By Carrieanna Hess
Board Secretary
"Summertime and the livin' is easy..." That beginning phrase of George Gershwin's 1935 aria (for the opera 'Porgy and Bess') (learned back in 6th grade!), always reminds me of this time of the year, when school is out, the weather is warm (or ridiculously hot!), and everyone seems to be out and about traveling, vacationing, exploring, and enjoying.
For many of us living with MS, however, this is also the time of year when overheating can become an issue, possibly leading to a flare up of symptoms, and hopefully NOT to an exacerbation of the MS. However, with preparation, and support, we can most certainly get out and enjoy the outdoors, visit friends and family, and experience wonderful adventures, just like everyone else. Planning ahead is always helpful. Pack extra water, sunscreen, appropriate clothing for high and low temperatures. Bring out the cooling vest, and if you don't have one and are interested, contact the office for information about available (and free) cooling vest resources. Call MSQLP at 831-333-9091.
Our weather here on the Central Coast has not been the gloomy skies and cool temperatures that we typically experience at this time of year. Regardless of the weather, I will still be going out to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve for at least 6 hours every month. This is because, as of May 18th, I have become an official Volunteer Docent at The Reserve!
The experiences, views, and everything learned has been a fascinating journey, especially because of two factors in particular. The first is the fact that there are the 4 ADA trails which offer exquisite vistas and access to much of the beauty and wonder of this natural environment; the second, is the Easy Access Adventures Program which allows for Docents to be stationed out on a trail with telescopes, binoculars, otter pelts, photos, and more to make Point Lobos come alive for visitors. For details and a current schedule, go to PointLobos.org or call (831) 625-1470.
I encourage everyone to come out and experience this natural gem that is in our own backyard! Whether you walk slow or fast, are using a walker, wheelchair, or cane, this is one place on earth that you don't want to miss. Seriously, people travel from around the world to come experience this historically significant natural beauty. If you would like a personal tour, contact me!
Being outside can be good for MSers and absorbing natural vitamin D (since it has been proven to be important for MS) rather than just taking supplements which is a good thing. Another good thing is socializing and the friendship of others, especially those living with MS.
Speaking of which, we have our annual Walk 'n Roll fundraiser, Saturday August 23rd at El Estero Park. Stay tuned for the August e-newsletter, or for more regarding the event, contact Grant, Angie, or Rachel at the MSQLP office (831) 333-9091.
Stay cool, and enjoy the summer!
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Upcoming Events
(click orange text for flyer)
NMSS Presents:
Mondays: July 7 - August 25
6:00- 8:00PM
Peninsula Wellness Center
CHOMP Rehabiliation Services
2920 2nd Ave Ste 110
Marina, CA 93942
Please register online. For more information or to discuss the application and assessment process please contact Tara at 1-800-344-4867, or e-mail Tara.Reed@nmss.org Point Lobos: Easy Access Adventure to Bird Island Wednesday, July 16th 1:30 to 3:30PM Point Lobos State Park *Wheelchair accessible trail
Breakfast & Lunch at Mauricio's!
Monday, July 21st
Wednesday, July 23rd
7:30AM-3PM (both days)
*Click title for more details
Come enjoy great food and benefit MSQLP! Monday (both days) 10% of all transactions go to programs and services provided by Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life Project.
Saturday, August 23rd
11-2:30PM
Registration opens: 10:30AM
El Estero Park, Monterey
Want to help us with this fundraiser? We strive to get the local community and businesses involved. You can help us accomplish this mission! Contact MSQLP at 831-333-9091 to learn more!
Support Groups
MSQLP's Joint MS Support Group
Speaker- Jorge Ruiz from Central Coast Center for Independent Living
Family Caregiver Support Group
Saturday, July 26th 11:30AM-1PM MSQLP Office- 519B Hartnell St.
Water Aerobics
Mondays & Wednesdays
12-1pm @ Monterey Sports Center
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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. MSQLP is committed to filling these gaps by improving the quality of life of persons with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in the tri-county area of Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito. Our programs serve families living with Parkinson's disease (PD) in Monterey County. We work with clients and their families to create comprehensive individual plans and programs that support client independence.
All of 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 house visit with a client.
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Click the picture for auction info!
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Benefit MSQLP just through shopping online!
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Click on logo for details!
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Click on logo for details!
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Spotlight on online purse auction through eBay
By Grant Helm - Executive Director
For the past two years we have hosted an annual silent auction fundraiser, called "It's in the Bag!". This charitable event invites people all across the Central Coast to donate gently used and new designer purses for a silent auction and afternoon tea that benefits MSQLP's programs and services. Due to the astounding amount of purse donations we received for the fundraiser, we had a surplus of gently used purses left over after our latest rendition of "It's in the Bag!" that took place on May 4th, 2014.
Thus, MSQLP now is involved in the eBay Giving Works program. In this program, MSQLP has been granted the opportunity to continue auctioning off the remaining inventory of our purses through eBay. Proceeds from these bids, could greatly benefit our programs and services as well as increase of fundraising revenue through the end of the year.
You can view the inventory of purses we have on eBay by clicking here.
Our inventory will continue to refresh each week until we run out. Bidding for each purse lasts for 7 days.
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Tip of the Month
Therapy Caps with Medicare
By Grant Helm
In our work with clients there have been many questions about the recent Healthcare Reform's changes to Medicare coverage of therapy services. The Parkinson's Disease Foundation has a great pamphlet that explains the changes specifically to Medicare Therapy Caps and the improvement standard (click on orange titles for more info).
These issues are critically important to both the Parkinson's and MS community since therapy services are often used to manage the symptoms associated with the disease. The one page synopsis provided above on Medicare Therapy Caps outlines the current status of the exceptions process for Medicare therapy caps and explains the recent removal of the improvement standard from the Medicare policy manual.
Since so much confusion still exists around these two issues (Medicare Therapy Caps and the removal of the Improvement Standard), PAN and MSQLP suggest that you share this information with others. Download it, print it out, and bring it with you to your next doctor's visit, support group, or appointment with your physical, occupational, or speech-language therapist.
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Did you Know?
Have questions: Ask local neurologist Dr. Laura Banks!
By Grant Helm
Many of you may know Dr. Laura Banks. She is a local doctor who has 13 years of experience in neurology. For much of those years she has treated patients living with MS and Parkinson's. Currently, she practices in Monterey on El Dorado street.
Dr. Banks has been so gracious to give us her time in throughout the previous years by presenting at support groups on various MS related topics such as Health & Wellness, Symptom Managements, and Disease Modifying Therapies. After having a discussion with her recently at one of our support groups, she has offered to again support our community by providing a Question and Answer (Q&A) forum for our e-newsletter audience.
Do you have a question for a neurologist?
Submit your MS or PD related questions to msqlp@sbcglobal.net
or call 831-333-9091 and a MSQLP staff member will record them. The following e-newsletter publication in August will feature Dr. Banks addressing these questions (or most of them depending on quantity).
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Amy's Corner
Beating the Heat
By Amy Lamb Heckel RDH
I am on vacation and will return next issue. Happy summer to you, and best wishes for keeping cool during warm temperatures. The current issue of Momentum magazine contains an article titled "Beating the Heat," which includes hints and tips that might be helpful to all of us who live with heat sensitivity. Click here to access the Momentum article.
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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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