agm agm ---- june 15th, 2013 june 15th, 2013 ms canada /ms answers 8 walk fundraising report 9-10-11...

MS Society of Canada South Okanagan/Similkameen Chapter

pg 1 May 2013

Board of Directors

Roy Windeler President/Chair

Bill Hamblett Treasurer

Jo-Ann MacDonald

Secretary/Newsletter

Sherry Wezner

Community Services

Coordinator

Cyndi Ternovoy

Office Administrator/Fundraising Coordinator

Bertie Colgur General

Lori Harries General

Teresa Wiseman

General

OUR MISSION To be a leader in finding a cure for multiple sclerosis and

enabling people affected by MS to enhance their quality of life.

IN THIS ISSUE

1 AGM Information

2/3 Community Service Coordinator’s Notes

4 Laughter can boost immune system and much

more.

5 MS Updates

6 May Awareness Month

7 MS Canada /MS Answers

8 Walk Fundraising Report

9-10-11

Fundraisers and Walk Photos

12 Up Coming Events

The South Okanagan/

Similkameen Chapter acknowledges the financial

assistance of the Province of BC in producing our

newsletter.

South Okanagan Similkameen MS Chapter

3373 Skaha Lake Road Penticton, BC V2A 6G6

Telephone : +1 (250) 493-6564 Fax : +1 (250) 493-6584

SOUTH OKANAGAN/SIMILKAMEEN MS CHAPTER NEWSLETTER

SPRING/SUMMER

AGM AGM AGM AGM ---- June 15th, 2013 June 15th, 2013 June 15th, 2013 June 15th, 2013 TIME:

11am - 1pm

Lunch will be provided

LOCATION: The Hamlets at Penticton (Duncan Ave)

Guest Speaker: Pam Bartha

Author, Researcher ,Coach and Speaker

RSVP to: [email protected] or leave a message at 250-493-6564

Please RSVP by June 4th to ensure that adequate space and lunch items are provided.

We have confirmed that there will be three new board members standing for election at the AGM:

Franz Wagner Barbara McMath Lisa Schmuland.


pg 2 May 2013

Community Service Coordinator’s Notes Hello everyone!

I’ve had the opportunity to meet many of you over the past few months. For those I haven’t

yet met, I hope I will soon. Please don’t hesitate to call to chat or to set up a meeting. I work half-time for the South Okanagan/Similkameen Chapter and half time for the Okanagan

Chapter. I’m usually in Penticton the first Thursday of each month so that I can attend the Support Group Meeting, and then on Tuesdays for the rest of the month.

Please let me know if you have ideas for activities you would like to see happening- I would

love to hear from you! Feel free to leave a message at the Penticton office at 250-493-6564, as I check the messages frequently during the day. You can also reach me at the Kelowna

office at 250-762-5850 or e-mail me at [email protected]

Our monthly support group meetings take place from 10:30 to noon on the first Thursday of

the month. The meetings are open to those with MS, their family, friends and caregivers, and we get together to provide information and support. Please feel free to join us!

Enjoy our beautiful spring weather!

Sherry Wezner

Our AGM guest speaker, Pam Bartha, Pam was clinically diagnosed with MS at age 28, and

chose a non-prescription approach to therapy. Now more than 20 years later and still

symptom free, she coaches others on the life-changing principles of wellness. Pam is an

author, researcher, coach and speaker. She lives with her husband and family in Kelowna.

Pam holds a Bachelor of Science degree and is a certified high school math and science

teacher. For more information about Pam, you can check out her website at

www.becomeawellnesschampion.com.

Hockey Tickets

A big thank you to the Penticton Vees for their donation of free tickets! It is greatly appreciated!


pg 3 May 2013

Exercise and Exercise Equipment Programs

In addition to being essential to general health and well-being, exercise is

helpful in managing many MS symptoms. The chapter provides financial

support to purchase exercise equipment or take part in exercise programs.

For more information, please call Sherry at 250-493-6564.

Funding for Air Conditioners

The Equipment Provision Program will provide limited assistance with funding towards air conditioners this year. (50% of the cost will be reimbursed to a maximum of $200).

They will accept applications and place them in the order in which they arrive. You’re encouraged to apply for assistance prior to making a purchase in order to

ensure you qualify and are not disappointed should funding run out.

For more information, please contact Sherry at 250-493-6564 or e-mail [email protected]

Community Service Coordinator’s Notes cont’

Caregiver Support Groups There are two Caregiver Support Groups in Penticton, who get together to share

information and offer each other emotional support and practical information based on

experience.

Meetings are as follows: 1st and third Tuesday of each month 9:30

a.m-11:30 a.m. Trinity Care Centre- 75 Green Ave

2nd and 4th Thursday of each month 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Penticton Health Centre For more information, call 250-770-3486

There isn’t a Caregiver Support Group in

Princeton at this time, but one to one

support is available from the Social Worker

at the Princeton Hospital at 250-295-4464.

OLIVER/OSOYOOS A Self help/Support Group meets in Oliver the

2nd Thursday of every month from 10:00am until 12:00noon at the Search and Rescue

Building. For more information contact Ron at 250-498-4372.

A yoga group, specifically for people with MS, meets every Friday at 10:30am at the Health

Unit in Osoyoos. For more information on this program contact

Ron at 250-498-4372. Contact Sherry at 250-493-6564 for

information on the exercise subsidy available

for this program. Aquasize, specifically for people with MS takes

place in Osoyoos every Wednesday morning at 9:00am. For more information about

Aquasize contact Cathy at 250-495-6866. Contact Sherry at 250-493-6564 for

information on the exercise subsidy available for this program.

The Walking and Rolling Group is now meeting at 9am on Thurs. at Skaha Beach West until

September. The time and day will be reviewed at that date.

Have a great summer!


pg 4 May 2013 Laughing is Good for You By Rob Mansfield ‘Laughter is the best medicine’: we’re always being told that, but there’s actually more to

a good giggle than just raising our spirits for a couple of minutes. Research shows that while children laugh up to 400 times a day, adults do it only 17 times a day, on average. In fact, laughter therapy is a big deal and can improve your health in lots of different ways. Just check out these 10 benefits of chuckling…

Laughter boosts your immune. System Researchers have found that laughter actually boosts the

immune system, increasing the number of antibody-producing T cells. This then makes us less likely to

get coughs and colds. It also lowers the levels of at least four hormones that are associated with stress,

so after a good giggle you should be far less tense and anxious.

Laughter relieves pain.

A good chortle has been found to reduce pain. Not only does it distract you from aches, but it releases

“feel good” endorphins into your system that are more powerful than the same amount of morphine.

Laughter improves your social life.

If you can make people laugh, then you’re likely to have more friends, because everyone loves a joker.

You’re also likely to achieve more at work: if you have a good sense of humour you’ll be more

productive, a better communicator and team player. In fact, most things we laugh at aren’t necessarily

actual jokes, but comments in everyday conversation. Laughter is as much about social relationships as

it is about humour.

Laughter helps relieve depression.

Laughter has long been known to help people who are suffering from the either SAD or full-blown

depression. Laughing reduces tension and stress, and lowers anxiety and irritation, which are all major

factors that contribute to the blues.

Laughter boosts your relationship.

If you’re looking to find a new partner, then laughter will help you find a new mate. Men love women

who laugh in their presence and women actually laugh 125% more than men. And if you’re already with

someone, then a shared sense of humour is an important factor in keeping your relationship running

smoothly.

Laughter gives you a mini-work-out

We’re probably all used, or at least heard, the phrase ‘my sides ache’ after laughing too much. Well, it’s

no surprise. A good belly laugh exercises the diaphragm, contracts your abdominal muscles and also

works your shoulders. This will make you feel a lot more relaxed. In fact, laughing 100 times is the

equivalent to 10 minutes on the rowing machine or 15 minutes on an exercise bike!

Laughter protects your heart.

According to a study by heart specialists at the University of Maryland, people with heart disease were

40% less likely to laugh in a variety of situation compared to people of the same age without heart

disease. Laughter has been found to benefit the way blood flows around the body, reducing the likelihood

of heart disease. The research said that 15 minutes of laughter a day is as important to your heart as 30

minutes of exercise 3 times a week!

Laughter lowers your blood pressure.

People who laugh a lot on a regular basis have lower blood pressure than the average person. When

people have a good laugh, the blood pressure increases at first, but then it decreases to levels below

normal. Breathing then becomes deeper and this helps to send oxygen-rich blood and nutrients

throughout your body.

Laughter improves your breathing.

Laughter empties your lungs of more air than it takes in resulting in a cleansing effect- similar to deep

breathing. This is especially helpful for people who are suffering from respiratory ailments, such as

asthma.

Laughter helps you lose weight

Burning off calories by laughing might not sound as it has much use, but a hearty chuckle raises the

heart rate and speeds up the metabolism. If you’re dieting, think about adding laughter to your exercise

regime. A good sitcom might easily keep you laughing for 20 minutes or more.

Article Submitted by Sherry Wezner


pg 5 May 2013

MS Update April 9, 2013 Health Canada has approved TECFIDERATM

delayed-release capsules (dimethyl fumarate, Biogen Idec – formerly BG-12)

as a first-line oral therapy for adults with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

(RRMS).

“The approval of Tecfidera by Health Canada is a significant advancement for

people living with multiple sclerosis and adds to a growing number of disease-

modifying therapies for those with the relapsing form of MS," said Dr. Paul

O’Connor, national clinical and scientific advisor for the MS Society of Canada and

director of the Multiple Sclerosis Clinic at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto. “And

over time, we will learn more about the benefits and safety of Tecfidera.”

“We welcome the approval of an additional treatment option for people living with

relapsing forms of MS,” said Sylvia

Leonard, president, Ontario and Nunavut Division and national vice-president,

programs and services of the MS Society of Canada. “As with any new therapy, we

recommend that people with MS contact their physician to find out more

information.” To learn more about BG-12 go to http://bit.ly/11q5rXJ

Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) joins two

other oral MS drugs. Aubagio (teriflunomide) was approved in 2012, and

Gilenya (fingolimod) was approved in 2010.

Tecfidera is not yet available in Canadian

pharmacies however the MS Society of Canada will share this information as it

becomes available

Support secure jobs and

income for people with MS! People living with MS need better support to manage with the day-to-day hardships they face. Make this the day in

May when you take action to improve the lives of Canadians living with MS. Ask your Member of Parliament to support better job and income security for people with MS and their families.

People affected by MS struggle to keep working and pay their bills during periods of illness. The MS Society is pressing Members of Parliament to support key changes to federal programs to improve their job and income security:

Make Employment Insurance sickness benefits more flexible so people with MS can get support when they need it and return to work gradually or work part-

time. Allow people with MS and other disabilities to draw

EI sickness benefits gradually over an extended period, as needed during times of illness

Permit people with MS and other disabilities to work part-time and receive partial benefits

Reduce the clawback of EI benefits for people with

MS and other disabilities as they ease back to work. Currently once an employee is working again 100% of the wages they earn are deducted from their EI benefits. Reducing the

deduction to 50% would ease their return to work and provide an incentive to stay in the workforce.

Make it easier for people with MS to qualify for

disability credits and benefits. Changing the eligibility criteria to include episodic

illnesses would ensure that people with MS are

not excluded because their health condition varies over time.

Make tax credits refundable to improve income support for caregivers.

Refundable credits are paid directly to people who qualify. Making existing and future tax credits fully refundable for low income Canadians

would put valuable income in the hands of caregivers in need. This could include the Caregiver Tax Credit, Family Caregiver Tax Credit, and Disability Tax Credit.

http://mssociety.ca/en/involved/advocacy/gra_ms-employment-income.html

Take action to support secure jobs and income for

people with MS!

You can make a difference

Click here http://e-activist.com/ea-action/action?

ea.client.id=41&ea.campaign.id=20208


pg 6 May 2013

On May 7, Acting Mayor Garry Litke proclaimed May as MS Awareness Month, and presented the proclamation to members of

the South Okanagan & Similkameen Chapter of the MS Society of Canada. Pictured left to right Community Services Coordinator Sherry Wezner, Lisa Schmuland, Lorne Schmuland and acting Mayor Garry Litke.

Many thanks to the City of Penticton for their continued support!

May is MS Awareness Month

About World MS Day

World MS Day (WMSD) has been established by the Multiple

Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF) and its member MS societies for any individual, group or organisation to work

together to raise awareness of MS.

World MS Day is the only global awareness raising campaign for MS. Every year, the MS movement comes together to provide the public with information about MS and to

raise awareness of how it affects the lives of more than two million people around the world.

Since its inception in 2009, World MS Day has grown from strength to strength, reaching hundreds of thousands of people in more than 67 countries worldwide and

continuing to grow every year. Last year saw the success of the ‘1000 Faces of MS' campaign with extremely positive results. http://1000faces.worldmsday.org/1000-

faces/1000-faces/wall/

http://www.worldmsday.org/wordpress/supporters/ May is MS Awareness Month

Watch this neat video

http://youtu.be/Naecv3h868c


pg 7 May 2013

One of the best ways to keep up-to-date about advances in MS research, treatments and MS Society services and programs is to receive the quarterly publication MS Canada. Members receive MS Canada as well as MS Society division and chapter newsletters. These publications are just some of the benefits of becoming a

member of the MS Society of Canada.

To view this publication click on the publication or on the

link below

http://mssociety.ca/en/information/msnewsletter.htm

To get more information about becoming a member

contact the office at 250-4926465

Q : During my clinic interview there was a suggestion that at my age of 60 that my symptoms may stabilize. Is there additional information to support age related stabilization of MS symptoms?

A : Most of the immune response in MS occurs early in the disease course. This is demonstrated by the findings that most of the gadolinium-enhanced lesions occur early in MS and that the relapse rate slows over the natural history of the disease. Gadolinium on MRI essentially shows active inflammation. The number of gad lesions decreases with age, suggesting much less inflammation. Additionally the number of new lesions also gets fewer with age (usually in the 50s) as does the number of new clinical attacks or relapses. These findings suggest that the later stages of MS are typically less inflammatory and more degenerative. However, this is the general rule and individuals show varying patterns. This should not mean however the symptoms necessarily stabilize. The inflammatory component and relapse rate goes does, but now aging comes into play. The nerves that have been partly demyelinated and damaged sometimes can now undergo degeneration. This can lead to progression. This is a gradual worsening of pre-existing deficits. Many people see this occurring 15-20 years after onset of their MS. Not everyone experiences progression. Quite often if you are in your 60s and have been stable for a number of years…

then you may have weathered this storm already!

Disclaimer

The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada is an independent, voluntary health agency and does not

approve, endorse or recommend any specific product or therapy, but provides information to assist

individuals in making their own decisions.


pg 8 May 2013

Hello Members! Thank you to all members who participated and fundraised for the 2013 Scotiabank MS Walk in Penticton. Great work!! I am very proud of the money we raised on that beautiful sun shining Sunday, May 5th!!

Now that event day is officially behind me, I will be wrapping up all Walk details, focusing on grant applications and the A&W Cruisin' for a Cause Day in August. Wishing you a most warm and relaxing Summer here in the South Okanagan where we are certainly blessed with amazing weather and gorgeous surroundings! I hope to see you around town! Health and happiness to everyone! Cyndi Ternovoy

A special thank you to Dennis Walker, SoCountry Radio, for emceeing for us

again this year!!!

The 2013 Scotiabank MS Walk Penticton would not be possible without the tireless hard work and dedication of our volunteers! THANK YOU!!!!

THANK YOU!!!! TO OUR LOCAL SPONSORS:

TOP FUNDRAISING TEAMS 1. Dos Villas - $4,040.00

2. Movers and Shakers - $3,802.00 3. Team MacDonald - $3,777.00

TOP INDIVIDUAL FUNDRAISERS 1. Gloria Vermeulen - $14, 822.81

2. Bertie Colgur - $1, 786.70 3. Sherry McFadden - $1,710.00

THE 2013 SCOTIABANK MS WALK PENTICTON TOTAL FUNDS RAISED: $48,100 and STILL COUNTING!!

Fundraising Coordinators’ Message


pg 9 May 2013

2013 Scotiabank MS WALK Team Fundraising Photos

Buy-Low Foods BBQ

Movers and Shakers

Crop for the Walk

Nester’s Market Bertie’s BBQ

Movers and Shakers

Garage Sale


pg 10 May 2013

What is Cruisin’ for a Cause Day?

Cruisin’ for a Cause Day unites A&W’s Canadian Cruisin’

history and delicious burgers with the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada’s goal to find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis, an ailment

that affects Canadians at a significantly higher rate than average. Our goal on Cruisin’ for a Cause Day is to raise the most funds we can to help End

MS in Canada and worldwide.

In 2012, Cruisin’ for a Cause raised over $1.3 million for the MS Society of

Canada, making it the largest single fundraising event in support of Ending MS in Canada. Our next Cruisin’ for a Cause will be bigger and better.

You can find contests, prizes, music, dunk tanks, root beer chugging, and

beautiful classic cars at almost every restaurant in the country on Cruisin'

for a Cause Day. You might even spot The Great A&W Root Bear! Come out to an A&W near you on August 22nd to join in on our festivities, and help us end an illness that affects so many Canadians every day.

See you there!

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