Improving Independence in Progressive MS
June 12, 2013 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Sometimes MS symptoms can progress to the point that they significantly interfere with daily activities. Maintaining control and independence in everyday life doesn’t necessarily mean doing everything the same way you did it before. This call will discuss how to navigate the world of assistive technology and suggest ways to modify your environment at home and at work to optimize control and independence.
Guest Speaker: June Halper, MSN, ANP, FAAN
The registration deadline for this call is June 5th.
Register here
2013 Employment Teleconference Series
Multiple sclerosis can have a significant impact on every aspect of life, including the world of work. Therefore, we are pleased to present a series of teleconferences on a variety of topics regarding Employment and MS.
Each teleconference lasts just one hour.
Should I Work From Home or Start My Own Business? (1/16/13)
Trying to decide if working from home or starting your own business is for you? Experts in both of these areas will talk about what it takes to be a successful home-based employee or entrepreneur.
Click below to listen to the recording of this call:
Handouts:
The following may also be useful:
- Working from Home Resources
- Telework and Work From Home JAN resources
- JAN Fact Sheet
- JAN Entrepreneurship
- Resources for Starting Your Own Business
Is It Time? Deciding to Change Careers or Stop Working (1/30/13)
Working with MS is possible, but can be challenging at times. Is working or working in your field no longer an option? How do you know when it's time to stop or make a change? Learn from a counseling professional what to consider when having to make this important decision.
Click below to listen to the recording of this call:
Handouts:
The following may also be useful:
Deciding How to Plan Your Job Search. Employers Share How They Find Employees (2/13/13)
Hear from a panel of employers on what they really look for in a job candidate, where they find candidates and how they fill openings.
Click below to listen to the recording of this call:
Handouts:
Should I Work? Work From Home Options for People on Social Security Disability (2/27/13)
Are you on Social Security and want to work? Do you need to or prefer to work from home? Learn how working might impact your disability benefits and hear about work from home opportunities for people on Social Security.
Click below to listen to the recording of this call:
Handouts:
- 2013 The Social Security Disability Insurance
- 2013 General Information on SSI
- The Red Book 2013
- Work from Home Jobs
The following may also be useful:
The Impact of Health Insurance on Career Decisions(3/13/13)
Health insurance considerations can impact your decision to change jobs or leave the workforce. Learn about legal protections and questions to ask to ensure you have the coverage you need.
Click below to listen to the recording of this call:
Handouts:
The following may also be useful:
How to Talk About MS to Your Employer (3/27/13)
Once you decide to disclose there are still many unanswered questions. Hear from employers and disability advocates on how to talk with your employer about your MS.
Click below to listen to the recording of this call:
Handouts:
The following may also be useful:
- The Win-Win Approach to Reasonable Accommodations
- NMSS Employment Page
-
Dos and Don'ts of Disclosure Article by JAN
2013 Employment Teleconference Series
Multiple sclerosis can have a significant impact on every aspect of life, including the world of work. Therefore, we are pleased to present a series of teleconferences on a variety of topics regarding Employment and MS.
Each teleconference lasts just one hour.
2013 LINKS Teleconference Series
9 Opportunities to Learn More About MS from the Comfort of Your Home
We are pleased to present a series of teleconferences for clients with MS and their families entitled “LINKS.” Whether you just received a diagnosis of MS or have been living with it for a long time--the goal of this series is to “link” you with information and tips on how to maintain your quality of life in the years ahead.
This nine week series will run Tuesday nights (7-8 pm) from April 2 through May 28, 2013. Each call will be conducted using a toll-free number, so you can call from the comfort of your home. Participate in several calls* or just the one that interests you.
*You will need to register individually for each call you wish to attend.
What is a Teleconference?
A teleconference is an opportunity to learn new information from the comfort of home by calling into a designated number to hear an interactive presentation.
(6) May 7, 2013 at 7:00 pm: Tips & Gadgets
Is your motto, “A Place For Everything and Everything All Over the Place?” Are floors just extra shelves? Are you tired of losing your glasses, keys, and anything else that passes through your hands? Do you feel your memory is taking a long lunch break? Well join the rest of us and tune in for an hour of discussion and sharing of simple, low-cost tips and gadgets that can make your day a little easier. Discussion will also address how to develop your own strategies and take some control over MS, as well as strategies for dealing with cognitive problems commonly associated with MS.
Guest Speaker: Patricia A. Bednarik, M.S., CCC-SLP, MSCS completed her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education at Bowling Green State University where she majored in Speech and Hearing Therapy. She received her Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Miami University and then completed a post-master’s fellowship at The Rehabilitation Institute of Pittsburgh. In addition, she is a Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist. Patricia currently offers her services at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Multiple Sclerosis Center and The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh. She is a member of the Western Pennsylvania Chapter’s Clinical Advisory Committee, volunteers as a patient support group speaker, serves on the Client Education Committee for the Society (including the editorial board of the publication Momentum) and serves in numerous other positions for the chapter, National MS Society, and MS organizations.
The registration deadline for this call is May 2, 2013. Click here to register.
(7) May 14, 2013 at 7:00 pm: Minimizing Your Risk of Falls
A common effect of MS is impaired mobility, including difficulty walking. Because of mobility problems and other symptoms, those with MS are at significant risk for falls and the resulting, potentially life-changing consequences of fall-related injuries. This teleconference is designed for people living with MS who are ambulatory but who may be at risk for falling. Callers will learn about fall risks, tips and strategies to reduce the risk for falling, and exercises directed at improving postural alignment, balance, endurance.
Guest Speaker: Theresa Craig is the Fitness Manager of the Michael J. Aronica Wellness Center at Allied Services Integrated Health System Charles Luger Outpatient Center. Her education includes a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Penn State University and many specialty fitness certifications. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in post-rehabilitation fitness and providing exercise programs for clients with multiple medical conditions.
The registration deadline for this call is May 9, 2013. Click here to register.
(8) May 21, 2013 at 7:00 pm: Healthy Living with MS: Diet & Nutrition
Maintenance of general good health is very important for those with MS or any chronic disorder. A well-balanced and carefully planned diet will help to achieve this goal and put you in the best possible shape to deal with whatever challenges MS brings your way. Join this call to learn about the benefits of the anti-inflammatory approach to lifestyle choices and tools to make wise diet choices, no matter what your current state of health.
Guest Speaker: Laurie Erdman is a holistic health coach and founder of Chronic Wellness Coaching. Laurie left her a career as a lawyer after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The inspiration for this career change was the dramatic improvements in her health after she changed her diet, lifestyle, and attitude. She now helps others increase their energy so they can thrive in spite of chronic illness.
The registration deadline for this call is May 16, 2013. Click here to register.
(9) May 28, 2013 at 7:00 pm: Clinical Trials & Progress in MS Research
Clinical trials help to determine if a drug is safe and effective. Those with MS who are willing to volunteer in these studies make it possible for all of us to look forward to new and better therapies. However, there are essential questions you should ask yourself before participating. Join us on the this call as we discuss the basics of clinical trials, as well as current MS research on treatment to stop disease progression, restore function, and end MS forever.
Guest Speaker: Dr. Ellen Mowry became interested in multiple sclerosis (MS) prior to beginning college and first performed research in MS as an undergraduate biology major at Georgetown University. As a neurology resident at the University of Pennsylvania, she progressed to MS clinical research activities and conducted a study of visual dysfunction and quality of life in MS. Then as a fellow at the University of California, San Francisco, Dr. Mowry evaluated prognostic factors in MS and examined health-related quality of life in MS, particularly as a marker of disease burden. Dr. Mowry continued as a member of the faculty. She explored the association of vitamin D status with the risk of relapses among children with MS and was subsequently awarded a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to study the role of vitamin D in the course of MS. Dr. Mowry joined the Johns Hopkins Department of Neurology as an Assistant Professor in July of 2011. In addition to ongoing studies, she is the Principal Investigator of a National MS Society-sponsored multicenter randomized controlled trial of vitamin D supplementation in MS.
The registration deadline for this call is May 23, 2013.Click here to register.
National MS Society Online Support Resources
Looking for an online community? Do you want to be or find a peer support network? If you are looking to chat, message board, connect or share, you can find it all here.
Yes U Can Extension Program at the University of Delaware
What: One-on-one assisted, personalized exercise program
When: Flexible days and times
Where: University of Delaware Carpenter Sports Bldg.
Cost: Free!
What: Aquatic Exercise Program
When: Every Wednesday, 7pm-8pm
Where: University of DE Carpenter Sports Bldg.
Cost: Free!
If interested, contact Vickie George at information@YesUCanUSA.org.
**This program is not affiliated with the National MS Society**