NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CHAPTER PROGRAMS & SERVICES WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR COMMUNITY...
The National MS Society, Northern California Chapter provides a variety of programs, services and information for people living with multiple sclerosis, their friends and families, and health care professionals engaged in our shared movement toward a world free of MS. We are committed to helping the over 84,000 Northern Californians affected by MS address the challenges of living with MS. The Northern California Chapter provides programs that focus on how people living with MS can develop effective strategies for symptom management, maintain positive and productive relationships, and live as independently as possible. We are excited to announce a new section in the MS Connection, “Mark Your Calendar: Upcoming Local Programs”. Northern California Chapter clients shared with us their desire to have a greater sense of community engagement. This customized, regional insert is a tool to foster engagement by highlighting programs and events happening in your community for the next three months, while at the same time, continuing to inform readers about Society and Chapter news, including research, advocacy, and special events. To learn more about any of these programs, and to register for programs, please visit the website, www.nationalMSsociety.org/can.
Included in this regional programs insert is also a list of self-help groups in your community and the contact information for the self-help group lead. Northern California Chapter self-help groups have different purposes and goals. Groups may focus on support, advocacy, education, or be more social in nature. Some groups also serve specific populations, such as young adults, parents with MS, care partners, or African-Americans. Please contact the self-help group leader or call 1-800-FIGHT MS to learn more about the group and when they meet. The back page of the programs insert will highlight programs and events happening across Northern California, which everyone is invited to attend, regardless of where you live. If you are up for the travel, we’d love to have you! On this same page, you will also find a listing of programs accessible from the comfort of home. Please visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/can to learn more about programs and services available where you live, and across Northern California. If you have questions, please feel free to contact the Northern California Chapter at can_info@nmss.org or 800.344.4867. Look for MS Connection in your mailbox four times a year!
Newly Diagnosed Orientation
Thursday November 3, 2011 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Mercy San Juan Medical Center 6555 Coyle Ave, Room 145 Carmichael, CA 95608 Are you Newly Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis? A diagnosis of MS can create many unexpected emotions that leave you with a strong need to understand the changes you may be facing. On a quarterly basis, this informative program, conducted by trained National MS Society staff and an RN specializing in MS, will address the most common concerns for people who are newly diagnosed. This orientation provides an excellent opportunity to have any questions you may wish to ask answered and learn more about the resources available to persons with multiple sclerosis. Pre-registration is required. Please visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/can or call 800-344-4867.ogram
Musings of an MS Mind Sunday, October 9, 2011 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Sacramento Office 4221 Northgate Blvd #4 Sacramento, CA
If you’re looking for something new and different to do, come join Musing of an MS Mind. This writing group is where the phrase “let the pen guide you” comes true for at least two hours and is led by John Crandall, an AWA facilitator, who provides prompts designed to set our minds in gear. Spelling and grammar never matter. This class is free. Please call 800-344-4867 or visit us online at www.nationaMSsociety.org/can.
CogniFitness Keep the Mind Moving
Tuesdays October 4 - November 15, 2011 6:15 - 8:15 p.m. Vacaville, CA CogniFitness is a fun and educational seven week series that will help you keep the mind moving and develop new techniques to strengthen your cognitive skills. Learn to: • Facilitate focus and concentration • Improve memory using new strategies • Improve organization, problem solving & critical thinking skills • Manage cognitive fatigue Join Kristin Einberger, Memory Enhancement Specialist and author of the Strengthen Your Mind series. Kristin has worked with older adults with cognitive impairments for 30 years. If you are interested in this course, please call 800-344-4867 or visit us online at www.nationalMSsociety.org/can. Instructor Kristin Einberger will then contact you by phone to discuss the class and ensure it is the right fit for you.
FACEBOOK Become a Facebook fan today and get connected to other people living with MS. Stay informed about upcoming programs and events, research news, advocacy updates, volunteer opportunities and more! www.facebook.com/msnortherncal
Sleep and MS
Saturday, October 1, 2011 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Redding Christian Fellowship, 2157 Victor Ave Redding, 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. Light breakfast snacks provided Register by calling 800-344-4867 or by visiting us online at www.nationalMSsociety.org/can.
Family Dynamics & MS Monday, October 24, 2011 6:15 – 8:30 p.m. Carmichael, CA
Dr. Rosalind Kalb, Vice President of the Professional Resource Center at the National MS Society in New York, will share her extensive experience and tips for families living with the physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges of MS. Dr. Kalb is developing and providing educational and consultation services to clinicians who care for people with MS. As a clinical psychologist in private practice, Dr. Kalb has provided individual, group, and family therapy for people living with MS for more than 25 years. Registration for this program will open October 3 due to limited space. Please call 800-344-4867 or visit us online at www.nationalMSsociety.org/can
Sacramento Self-Help Groups BUTTE COUNTY Self-Help Group Now Forming! For more information contact Andrew Rose at 800-344-4867, option 2, ext. 73004. EL DORADO COUNTY Placerville Doris 530-622-5673 NEVADA COUNTY Grass Valley Phyllis 530-432-3504 PLACER COUNTY Auburn Ruth 530-888-8388 Roseville: Minimal Symptoms Group Peter 916-989-1364 Lincoln Marilyn 916-434-6898 SACRAMENTO COUNTY Elk Grove Willie 916-684-1677 or Dorothy 916-684-6849 Sacramento: Moving on with MS Annette 916-715-4973 or Irene 916-536-9116 or Sylvia 916-349-1324 Sacramento: MS Sisters (men welcome too) Kimberley 916-821-6133 Thursday Night Troop (TNT!) Group Now Forming Gregory 916-743-5320 SHASTA COUNTY Hope 4 MS Beth 530-246-8404 or Patricia 530-222-7277 or Robin 530-246-2980 SOLANO COUNTY Vacaville Marian 707-422-7515 SUTTER COUNTY Yuba City Evon 530-701-2189 TEHAMA COUNTY Red Bluff Teresa 530-529-4412 or Jodine 530-528-8767
What’s Happening Around the Chapter Greater Bay Area
South Bay Area
CogniFitness - starts in October Free From Falls - starts in October Newly Diagnosed Orientation - November 2
Free From Falls - starts in October Newly Diagnosed Orientation - November 2 CogniFitness - starts in December
Central Valley
North Bay
Friends & Family Event at Boomers October 14 Newly Diagnosed Orientation - November 1 3rd Annual Gallo Holiday Celebration December 11
Can Do Multiple Sclerosis JUMPSTART Program - October 1
Visit nationalMSsociety.org/can to register and for full program descriptions.
Accessible from the Comfort of Home Tele-Counseling Program This exciting opportunity allows people living with MS to have 10 individualized counseling sessions by telephone with a licensed therapist, and is funded by the National MS Society. • • • •
Have you been thinking about talking with a professional therapist who understands MS? Have you been unsure how to find such a person, or unable to find someone in your area? Have you been reluctant to seek counseling due to lack of finances or insurance? Is transportation an issue for you in seeking this service?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may qualify for our Tele-Counseling Program! Many people with MS have greatly benefited from receiving counseling from someone who understands the emotional challenges related to the disease. Improve your ability to cope with MS - with all of the comfort and ease of calling from your own home. Call Andrew Rose, Client Services Manager today at 1-800-344-4867, option 2 extension 73004, to complete an intake questionnaire.