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.
April
Spring Cleaning: More Tips on Clearing Clutter
Tuesday, April 10, 2:00 – 3:00 pm
OR Tuesday, April 17, 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Clutter can pull us down emotionally. Sorting, organizing, letting go and opening up space can give us a much-needed lift, create new possibilities and bring us unexpected peace of mind. Life coach and psychotherapist Catherine Freemire, LCSW will help you understand what is holding you back from clearing your clutter and learn tips on how to set yourself up to succeed.
May
An In-Depth Look at Progressive MS
Thursday, May 3, 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 serves as the Society's Vice President of Continuum of Care Initiatives, coordinating efforts to promote and expand quality long-term care options and choices for people with MS. 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.
Assertiveness Communication Skill Building: “How to Handle Criticism”
Tuesday, May 8, 2:00 – 3:00 pm
OR Tuesday, May 22, 12:00 – 1:00 pm
No one likes to hear criticism, and some of us are also highly sensitive to criticism from past experiences. Life coach and psychotherapist Catherine Freemire, LCSW will show you how to focus both giving and receiving criticism in a constructive way. It’s never too late to learn new ways.
June
The Power of a Positive Attitude
Tuesday, June 12, 2:00 – 3:00 pm
OR Tuesday, June 19, 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Research has shown that having a positive attitude is invaluable when dealing with life stressors. However, remaining positive while dealing with a chronic medical condition can be the challenge of a lifetime. Life coach and psychotherapist Catherine Freemire, LCSW will offer support and ideas on how to keep your attitude positive in the face of obstacles and limitations. Come ready to share your own tips on staying positive.
Mothers and MS
Thursday, June 7, 6:30 - 7:30pm PT
MS is more prevalent in women of childbearing age than in any other group. When young women receive a diagnosis of MS, they frequently have questions about the effects of the disease on childbearing—and vice versa. Studies undertaken over the past several decades allow health professionals to provide answers to some of these questions. This interactive teleconference will examine the impact of MS on pregnancy and reproductive issues.
Featured Speaker: Sylvia Lucas, MD, PhD is the Clinical Professor of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Washington Medical Center. She is Director of the Headache Clinic and Neurology Director of the Western MS Center. She is past president of the Puget Sound Neurologic Society and a member of the American Academy of Neurology, Consortium of MS Centers, American Headache Society, International Headache Society, National Headache Foundation and Washington State Medical Association.
July
Empowered Living with MS
Thursday, July 5, 6:30 - 7:30pm PT
This teleconference's featured speaker, Maureen Manley, will engage you in a thought provoking and empowering experience that explores a whole-person approach to optimizing overall health and well-being. Learn practical and realistic skills on how to apply knowledge and wisdom from the Mind-Body sciences to gain a deeper understanding of what is truly health and happiness promoting for you.
Featured Speaker: As a member of the US Cycling Team, Maureen Manley, MA won a National Championship, set a national record, earned a silver and 2 bronze medals at National Championships, competed in 3 World Championships and won a silver medal in the 1990 World Championships. Maureen's cycling career came to an abrupt halt at the sudden onset of MS. She turned her determination and focus to a new journey, exploring ways to integrate her Mind, Body and Spirit in order to create optimal health and peace of mind. After completion of a Master's Degree in Integrated Wellness, Maureen established her private practice and return to her much-loved sport of cycling.