Oct. 13, 2007 Meeting/Seminar Newsletter
We had two very good speakers to help us mark the 3rd anniversary of HOPE4MS Saturday the 13th.
Dr. David Rintell, Ed. & Lynn Stazzone, RN MSN NP have worked with people with MS and their families for over 20 yrs. at MS clinics in Massachusetts. They presented us with some of their perspectives with this seminar “Strengthening Resilience Through Symptom Management and Positive Strategies”. These two followed the basic concept that HOPE4MS embraces by focusing on hope and positive energy. The presentation was informative yet broken up with some very funny moments. A good reminder for us that we have issues to consider but may as well stay light hearted and keep the stress at a minimum.
One example of a positive that we may consider is that people with MS develop a greater resilience to life situations than most because we have unwittingly honed that ability by dealing with our personal challenges. This is now just an established part of our beings!
His 10 Ways to Enhance our Resilience are:
1. Make Connections
2. Make achievable goals
3. Locate your strengths
4. Take Action!
5. Express Gratitude
6. Utilize your faith
7. Maintain hope
8. Give to others
9. Humor works!
10. Develop good relationships with your healthcare providers
Lynn Stazzone focused more on our physical well being and stressed the importance of some kind of exercise. Besides physical improvement it also reduces depression and produces a positive mental attitude.
She also discussed the importance of keeping our doctors aware of any supplements & vitamins we are taking as well as prescription medications. Many vitamins & herbs interract with drugs and in some cases completely negate the drugs effectiveness. Keep in mind that what may seem inconsequential is actually significant to your doctor and you.
Most of us are aware that MS is an autoimmune disease which means that the immune system is overactive and goes beyond fighting unwelcome invaders to attacking the myelin sheath of our nerves. Some of our injectibles are considered immunosuppressant meant to tame this process. With this thought in mind, it is not recommended that people with MS take herbs or supplements meant to enhance the immune system such as Echinacea. Lynn went a step further by saying that while being a personal choice, flu shots fall into the category of boosting our immunity and she personally does not recommend them.
Many other topics were discussed and we are fortunate to have a slide show of their presentation for everyone to view. Many thanks to Karen Musso from Serono (Rebif) for bringing us this quality program.
Being our 3rd anniversary….WE HAD CAKE!!! Cake seems to bring out the kid in us somehow…...
Our next meeting will be November 3rd at Redding Christion Fellowship Church. We will keep you posted and hope to see you there.
Patricia, Beth & Robyn