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.
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.
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*You will need to register individually for each call you wish to attend.
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April 2nd, 2013 at 7:00 pm: Getting the Care You Need: How to Find the Right Care & Use Your Appointment to the Fullest
In today’s health care environment, there is seldom enough time during a single doctor’s visit to discuss all of your concerns—particularly given the number of symptoms MS can cause and the many ways it can affect your daily life. However, there are things you can do to make sure you are maximizing the time you spend in the doctor’s office. Join us for this call and hear first-hand from a Neurologist what kinds of questions you should ask, how to make sure your doctor is really hearing your concerns, and how to be proactive to get the most out of your time as a step towards greater management of your own healthcare.
Guest Speaker: Dr. David E. Jones joined the James Q. Miller Multiple Sclerosis Clinic at the University of Virginia in 2012 after moving from a hospital based MS Center in Pennsylvania. He completed a fellowship in Neuroimmunology at the University of Massachusetts, where he also completed a residency in Neurology. He received his medical degree from Wake Forest University.
April 9th, 2013 at 7:00 pm: Care and Recovery After a Relapse
Exacerbation, attack, flare-up or relapse – no matter what you call it, if you have MS, you have experienced one. A relapse causes new symptoms or the worsening of old symptoms and the severity of the relapse can be unpredictable. Reducing your risk factors for relapses is crucial to controlling your MS, but knowing how to care for yourself when you do experience a relapse is equally as important. Join us to learn more about self-care during a relapse.
Guest Speaker: Dr. Unsong Oh joined the faculty of the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine in August 2010 as an Assistant Professor with the Department of Neurology and is the Director of the VCU Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Research Center. Prior to joining the staff at VCU, Dr. Oh was a Clinical Fellow with the Neuroimmunology Branch of the National Institute of Health. Dr. Oh also serves on the Board of Trustees for the Central Virginia Chapter of the National MS Society and the Chapter’s Clinical Advisory Committee.
April 16th, 2013 at 7:00 pm: Complementary Approach to MS
In the United States, approximately 75% of people with MS use one form or another of complementary and alternative medicine, generally in combination with their prescribed MS treatments. This teleconference will be an interactive workshop that combines the best of the East and the West in regard to managing your MS. Participants will learn a complementary approach including energy movement, such as Tai Chi and Qi Qong as a form of healing, as well as changes in diet, life style, and essential supplements in addition to the conventional medical treatments currently available.
Guest Speaker: Dr. Jerry Fleishman is a Board Certified Neurologist and Licensed Acupuncturist in addition to Director of Clinical Neurophysiology, Section Chief of Neurology, and Director of the Stroke Unit at the Franklin Square Hospital in Baltimore, MD. Dr. Fleishman is also a Clinical Instructor in Neurology at Johns Hopkins Medical Center. He combines a complementary approach in his practice using the “Best of the East” and the “Best of the West” in the diagnosis and treatment of his patients. Dr. Fleishman has lectured for numerous organizations over the years on topics of Neurology, as well as a complementary approach to good health and specific illnesses. He has been named in Consumer’s Guide to Top Doctors in Maryland and “Top Doc” in the Baltimore Magazine.
April 23rd, 2013 at 7:00 pm: How to Hire Home Health
Sometimes MS symptoms can progress to the point that they significantly interfere with daily activities. When support is needed, home health care practitioners can help patients increase their ability to tend to their everyday needs at home, provide skilled nursing, as well as speech, occupational and physical therapy, and in many cases provide assistance with cooking and other household chores. This call will provide you an overview of what to look for when hiring home health care, such as identifying present needs, advantages to using professional agencies, hiring on your own, conducting your search, screening and interviewing, agreements and words of caution.
Guest Speaker: Queen City Homecare
April 30th, 2013 at 7:00 pm: The Hidden Effects of MS: Financial Survivability
Maintaining financial security is a high priority for people living with an unpredictable disease. This teleconference will provide a basic understanding of how to apply for government benefits, prepare financially, review legal considerations including Special Needs Trusts, and the importance of family communication. Financial survivability with a chronic disease is possible with early and ongoing financial planning.
Guest Speaker: Mary Anne Ehlert, CFP, is a financial professional and sister to an individual with disabilities. She is highly regarded as a specialist in working with families of individuals with disabilities and the elderly and speaks at conferences, as well as television audiences on financial planning.
May 7th, 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.
May 14th, 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 7th, 2013.
May 21st, 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 14th, 2013.
May 28th, 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.
The registration deadline for this call is May 21, 2013.