CALENDAR OF EVENTS

August 4 -Wednesday, EMD Serono/Pfizer Program, Dr. Daniel Wynn/Cathy Meyers, RN
“Examing the Evidence: MS Selections” Dr. Wynn is the Director of Clinical Research at Consultants in Neurology in Chicago, Illinois. He has expertise in a wide variety of neurological illnesses and has served as a principal investigator in over 100 clinical trials in multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, chronic pain and migraine, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, sleep disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and other neurological diseases. Cathy Meyer is a RN and MS Certified Nurse at Consultants in Neurology. Marriott Hotel, Hwy 41, Evansville, IN,  Wednesday, August 4th, 2010, 6:00 P.M.  RSVP by July 29 - 423-5943 / 1-866-514-4312

August 21 – Saturday, Warrick County Scavenger Hunt, South Side Bar, Boonville, In
12-4 PM to benefit the Tri-State MS Assoc. Teams can be 4-8 people, all ages welcomed.
$10 entry fee for group of 4 and $2 for each additional person. (to participate, you'll need a digital camera and a pad of paper.) Food, Raffles, Entertainment, Prizes!!  More activities to be announced! Also a Drive in for Motorcycles and Cars!  Prizes given in several different categories.  Be sure to bring the kiddos! Lots of FUN for EVERYONE!
Call Ashleigh Couillard @ 812-604-4300 or Tammy Rawlins @ 812-459-7843 for details.

September 2 – Thursday, Style Show Fundraiser at the Evansville Country Club, 6:30pm
Ladies join us for an informal style show featuring fashion and jewelry from Excursions and Wild Flower. All the fun, food, and prizes start at 6:30pm with a $20.00 donation at the door.  Invite all your girlfriends for this Girls Night Out to support the Tri-State MS Association!

September 16 - Biogen Idec Dinner Program, Dr. Clare Braun Hashemi, Washington, IN
Black Buggy Restaurant in Washington, IN, 6pm  RSVP 1-866-955-9999 (flyer next month)

Start TODAY working on your TEAM for the upcoming Autumn Walks!!

October 2 – Saturday, Autumn Walk, Moreland Park, Owensboro, KY

November 7 – Sunday, Autumn Walk, Romain Diamond Detailing Ctr., Evansville, IN

At the Family Weekend, Sandy Russell suggested that this month’s article be on Stress and MS.    

Many people with MS find that there is a definite connection between stress and MS.  Having a chronic illness can increase stress.  MS causes uncertainties about the future which can lead to stress.  Besides all of the normal stress most people have about jobs, families, life, people with MS must deal with the unpredictability of a chronic disease that can strike at a moment’s notice. 

Some studies have been done to try and prove the relationship between stress and MS.  Many people with MS say they experience more symptoms during times of stress, when the stress decreases the symptoms become less severe.  I have found this to be true with my own MS. 

There is some evidence that Relapsing Remitting MS attacks may be correlated with certain types of acute stressful episodes.  Many MS patients have correlated their exacerbations with major stressful events such a divorce, accidents, major illnesses, surgery or deaths in the family. 
Personality as well as physiological differences can make a difference in susceptibility to getting sick with a chronic disease like M.S.  This was found in a study carried out in psychiatrists at the University of Pittsburgh.  They found that individuals who scored high as neurotic personalities- moody, nervous and easily stressed report more disease symptoms and many be less protected against diseases like M.S.

Another study was done in Israel about the effects of the stress of war on people with MS.  The study was done in Israel during the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel.  During the 33 days of war, there were 18 relapses among the patients in the study compared to 1 to 6 relapses in similar time periods over the 12 months before the war.   The percentage of patients reporting intense stress during the hostilities was significantly greater among patients with wartime relapse compared to the rest of the patients.  (44% vs. 20%).

Another study funded by the National Institutes of Health found that Stress my trigger MS flare ups in women.  Researchers recruited 23 women with MS from the MS Clinic at the University of Pittsburgh and followed them for a year.  Each week the women completed questionnaires asking about MS symptoms and life events, such as starting a new job, and finding out that a child is doing poorly in school, having an auto accident, and being physically assaulted.   During the year the women experienced an average of 2.6 MS exacerbations that lasted an average of 29 days.  Eighty –five percent of the MS exacerbations were associated with at least one stressful life event in the prior six seeks. 

These researchers suggest that preventive strategies, such as coping skills training and early interventions for symptoms of anxiety and depression, could help women to avoid stress-induced MS flare ups.

Limiting Your Exposure to Stress:  Ask yourself: 

• Are you a perfectionist?
• Do you set unattainable goals?
• Do you push yourself beyond your limits?

If you answered yes to any of these, then you may be adding unnecessary stress to your life.  Only you know when you are adding to your stress levels by adding unnecessary expectations.   Only you can make the choice not to do so.

Ways to Relieve Stress: 

• Talking to others.  Expressing your feelings, Finding a support groups of even talking online in a chat room with other people with MS can help.
• Expressing anger, in a controlled way, without blaming others.  Use “I” statements.   “I am so angry” instead of “you make me so angry”.
• If you think you are depressed see a professional and get your depression treated.  Depression can leave you completely unable to deal with stress.   Research shows that 50% of people with M.S. will experience significant depression at some point along the way.

Techniques and strategies to Relieve stress:

• Relaxation, Deep breathing, Meditation, Visualization, Yoga, Tai Chi,
• Exercise, in a group or alone, in water or out of the water. 
• Hobbies
• Ask for help when you need it.    Make your request for help as specific as possible.  “Could you please help me by………..”  
• Eat regular balanced meals
• Use support and education services like the Tri State Ms Association!
• Spend as much time as possible with people who have positive outlook and are not worriers.
• Schedule rest periods during the day.
• Learn to say no.
• Get at least 8 hours of sleep at night.
• Plan ahead in situations that can cause stress. 
• Do one thing at a time.  Don’t think about the next task until you have finished the one you are working on.    
• Get out of your rut, boredom can be stressful, take a class, learn a new skill, join a club, volunteer you time. 

This is by no means a complete list of techniques to relieve stress.  There is no “one correct thing” to do to cope with stress.   Some people handle MS stress by talking, others read about it or participate in support groups; still others may ignore it most of the time.   If an approach is working for you it may not work for others.  

Sources: Science Daily Magazine 9/01/01 Annals of Neurology vol.64 Issue 2 pages 143-148 
Science Daily Nov. 28, 2002 Taming Stress in MS:  Frederick Foley PhD. With Jane Sarnoff,   National MS Society Brochure

This past weekend I attended my first TSMSA S’MORE Weekend. Leading up to the weekend, the office was busy with finalizing details and making sure we had everything ready to go for Saturday morning. When I arrived at Camp Carson I was pleasantly surprised to see just how beautiful the camp and surrounding scenery was. After setting up, the families began to arrive. It was an awesome sight to see friends reuniting and catching up. As the S’MORE Weekend continued, I realized why it is so important for people with MS and their families to attend events like the S’MORE weekend. The S’MORE Weekend was packed with several activities; the children were able to participate in activities such as: crafts, archery and horseback riding, the adults enjoyed crafts and activities such as; bird and fish sun catchers, friendship bracelets, painting wood figurines, holiday bows, fishing and learning how to play the drums. The most important activity available at the weekend in my opinion is the opportunity to interact with other families who have an understanding of some of the difficulties endured with MS.

Having a strong family and friend support system is crucial in maintaining quality of life and dealing with MS. Without the support of family and friends, the symptoms of MS would be unbearable. Events such at the S’MORE Weekend, the ME Weekend as well as educational programs are great opportunities to chat with other people who have MS as well as their spouses, siblings or parents. The TSMSA hosts several educational programs throughout the year that provide a comfortable setting in which family members are able to enjoy exceptional educational programs, a great meal and time to spend with others who can relate.

The S’MORE Weekend is a great experience for not only the adults but the children as well. When a parent is diagnosed with MS it is a very scary and stressful time for the parents as well as the children. The diagnosis of MS is difficult to explain to a child. The amount of information the child can truly understand about the disease depends on the child’s age and maturity level. The Multiple Sclerosis Association of American, Multiple Sclerosis Foundation and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society all offer information and booklets to assist with educating children about MS. Below are some resources that may help you better explain to your child or other children what MS is and be prepared for some emotions that the child may feel after a parent or adult has been diagnosed:

Multiple Sclerosis Association of America: www.msaa.com
-Offers “Mommy’s Story” and Daddy’s Story” books that offer a more comfortable way to explain MS to children. Resources available on the website or by calling
1-800-532-7667.
Multiple Sclerosis Foundation: www.msfacts.org
-Offers information to families about coping with the diagnosis as well as living with MS. Information is available on the website.
National Multiple Sclerosis Society: Website: www.nationalMSsociety.org
-Offers “Someone You Know Has MS/A Book for Families” a book to explain to children what MS is and how it will effect they person who is diagnosed as well as them. Resources available on the website or by calling 1-800-FIGHT-MS

Evansville Massage Specialists, 971 A. Kenmore are offering $10.00 off an hour massage!
Located next door to the TSMSA office.  Mention Tri-State MS Association for your $10 off!

Remember your gift to TSMSA is tax deductible. Your kindness enables us to fulfill our mission to enhance the quality of life for individuals living with MS.
Mail to 971C Kenmore Ave., Evansville, IN 47714 or make on line through PayPal, www.tristate.ms

We are excited to announce that we will be putting together a cookbook to help raise funds for TSMSA.  Send us your favorite recipes and we’ll include them in the cookbook with your name.  Please list if your recipe is a dessert, appetizer, main dish or vegetable.  You can e-mail, officemanager@tristate.ms , your recipe to or fax to 812-423-5650 or mail it to TSMSA, 971 C. Kenmore Drive, Evansville, IN, 47714.  You are welcome to send more than one!  We’re looking forward to sharing all those wonderful family recipes and some quick and easy meals for all to enjoy.  We know there are some great cooks out there, so please share those recipes!

Everyone has someone that holds a special place in their heart. They are that person that has been there to comfort you, hold your hand, challenge you, laughed with you, showed you strength and so much more in your life time. You can recognize them by making a donation to the Tri-State MS Association. Starting in August and each month after, you can acknowledge those individuals in the newsletters, with your donation to the Tri-State MS Association. There is no set amount on the donation. Whatever amount you are able to donate is a gift and appreciated. This is a wonderful way to acknowledge those individuals in our lives that have in the past and presently are making a difference to us. Please include a note of who the donation is In Memory of or In Honor of.

In Memory of Susie Berman                                   In Memory of Carl Godeke
Mr. & Mrs. Sam Baker                                               P.I. Ramsey

In Memory of Nancy Daly                                      In Memory of Sherry Ruxer
Mr. & Mrs. Paul Hinderliter                                    M r. & Mrs. Don Mills

In Honor of Tri-State Multiple Sclerosis Association
Ruth Killian                                                     Betty Worthington
Virginia Dartt                                               Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Vanover          
Don Engbers                                                Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Summers
Mr. & Mrs. Gary Cola                                 Mr. & Mrs. Steven Early
Mr. & Mrs. Toby Kraft                                Mr. & Mrs. Clifford Gaskin
Toyota Motor Engineering                            Mr. & Mrs. Steve Sanner
Debbie Hebbeler

In Honor of Rex Scott – Mr. & Mrs. Paul Daniels

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!

JoAnna Sisk    David Parker    Margaret Kafel   Charlie Omer   Karen Goss     

Vivian Doyle    Julie Fischer    John Sherrill        Stacy Bell         Tresa Miller        Ray Farmer        

Katherine Simon    MaryBeth Davis      MaryAnn Howard     Connie Romain   

If you would like to have your birthday included in our newsletter, please send a handwritten note that includes your name, your date of birth, and your signed permission for us to print it in our newsletter. Our mailing address is 971 C. Kenmore Drive in Evansville, IN 47714. Flowers make a wonderful birthday surprise and we know a few people who are celebrating!

Stop in or call the office and we have the cards here and will help sign you up! Or you can pick up a Schnucks eScrip Customer Card at a Schnucks store and register on line at www.escrip.com/schnucks.jsp or by calling 1-800-931-6258.  Ask your family, co-workers and neighbors if they would mind helping us by signing up with an eScrip card to use at Schnucks.
We would be glad to come to your business and sign up your co-workers.  Give us a call!

PROGRAMS AND ASSISTANCE

Talking Books a National Free Program…The Talking Books Service of the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library is part of a nationwide network of cooperating libraries headed by the National Library Service, a division of the Library of Congress. It was established to provide library services to individuals that are unable to use standard print materials because of a visual or physical disability.

Books and Magazines…This free service provides its users with recorded books and magazines. By enrolling in the Talking Books Service you can enjoy bestsellers, romances, mysteries, westerns, science fiction…books on current events, history, religion, biographies…as well as poetry, humor and children’s books! You may also choose from more than seventy popular magazines, such as Good Housekeeping, People Weekly, Reader’s Digest, and Sports Illustrated.

Special Equipment…The special easy to use playback equipment required to play Talking Books is also provided at no charge.

Home Delivery…Reading materials and equipment are sent to borrowers and returned to the library by postage free mail. Or if you prefer, you can download your selections from the comfort of your home.

Service Area…From our library we serve residents in eleven Southern Indiana counties. They include: Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Knox, Martin, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh and Warrick. Residents of Indiana outside this area can obtain information from the Indiana State Library, Talking Book & Braille Library at the following toll free #: 1.800.622.4970. Kentucky & Illinois residents may contact the following numbers: Kentucky toll free: 1.800.372.2968 and Illinois toll free: 800.665.5576.

To Apply…To receive an application or for more information call the Talking Books Service at 812.428.8235 or Toll free 1.866.645.2536 or Email: tbs@evpl.org. Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM.

Free Tax Service offered at several locations throughout the Tri-State area! AARP’s Tax Aid Program is offered free at EVPL libraries, www.evpl.org or call 428-8200. Check with tri-state area libraries, colleges and churches, many are offering free tax services.

Free Yoga DVD from Mymsyoga.com

MSF and MSAA Free Coolant Products are now accepting applications for free cooling products! I know its cold outside but before you know it warmer weather will be here! So be prepared and apply for free coolant products now before it’s too hot! For MSF call 1-888-673-6287 or www. msfocus.org and for MSAA call 1-800-532-7667 or www. msassociation.org.

You can help provide support, care and hope…right here at home!

Remember the Tri-State Multiple Sclerosis Association in a Bequest When you and family members are developing estate plans, we hope that you will consider a gift to the Tri-State Multiple Sclerosis Association. Your attorney can offer several ways for you to create a legacy that will make a difference to individuals in the tri-state with MS.

We need your help! Sign up with eScrip and support the Tri-State MS Association! Stop in or call the office and we have the cards here and will help sign you up! Or you can pick up a Schnucks eScrip Customer Card at a Schnucks store and register on line at www.escrip.com/schnucks.jsp or by calling 1-800-931-6258. Ask your family, co-workers and neighbors if they would mind helping us by signing up with an eScrip card to use at Schnucks. We would be glad to come to your business and sign up your co workers. Give us a call!

Schnucks and Kraft have teamed up to help Tri - State Multiple Sclerosis Assoc Inc earn an EXTRA 3%! Use your Schnucks eScrip card and when you purchase select Kraft items, we can earn an extra 3% of the purchase price!

Gifts of Cash: Individual donors contribute the majority of cash donations to our association. An unrestricted gift for the greatest needs is a particular benefit, but gifts may be designated for specific purposes if desired by the donor. Donations can be made by mail to the Tri-State M.S. Association, 971 C. Kenmore Drive, Evansville, IN 47714

We need your help to Spread the Word about the Tri-State MS Association Do you belong to a Club, Rotary, Kiwanis, or Church that would be willing to have the Tri-State MS Association as a guest speaker? Would your company be interested in having us come talk about what we offer in the community? This would be a wonderful opportunity for them to get involved and start a team for the Autumn Walk! The Tri-State MS Association is proud of the many services we offer and that all money raised stays in the tri-state area serving individuals with MS and their families.

If you have a contact name or a suggestion, please give us a call 423-5943 or 1-866-514-4312 or e-mail director@tristate.ms.

Internet-based giving: Donations can be made through a paypal link on our website at www.tristate.ms Did you know that when you shop over the internet through our website (see the iGive icon on the homepage of our website), you support our association? Right now there is even a promotion that could allow us to win a bonus. Go window shop today at www.Surfathon.com and our cause can win!

Volunteerism: The Tri-State M.S. Association benefits greatly when you tell a friend about the many services provided by our association. Join us for programs and events and bring that friend with you. Also, let your employer know you support the Tri-State M.S. Association. Debbie Hebbeler is willing to meet with business owners, managers, or groups; please call her if you know someone who is interested in learning more about our association.

Thank you for your support of the Tri-State Multiple Sclerosis Association. We ask for your continued help with a tax deductible donation. Your generosity enables us to fulfill our mission to enhance the quality of life for individuals living with multiple sclerosis in Southern Indiana, Western Kentucky, and Southern Illinois. Mail to Tri-State MS Association, 971 C. Kenmore Drive, Evansville, IN 47714 or make on line through PayPal.

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Teleconference Schedules:
Did you know that you can dial into MS programs from your own home?  Simply call the toll free number in advance to pre-register and the host will provide instructions on dialing into the program.  Don't worry, when the program is underway, the phone lines are set up to block your voice and whatever is going on in the background at your house.  Just listen in and learn!
Also, most teleconferences are archived on the website so that you can view the program even after it is over.  Sometimes you can even print the transcripts.

Healthtalk: 1-800-522-3254 or www.healthtalk.com
This website offers teleconferences, blogs (topic-driven exchange), audio stories, and live programs on a number of medical conditions, including MS.

MS Active Source: 1-866-955-9999 or www.MSActiveSource.com
See website for "Living Well with MS" events
First Tuesday/Third Tuesday of month: Newly diagnosed teleconferences

Shared Solutions: 1-800-823-1880 or www.sharedsolutions.com

MSLifelines: 1-877-447-3243 or www.mslifelines.com / www.msinbalance.com

MS Pathways: 1-800-788-1467 or www.mspathways.com

MSF: 1-888-MSFOCUS or www.msfocus.org
Find M.S. forums, news briefs, live chats, and more on this website.

MS World: www.msworld.org
Look at this website for chats, e-mail groups, and other information.

Help is only a phone call away…The Tri-State MS Association!
423-5943 or toll-free 1-866-514-4312

We are blessed in this tri-state area to have a local association providing services to people living with M.S. and their family members. We want you to take advantage of those services and to help us spread the word to others living with or affected by this disease.

Some of the services we provide include:
• Seven local support groups
• M.S. Mentors-people living with M.S. who are willing to meet with or talk by phone with newly diagnosed individuals
• Educational programs
• Lending library
• Referrals to doctors, home care agencies, rehabilitation providers, vocational counselors, pharmaceutical companies, and more
• Social events-it is important to build relationships with other people who can truly understand what it means to live with M.S.
• Financial assistance
• Carepartner services and family programs

Susan Reynolds, nurse educator for the Tri-State M.S. Association, welcomes appointments at the office or she is glad to talk to you by phone. She can help address questions regarding M.S. medications, side effects, symptom management, or the disease in general. She can also advise you regarding obstacles you encounter because of M.S. She herself has been living with the disease for a number of years.

Offering support, care, and hope…right here at home! Call us today!