September 2005 Meeting Newsletter
Hello Everyone,
Some days just seem so perfect for most of us to enjoy being out and about and our Self Help Group Meeting on Saturday the 10th was one of those days!
We had a good meeting that we began with round table introductions and discussions. Again, we had some new faces from Cottonwood and Red Bluff as well as old friends present and the discussions crossed a broad range of topics.
Our basic human individuality was ever present as was apparent in our discussions about the different medications as well as alternative non-drug therapies. Almost everyone has their own unique way of approaching and dealing with their own MS symptoms which makes sense given that MS appears as differently in each person as a fingerprint.
There are a few underlying basics that everyone shares and our discussions bring these to light and offer much food for thought. It is refreshing to find that everyone is open minded to the discussions because after all, we’re all still looking for answers to a common “enemy”. As Annette said at the meeting ” We have to live our lives beyond MS” which is part of the reason we get together monthly to share ideas in a comfortable environment beyond our normal scope and to help “arm ourselves” with knowledge and friends to enhance our daily lives.
After introductions Mike Solzman discussed the possibility of having a “Care Giver” break out group aside from our group meeting. We are aware that care givers have their own considerations that they may want to discuss among themselves. Many “care givers” attend the meetings and undoubtably would rather discuss their own issues. If you would like to comment on this idea or participate please contact Mike at msolzman3415@charter.net.
Robyn Embree has connected our HOPE 4 MS foundation with a BALI SILVER JEWELRY SALE which is a benefit for five local non-profits. A percentage of the proceeds go to the named charity of your choosing so if you can go, be sure to specify HOPE 4 MS. Details can be found on the attachment, Windows Document-BALI.doc, provided or by contacting Robyn at robyn_embree@yahoo.com. The sale is this Thursday and Friday the 15th & 16th.
Our speaker this month was Michelle Ospital a Physical Therapist from Advantage Physical Therapy. Her view is also that every single person is different and has different needs which is something that she can tailor for people indivually. Her office is at the Westwood Village Shopping Center and she is next door to a gym that can be used in conjunction with her therapy. Michelle highlighted the fact that for most of us we need to strengthen our “cores” which means our body trunk….consisting of our stomachs, butts & backs because we tend to be sedentary and lose muscle tone in those areas. We can have strong arms & legs but without the “core” our balance is sacrificed. She can work on those areas developing individual exercises for each person. She has also arranged memberships for anyone with MS at the gym for only $25 per month. Michelle can be reached at Advantage Physical Therapy 244-0115. Her practice does accept insurance. As a side note: A few people at the meeting have done therapy with Michelle in the past and all had very good things to say about her.
1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY FAMILY POT LUCK HOPE 4 MS is celebrating our one year anniversary next month so our meeting will be Saturday, October 1st from 10-noon and we will break from our usual meeting style and have a Family Pot Luck. It will be informal and everyone can bring a favorite dish to add to the mix. We are not structuring the menu so it will be interesting to see what everyone brings. This will basically be a social function offering an opportunity to chat which is something I know we all do well! Families are welcome to join in.
If you have any comments or would like to contact us we keep a close eye on our e-mail at info@hope4ms.org. Mark your calendars for October 1st!