moving toward a world free of ms a symphony of service i… · brett hipsley and i am the director...

MOVING TOWARD A WORLD FREE OF MS | VOLUME 6 • EDITION 4

A Symphony of ServiceA Celebration of Life and Hope

GEORGIA CHAPTER

Team of the FuturePage 6

Meet Our New StaffPage 2

Connection MomentsPages 12 - 15

In this Issue:

Congratualations to recipientsPages 10 & 11

2 | JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org

1-800-344-4867PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONALMULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETYGeorgia Chapter • 950 East Paces Ferry Road, NE Ste. 110 • Atlanta, GA 30326

Chairman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .William J. Holley II

Vice Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Annette Mengert

Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cherise Mlott

Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Keith Keller

Chapter President . . . . . . .Roy A. Rangel

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society does not endorse products, services or manufacturers. Such names appear here solely because they are considered valuable information. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society assumes no liability for the use of contents of any product or service mentioned.

Information provided by the Society is based upon professional advice, published experience and expert opinion. Information provided in response to questions does not constitute therapeutic recommendations or prescriptions. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society recommends that all questions and information be discussed with a personal physician.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society‘s mission is to mobilize people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS.© 2014 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Georgia Chapter

Are you looking for aSelf-Help Group or Peer Supporter

in your community?

Whether you just received a diagnosis or have been living with MS for a long time, the National MS Society, Georgia Chapter has impactful programs available to you where you can find support and experienced based guidance on how to live your best life with MS.

Self-Help Groups meet regularly for educational and social purposes, allowing members to express feelings and provide support to one another. Members share a belief that positive personal change can happen through individual effort with the support of others.

Peer Supporters are trained individualsliving with MS, or have a family member living with MS. Via telephone, our Peer Supporters offer information, companionship, emotional support and encouragement to peers living with MS.

There is no cost to participate in a Self-Help Group or Peer Support Program.

To request services or if you are interested in starting a Self-Help Group, call the Georgia Chapter Office at 1-800-344-4867 or e-mail Stephanie at [email protected].

See complete listing of Self-Help Groups in Georgia on Page 16.

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 3

Hello, my name is Brett Hipsley and I am the Director of Fund Development for the National MS Society, Georgia Chapter. My role with the National

MS Society will be managing donor relations, cultivating new individual giving opportunities, and implementing strategies to maximize the financial growth of the Georgia Chapter.

I am originally from Gainesville, Florida where I grew up and attended the University of Florida; and graduated with a B.S. Degree in Telecommunications. I began my career in non-profit five years ago with the American Cancer Society in Gainesville, FL. During that time I specialized in volunteer engagement, event management, and community relations. From there I relocated to Jacksonville, FL and served with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation as Director of Special Events. Now that I have relocated to Atlanta, I am truly excited to bring my knowledge and experience to an already sterling team here in Georgia. I look forward to making great strides towards a world free of multiple sclerosis.

MEET OUR NEW STAFF & INTERN

Brett HipsleyHi, my name is Gabriel Pressman and I’ll be serving you as your marketing and development

intern for the next few months here at the National MS Society, Georgia Chapter. In this role, my primary objective is to enhance social media initiatives with video content and document the many wonderful activities

the Georgia Chapter offers throughout the state with the intent to connect and engage members. Additionally, I will assist Laurie Palmer, our Walk MS Development Manager, organizing Walk MS: Georgia 2014. I am an Atlanta native who recently graduated from Georgia State University with a degree in International Economics. Before working with the Society I worked as a legislative assistant at the Georgia State Capitol. While attending Georgia State I had the opportunity to study abroad in Italy and France for two years, and I am now completing a second degree while here in Atlanta in Business Management from the University of Venice, Italy. Among my varied interests are filmmaking and politics. I have already had the good fortune to meet many of you, and I look forward to meeting many more members in the coming months!

Gabriel PressmanWelcome to:


Teammates from the Mighty Woodstock Walkers and participants of the Woodstock Self Help Group (SHG) are thrilled about the services they are able to take advantage of due to fundraising efforts of participants in our Walk MS: Georgia and Bike MS:Cox Atlanta Ride. “Four people from our SHG are participating in the exercise program at the Andrew C. Carlos MS Institute at Shepherd Center in Atlanta and are loving it,” says Sonya Pepper. Last month, Sonya shared with her teammates how blessed she felt to be selected as 1 of the 11 recipients of MS Service Day 2014. On March 1 Home Depot and many other dedicated volunteers will visit Sonya’s home to tackle households repairs and renovations. “It is so encouraging for each of us to see how our fundraising and advocacy helps us and others who are living with MS, says Sonya. We are benefiting from the funds raised last year and it feels good to know our dollars are spent to push the mission forward.”This year the Mighty Woodstock Walkers will

join hundreds of Walk MS participants at the Marietta event on April 12. Their fundraising goal is to exceed 2013 donations so the Society can continue to mobilize people and resources for a cure and address challenges of everyone affected by MS.

Sonya Pepper & The Mighty Woodstock Walkers Message From Our Member

Sonya Pepper is the Woodstock Self Help Group Leader and a 2014 MS Service Day Recipient


Walk MS: Georgia 2014

We are currently recruiting for interns in our Programs and Development Departments .

Our internship program is designed for current or recently graduated college students to get first-hand experience in the nonprofit field and to help grow each individual’s resume/portfolio in a way that will benefit them most in their career . We invite those interested in interning at the chapter to apply for one of our exciting internship opportunities . To apply please go to:

Special Events/Marketing and Chapter Programs/Services:www.internships.com or email Rusty Benton at Rusty .Benton@nmss .org


Walk MS: Georgia 2014 registration is open and more than 170 teams are registered and stepping to find a cure! We invite all friends and family of the MS community to join us at Walk MS: Georgia 2014 in your community to celebrate our hope for a future free of MS. There are nine events taking place throughout the state of Georgia, in Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Macon, Marietta, Rome, and Savannah. You can register at www.walkms.org. There is no registration fee for participating, but ALL participants are encouraged to fundraise, helping us reach our goal of more than $700,000 funding research and programs and services for people living with MS.

Team STEP It Out Against MS is entering their 10th year of participating in Walk MS! The team captains,

Eric and Robert Stepowany, decided to start the team in honor of their mother, Therese, who is living with MS. Therese’s other sons, Ben and Scott, also participate. Ben lives in Charlotte and participates in the local Walk MS for the Greater Carolinas Chapter.

Each year, Therese writes personal requests to family and friends to ask for support, raising more than $10,000 annually for her team. She says that “Walk MS is one of her favorite days of the year.” Thank you to Therese and all the members of STEP It Out Against MS for your hard work and relentless support of the National MS Society! You are an inspiration to all of us!

Looking for a spring or summer

internship?


If Mom did not have Multiple Sclerosis, I would not have gotten lost in downtown Minneapolis dozens of times. I would not have cried with her in the car, frustrated and confused. If Mom did not have MS, I would not worry when she drives home from dropping me off at school, or flies across the country by herself. I would not stay up at night wondering what she did to deserve something that has been so debilitating, something that has taken her memory and mobility. Mom has had multiple sclerosis since 1996, a little less than a year after I was born. I do not remember her without it and couldn’t tell you exactly when I realized how hugely it has influenced me.

However, I am not alone. Before moving to Atlanta, I lived in Minnesota. There I attended an MS Youth Camp specifically for kids who had a relative with MS. It was so incredibly comforting to be with a group of people my age who were in a similar situation, to realize that my hardship was not something I had to figure out all on my own. From the camp I learned how to be more vocal about MS, how it affected different people in different ways, but most importantly I experienced the importance of being able to connect with people who are living in a similar circumstance.

Having a connection with people in a similar situation is known to help relieve stress and

help people cope with hardship. I learned this through experience. A simple internet search for the effects of multiple sclerosis on teens revealed that many others shared my experiences with MS. It was a little eerie to learn that so many other teens felt the way that I did, but even more so, it was inspiring.

There needs to be some way for teens of parents with MS to connect. So, it is my goal this year, my senior year in high school, to start a network of teens that have a parent with MS. I use the term network loosely because my hope is to have something that is most useful to teens in the way they need it. With the Georgia Chapter of the National MS Society, I hope to start this network. You can’t do a Google search to find teenagers who have a parent in Atlanta with MS and unless you happen to fall upon them, the people who best relate to your situation

LIVING WITH MS

Team of the FutureBy Autumn KirKendAll

Hi! My name is Tara Self, and I have recently joined the National MS Society, Georgia Chapter for the 2013-2014 school year as one of the Chapter Programs Interns. I am currently working towards obtaining my Master’s Degree in Social Work from Georgia State University with a concentration in community partnerships. I am excited to accumulate as much knowledge and experience as I can during my time with the National MS Society. I am motivated to apply the skills that I have already obtained as an MSW student to my work with the Society. I look forward to this upcoming year as I know I will be meeting many wonderful people, learning lifelong skills, and making memories that will last a life time. I am truly grateful for this opportunity that the National MS Society has given me and hope to contribute as much as I can to the vision for a world free of MS.

My name is Sean Stankovich, and I will be serving as an intern at the National MS Society for the 2013-2014 school year. I am originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and have worked in the past as a program development assistant for a food bank and a domestic violence counselor. I completed my undergraduate degree in English and Psychology at Williams College in 2005. I will be completing the Masters of Social Work program at Georgia State University at the end of this year. I am interested in pursuing a career in medical social work and am thrilled at the opportunities available to me at the Society. I would love to get to know our members better and to be as much assistance to you as I can be over the next year. Feel free to contact me at the Society office any time!

Autumn is a high school senior from Decatur whose mother is living with MS. Here, she shares her experiences and her plans to help build a network for similar teens here in Georgia.


are hard to find. With a network, we can hopefully begin to move towards building support groups, social events, and other programming that teens will find useful.

To kick this project off, we are starting Team of the Future. We are rallying together teens in the Atlanta area that have a connection to MS. Whether the connection is through family members, friends, or simply an interest in raising awareness, we want all who are interested to join.

If you or someone you know is interested in joining, simply email me at [email protected].

I am so excited for what is to come.

“There needs to be some way for teens of parents

with MS to CONNECT.” Thank you for all that you have done

for the MS Society and all that you continue to do!

It cannot be said enough: events, like Walk MS & Bike MS, that raise funds for our mis-sion, would not be possible without the great support of people like you.

Please mark your calendars for the upcoming 2014 event season. For more information on how to become an events volunteer please contact Rusty Benton at (678) 534-3588 [email protected].

MS Service DayMarch 1, 2014

Walk MSMarch 29, 2014

(Albany, Augusta, Savannah)April 5, 2014

(Columbus, Athens, Rome)April 12, 2014

(Macon & Marietta) April 26, 2014

(Atlanta)

Bike MSSeptember 20-21, 2014

(Callaway Gardens)

continued


My name is Sean Stankovich, and I will be serving as an intern at the National MS Society for the 2013-2014 school year. I am originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and have worked in the past as a program development assistant for a food bank and a domestic violence counselor. I completed my undergraduate degree in English and Psychology at Williams College in 2005. I will be completing the Masters of Social Work program at Georgia State University at the end of this year. I am interested in pursuing a career in medical social work and am thrilled at the opportunities available to me at the Society. I would love to get to know our members better and to be as much assistance to you as I can be over the next year. Feel free to contact me at the Society office any time!

PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN & TEENS WITH PARENTS LIVING

WITH MS

A parent’s diagnosis of MS can have a signifi-cant impact on children and teens . Children have their own set of unique concerns, fears and questions regarding MS that are important to address. The brochure When a Parent Has MS: A Teenager’s Guide ( .pdf) is a good tool to open communication with your teen. Keep S’myelin is a newsletter for children between the ages of 5-12, full of articles and activities.


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Official Media Sponsor: Official Apparel Partner:

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BIKE MS: COX ATLANTA RIDE » SEPTEMBER 20-21, 2014 » 2 DAYS » MULTIPLE ROUTES

Register Today:BIKEMS.ORG OR 800.344.4867


PROGRAMS & SERVICES

MS LEADERSHIP CLASS

Congratulations to the fifty-eight business men and women who joined the MS Leadership Class 2014!

The MS Leadership Class officially began

on January 23rd at the MS Annual Meeting

and Volunteer Recognition Celebration. We

are excited to engage professionals in our

MS Leadership class program where they

will spend time networking with the local

business community through coordinated programs. They will enhance their leadership skills

through leadership workshops and seminars led by leading companies such as Dale Carnegie of

Georgia and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. Class members will participate in MS Service Day,

a collaborative project with The Home Depot Foundation that assists with home projects and

tasks for individuals living with MS, making a difference in the lives of those most impacted by

MS. Class members have also committed to raise funds for MS Research. The class participants’

commitment and fundraising efforts will help the National MS Society fund global research

development as we work together to end multiple sclerosis.

EMPLOYMENT TELECONFERENCE SERIES2014

Thursday, February 20, 7-8 p.m. ESTMaintaining Cognitive and Emotional Health While UnemployedPsychologist Lauren Strober will discuss current research that shows the importance of staying productive to maintain your health while unemployed. Along with others living with MS, she will share practical tips on how this is accomplished.

Thursday, March 6, 7-8 p.m. ESTFederal Hiring Initiatives for People with Disabilities The Federal Government is taking steps to become a model employer for people with disabilities. Michael Murray of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management will discuss Schedule A hiring authority and Department of Labor regulations designed to increase the employment of people with disabilities by government contractors.

Thursday, March 20, 7-8 p.m. ESTHome-Based Employment: What You Need to Know Are you interested in working from home? Have you been unsuccessful in finding work–from–home positions? Home-based workers living with MS, along with MS Employment Specialist Barbara McKeon, will share tips and resources to help increase your chances of succeeding at home-based employment.

Thursday, April 3, 7-8 p.m. ESTSocial Security Disability Application SecretsApplying for Social Security disability benefits can be a difficult and lengthy process with a high chance of being denied the first time around. Disability Advocate Delores Gonzalez will share information you need to know to increase your chances of getting your application approved.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society


To make a reservation, please call 1-800-344-4867or register online at www.MSGeorgia.org Registration deadline: Thursday, January 16, 2014

6:00 pm . . . . . .Registration.&.Vendor.Exhibits

6:30 pm . . . . . .Dinner.Program

6:45 pm . . . . . .Georgia.Chapter.Board.of.Trustees’.Report

7:00 pm . . . . . .State.of.the.Southeast.Region

7:25 pm . . . . . . Volunteer.of.the.Year.Awards

8:00 pm . . . . . . Program.Ends

This.program.is.not.appropriate.for.children.under.the.age.of.12 ..We.apologize.for.any.inconvenience.this.may.cause .

.To.make.a.reservation,.please.call.1-800-344-4867or..register.online.at.www .NationalMSSociety .org/gaa

.Registration.deadline:.Thursday,.January.16,.2014.

Thursday, January 23, 2014

AGENDA

The National Multiple Sclerosis SocietyGeorgia Chapter

The aNNual MeeTiNG & voluNTeer recoGNiTioN

celebraTioN iS a TiMe for The MS coMMuNiTy To

joiN ToGeTher aNd celebraTe The accoMpliShMeNTS

of doNorS, voluNTeerS aNd coMMuNiTy parTNerS

who are iNSTruMeNTal iN MoviNG uS Toward a

world free of MS. we Say ThaNk you To ThoSe

who are MobiliziNG GeorGiaNS To do SoMeThiNG

abouT MS Now, ThrouGh fuNdraiSiNG, acTiviSM,

advocacy aNd iNflueNce. learN how The SocieTy iS

helpiNG GeorGiaNS liviNG wiTh MS, aNd fiNd ouT

The laTeST NewS iN MS TreaTMeNTS.

be iNforMed. be iNSpired. be There.

A Symphony of ServiceA celebration of life and hope

1

Congratulations to our Volunteer of the Year Recipients

Peer Connections Leader of the Year AwardJean Lasichak

Service Provider of the Year AwardSynergy Home Care

Hope AwardDr. Mitzi Joi Williams

Generations of Hope AwardCarolyn Crayton & Family

Medical Professional AwardDr. Neil Sanford Lava

Do it Yourself Fundraising AwardTravelers

Community Partnership AwardHome Depot & The Home Depot Foundation

Volunteer of the Year AwardBob O’Leary

Fundraising AwardBill Barney, III

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 11

A Symphony of Service

Congratulations to our Volunteer of the Year Recipients

Peer Connections Leader of the Year AwardJean Lasichak

Service Provider of the Year AwardSynergy Home Care

Hope AwardDr. Mitzi Joi Williams

Generations of Hope AwardCarolyn Crayton & Family

Medical Professional AwardDr. Neil Sanford Lava

Do it Yourself Fundraising AwardTravelers

Community Partnership AwardHome Depot & The Home Depot Foundation

Volunteer of the Year AwardBob O’Leary

Fundraising AwardBill Barney, III


I was more of a homebody before I started going to The Shepherd Center regularly. The Georgia Chapter sponsored my MS wellness gym membership where I am able to interact with people that can relate to my MS experience. Since joining the gym I have increased mobility and am able to work out on some equipment that I enjoy and used prior to needing accessibility assistance.

Now that I am back in the gym and working out I feel like my normal self. I participate in some of the group exercise classes and they have equipment that accommodates a person using a wheelchair. I feel like I can do anything and I am not letting my illness get the best of me. With- out the assistance of the MS Society I know all of this would not be possible.

The National MS Society, Georgia Chapter helped when I needed it the most. I had been dealing with major issues with trying to repair my wheelchair. The Medicare vendors kept giving me the run around and when I thought they were going to service my chair, they said “you have to pay a $100 service fee before we can come out.” I started to pray about this then I spoke with Stephanie and told her my wheelchair would hardly move and that if I tried to cross the street I would get hit before I got to the other side.

Stephanie sent an email to Heavenly Wheels

and said The National MS Society would assist me with my power chair problems. John from Heavenly Wheels met with me to correct the problems with my chair, and went the extra mile to see if I had a recall issue with my power chair. I appreciate John and Stephanie’s help because it is rare in this day and age that you find someone who really cares and they genuinely care about me.

The National MS Society Helped me Gain back my INDEPENDENCE

By Cheryl Bivins

Connections Moment

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 13

MARCH 29, 2014Albany

Albany Municipal Auditorium

Augusta

Lake Olmstead

Savannah

Daffin Park

APRIL 5, 2014Athens

Oconee Veterans Park

Columbus

Golden Park

Rome

Berry College

APRIL 12, 2014Macon

GEICO Corporate Campus

Marietta

Marietta Sqaure

APRIL 26, 2014Atlanta

Piedmont Park

BE INSPIRED. GET CONNECTED. WALK MS.

REGISTER TODAYwalkMSGeorgia.org or 1.800.344.4867Walk MS connects people living with MS and those who care about them.

This community event raises critical funds to support life-changing programs and cutting-edge

research.


When I woke up on January 29th and departed my house for work at the National MS Society, GA Chapter, I never imagined that I would not return that evening but instead I made connections with good samaritans and MS advocates. Here is my story… On January 29, 2014 I decided to grab a bite to eat with Stephanie Shapiro. We left the office around noon and headed to Taco Mac, approximately one mile from the office. At 1:15PM we received a call from Nicole Hill, Executive Vice-President and Chief Operations Officer saying “We are closing the office and we should work from home due to inclement weather.”Immediately Steph and I grabbed our food to head back to the office to close up, but getting back to the office was not as easy as it sounds. The usual five minute commute from Taco Mac to our office ended up being three hours in traffic until we ran out of gas and had to walk. We parked the car in the Goodwill parking lot and trotted a couple blocks up the road, arriving by four-ish.

We immediately grabbed our items and headed in separate directions to our respective homes, periodically touching base

throughout the evening. Thankfully Stephanie arrived home by 9:00PM. Unfortunately I was not so lucky. I was stuck until a good samaritan, Jim Walsh, tapped on my window, and said, “do you need a place to stay? You cannot sleep in your car.” Jim Walsh and his family helped in my time of need. While talking at the dinner table I found out that

we are connected. They too have relatives living with MS; their brother in-law, Scott Stafford is a member of the Bike MS: Cox Atlanta Top 100 Club and they are avid Walk MS: Georgia participants.

This family has the kindest heart and warmest spirit, with them I felt like I was at a home awayfrom home. In the morning I realized they had welcomed two additional stranded motorists and offered the same generosity they gave to me. We all had breakfast together. Susan and daughter

Courtney Walsh cooked a full breakfast spread of crepes, bacon, sausage, and eggs with

fresh fruit. We all sat at the table prayed, ate and talked about the day the storm hit Atlanta.

I will be forever thankful to the Walsh’s. When I thought I was alone I realized more than ever that Every Connection Counts.

Connecting During a Storm

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 15


LIVING WITH MS

EXERCISE: OUR DAILY ALLOWANCEBY JULIE STACHOWIAK, PHD

OK, we all know that we should be exercising. Besides all of the great stuff that exercise does for everyone (such as lowered cardiovascular risk and increased muscle mass), research on the effects of exercise in multiple sclerosis has shown that it can improve mood, MS-related fatigue and cognitive function.

Notably, exercise has also been shown to increase overall daily activity level, functional capacity and balance in people with MS, as well. In total, this adds up to a measurable increase in quality of life.

WHY NOT?There is even limited evidence in animal models that exercise therapy may halt, slow or reverse disease progression of MS. Exercise therapy is an individualized exercise or plan typically prescribed by a doctor and done under the supervision of a physical therapist or other healthcare provider. There are specific guidelines, based on scientific data, for programs combining resistance and endurance testing. While that is great and all, raise your hand if you are currently participating in an exercise therapy program. See what I mean?

Studies show that fewer than 20% of people in the general U.S. population get the recommended

EXERCISE HAS BEEN SHOWN TO INCREASE OVERALL DAILY ACTIVITY LEVEL, FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY AND BALANCE IN PEOPLE WITH MS.

150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. In people with MS, this number is definitely lower, as research shows that activity in people with MS starts off low and declines over time.

So, why don’t we exercise? As a person with MS, that is a pretty simple question to answer: Even though I know it will make me feel better, many times I feel so horrible or so fatigued that the thought of 30 minutes of sustained exercise just makes me laugh. Or cry. A WAY INTO EXERCISEHowever, there may be an answer, according to Robert W. Motl, PhD, in his presentation at ECTRIMS 2013, titled “Physical activity

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 17

Living with MS

in MS: Theory, determinants and behavioral interventions.”

Dr. Motl reminded the audience that it is not just people with MS who don’t stick to exercise programs. According to studies, over 50% of adults drop out of any formal exercise program after 3 months. And after 6 months, 75% have stopped exercising.

He has some ideas on how to prevent this exercise attrition, however. Rather than pushing for a formal exercise therapy program, we should strive to incorporate more physical activity into our daily lives. Dr. Motl calls this “lifestyle activity,” and points out that intermittent exercise has been shown to have the same effect as “continuous bouts” of exercise. In other words, accumulating 30 minutes a day of moderate exertion doing things like walking, gardening or pushing a vacuum cleaner can be as effective as a more formal 30-minute exercise session.

In addition to this new approach to getting our recommended daily allowance of exercise, Dr. Motl has been researching the effect of social cognitive theory, which relies on perceived self-efficacy. Simply put, a person will be much more likely to do something if they believe that they CAN do it. Putting this theory to the test, Dr. Motl’s research group tried it out on people with MS. After three months, the people who participated in the self-efficacy component exercised more, exerted themselves more and reported feeling better than those in the group who did not receive the self-efficacy message.

MODELING HEALTHI’m a huge fan of this new paradigm of incorporating exercise into daily life. After seeing the title of an article, “Is Sitting the New Smoking?” in a popular magazine, I bought a pedometer and now force myself to get at least 10,000 steps a day. Since a part of self-efficacy involves “modeling” or seeing others do the same thing, I monitor an online group of people who log their steps daily. In this way, I have made exercise a habit. I can tell you, I feel much better than I did when I would visit the gym for 3 days straight and then take a 6-month break. For those of you who may have limited mobility, you can still get the many benefits of exercise by exerting yourself to the extent possible to do your daily activities. Talk to your healthcare provider about what activities may work best for you. For more ideas on how to make exercise a part of your everyday life, visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/exercise. n

Julie Stachowiak, PhD, is an epidemiologist, author of The Multiple Sclerosis Manifesto, and a person living with MS.

Originally published at www.MSconnection.org/blog.

LIVING WITH MS

EXERCISE: OUR DAILY ALLOWANCEBY JULIE STACHOWIAK, PHD

OK, we all know that we should be exercising. Besides all of the great stuff that exercise does for everyone (such as lowered cardiovascular risk and increased muscle mass), research on the effects of exercise in multiple sclerosis has shown that it can improve mood, MS-related fatigue and cognitive function.

Notably, exercise has also been shown to increase overall daily activity level, functional capacity and balance in people with MS, as well. In total, this adds up to a measurable increase in quality of life.

WHY NOT?There is even limited evidence in animal models that exercise therapy may halt, slow or reverse disease progression of MS. Exercise therapy is an individualized exercise or plan typically prescribed by a doctor and done under the supervision of a physical therapist or other healthcare provider. There are specific guidelines, based on scientific data, for programs combining resistance and endurance testing. While that is great and all, raise your hand if you are currently participating in an exercise therapy program. See what I mean?

Studies show that fewer than 20% of people in the general U.S. population get the recommended

EXERCISE HAS BEEN SHOWN TO INCREASE OVERALL DAILY ACTIVITY LEVEL, FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY AND BALANCE IN PEOPLE WITH MS.

150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. In people with MS, this number is definitely lower, as research shows that activity in people with MS starts off low and declines over time.

So, why don’t we exercise? As a person with MS, that is a pretty simple question to answer: Even though I know it will make me feel better, many times I feel so horrible or so fatigued that the thought of 30 minutes of sustained exercise just makes me laugh. Or cry. A WAY INTO EXERCISEHowever, there may be an answer, according to Robert W. Motl, PhD, in his presentation at ECTRIMS 2013, titled “Physical activity

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 19

METRO ATLANTA BASED SELF-HELP GROUPS

African Americans with MS Self-Help GroupContact Info: JoAnn: (404) 932-2662Email: [email protected]: Berean Seventh Day Adventist Church291 Hamilton E. Holmes Drive Atlanta, GA 30318When do we meet? Meets the 2nd Saturday of every month from 3:00pm - 5:00 pm

Atlanta Women’s Self-Help GroupContact Info: Kristin (404) 351-0205 {ext. 110}Location: MS Center of Atlanta 3200 Downwood Circle NW, Suite 550 Atlanta, GA 303275th floor lobbyWhen do we meet? Meets the 4th Tuesday of every month from 6:30pm - 8:00pm(No meetings in November and December)

Decatur Self-Help GroupContact Info: O.J. (770)-256-2516Email: [email protected]: Green Forest Community Baptist Church 3250 Rainbow Road Decatur, GA 30034When do we meet? Meets the 2nd Saturday of every month from 10:00am - 12:00pm

Lawrenceville Women’s Self-Help GroupContact Info: Karen (678) 975-7167Location: McKendree Methodist Church1570 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd Lawrenceville, GA 30043When do we meet? Meets the 2nd Saturday of every month from 10:30am - 12:00pmThis group will not be meeting until September

MS Institute at Shepherd Self-Help Group: “S.H.E.P.S”Contact Info: Rachael (404) 457-4582 Email: [email protected]: Kate Brunson (404) 402-0368MS Institute at Shepherd 2020 Peachtree Road Atlanta, GA 30309When do we meet? Meets the 2nd Saturday of every month from 10:00am - 12:00pm

Perimeter – Atlanta Area: “Dine and Discuss: For Partners and Spouses”(This is a “Care Partner Group” not meant for individu-als living with MS)Contact Info: Jan (404) 579-6782Location: La Madeleine Restaurant at The Perimeter 1165 Perimeter Center West Atlanta, GA 30346When do we meet? Meets the 2nd Thursday of every month from 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Snellville Self-Help GroupContact Info: Vicki (770) 978-1517Email: [email protected]: Lois: (770) 339-6520Location: Eastside Medical Center 1700 Medical Way SW Snellville, GA 30078 When do we meet? Meets the 4th Saturday of every month from 10:00am - 12:00pm

OUTSIDE “METRO” ATLANTA BASED SELF-HELP GROUPS

Albany Self-Help GroupContact Info: Janet (229) 435-2517Email: [email protected]: Phoebe Putney NW Conference Center 2336 Dawson Road Albany, GA 31701When do we meet? Meets the 1st Monday of every month from 6:00pm - 8:00pm This group does not meet in September

Albany-African American Self-Help GroupContact Info: Colette (229) 395-4150Location: Chosen to Conquer, Inc. ,1120 W. Broad Ave., Suite C-1, Albany, GA 31707When do we meet? Meets the 1st Saturday of every month from 11:00am - 1:00pm

Athens MS FamilyContact Info: Siri Baker (706) 353-0606 Email: [email protected] Co-Facilitator: Danielle (706) 983-9802Email: [email protected]: Athens Neurological Associates 1086A Baxter Street Athens, GA 30606

SELF-HELP GROUPS GEORGIA

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When do we meet? Meets the 3rd Thursday of every other month from 6:00pm - 8:00pm in the months of Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept and Nov

Augusta MS Self-Help GroupContact Info: Erin (706) 721-1411Location: Georgia Health Sciences - MS Center 6th Floor 1120 15th Street Augusta, GAWhen do we meet? Meets the last Monday of every month from 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Cartersville “Bartow County Self-Help Group”Contact Info: Towanda (770) 344-8887 Email: [email protected]: IHOP, 640 E. Main Street, Cartersville, GA 30121When do we meet? Meets the 4th Thursday of every month from 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Camilla Self-Help Group“Mitchell County MS Self-Help Group”Contact Info: Lucas (229) 224-5979Location: Mitchell County Hospital-Community Room, 90 E. Stephens Street Camilla, GA When do we meet? Meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 6:00pm – 7:00pm

Columbus, Georgia“Chattahoochee Valley Self-Help Group” Contact Info: Lori (706) 575-6925Email: [email protected]: Columbus Public LibraryWhen do we meet: This group’s schedule changes monthly; please call Lori for updated times and days.

Cumming Self-Help GroupContact Info: Anthony (Tony) (678) 455-4139Email: [email protected]: Northside Forsyth Hospital 1400 Doctors Bldg., Cumming, GAWhen do we meet? Meets the 1st Saturday of every month from 10:00am - 12:00pm

Douglasville Self-Help GroupContact Info: Stephanie (770) 577-0408Location: First Presbyterian Church Parlor Room Douglasville, GAWhen do we meet? Meets the 3rd Thursday of every month from 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Macon - Hope Floats Self-Help Group Contact: Marty (478) 742-9011Location: Pine Gate 300 Charter Blvd Macon, GAWhen do we meet? Meets the last Monday of every month from 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Peachtree City/ Fayetteville: “Let’s Lunch: MS Group for Working Professionals”Contact Info: Bill Clements (770) 631-4194 Email: [email protected] (612)-655-9901Email: [email protected]: Piedmont Fayette Hospital1279 Hwy 54 West, Fayetteville, Ga. 30214Conference Room D 3rd Flr. ( West side entrance)When do we meet? Meets the last Saturday of the month from 11:00am - 1:00pm

Thomaston “T.A.M.S. Self-Help Group”Contact Info: Sherry (706) 472-3273 or (706) 975-9762Location: American Pie Pizzeria of Thomaston 710 N. Church Street Thomaston, GA When do we meet? Meets the 3rd Thursday of every month from 12:30pm – 2:00pm

Thomasville MS Self-Help GroupContact Info: Mike (229) 346-9746Location: Plaza Restaurant - Thomasville, GAWhen do we meet? Meets the 3rd Tuesday of every month from 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Valdosta MS Self Help Group Contact Info: Barbara (229) 247-7792 Smith Northview Hospital 4280 Location: North Valdosta Road Valdosta, GA 31602 Located in the cafeteria of the hospitalWhen do we meet? Meets the 3rd Thursday of every month at 6:30pm

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Vidalia Self-Help Group “Looking Good Self-Help Group”Contact Info: Paula (912) 538-0142Email: [email protected]: Tree House, 723 North Street West Highway 292 Vidalia, GA When do we meet? Meets the 2nd Tuesday of every other month from 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Waleska Self Help GroupContact Info: Jennifer Email: [email protected]: Cherokee Outdoor Family YMCAG. Cecil Pruett Community Center Family YMCA 151 Waleska St. Canton, GA 30114When do we meet? Meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Warner Robins “Middle GA Self-Help Group”Contact Info: Michelle (478) 335-4675 Email: [email protected] Location: Houston Medical Center, North Tower1601 Watson Blvd. Warner Robins, GAWhen do we meet? Meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Woodstock MS Self-Help GroupContact Info: Zaida (770)-485-4226Location: St. Michael the Archangel Churchinside the main church building 490 Arnold Mill Rd., Woodstock, GA 30188When do we meet? Meets the 3rd Saturday of every month from 11:00am-1:00pm (No meetings in July and August) This group starts its meetings with a short opening prayer

SAVANNAH BASED SELF-HELP GROUPS

Pooler Self-Help Group“Pooler’s Positive Movers and Shakers: MS Share & Support Group”Contact Info: Andraya: (912) 658-9629 or [email protected]

Savannah Self-Help Group –“PRYME2”Contact Info: Virginia (912) 355-5832 Email: [email protected] One of the rooms in St. Joseph Hospital For more information, contact VirginiaWhen do we meet? Meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:00pm Please call Virginia to confirm location and meeting dates.

TELEPHONE BASED SELF-HELP GROUP

Statesboro SupportsContact Info: Carolyn: (912) 531-0416This is a telephone support group. Please contact Carolyn for additional information.

The National MS Society is a secular organization, welcoming those of every faith, and those that es-pouse none.

Please contact the Self-Help Group leaders prior to attending a group meeting to assure that the meeting time, date, and location are accurate. Groups occasionally change their meeting schedules to participate in other National MS Society events. Please note, our Self Help Group leaders are volunteers who have been trained by the National MS Society. They are not necessarily licensed mental health providers. Please respect their role as a volunteer and contact them during reasonable hours of 8am-8pm. If you are facing an immediate crisis please dial 911. For more information on attending Self-Help Groups or starting Self-Help Groups in your community please call 678-672-1000 OR 1-800-FIGHTMS


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