MSQLP's e-newsletter: March 2016 Edition
Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month!
Introduction from the Board

March is MS
Awareness Month
Recognize your barriers and learn    to move past them
Create positive relationships
Help your community understand  MS
 
Introduce yourself to new  resources
Smile
 
Meet new friends at MSQLP events
Smile
 
Ask for help and be willing to    accept it
Wonder
At the awakenings of springtime
Raise your spirits with music
Education is worth the effort
No effort is wasted
Every try is a learning experience
Small accomplishments have big      rewards
Smile some more
 
Make a promise to attend at least
One MSQLP activity in March
Nothing is impossible
Together
Here's to us!
 
Created by:

Elaine Richelieu,
MSQLP Board Member
Upcoming Events 
(click orange text for more event info or flyer)

Wednesday, March 2nd (ALL DAY)
20% of all sales donated to MSQLP!
MSQLP Pizza Party @ 5:30PM
California Pizza Kitchen - Monterey
1100 Del Monte Center 

3:00PM to 5:00PM 
Sally Griffin Center
Featuring: Dr. Alejandro Centurion, M.D. 

Attend by phone!
On Tuesdays all month of March.
Please click on event title for details. 
  Sunday, March 20th (ALL DAY)
15% of all sales donated to MSQLP!
MSQLP Brunch @ 10:30AM
Turn 12 - Monterey
 400 Tyler Street

Tuesday, March 29th (ALL DAY)
20% of all sales donated to MSQLP!
MSQLP Brunch @ 10:30AM
Bagel Corner - Salinas
818 Park Row


MSQLP's Support Groups for MS
Joint Support Group Meeting
11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Marina Library - Community Room

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
Innovative Adaptive Technology
By Claudia Flores, Program Aide

Assistive technologies, also called adaptive technologies, include all those clever products, tools, and devices that make life and functioning easier. These types of innovative labor and energy saving tools are part of your survival kit if you have Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or Parkinson's disease (PD). A great voice-to-text computer typing program is Nuance's Dragon Dictation products, which allow users to speak instead of type when using a computer. This is a huge benefit for those with MS or PD whose symptoms can make it difficult to use a computer. This program uses voice recognition technology and claims to be 99% accurate during use.

During the first few uses, dictation will adapt and improve with each use. Users are able to create and edit documents in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint or post to social media.

For more information about Nuance's Dragon Dictation products please visit click to visit their website.
Wanda's World
Knowing Myself
By Wanda Vollmer

Just getting over the flu. Hooray! I managed to keep it under 10 days as my doctor predicted it could last. Wow, stay healthy out there folks. This was no fun. In my incapacitated state, I had lots to think about as I pretty much was unable to do much. I knew a few days before my flu diagnosis that I was off and something was coming. 

It made me think about when I was first diagnosed with MS. I started to think any and every ailment I had, was attributed to having MS. I would sit cross legged for an hour and my leg would go numb. I thought, "Oh my gosh, it's my MS!"  I could have stayed up late watching a movie and felt bad the next day. Then, I would wonder if MS caused my tiredness. I would have had a headache and say to myself that MS was causing it. Needless to say, I was extremely sensitive about everything I was experiencing on a daily basis. Did any of you feel that way? It took me about a year to realize and learn my new "self" living with this disease. Also, to learn that not everything I feel is.....MS. 

I learned that no one would ask for MS. I learned that this was a life long relationship with MS. Most important, I learned that this was a gift. I was so pleased the day I was diagnosed that I did not have a brain tumor. Then, I learned to know my body. Over the years, MS has made me more aware of myself than I think I ever would have been. I can now recognize when I have had enough heat and how to lower my temperature. After some bouts of fatigue and Optic Neuritis, I learned that I must handle my stress better. Knowing myself and how MS may affect me has dictated my way of life. So, thanks MS. 

SUPPORT LOCAL SERVICES

GOT AN OLD VEHICLE?
Website:

Our 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.

MSQLP participates in the following charity programs:

Use Group# 990092662 and MSQLP will receive 40%  of each item you purchase!

A portion of your online shopping goes to MSQLP!
A portion of your sale on Amazon goes to MSQLP!
 
Like us on Facebook

 

Follow us on Twitter

MSQLP's 
Equipment Closet
By Grant Helm, Executive Director/Client Services Supervisor

Below is a list of mobility devices and equipment for that is stored by MSQLP and available for loan:

1- Large Scooter
1- Standard powerchair
2 - Walkers with seat
1 - Padded manual                wheelchair
     ...and more!

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!
Did You Know?
Prescription Assistance Resources
By Claudia Flores, Program Aide

The substantial cost of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson's disease (PD) medications can often a burden for many people. Many even choose to no longer take their medication because they can afford it, not knowing that there are several pharmaceutical companies feature programs to help eligible applicants reduce or eliminate their medication costs. These programs are usually limited to the company's brand-name medications, and will most likely have specific requirements including age and income. There are also some organizations offer to help insured patients that are having difficulty paying the co-pays for their medications or their insurance. Please
click here to review a comprehensive list of medication related assistance programs. This list contains National Foundations and Organizations that provide patient assistance, MS Patient Assistance Programs, and PD Patient Assistance Programs.

Additional Cost Saving Ideas
Check medication prices at different pharmacies. Prices can vary and you may find a more affordable option.

Compare prices to a mail order pharmacy.

Find out if an equivalent medication from the same family (class) of medications may be cheaper than the one you are currently taking.  
on GuideStar and help us grow!

Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life Project
519B Hartnell Street
Monterey, California 93940
831.333.9091