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In this issue...

Happy New Year and welcome to the first issue of Vitality for 2020!

Our gym and hydrotherapy programs are back up and running next week for our regular participants. If you are looking for something new to help you meet your New Year health goals, contact MS Assist to join our weekly classes.

We've got some exciting new workshops coming up and we need your help to plan our service calendar for 2020. Also, less than a month to go until the MS Mighty Swim and Robyn shares her travel tips.

Help us plan our 2020 service calendar

We run a range of programs and workshops across the year to give people with MS the tools they need to live well. No one knows your MS better than you and that’s why we want to hear from you about what you’d like to see on our 2020 service calendar. Tell us:

what topics you want to learn more about
where you would like us to hold upcoming sessions.

Travelling with MS

Robyn shares her travel tips based on her own experiences travelling with MS. "If you love the excitement of travelling to new places or re-visiting old favourites, living with MS can put a serious dampener on the idea. It’s too difficult, maybe even dangerous. But it doesn’t have to be. I decided to plan my own trip and go it alone. And I’ve had the best time!"

Elaine's employment story

Elaine loves her job working at a high school but as her MS symptoms have progressed over the years, working has become more uncomfortable. She reached out to Multiple Solutions for help. They helped her negotiate her working hours and access special equipment like a scooter, special chairs and handrails in the bathroom.

Are you in a current bushfire area?

During the current bushfire emergency, we are aware that quite a few people in the MS community have been seeking advice and assistance regarding access to their MS medications. Don't be anxious about a short break in your MS medication. Contact your GP, neurologist or MS nurse for advice about what to do if you can't access your MS medication.

Any NDIS participant who needs assistance with their disability supports due to the bushfire situation is encouraged to contact 1800 800 110 to discuss their circumstances.

Learn more

MS Mighty Swim, 8 & 9 February

Less than one month to go until the MS Mighty Swim! So far our amazing fundraisers have already raised over $20,000! You still have time to register to swim in Team MS, or one of our other amazing teams. If swimming isn't for you, there are plenty of other activities to join in on across the weekend or make a donation to sponsor a swimmer today.

Wear lightweight, loose clothing (light colours can also help) and hats.
Spray your face and wrists with water.
Have regular cold drinks or suck an ice cube, icy pole or frozen fruit chunks.
Try cooling aids such as cooling collars, wrist bands and vests.
Avoid direct hot sun, and park under cover or use a windscreen shield.

Disability Royal Commission

The Disability Royal Commission is ongoing and is still accepting submissions from the public. The Blue Knot Foundation is offering free counselling support for people with disability, their families and carers, and anyone affected by the Disability Royal Commission.

NEW Peer Mentoring Program - Port Lincoln and Port Pirie

When: February/March

A new peer mentoring training program is being introduced to regional areas. Peer mentors will be equipped with the skills they need to act as a direct support to people newly diagnosed or living with MS in their area. Limited spots are available in Port Lincoln and Port Pirie.

Wellness Series

When: March
Where: MS Society Head Office

Do you want to know what you can do to live well with MS? Join us for expert advice on diet, fitness, stress management and fatigue management. Register your interest to attend the Wellness Series in Hillcrest or a location near you.

Sleep Workshop

Let us know if you are interested in joining us for four group workshops to learn how sleep works, the impacts of MS on sleep, and practical ways to improve your quality of sleep.

To find out more, or to secure your spot in any of our education sessions please contact MS Assist on 1800 812 311 or at msassist@ms.asn.au.