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From a Board Member
The seasonal transition between summer and fall happened quickly this year. It seems as if one day we were able to observe whales breaching in the bay from the shore, and the next day, the temperature dropped and the frost warnings began. Daylight savings has begun, marking the beginning of the season of giving thanks for the lives we have and the support we receive from our community.
This season also marks the observance of my living with MS for 10 years. At 22 years old I was very stubborn. I waited until I was forced to go to the E.R. in February 2004 to be given my diagnosis. Almost 8 years ago, Andrea Dowdall from MSQLP began working closely with me as I was introduced to the challenging world of MS. At the time, I was working on my master's degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling through the distance education program at San Diego State University. I now have my masters in vocational rehabilitation counseling and am studying to take the certification exam next spring, after which I look forward to joining the workforce again. Presently, I am a member of MSQLP's volunteer Board of Directors where it is my goal to support the organization that supported me at such a crucial moment in my past. I am very thankful for my relationship with MSQLP.
I am also looking forward to all of the wonderful fundraising opportunities MSQLP has planned as we enter the final months of 2013. I am thankful to Dick Howell, a very talented member of the Board of Directors, for offering his beautiful photography of the central coast to put together the first ever MSQLP 2014 calendar. This calendar will be a great gift for members of the MS community to gift to their loved ones, and of course, keep one for themselves! Also, I am excited for the Birdies for Charity fundraiser that starts this month of November. Last year, MSQLP got so close to winning $60,000! I had the privilege and honor of being one of the representatives for MSQLP on the amazing & beautiful Pebble Beach Golf Course with access to areas of the event that was not afforded to the public. With enough donations, MSQLP will have the opportunity to be part of the Birdies for Charity challenge again this year. Thank you Monterey Peninsula Foundation for inviting our participation every year!
Thankfully, we (MSQLP) have the opportunity to provide and promote various educational workshops and new services for the rest of 2013. These events are excellent resources to aid in managing life with MS. This includes our very own Exercise & Wellness workshop, presentations about the latest MS therapies, and a social gathering to celebrate the holiday season in December. In addition to all of these upcoming events in 2013, MSQLP has officially announced its expansion of case management services to families living with Parkinson's disease in Monterey County.
Thank you to everyone who supports MSQLP so that we are able to continue to help individuals in the tri-county area who are living with MS and now Parkinson's disease. May the season of thanks bring you good health, good blessings, and good times with family and friends.
If you are interested in supporting MSQLP through one of our many fundraising opportunities, please give the office a call! And also, don't forget to pick up a MSQLP t-shirt, grocery bag, or 2014 calendar!
Sincerely,
Carrieanna Hess
Board Member
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Upcoming Events
(click the underlined topics for more info)
Tysabri Educational EventTuesday, November 12
Seminar: 5:30-7:30PM
Marriott Monterey
350 Calle Principal
Speaker: Dr. William Grainger Complimentary dinner and parking will be available.
Call 1-866-955-9999 to register for this free event!Support GroupsMSQLP Salinas Support Group
Friday, November 15th
11AM-1PM @ Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital
Featuring Dr. Laura Banks in accordance with Teva Neuroscience.
MSQLP Monterey Support Group
Saturday, November 16th 11AM-1PM @ MSQLP Office 519B Hartnell St. Monterey, 93940 MS Gathering with Veronica Jefferson, MEd Friday, November 22nd 11AM-1PM Part 2 of Positivity with MS
Sponsored by National MS Society: Northern CA Chapter
Water Aerobics
Mondays & Wednesdays 12-1pm
@ Monterey Sports Center
No water aerobics on Wednesday, November 27th
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Spotlight on MSQLP's
2014 Calendar
In collaboration with Richard Howell Photography
This year MSQLP has an exciting new venture developing a 2014 Calendar for our clients and supporters. We are providing this exciting opportunity in collaboration with our Treasurer's superb photography talent. As you will see below, this calendar is filled with scenic photographs from famous scenic viewpoints such as Point Lobos State Park and the Big Sur Coast.
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Sample
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More about the photographer:
Retirement has allowed Richard to devote more time to his love of photography where he has continued to expand his collection of images from Point Lobos State Preserve and the Big Sur Coast. When not taking pictures, Richard provides support for the MRI database of the UCSF Brain Development Research Program, is Vice President of the Del Mesa Carmel Association, and is a board member and treasurer for the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life Project.
MSQLP's 2014 Calendars are available for pre-order now!
These calendars are great gifts for your friends and family as we transition into the holiday season and into the new year of 2014.
To order, call our office at 831-333-9091.
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Did You Know?
National Caregiver's MonthAn excerpt from the Administration on Aging edited by Grant Helm- MSQLP Director
November is National Caregivers Month. A caregiver refers to "anyone who provides assistance to someone else who is, in some degree, disabled and needs help: a husband who has suffered a stroke; a wife with Parkinson's disease; a mother-in-law with MS; or a grandfather with cancer. Caregivers offer a range of support services, including emotional and spiritual support, assistance with financial matters, transportation and home- and health-related services.
It is a time to acknowledge the important role that family, friends and neighbors play in caring for sick, elderly or disabled friends and relatives. Family caregivers provide an estimated $450 billion worth of uncompensated care to loved ones annually. In addition, according to the Family Caregiver Alliance, unpaid family caregivers will likely continue to be the largest source of long-term care services in the U.S.
What can you do to recognize caregivers during National Caregivers Month? Below are a few action ideas to celebrate caregivers in November and throughout the year:
- At a family get-together, honor caregivers in your family and community.
- Send a thank you card or e-card to a caregiver you know.
- Post on Facebook that November is National Caregivers Month and encourage your network to acknowledge caregivers in their families and communities.
- Tweet about the importance of caregivers and resources available to caregivers. Below are organizations and programs that offer assistance to caregivers.
Click the link below to find organizations that offer assistance to caregivers:
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MSQLP Websitewww.msqlp.orgOur Mission: The Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life Project (MSQLP) recognizes that people living with chronic illness have unmet needs. We are committed to filling these gaps by improving the quality of life of persons with MS in our local communities. We work with clients and their families to create comprehensive individual plans and programs that support independence. Our services are free.
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$30 will fund outreach services for one client.
$70 will fund one water aerobics class.
$100 will fund a HouseCall for a client. |
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Click to support MSQLP
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A donation to Birdies for Charity fundraiser will be increased by 20% courtesy of the Monterey Peninsula Foundation!
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$15 Bundle Deal
when you buy a shirt and bag together!
Call 831-333-9091 to reserve your size now!
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Click on iGive logo for details!
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Benefit MSQLP just through shopping online!
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Tip of the Month
Wellness & Exercise:
excerpts from a workshop designed by Osiris Salgado- MSQLP Intern
Everyone benefits from physical activity, including people with multiple sclerosis (MS). However MS affects you, there are exercises that can be helpful - to stay healthy and improve some of your symptoms and their effects.
It is not always easy to find the time, but exercising regularly will keep your body working to its full potential. To make it easier, it is important to find exercise that suits you - something you enjoy and find worthwhile. Many types of physical movement can be of benefit. Even gardening, cleaning and walking short distances use your muscles and will help you to stay fit.
Aquatic Therapy
MSQLP's Water Aerobics program is offered for free to individuals living with multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. The program is led by an in-water trainer, who directs clients in an aerobic program for stimulating circulation through arms and legs, working on stretching & balance, and providing a comfortable environment for exercise and camaraderie.
MSQLP hosts the water aerobics program at the Monterey Sports Center every Monday and Wednesday (excluding holidays) from 12PM to 1PM. If you are interested in attending this program, please call our office at 831-333-9091.
There are other available aquatic therapy avenues available (not necessarily free) in our local community as well. Below are some available aquatic therapy programs in Santa Cruz and Monterey County:
Santa Cruz County
Monterey County
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Amy's Corner
What does Vitamin D do?
By Amy Lamb Heckel, RDH
Because there has been so much discussion in the MS community about vitamin D, I will offer some basic information and links to additional resources.
Vitamin D helps to maintain levels of both calcium and phosphorus in the bloodstream that are appropriate for proper bone growth and re-mineralization. Vitamin D is found in oily fish such as tuna, mackerel, and salmon. Cow's milk does not naturally provide vitamin D but in the 1930s the US began a program fortifying cow's milk as part of a plan to eradicate the then serious public health problem of rickets.
When our skin is exposed to sunlight vitamin D synthesis begins. Some experts believe that 5-30 minutes twice weekly between 10am - 3pm is enough to meet most people's needs. Be aware that smog, clouds, and sunscreen can all interfere with exposure to sunlight. MSers are often more likely than the general population to be vitamin D deficient. This is due to avoidance of direct sunlight (because of heat intolerance) and steroid use (often prescribed to reduce inflammation after an exacerbation). In addition, anyone with Crohn's disease, celiac disease, or difficulty absorbing fat may have a vitamin D insufficiency.
Over supplementation of vitamin D is very dangerous because the excess is stored in tissues and organs. To best ascertain the amount of vitamin D circulating in your bloodstream, ask your physician for a Serum 25-Hydoxyvitamin D blood test.
If you want to learn more about vitamin D:
Medical News Today
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of Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life Project
on GuideStar and help us grow!
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Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life Project
519B Hartnell Street
Monterey, California 93940
831.333.9091
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