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Teleconferences


Throughout the year the National MS Society offers a variety of Teleconferences on a wide array of topics. Check back regularly to see what is currently being offered.

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.

UPCOMING TELECONFERENCES

2013 LINKS Teleconference Series

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.

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.
 

  • Click here to listen to a recording of the call.

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.

  • Click here to listen to a recording of the call.

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.

  • Click here to listen to a recording of the call.

VAR_RegisterButtonApril 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.

  • The registration deadline for this call is April 16, 2013.

VAR_RegisterButtonApril 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.

  • The registration deadline for this call is April 23, 2013.

VAR_RegisterButtonMay 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.

  • The registration deadline for this call is April 30, 2013.

VAR_RegisterButtonMay 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.

  • The registration deadline for this call is May 7th, 2013.

VAR_RegisterButtonMay 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.

  • The registration deadline for this call is May 14th, 2013.

VAR_RegisterButtonMay 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.

register_btnImproving Independence in Progressive MS
Wednesday, June 12, 2013 from 6:30pm - 7:30pm

 
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.

PAST TELECONFERENCES

2013 Employment Teleconference Series: Career Decisions and MS

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. The series is made up of six teleconferences held on Wednesdays from January through March, 2013.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16 FROM 7:00-8:00 PM:
SHOULD I WORK FROM HOME OR START MY OWN BUSINESS?

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 here to listen to a recording of the call.

 
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30 FROM 7:00-8:00 PM:
IS IT TIME? DECIDING TO CHANGE CAREERS OR STOP WORKING

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 here to listen to a recording of the call.

 
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13 FROM 7:00-8:00 PM: DECIDING HOW TO PLAN YOUR JOB SEARCH. EMPLOYERS SHARE HOW THEY FIND EMPLOYEES

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 here to listen to a recording of the call.

 
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27 FROM 7:00-8:00 PM: SHOULD I WORK?
WORK FROM HOME OPTIONS FOR PEOPLE ON SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY

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 here to listen to a recording of the call.

 
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13 FROM 7:00-8:00 PM:
THE IMPACT OF HEALTH INSURANCE ON CAREER DECISIONS

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 here to listen to a recording of the call.


 
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27 FROM 7:00-8:00 PM:
HOW TO TALK ABOUT MS TO YOUR EMPLOYER

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 here to listen to a recording of the call.
     

Newly Diagnosed Teleconference Series

If you or someone close to you has recently been given a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, you probably have a lot of questions and concerns. Or, you may be feeling so overwhelmed by the diagnosis that you aren’t sure what kinds of questions to ask. The Newly Diagnosed Teleconference Series is an opportunity to hear useful information directly from experts in the field. These experts will discuss information that is most relevant to someone who has been diagnosed with MS within the last two years.

Each teleconference lasts just one hour and is accessible via a toll-free number. You can ask questions or just listen to the information. Best of all, you can do so from the privacy of your own 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.

SEPTEMBER 5TH, 2012 AT 7:00 PM
MS 101: MYTH VS. FACT

Whether you have or may have MS, or care about someone who does, finding the right information is an important step. Learning more about the disease can help ease the anxiety and confusion that sometimes comes. This call will cover the basics of multiple sclerosis including the courses, treatments, common symptoms, myths about the disease, and much more.

Guest Speakers: Kathleen Costello & Julie Fiol

Kathleen Costello received her BS and MS from the University of Maryland. She is certified as an Adult Nurse Practitioner, Multiple Sclerosis Nurse and Multiple Sclerosis Specialist. Ms. Costello serves as Research Associate at The Johns Hopkins MS Center located in Baltimore, Maryland. In her roles there, she provides evaluation and management of patients with the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. In addition, she is the Executive Director of the Johns Hopkins Project Restore, a project to help raise awareness and funding for multiple sclerosis and transverse myelitis research initiatives at the Johns Hopkins MS and TM Centers. Ms. Costello is a past president of the International Organization of Multiple Sclerosis Nurses (IOMSN) and is currently a member of the IOMSN Research Committee. Ms. Costello is the project chairperson for the Consortium of MS Centers (CMSC) MS Specialist Certification Project. She is the co-chair of the NMSS Maryland Chapter Clinical Advisory Committee. Ms Costello has written and lectured extensively on MS and MS care.

Julie Fiol, RN, LGSW, is a registered nurse and licensed social worker. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing and her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Maryland School of Social Work. Ms. Fiol is a recipient of the John Dystel Nursing Fellowship in multiple sclerosis, funded by the National MS Society. She is currently completing her MS nursing fellowship at the Johns Hopkins MS Center. In addition to her current role in MS nursing, Ms. Fiol worked for the National MS Society, Maryland Chapter for nearly 5 years before leaving to obtain her nursing degree. Now as a nurse, she has returned to her area of passion serving people affected by MS.

The registration deadline for this call is August 29, 2012.

SEPTEMBER 12TH, 2012 AT 7:00 PM
TREATMENT OPTIONS

Although there is no cure for MS, effective strategies are available to modify the disease course, treat flare-ups, manage symptoms, improve function and safety, and provide emotional support. In combination, these treatments enhance the quality of life for people living with MS. This call will provide an overview of the types of medications used to treat MS, including the ways the medications are administered, how often, and side effects.

Guest Speaker: Gary Thomas, MD

Gary Thomas, MD is an Assistant Professor and a board certified neurologist and MS specialist with additional fellowship training and certification in neurophysiology. He has served as an MS Specialist for the last 6 years and is the Director of the Comprehensive MS Clinic at the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Hershey Pennsylvania where they follow approximately 2500 MS patients and participate in both basic science and clinic trial research. Additionally, Dr. Thomas is the Clerkship Director for the neurology rotation at the Penn State College of Medicine. He is a lifelong Pennsylvanian who grew up in the Philadelphia area. He did his undergraduate work in Electrical Engineering at Penn State University and also received his MD degree and MBA at Penn State University. Dr. Thomas is an active speaker for and a board member of the Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the National MS Society.

The registration deadline for this call is September 5, 2012.

SEPTEMBER 19TH, 2012 AT 7:00 PM
WHO TO TELL AND HOW TO SAY IT: DISCLOSURE FOR THE NEWLY DIAGNOSED

We know it can be difficult to hear the words "You have MS." There are so many questions that arise in the first few years about what the diagnosis means for you, how it will impact your relationships and career, and how to manage the chronic nature of the disease. This teleconference will address how to cope with the new "uninvited guest" in your relationships with family and friends and how navigate through the disclosure and accommodations process in the workplace.

Guest Speakers: Melissa Bruno, Christina L. Forster, and Steven W. Nissen

Melissa Bruno, MSW, LSW, MSCIR, MSSMC is the Client Services Manager at the Greater Delaware Valley Chapter. Before joining the Society, Melissa worked as a social worker for the Comprehensive Multiple Sclerosis Center at Thomas Jefferson University. Melissa also completed an internship at Family and Community Medicine located at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA. Melissa has a MSW from the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and Practice and is currently licensed in the state of Pennsylvania.

Christina L. Forster, MA, CRC is the Employment Services Manager at the Greater Delaware Valley Chapter. Before joining the Society in 2009, Christina worked as a rehabilitation counselor for the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services, the state vocational rehabilitation agency. Christina also completed an internship at the National Capital Chapter of the National MS Society in Washington, DC. Christina has an MA degree in rehabilitation counseling and is a certified rehabilitation counselor.

Steven W. Nissen, M.S., CRC is the Senior Director of Employment and Community Programs at the National Capital Chapter in Washington, DC. Steve has a B.S. degree in psychology, M.S. degree in rehabilitation counseling, and is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. Prior to joining the National MS Society, he worked for Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS), the state vocational rehabilitation agency, and also worked for a private vocational rehabilitation and case management company where he assisted individuals with physical disabilities. Steve co-authored Employment Issues and Multiple Sclerosis, 2nd edition.

The registration deadline for this call is September 12, 2012.
 

Management and Rehabilitation of Advanced MS

Wednesday, July 18, 2012 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Multiple sclerosis is a progressive disease for which no cure has yet been found. Although we have treatments to manage the disease course, they are only partially effective, which means that some people’s MS will worsen in spite of everything they and their doctors do to try and prevent it.

While researchers are working to identify new and better strategies to stop that progression, people whose MS has become more disabling—and their family members and friends—need information about how to manage the challenges they face.

Join us on this call as Dr. George Kraft provides a brief overview of advanced MS, current status of research on the causes and treatments for progressing MS, and practical tools for symptom management.

Guest Speaker: George H. Kraft, M.D., M.S.

  • Director of the Western Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Center and Alvord Professor of MS Research
  • Professor, Rehabilitation Medicine and Neurology at the University of Washington in Seattle

Click here to listen to an audio recording of the teleconference.

2012 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.

Employment Teleconference Series

The Central VA Chapter is pleased to present a series of teleconferences on a variety of topics regarding Employment and MS.

Free Teleconferenece series presented by Teva Neurosciences, Inc.

  • This provides an opportunity to learn new information from the comfort of your own home by calling a designated number to hear an interactive presentation.
  • Check back soon for information on upcoming teleconferences