ext 73004.

Stay at Home Telephone Self-Help Group

Doyouliveinaruralarea,andfindithardtoget to a Self-Help Group Meeting? Join our “Stay at Home” Telephone Support Group on the third Wednesday of the month, 1:00pm-2:00pmPacificTime.Toparticipate in this group, please call 800-344-4867, option 2, ext. 73004.

Accessible From the Comfort of Home

51-800-344-4867 www.nationalmssociety.org/can

represented people in Employment Retirement Income Social Security Act (ERISSA) benefit claims for over 18 years. If you have MS and Long Term Disability Insurance through your employer, you will want to know how to apply for and access these benefits.

Facts About California’s State Disability Benefit Program

Wednesday, August 17, 20116:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Featured Speaker: April Oakley, Associate Governmental Program Analyst of the Disability Insurance Branch – Education & Outreach, Employment Development Department will discuss the challenges faced when accessing State Disability Insurance due to the unpredictable nature of MS. April will be providing information about the program, who qualifies and instructions on how to apply.

To register for one or all of the employment-focused Statewide Teleseries, please call 800-344-4867 or visit us online at nationalmssociety.org/can.

Working and MS: Protect Yourself and Plan Ahead

...continued from page 4

Join our Facebook Community

The Northern California Chapter Facebook page has over 2,000 fans and counting! Become a fan today and get connected to others living with MS. Stay informed about upcoming

programs and services, events, research, volunteer opportunities and more!

www.facebook.com/msnortherncal

6 JUL - SEPT 2011Pre-registration is required for all programs. Call 1-800-344-4867.

Sacramento Area Programs & Services

Emerging Therapies & Research in MS

Sunday, August 28, 201110:30 am - 12:00 pm

CARD Community Center545 Vallambrosa Ave

Chico, CA

Research in MS is progressing at a remarkable rate, with more potential therapies in the pipeline than at any other time in history. The National MS Society is a driving force of MS research, supporting and stimulating world-class research into ways to prevent, better treat and cure this unpredictable disease of the brain and spinal cord. Learn how far we’ve come, where we’re going and what the Society and others are doing to move toward a world free of MS.

Join Jeffrey Gelfand, M.D., Neurologist and Clinical Instructor and Research Fellow at UCSF Department of Neurology and UCSF Multiple Sclerosis Center. Dr. Gelfand will discuss advances in MS therapeutics as well as recent advances of research into nervous system repair.

Light refreshments will be served.

To register, please call 800-344-4867 or visit us online at nationalmssociety.org/can.

Understanding Sex, Intimacy & MS

Monday, July 18, 20116:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Mercy Medical CenterMedical Offices/Lukens Auditorium

6555 Coyle AveCarmichael, CA

In a relationship where a couple is dealing with MS, sexual issues are more common than people realize. Ignoring these problems can lead to relationship strain and decline in self-esteem. Individuals with MS and healthcare professionals are often slow to bring up the subject and yet a recent study suggests that up to 60% of people with MS recognize a change in their sexual experience. Gain insight about how MS affects sexual function and how to deal with it. Join Pat Kennedy, RN, CNP, MSCN and Nurse Educator for Can Do Multiple Sclerosis to discuss the role of sexual function and wellness to enhance life quality. Pat Kennedy has dedicated over 20 years working with patients with MS. She serves as a Clinical Consultant for the National MS Society and sits on the Client Education Committee. Pat is on the Board of the International Organization of MS Nurses and is certified as a Multiple Sclerosis Nurse.

Light refreshments will be served.

To register, please call 800-344-4867 or visit us online at nationalmssociety.org/can.

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Sacramento Area Programs & Services

EL DORADO COUNTYPlacerville Doris 530-622-5673

NEVADA COUNTYGrass Valley Phyllis 530-432-3504

PLACER COUNTYAuburn Ruth 530-888-8388Roseville: Minimal Symptoms Group Peter 916-989-1364Lincoln Marsha or Jerry 916-408-7899

SHASTA COUNTYHope 4 MS Beth 530-246-8404 or Patricia 530-222-7277 or Robin 530-246-2980

SOLANO COUNTYVacaville Marian 707-422-7515

SUTTER COUNTYYuba City Evon 530-701-2189

TEHAMA COUNTYRed Bluff Teresa 530-529-4412 or Jodine 530-528-8767

Sacramento Area Self-Help Groups

SACRAMENTO COUNTYElk Grove Willie 916-684-1677 or Dorothy 916-684-6849Sacramento: Moving on withMS Annette 916-715-4973 orIrene 916-536-9116 orSylvia 916-349-1324 Sacramento: MS Sisters (men welcome too)Kimberley 916-821-6133Thursday Night Troop (TNT!)New Group Now Forming Gregory 916-743-5320

MS and Bladder ManagementHosted by the Elk Grove MS Group

Friday, August 12, 201110:00 am - 12:00 pm

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church9961 Elk Grove Florin Rd.

Elk Grove, CA

If you find your MS is affecting your ability to control bladder function, attend this informative program hosted by the Elk Grove MS group. Anastacia Shaver, PA-C holds her Master’s Degree in Physician-Assistant Studies and has been a member of Mercy Medical Group Urology Department since 2005. Anastacia will talk bladder management strategies and treatment options you can discuss with your healthcare team.

To register, please call 800-344-4867 or visit us online at nationalmssociety.org/can or call Willie 916-684-1677 or Dorothy 916-684-6849 with the Elk Grove MS Group.

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JUL - SEPT 2011Pre-registration is required for all programs. Call 1-800-344-4867.

Sacramento Area Programs & Services

Strike Out MS Night!

Thursday, September 1, 2011Game time is 7:05 pm

Raley Field400 Ballpark Drive

Sacramento, CA

• Register to get discounted tickets by August 12, Gold Rush seats in Section 120 are nearly 50% off the regular price.

• After August 12, regular priced tickets can be purchased online through the River Cats at www.rivercats.com

Join us to raise MS awareness and have some end-of-summer family fun! Wear your brightest orange for a night out at the ballpark as volunteers, staff and families get special stadium-wide recognition! Cheer on the River Cats as they take on Las Vegas 51 for the last home game of the season.

To register, please call 800-344-4867 or visit us online at nationalmssociety.org/can.

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Newly Diagnosed Orientation

Thursday, August 4, 20116:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Mercy San Juan Medical Center6555 Coyle Ave Medical Offices, Room 145Carmichael, CA

White Water Rafting with Environmental Traveling

Companions

Saturday, September 10 and Sunday September 11, 2011

Coloma, CA

White water rafting, a fun accessible adventure hosted by Environmental Traveling Companions (ETC), is back by popular demand! Come raft one of California’s most celebrated whitewater runs. The South Fork American River is lively and playful, offering a blend of relaxing calm Class II and thrilling Class III rapids. This river is perfect for beginners, or seasoned whitewater veterans.

This is a great adventure for families with kids over 10. ETC’s accessible campground at the river’s edge provides the perfect stage for a great day trip. Deli lunch and beverages provided. Bring your water, snacks & sunscreen!!

Visit the Environmental Traveling Companions website www.etctrips.org for more information about the trip.

A special discount has been made available for National MS Society members. Call the Northern California Chapter for more infomation.

To register, please call 800-344-4867 or visit us online at nationalmssociety.org/can.

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Emerging Therapies & Research in MS

Wednesday, August 17, 20116:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Hilton Stockton2323 Grand Canal Blvd

Stockton, CA

Research in MS is progressing at a remarkable rate, with more potential therapies in the pipeline than at any other time in history. The National MS Society is a driving force of MS research, supporting and stimulating world-class research into ways to prevent, better treat and cure this unpredictable disease of the brain and spinal cord. Learn how far we’ve come, where we’re going and what the Society and others are doing to move toward a world free of MS.

Join Jeffrey Gelfand, M.D., Neurologist and Clinical Instructor and Research Fellow at UCSF Department of Neurology and UCSF Multiple Sclerosis Center. Dr. Gelfand will discuss advances in MS therapeutics as well as recent advances of research into nervous system repair.

To register, please call 800-344-4867 or visit us online at www.nationalmssociety.org/can.

visit walk.msconnection.org

Central Valley Programs & Services

Turlock Bill 209-664-1427 or Frances 209-667-2184

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTYStockton PMBrenda 209-951-0536 orMary 209-334-5670

MERCED COUNTYMerced: MS ChallengersSusan 209-564-4311

STANISLAUS COUNTYModesto Nancy & Joe 209-544-2617

Central Valley Self-Help GroupsStockton AMLaurie 209-943-2686 or Velma 209-951-2264TracyLinda 209-833-6882

TUOLUMNE COUNTYSonora Steven or Gloria 209-532-5646

1-800-344-4867 www.nationalmssociety.org/can

Family Night at Boomers

Friday, October 14, 20115:30 pm

4215 Bangs AvenueModesto, CA

Bring your family and friends to Boomers and show your support for those living with MS.

Complimentary food will be provided. Each individual who wears orange to the event will receive complimentary game points.

To register, please call 800-344-4867 or visit us online at www.nationalmssociety.org/can.

Newly Diagnosed Orientation

Tuesday, August 2, 20115:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Central Valley Office422 McHenry AvenueModesto, CA

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Bay Area Programs & Services

Pre-registration is required for all programs. Call 1-800-344-4867. JUL - SEPT 2011

Using Poles to Achieve and Maintain Mobility

Learn vital skills that enable you to maintain walking and mobility. East Bay Regional Park District – the largest park district in the nation - offers regular Pole Walking classes, including one that helps people with conditions like MS. This class, called “Using Poles to Achieve & Maintain Mobility,” helps you learn skills that improve balance, posture, confidence, walking gait, agility, function and strength. You’ll feel taller! You will experience easy-to-learn techniques and gentle exercises that help people of all ages to navigate everyday obstacles and enhance their enjoyment of the outdoors.

Classes are held in beautiful settings; group size is small so people can get personalized attention. A variety of top quality poles are used so you can determine which poles best suit your goals.

This class is taught by Jayah Faye Paley, fitness and wellness educator. Jayah, an ACE-certified Personal Trainer, is the creator of the only comprehensive educational media on how to use poles, which includes two award-winning DVDs. To borrow Jayah’s “Poles for Balance & Mobility” DVD from our Lending Library, please call 800-344-4867.

For more information about classes, pricing, or to register for a class that can keep you moving and grooving, visit www.EBParks.org or www.PolesForMobility.com , or call 415-699-3333.

Symptom Management Sleep Program

Newly Diagnosed Orientation

Wednesday, August 36:30 pm - 8:30 pm

San Francisco Office1700 Owens Street, Suite 190 San Francisco, CA

Saturday, July 9, 201110:30 am – 12:00 pm

Ed Roberts Campus3075 Adeline Street

Berkeley, CA

Losing too much sleep and wondering what you can do about it? A good night’s sleep is worth working for and consistent sleep problems can make living with MS more challenging. Learn more about common sleep disorders for those with MS, how sleep affects quality-of-life and its impact on inflammation. More importantly, find out about natural aids and pharmaceutical options to improve sleep. Steven Brass, M.D. is the Co-Medical Director of the Sleep Medicine Division at UC Davis Medical Center. Dr. Brass has received specialized training in the study of clinical effectiveness from the Harvard School of Public Health where he obtained a Masters of Public Health.

To register, please call 800-344-4867 or visit us online at nationalmssociety.org/can.

Bay Area Self-Help Groups

ALAMEDA COUNTYAlameda Sharon 510-521-6260 or Ray 510-522-5210Berkeley Estelle 510-204-4407Berkeley Lunch Group (meets periodically) Toni 510-653-4534East Bay Lesbians Nora 510-837-4166Fremont Kim 510-793-0765Oakland Katrina 510-523-1891Oakland: African AmericansTracy 510-670-8633 and Karen 510-757-3290 Oakland: LatinosElsa 510-777-1414CONTRA COSTA COUNTYBrentwood MS for lunchbunch Kathy 925-286-7674or Julie 925-513-4686

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Bay Area Programs & Services

Summer Social and Open House for the

Greater Bay Area

Thursday, July 14, 20116:00 pm - 8:00 pmEd Roberts Campus3075 Adeline Street

Berkeley, CA

Join us in celebrating summertime with a gathering at the brand new Ed Roberts Campus building in Berkeley. Stop by and have fun connecting with others while learning more about the Ed Roberts campus community resources available to you, your family and friends.

• Light snacks and refreshments will be served.

• A tour of the Ed Roberts Campus will be provided.

• Learn about local self-help groups.

To register, please call 800-344-4867 or visit us online at

www.nationalmssociety.org/can

Mt. Diablo (Concord)John and Janis 925-372-0859El Cerrito Elizabeth 510-549-2154 Richmond Contact Andrew Rose at 800-344-4867, option 2, ext. 73004 SAN MATEO COUNTYFoster City Eli 650-377-1970San Mateo George 650-593-515SAN FRANCISCO COUNTYSan Francisco Young at Heart GroupGeorge 415-724-0064 SF Potluck Luncheon(meets periodically) Karen 415-584-6115

1-800-344-4867 www.nationalmssociety.org/can

Community & Pharmaceutical Program

Helping You Start and Stay on MS Therapy Saturday, July 14, 2011

12:00 pmClaremont Hotel Club & Spa

41 Tunnel Road Berkeley, CA 94705

Speaker: Elizabeth Crabtree-Hartman, M.D. Registration: Seating is limited and a reservation is

required. RSVP by calling 800-788-1467. *Sponsored by Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals

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North Bay & Beyond Programs & Services

North Bay Area & Beyond Self-Help GroupsNAPA COUNTYNapa Penelope 707-265-9680

HUMBOLDT COUNTYEureka Ann Louise 707-839-0177 or Kim 707-445-9803

MARIN COUNTYCorte Madera Vicki 415-892-7370 or Anita 415-892-5548

MENDOCINOMendocino Joanne 707-937-4929

SONOMA COUNTYSanta Rosa Susan 707-544-9654 or Debbie 707-548-8437 Santa Rosa MS Caregiver GroupSpencer 707-586-3811Healdsburg Kate 707-433-9194SonomaNoreen 707-933-9500

Save the Date!

MS Can Do JUMPSTART Program

Saturday, October 1, 20119:00 am to 3:00 pm

Eureka, CA

Imagine dedicating an entire day to expanding your beliefs about what is possible with multiple sclerosis. The JUMPSTART Program provides participants with an intensive and personalized exploration of specific health, wellness and lifestyle behaviors to actively co-manage their MS.

Through presentations, workshops and interactive sessions, JUMPSTART will expand your knowledge and understanding of a specific topic and help you develop personalized goals and strategies that result in naturally-enhanced symptom management and well-being. This JUMPSTART Program is put on in collaboration with The National MS Society Northern California Chapter and MS Can Do. Watch your mailbox for further details and registration information.

North Bay Wellness Resources Yoga, a series of gentle stretching movements, has been practiced in India for centuries. It can reduce stress and fatigue, improve balance and spasticity, and help bowel and bladder management. Practitioners of yoga also often say that it increases their energy and vitality.

Visit www.nationalmssociety.org/can to find listings for yoga classes in Sonoma, Humboldt, Marin, and Shasta counties. Instructors with ** next to their name have been trained to work with people who live with MS.

Pre-registration is required for all programs. Call 1-800-344-4867. JUL - SEPT 2011

North Bay Area & Beyond Self-Help Groups

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South Bay Area Programs & Services

South Bay Area Self-Help Groups

MONTEREY COUNTYMonterey, Currently on hold. Seeking new leaders. Please contact Susan Wallis at 800-344-4867, option 2, ext 74102.

SAN BENITO COUNTYHollister GroupGina 831-636-3241, Joann and Andrew 831-630-0266

SANTA CLARA COUNTYMilpitas Indu 510-656-3408 or Phyllis 408-264-7522Palo AltoLuanne 650-328-0179 or George 650-281-7646Palo Alto MS Caregivers Group, Bob 650-826-0300San Jose Cor 408-270-8922 or David 408-578-3752San Jose MS Community Group now forming, Jonith 408-269-4260 Santa Clara Brian 408-739-9445 or Susan 408-253-4489

SANTA CRUZ COUNTYCapitola Tom 831-684-2252 or Ada 831-440-1211

Emerging Therapies & Research in MS

Saturday, July 23, 201110:00 am - 1:30 pm

Santa Clara, CA

Research in MS is progressing at a remarkable rate, with more potential therapies in the pipeline than at any other time in history. The National MS Society is a driving force of MS research, supporting and stimulating world-class research into ways to prevent, better treat and cure this unpredictable disease of the brain and spinal cord. Learn how far we’ve come, where we’re going and what the Society and others are doing to move toward a world free of MS.

Please join Jeffrey Dunn, M.D., Associate Director of the Stanford MS Center for an MS Update along with information about Emerging Therapies in the treatment and detection of MS.

About the speaker:Dr. Dunn received his undergraduate degree at Haverford College in Haverford, PA. He studied medicine at Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Dunn then went on to complete his Residency in Neurology at the University of Washington in Seattle, WA. Dr. Dunn was the Clinical Assistant Professor of Neurology at the University of Washington in Seattle, WA. Dr. Dunn brought his expertise to the Stanford MS Center in 2008 and currently is the Clinical Associate Professor of Neurology where he also serves as the Neurology Clerkship Director, the Clinical Neuroimmunology Fellowship Program Director, and the Associate Director of the Stanford MS Center. Dr. Dunn has an

1-800-344-4867 www.nationalmssociety.org/can

in-depth understanding of the complexities of MS, symptom management and disease modifying therapies.

To register, please call 800-344-4867 or visit us online at www.nationalmssociety.org/can.

South Bay Area Programs & Services

14 JUL - SEPT 2011Pre-registration is required for all programs. Call 1-800-344-4867.

Newly Diagnosed OrientationWednesday, August 3, 20116:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Santa Clara Office2589 Scott BlvdSanta Clara, CA 95050

When President Obama signed healthcare reform legislation passed by the U.S. Congress, he instituted major changes in what healthcare plans will be required to provide for generations to come. It is crucial that no matter what form of insurance you have, you understand the concepts behind the Affordable Care Act. This program is designed to separate fact from fiction.

During this informative program you will learn about:

• Key provisions and dates of healthcare reform implementation

• Pre-existing condition clauses• How this major new law effects Medicare &

Medi-Cal• Long Term Care• Lifetime Limits

Top policy experts will explain how this landmark legislation will affect access to health coverage and care for persons with MS and chronic conditions. Additionally, legislative professionals will dissect how the Affordable Care Act will reduce your costs for coverage and care. Our panelists will take all your questions whether you have private or public insurance. You will learn what benefits health plans must cover and the

Affordable Care Act’s impact on home and community based services.

The latest and best resources will also be made available. They will include an annotated listing of top web links, summary timeline of the bill, glossary definitions and fact sheets on specific provisions.

The National MS Society is on hand to answer any questions. We will be providing updates about the reforms as they are made available so that you may be able to prioritize your needs and eventually learn about details in stages. These programs are an important first step in arming yourself with the crucial information you will need to take responsibility for securing and maintaining quality and comprehensive health insurance.

To register, please call 800-344-4867 or visit us online at www.nationalmssociety.org/can.

Healthcare Reform One Year Later: Discover What the New Law Means for People Living with MS & Their Families

Saturday, August 13, 201110:00 am - 1:30 pm

Marina Public Library, 190 Seaside Circle

Marina, CA

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South Bay Area Programs & Services

Yoga for MS? You Bet!

1307 Seabright AvenueSanta Cruz, CA

Yoga is not just about exercising your body. It’s about exercising body, mind and spirit together. How can someone with MS find the right type of yoga, the right class, and the inspiration to try it?

Yoga for MS is a gentle form of yoga adapted to the needs of each student, taught by an instructor living with MS. The class runs for six weeks and all classes are held in Santa Cruz at the Pacific Cultural Center and Ashtanga Yoga Institute.

Please contact Shakti Bell at 831-425-3521 or [email protected] to enroll today, find out about upcoming dates, and for pricing information. You can find out more information about these classes at www.shaktibell.com.

As with any exercise program, check with your physician first. Don’t live in Santa Cruz? Give us a call and we can help you locate yoga resources in your community.

Financial assistance for wellness classes may be available through the National MS Society by calling 800-344-4867.

Watch your mailbox for an exciting social and family program Summer 2011. Join us in celebrating summertime with a

gathering in Santa Cruz. Stop by and have fun connecting with others while learning more

about MS and community resources available to you, your family and friends.

Time and location to be determined.

NOTE: Community and Pharmaceutical sponsored programs are not offered or endorsed by the National MS Society. This information is

offered as a courtesy to our clients.

Community & Pharmaceutical Program

Therapeutic Updates in Multiple Sclerosis

This free program can help you achievesome of your goals for living well with MS.

Saturday, July 9, 2011Registration: 9:00 am– 9:30 amSeminar: 9:30 am – 11:30 am

Hilton Newark / Fremont39900 Balentine DriveNewark, CA 94560

Bruce Cree, M.D., Ph.D., M.C.R.University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) Multiple Sclerosis CenterAssistant Professor of Neurology at UCSF

An inspirational story will be told by an MS advocate.

Complimentary breakfast will be provided. Complimentary parking is available.

Register today by calling 866-955-9999 or visit www.MSActiveSource.com and click on the Events button.

*Sponsored by Biogen Idec

1-800-344-4867 www.nationalmssociety.org/can

FREE MATTER FOR THE

BLIND OR HANDICAPPED

1700 Owens Street, Suite 190San Francisco, CA 94158