National MS Society
Educational Teleconference Series
2012
Join us from the comfort of your own phone for a year of informative conference calls on a diverse range of topics for people living with MS. This educational series is free and made available through the collaboration of the following chapters of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society: Arizona, Colorado and Wyoming, Greater Northwest, Inland Northwest, Northern California, Oregon, Pacific South Coast, Southern California and Nevada and Southern Idaho and Utah. Please click on the links below to register.
January
Thursday, January 5th: "Pain in MS”
6:30 - 7:30pm PT
Pain syndromes are common in MS. In one study, 55% of people with MS had "clinically significant pain" at some time. Almost half (48%) were troubled by chronic pain. There are several different sources and types of pain in MS including acute pain, chronic pain and emotional pain. Most pain in MS can be treated. Gain strategies for dealing with MS pain during this interactive teleconference with Dawn Ehde, Ph.D., clinical psychologist and professor at the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington.
Tuesday, January 10th: Creating a Balanced Life with Life Coach and Psychotherapist, Catherine Freemire, LCSW
3:00 - 4:00pm PT
Does your life feel balanced? If not, do you yearn for that feeling? Come to this workshop to take a “Life-Balance Inventory”, and discover the next steps for creating a balanced life.
Tuesday, January 17th: Creating a Balanced Life with Life Coach and Psychotherapist, Catherine Freemire, LCSW
12:00 - 1:00pm PT
Does your life feel balanced? If not, do you yearn for that feeling? Come to this workshop to take a “Life-Balance Inventory”, and discover the next steps for creating a balanced life.
February
Thursday, February 2nd: "Maintaining Your Balance with MS - How to Stay Active and Not Fall Down”
6:30 - 7:30pm PT
Many people with MS have problems with balance. Current research is beginning to help us understand the root causes of imbalance and falls in MS. Join us with Michelle Cameron, MD, PT, Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, to receive suggestions on how to optimize your balance and minimize your risk of falling.
Tuesday, February 14th: Addressing Unfinished Business with LIfe Coach and Psychotherapist, Catherine Freemire, LCSW
2:00 - 3:00pm PT
For many people, there are things hanging over them which feel unfinished, both emotionally and concretely. Come learn to identify the unfinished business which is holding you back from inner peace. Also learn how to either let go or “finish the business.”
Tuesday, February 21st: Addressing Unfinished Business with LIfe Coach and Psychotherapist, Catherine Freemire, LCSW
12:00 - 1:00pm PT
For many people, there are things hanging over them which feel unfinished, both emotionally and concretely. Come learn to identify the unfinished business which is holding you back from inner peace. Also learn how to either let go or “finish the business.”
March
Thursday, March 1st: “Current and Future Drugs for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment”
6:30 - 7:30pm PT
No one knows what will happen next with a diagnosis of MS. Living with MS is not what it used to be. The good news is that progress has been made in the treatment/management of MS over the past ten years. This teleconference will describe current and future treatment options for the management of MS. N. Roger Cooke, M.D., Medical Director of the Providence Holy Family Multiple Sclerosis Center and Clinical Associate Professor for Univ. of Washington will present.
Tuesday, March 13th: Finding Inspiration and Motivation with Life Coach and Psychotherapist, Catherine Freemire, LCSW
2:00 - 3:00pm PT
Achieving goals and dreams involves feeling motivated to move forward. Sometimes it’s hard to find motivation when a person is impacted by the stressors of life and the symptoms of MS. Come to this talk to find keys for finding inspiration and motivation to make changes and achieve your goals.
Tuesday, March 20st: Finding Inspiration and Motivation with Life Coach and Psychotherapist, Catherine Freemire, LCSW
12:00 - 1:00pm PT
Achieving goals and dreams involves feeling motivated to move forward. Sometimes it’s hard to find motivation when a person is impacted by the stressors of life and the symptoms of MS. Come to this talk to find keys for finding inspiration and motivation to make changes and achieve your goals.
April
Thursday, April 5th: "Managing MS as a Family" Regional MS April Teleconference
6:30 - 7:30pm PT
When one member of a family has MS, it is important that the entire family learn how to live with it. Improving or maintaining family functioning is key to helping you, your partner and your children adapt to life with MS. This teleconference will discuss strategies for supporting the family as a whole including communication within the family, talking to kids about MS and navigating parenting challenges while living with MS.
Featured Speaker:
LuAnn Pierce, LCSW, Care Management and Counseling Provider for the Colorado-Wyoming Chapter of the National MS Society
LuAnn Pierce is a licensed clinical social worker. She has worked with the National MS Society for over four years. In her previous position in the national office, LuAnn was the Program Manager of the Relationship Matters Program for couples living with MS. She continues to work with couples, caregivers and people with MS as a Care Manager and Counselor for the Colorado-Wyoming Chapter.
May
Thursday, May 3: "An In-Depth Look at Progressive MS" Regional MS May Teleconference
6:30 - 7:30pm PT
This teleconference will look at progressive MS from a variety of perspectives. You will learn about the disease course itself and what we are finding out about progressive MS through research, as well as ways to optimally manage the disease and address its symptoms. This interactive teleconference will also discuss the emotional and family issues that often accompany progressive disease and ways to more effectively cope with those challenges. Furthermore, when family care isn't enough... what kinds of family conversations need to occur, and the kinds of resources and assistance that are available to help.
Featured Speaker:
Dorothy E. Northrop, MSW, ACSW
Dorothy Northrop serves as Vice President of Continuum of Care Initiatives for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, coordinating efforts to promote and expand quality long-term care options and choices for people with MS. Her responsibilities include resource development, representation of the Society in the national long-term care arena, educational presentations both within and outside of the Society, publication of relevant books and periodicals, and staff training and consultation. Her Society publications include a series of Guideline & Recommendation documents for providers of long-term care services across the continuum, as well as two publications for families and caregivers..."Maximizing Independence: A Guide to Planning for Changing MS Care Needs", and "Caring for Loved Ones with Advanced MS: A Guide for Families". Prior to joining the home office in 2000, Dorothy served as Director of Chapter Services for the Greater North Jersey Chapter of the Society for over five years. A licensed social worker in the state of New Jersey, Dorothy received her B.A. in Sociology from the University of Massachusetts and her Masters Degree in Social Work from Columbia University in New York City.