If there is one skill I have learned during my time steering the boat at MSQLP, it has been the importance of collaboration and teamwork. You really can't run an agency alone, and ideally, you really shouldn't. In that regard, through the course of working with MSQLP as the executive director (ED), I have found that the success we achieve is not directly related to my individual capabilities as the ED but rather, my ability to surround the organization with like-minded and talented volunteers, board members, staff, and contributors.
So much has been achieved in the name of MSQLP by dedicated stakeholders. In fact, one of our most recent conglomerate achievements has been our Purse Party Fundraiser. This fundraiser, which was originally an idea by one of our board members, the previous ED, and a handful of volunteers has now flourished into a full-fledged fourth iteration of our Purse Party Fundraiser.
This year, the Purse Party will occur on Sunday, May 15th. Now you might be thinking: "why are you bringing this up so early?" Well, for MSQLP to continue to build on our successes, we need to continue to surround our agency with talented volunteers and contributors. If you believe you are one of those, and you want to work with our team to make this year's Purse Party the best ever, then give MSQLP a call or shoot us an email at MSQLP@sbcglobal.net.
The fundraising committee is meeting now and we'd love to have you apart of the team! If you can't volunteer your time, but you've got some purses laying around, we are accepting new and gently used designer purses that will be auctioned on the day of the event.
Regards,
Grant Helm
MSQLP's Executive Director and Client Services Supervisor
Both groups will share the topic and tips about Sleep & MS. Lunch will be provided.
MSQLP's Water Aerobics Program
Mondays & Wednesdays
12-1 PM @ Monterey Sports Center
This program is offered free to families living with MS or Parkinson's.
Tip of the Month
Tips for Better Sleep
By Osiris Salgado, Case Manager
Coping with a chronic illness such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson's disease (PD) can be stressful. Nearly all chronic illness results in some level of disruption to "normal" daily life and routines.
Another all-too frequent problem for people living with MS and PD is poor and insufficient sleep. Some of the most common reasons why people have trouble sleeping is due to:
MS and PD symptoms such as, tremors, bladder sensitivity, and spasticity
Medication side-effects
Behavior such as drinking alcohol or caffeine or having irregular sleep schedules
Depression
Co-existing sleep disorders such as sleep apnea
Too much physical inactivity during the day
Stress
People with MS and PD can take these steps to get a better sleep:
Talk to your physician about treatments to manage sleep-disturbing symptoms such as spasticity, frequent trips to the bathroom (nocturia) and periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS).
Regularity is key. Go to bed and get up at the same time every day-and no more than one hour later on weekends. Regularity helps set your biological clock.
Exercise about 4-6 hours before bedtime. Exercise is a stimulant, so it is important not to schedule exercise too close to bedtime.
If you nap, try to do so at the same time every day, for no more than an hour, and not after 3:00 pm.
Avoid stimulants like caffeine, nicotine and alcohol, especially six hours before bedtime. While alcohol can initially cause sleepiness, it actually disrupts sleep.
Avoid heavy meals in the evening.
If you take any medications at night, keep your dose and a glass of water close by so you don't have to get up in the middle of the night.
Use your bedroom for sleeping and sex only. Don't read, watch TV, or talk on the phone in bed.
Make sure your bedroom is cool, quiet, and dark.
Use the restroom before going to bed. And try not to drink more than 8oz of water just before bedtime.
If you don't fall asleep within 15-20 minutes... get up. Don't stay in bed and watch the clock. Do something relaxing (read something light or watch an old movie).
Depression and emotional problems can keep you up- and more. Ask for a referral to a mental-health professional. It is important to address depression, not only for the sake of your emotional health but also to preserve your sleep.
Talk to your physician about taking a sleep supplement such as valerian or melatonin to help you sleep.
If your MS and PD symptoms are under control but self-help tips like the ones above aren't working, consider asking for a referral to a sleep specialist.
Sleep is vital to the well being of everyone. Research reports that most adults need eight hours of sleep for learning, memory and problem solving. Sleep is also important for the heart and vascular system and it helps regulate hormones that effect immune function, blood sugar, and weight. A chronic lack of sleep also increases the risk for diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and mood disorders. Hopefully these tips will help you catch some more "Zzz"s!
Did You Know?
MSQLP's Monterey Support Group for MS has moved locations
By Grant Helm, Executive Director
Just a quick update!
Due to some important feedback from participants of last year's Monterey MS Support Group, the group meeting location will now be meeting at the Monterey Library's community room.
Last year the group met at MSQLP's office, but due to the limited space in the MSQLP meeting room, expanding to the Monterey Library's large capacity community room was deemed as an appropriate and accessible new location for the Monterey MS Support Group.
We hope to see you at our next support group meeting, on Saturday, February 6th, from 11:00AM to 1:00PM. Lunch will be served!
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.
MSQLP participates in the following charity programs:
Use Group# 990092662 and MSQLP will receive 40% of each item you purchase!
You can view pictures of this available equipment for loan by clicking here.
MSQLP also has access to or inventory of various equipment such as canes, walkers, and toilet seats.
To inquire about the list of available equipment for loan, please call
831-333-9091.
We need volunteer drivers!
Call our office at
831-333-9091. Mileage reimbursement included!
Wanda's World
The Little Things
By Wanda Vollmer
I have learned over time, little things make a difference. As we cruise through our days, we seem to neglect this thought. It could be letting someone in during traffic, smiling at a stranger, saying thank you, giving a hug, or holding the door open for someone. I am a strong believer that the accumulation of these little things impact our perspectives on life, our health, our minds and our view of the world.
I attended a funeral this month for a close family friend. His mother died unexpectedly before Christmas and he is devastated. I never had the chance to meet his mother after all these years, but learned how amazing she was from my dear friend. He asked me if I would attend the service for his mother. It was a quite a distance away and he said I did not have to go if I did not want to. Of course I would attend. I picked up a mutual friend on the way and we drove north. I am glad that I went. I was able to learn about his mother and how wonderful she was.I also learned somethings about my dear friend I had never known. When I saw my friend, he said, "Thank you for coming all this way. You have no idea how much it means to me." To me, it was not a bother at all. I see this as something "little" I can do to support a friend.
When I dropped my other friend off and headed back to the peninsula, I did a lot of self reflection on the drive home. We are all on this planet for such a short time. If we all just made an effort to do one or two little things a day, the world would be so much more pleasant. Little things do matter.
