MSSANT Network Magazine Winter 16

network
The Official Magazine of the MS Society of SA & NT | ms.asn.au
Winter 2016
NDIS Updates
Protect yourself against the flu
Information Sessions 2016
World MS Day

Inside | Winter 2016
Letter from the Editor
Libby Cassidy
The Multiple Sclerosis
Society of SA & NT (Inc.)
Telephone (08) 7002 6500
Fax (08) 7002 6599
MS Assist Freecall 1800 812 311
msassist@ms.asn.au
Client Services
Directory
GENERAL MANAGER – CLIENT SERVICES
Sue Shapland (08) 9365 4840
HEAD OFFICE – FROM 28 JUNE
341 North East Road
Hillcrest (08) 7002 6500
MULTIPLE SOLUTIONS
BRIGHTON
7a Sturt Road (08) 8198 1400
CHRISTIES BEACH
Unit J/111 Beach Road (08) 8392 0100
ENFIELD
273 Main North Road (08) 8360 0800
MODBURY
31 Smart Road (08) 8203 6600
MORPHETT VALE
Shop 3/204
Main South Road (08) 8187 2100
SALISBURY
6-8 John Street (08) 8256 3700
TORRENSVILLE
130 Henley Beach Road (08) 8164 1550
WOODVILLE
51 Woodville Road (08) 8345 8700
Please direct all enquiries to
MS Assist on 1800 812 311
or email msassist@ms.asn.au
Contact Us
If you would like to comment
on anything you read in this
Network please email
feedback@ms.asn.au
or write to
MS SA & NT, PO Box 377,
Salisbury South DC SA 5106
The Network can also be viewed at
ms.asn.au
The Editor welcomes unsolicited submissions.
All articles are subject to a reviewing process.
The views expressed are those of the Authors
and do not necessarily reflect the view of the
Society’s staff, advisors, Directors or officers.
Letter from the Editor 3
From the desk of the CEO 4
A message from the General Manager – Client Services 5
Round-up of research and other items of interest 6-9
NDIS Updates 10
Protect yourself against the flu 11
Swallowing: Everyone’s doing it. But no one is talking about it! 12
Calcium, Vitamin D and MS 13
Reducing the risk of falls 14
Workplace Solutions 15
MS is a family matter – an article on family resilience 16-17
Insuring your Mobility Scooter 18
Equipment Matters 19
Peer Support 20-21
Information Sessions 2016 22-23
That’s life with Narelle 24
The law of infinite potentiality 25
Naracoorte Auxiliary not slowing down 26
Outreach news 26
World MS Day 27
MS Game Changer Lottery 27
NURSING
Our nursing team is usually the first point of contact, after the neurologist, for anyone
diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. We’re committed to providing holistic support so you have
a greater understanding of what to expect from your condition.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Occupational therapists work with Clients referred through the Disability and Community
Services Program, providing assessments and recommendations for aids and equipment.
SOCIAL WELFARE
Our welfare officer is here to provide information about entitlements,
how to access community services, advocacy and other essential supports.
PEER SUPPORT
Peer support groups help people living with multiple sclerosis provide support for each
other and share their experiences. There are several groups meeting across the state.
They provide a safe place for the sharing of information and helping each other.
Welcome to our Winter 2016 edition of Network!
I am amazed at how quickly the time has passed since
I joined MSSANT as Brand & Communications Manager,
and your Network Editor, but this edition is my fourth and
sees me approaching my one-year anniversary in the
role. It is a privilege to get to know all of you and further
understand the world of multiple sclerosis, thank you for
having me on board.
It is a very exciting time to be part of MSSANT, and with
each edition of Network it is so pleasing to read about the
positive and important growth that the MS Society is taking.
The future of the Society is certainly very bright indeed.
This month, the Head Office team excitedly prepares for our
move to new premises. This move represents more than just
a new office. It will see our Client Services Team being able
to provide healthcare services for people with MS from a
new central location in Hillcrest. It will see the return of our
‘head office’ being Client facing and having that important
day to day interaction with all of you. There are plans in
place to provide physiotherapy, group programs, host
education sessions and offer a ‘drop in’ space for Clients
who just need to pay us a visit from time to time. Whilst this
is clearly of great value for our Clients, it is very important
for us, and the staff are very excited with these plans.
Tune in to our next edition to see how the move went and
get more details on the roll out of these services.
Meanwhile we have assembled a fantastic edition of
Network for your reading pleasure! There are some very
useful articles from Sandra Wallace, Occupational Therapist,
focussing on equipment, what to do to insure it and take
care of it.
11 May saw the first Swallowing Awareness Day in Australia,
shedding light on what is an often overlooked issue that
can be frightening, or even life threatening. Read Jamaica
Grantis’s summary of the day, and the issues surrounding
swallowing disorders, on page 12.
A special thanks this edition goes to Mary-Anne Edge, who
has yet again put together a fantastic range of Information
Sessions for you over the next quarter. A lot of time and
effort goes into planning these sessions, and we get a
lot of feedback about how much our Clients value them –
so thank you Mary-Anne! They are part of our endeavours
to provide a support network to you along with our Peer
Support Groups.
If you have any ideas for sessions or need more
information, call MS Assist on 1800 812 311 or
email us at feedback@ms.asn.au
As always, I invite you to send your feedback
or your story ideas to feedback@ms.asn.au; I would
love to hear from you. Stay safe and warm this
Winter and I look forward to bringing you our next
edition of Network.
Do you want to receive the Network
online? Want monthly information
updates?
Register your email address today to start receiving our
monthly e-newsletter and the Network magazine online.
Just email feedback@ms.asn.au or call 08 7002 6500 and let
us know your current email address.
2 Winter 2016 The MS Society of South Australia & Northern Territory The MS Society of South Australia & Northern Territory Winter 2016 3

From the desk of the CEO
Marcus Stafford
A message from the General Manager
– Client Services – Sue Shapland
We have had an incredibly pleasing twelve months and
just recently, we have run our first ever MS Game Changer
Lottery. This was a brand new fundraising initiative for
MSSANT. The Lottery has exceeded our expectations as a
way of raising awareness of multiple sclerosis across the
wider community and raising vital funds for the work we do
for our Clients.
I congratulate all the team who were responsible for putting
the Lottery together.
This initiative is just one of the factors that has resulted
in us being able to secure a stable and bright future for
the Society.
Our financial performance is now strong, with a return to a
positive net asset position after five tricky years. I’m looking
forward to formally reporting the results at the end of the
financial year, but in anticipation I would like to congratulate
the broader team of staff, volunteers and people with MS.
We have come together as a united team and delivered
something that we can tell our grandchildren about!
Although the financial numbers are important, because they
strike at the heart of the Society’s sustainability, it’s what we
do with the dollars that matters most.
For the first time in a while, we will be making a healthy
financial contribution to both MS Australia and to MS
research in June.
We have also increased both the number and geographical
spread of our allied healthcare services and we will continue
to do so.
Although we cannot allow complacency to soften our
ongoing determination to improve, it was particularly
gratifying to review the results of the Client survey,
completed by over 650 people with MS. They were the best
results in our history with 93% of respondents expressing
satisfaction with the services that we are providing and 99%
expressing satisfaction with the level of care and respect
offered by our staff.
Looking ahead to our plans for the rest of 2016, the MS
Society will be opening a new facility in Hillcrest and we
expect to be well established by July. The new location will
provide many benefits including; a much bigger footprint
with room for expansion, a higher profile on a main
thoroughfare and most importantly, a facility for people with
MS to access allied healthcare services.
So, it’s time! The organisation is now on solid foundations
and although I have loved working as your CEO, the right
thing is to return the Society to local management. This is a
very positive moment in our history.
Therefore, we have commenced the process to recruit a new
Chief Executive Officer. The successful candidate will report
directly to me initially as we work through a hand-over
period and will then report directly to the South Australian
Board, as I do now. At this stage, I envisage this transitional
process to be concluded by the end of December.
I am extremely proud of our team, who have achieved great
things in a relatively short period of time. Thank you and
well done.
I am also very grateful to people with MS and to our
volunteers whose encouragement and support has kept
me going, during the more difficult times, two years ago.
The consequence of losing our Society and the critical
representation of people with MS in South Australia and
the Northern Territory was too unfortunate for us
to contemplate.
I now sleep in my bed at night and say with confidence,
“Onwards and ever upwards.”
“All great changes are preceded by chaos”
Deepak Chopra
One such hugely significant change is the National Disability
Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Launched a year earlier than
expected, initially the scheme was still undergoing further
design whilst the trial sites had begun in several of the
Eastern States. Most of us remember the cartoon depicting
the “NDIS plane” flying with “mechanics” busily working
on the outside, referring to some of the organised chaos
that heralded the start. Not quite chaos but not the best
start to what will be the most significant social change
since Medicare.
In South Australia the NDIS trials started in 2013 with
children and by age group across the state. Recently
announcements were made regarding the full roll out which
will be progressive across the state over the next two years.
Adults will become eligible to register from July 1 2017. The
MSSANT staff are learning more about the scheme in SA
and how we can assist people with MS to understand the
opportunities that will be available for them and how we can
help. We will be providing information, updates and forums
to help everyone understand the NDIS and take up the
opportunities as their region rolls into the scheme.
Our small but busy Client Services Team have been active
in organising various educational forums this year as well
as planning and executing regional trips. This gives us the
opportunity to engage with a broader group of our Clientship
and provide updates and information resources whilst
connecting with local health providers.
The Peer Support Groups continue to go well and I am very
impressed with the way they are sustained by volunteers
whom I would like to thank. These groups provide a great
support network where people can mingle with others who
really know how they feel.
Our Client Services Team is very excited as we prepare for
the re-location to a more central premises in June. This
new premises will provide us with a great hub which brings
together the team and offers us space to conduct some
group work and hands on supports. We will include a photo
in the next Network; I think this is a very positive move for
our Clients and our staff.
The staff are busy planning some new programs. The
occupational therapists will be receiving training so they
can hold fatigue self-management groups which have been
demonstrated to have positive effects in helping manage
this most troublesome symptom.
MS Awareness Week saw us host the MSRA Research
Roadshow at the Adelaide Oval. This was well attended
and gave everyone the opportunity to hear from local
researchers about just some of the wonderful research that
is conducted here in Australia.
The great thing about working in the MS world is all the
positive changes that have occurred over the years from
improved diagnosis to greater understanding of the impact
of MS and of course the treatments which have evolved over
the past 20 years. Research continues to provide hope; of
better treatments, better outcomes and ultimately we hope
a cure.
If you would like to make contact with any of the
Client Services Team for advice or information please
don’t hesitate to give Amy a call on the MS Assist line
1800 812 311 and she will help you with your enquiry.
Head Office
We are excited to announce our new head office location.
From 28 June MSSANT will be located in Hillcrest.
341 NORTH EAST ROAD, HILLCREST 1800 812 311
4 Winter 2016 The MS Society of South Australia & Northern Territory The MS Society of South Australia & Northern Territory Winter 2016 5

Round-up of research
and other items of interest
Sue Shapland RN, BN
Can quitting smoking after MS diagnosis
improve outcomes?
According to a Swedish study,
conducted in September
2015, it does appear that
modifying this risk factor,
by quitting smoking after
diagnosis, is worthwhile.
In fact, this study may
be the first evidence that
quitting smoking may slow
progression to secondary
progressive MS (SPMS).
The study included 728 people with MS, in the Genes
and Environment in MS study in Sweden, who smoked at
diagnosis. 332 of these, called continuers, continued to
smoke at least one cigarette per day after diagnosis.
118 were people who had stopped smoking within
one year of diagnosis. 278 people were not included in
the final evaluation because they were classed as
intermittent smokers.
Findings
216 people converted to SPMS during the study time.
The time to conversion to SPMS, increased by 4.7%, for
each year people continued to smoke following diagnosis.
Continuers reached SPMS faster (median age 48), compared
to quitters (median age 56).
Comment
This adds to already existing evidence, that smoking can
speed up MS progression. Quitting can delay the conversion
from RRMS to SPMS.
Reference: Ramanuyan. R., Hillert, J., et al. 2015.
Effect of Smoking Cessation on Multiple Sclerosis Prognosis.
JAMA Neurol September 2015 1-7. Epub.
Australian discovery of MOG antibody marker as
determinant of treatment in children with MS
Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) is a structural
protein that makes up part of the insulating layer (myelin)
around neurons (nerve cells). An antibody which attacks
MOG (MOG antibody) can occur, which contributes to
demyelination in MS and other demyelinating conditions.
MS Research Australia funded
research in 2015, looking at
MS-like immune conditions in
children. The study carried out
by Dr Fabienne Brilot-Turville
and Professor Russell Dale
from the children’s hospital
at Westmead, resulted in
identification of this antibody in
the blood. They then tested
these groups of children:
• Ten children who tested positive for the MOG antibody
• Nine children who tested negative for the MOG antibody
• A group of children who did not have a demyelinating
condition.
Over the course of time, they found that the MOG antibody
positive group had more relapses, more disease progression
and changes on MRI than those negative to the antibody.
This is valuable information because it implies that if earlier
discovery of more aggressive disease progression can be
determined, then choices of treatment can be tailored to the
severity so that more aggressive treatments can be used
in order to suppress the inflammatory processes within the
immune system and slow disease progression.
Reference: Brilot_Turville. A., & Dale, R. 2015 Australian
researchers find marker for disease severity in an
MS-related childhood disease.
From the UK MS Trust Website
Drugs in development:
Anti-LINGO – an experimental
drug, given as an infusion
or subcutaneous injection
every two to four weeks,
to promote remyelination of
nerve cells. It is thought to
promote the development of
oligodendrocytes, the cells which
maintain the myelin coating
around nerves.
A protein called LINGO-1, occurring only in the central
nervous system, prevents the development of young cells
into oligodendrocytes. Oligodendrocytes are the myelinating
cells of the central nervous system (CNS).
Anti-LINGO-1 has been found to block the action of LINGO-1,
allowing young cells to mature into oligodendrocytes. This
may restore repair of damaged myelin, offering the potential
for preventing or possibly reversing disability.
In a phase II study of people diagnosed with optic neuritis,
anti-LINGO-1 treatment resulted in a small but significant
improvement in transmission of nerve impulses via the
optic nerve.
No significant side effects have been seen in early
clinical studies.
An additional phase II study is under way, with 419
participants with RRMS or SPMS taking Avonex (interferon
beta 1a) once a week in combination with different doses of
anti-LINGO-1 or placebo by intravenous infusion every four
weeks. This study is due for completion in June 2016.
Ocrelizumab is an experimental drug being tested as a
treatment for RRMS and PPMS; taken as an intravenous
infusion every six months.
Ocrelizumab is a monoclonal antibody, a type of drug
developed to attack specific targets in the immune system.
• In RRMS, ocrelizumab reduced relapse rates by
approximately 50% compared to beta interferon
• In PPMS, ocrelizumab reduced 12-week disability
progression by 24% compared to placebo
BIOTIN (MD1003) is in phase III trials. A highly concentrated
formulation of biotin is under investigation for SPMS and
PPMS; it is taken as a capsule, three times a day.
Also known as vitamin H or coenzyme R, biotin is one of
the B-group vitamins (vitamin B7). It is necessary for cell
growth, the production of fatty acids, and the metabolism
of fats and amino acids, the building blocks of proteins.
At the cellular level, it activates enzymes involved in energy
production and synthesis of myelin.
MD1003 is a highly-concentrated formulation of biotin.
The doses being used in clinical trials correspond to
10,000 times the recommended daily intake of biotin.
A small pilot study has provided initial evidence that high
doses of biotin might have an impact on disability and
progression. A phase III clinical trial showed some evidence
of a small improvement in disability.
Preliminary results of a phase III study were reported at a
scientific meeting. Investigators recruited 144 people with
SPMS or PPMS who were having increasing difficulty with
walking and leg weakness.
No significant side effects have been reported so far.
The effect of rhythmic-cued
motor imagery on walking,
fatigue and quality of life in
people with multiple sclerosis:
A randomised controlled trial
Motor imagery (MI) is a technique
where somebody thinks about
moving their body in a certain
way without actually moving; a technique commonly
used by athletes to rehearse movements and skills to
improve performance.
This study investigated the use of MI in people with MS,
combined with music with a strong beat or metronome,
to see if walking could be improved. 101 participants,
in three test groups received MI training session CDs and
were told to practice for 17 minutes a day, six days a week
for four weeks.
continued overleaf
6 Winter 2016 The MS Society of South Australia & Northern Territory The MS Society of South Australia & Northern Territory Winter 2016 7

MS Research Roundup continued
When compared to participants in the control group those in
the MI groups could walk significantly faster and further, as
well as reporting improved fatigue and quality of life.
The study demonstrates that using mental imagery
and practice to a beat could be a safe and effective way
of managing and improving walking difficulties in people
with MS.
Findings:
Rhythmic-cued motor imagery improves walking, fatigue
and quality of life (QoL) in people with MS, with music-cued
motor imagery being more effective.
Seebacher B 1 , Kuisma R 2 , Glynn A 2 , Berger T 3 .
Taste dysfunction in multiple sclerosis
Problems with taste and smell
are thought to be extremely
rare symptoms in MS.
As they are interconnected
it can be difficult to study
them individually.
In this study researchers
investigated taste in people
with MS to try and determine
how common and severe problems are, if MS only affected
particular types of taste and if problems with taste could be
matched with the locations of brain lesions.
73 people with MS were matched, for age, gender ethnicity
and education level, with 73 controls. Testing included
sweet, salty, bitter and sour elements with participants
asked to identify the taste and how strong it was.
Findings
This study demonstrated that more people with MS could
have problems with taste than previously thought.
Of the participants with MS, 15% had difficulty identifying
the bitter taste, 22% the sour taste, 25% the sweet taste
and 32% the salty taste. Those participants who had more
trouble identifying tastes also had a larger volume of lesions
as seen on MRI brain scans.
The authors highlighted the importance of being able to
taste. If you can’t taste food properly you could potentially
eat something unsafe and you may not enjoy your food if
it doesn’t taste ‘right’. This could potentially lead to people
cutting out certain foods which could lead to malnutrition,
a common condition that occurs when the diet does not
contain the right amount or balance of nutrients for health.
Doty RL, Tourbier IA, Pham DLet al.
Journal of MS Care
An Exploratory Investigation of Social Stigma and
Concealment in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
The researchers conducted a
preliminary investigation into
dimensions of stigma and their
relation to disease concealment
in a sample of American adults
living with multiple sclerosis.
Fifty-three adults with MS,
aged 23-71 years, completed
an online survey assessing
anticipated, internalised, and isolation
stigma, as well as concealment.
The researchers identified that as MS symptoms may not
be visible to others, particularly early in RRMS, people may
try to conceal their disease. Concealment may prevent
discrimination but can also be stressful, with negative
consequences for physical health and disease progression.
Concealment can also undermine opportunities for social
support and increase depressive symptoms.
Findings
Many adults living with MS may be concerned they will
be the target of social stigma because of their condition.
These concerns are associated with disease concealment.
More research is needed to investigate how MS stigma and
concealment may be independent contributors to health in
patients with MS.
Cook JE 1 , Germano AL 1 , Stadler G 1
Associations Between Fatigue and Disability, Functional
Mobility, Depression, and Quality of Life in People with
Multiple Sclerosis
Fatigue is a common symptom in people with MS, but its
associations with disability, functional mobility, depression,
and QoL remain unclear. This group aimed to determine
the associations between different levels of fatigue and
disability, functional mobility, depression, and physical and
mental QoL in people with MS.
Eighty-nine participants, with an average length of disease
of 13.6 years and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)
score of 5.3 were assessed for levels of fatigue.
Hina Garg, PT, MS, PhD; Steffani Bush, BS; Eduard
Gappmaier, PhD, PT
MS Research Australia
Australian Research Unlocks genetic mechanism
behind Vitamin D and its role in MS
New research published in the
Journal of Genes & Immunity
has identified the genetic
switch which shows how
immune cells are controlled by
vitamin D and sheds light on
how vitamin D may be used
as a therapy for MS.
The research group at the
Westmead Institute for Medical Research says it has
long been known that vitamin D deficiency is associated
with autoimmune conditions such as MS but until now
researchers did not know the exact biological mechanism
for this association.
The team led by Professor Booth identified three known MS
risk genes, which control vitamin activation, are specific
myeloid cells; a type of immune cell found in the skin and
lymph nodes. This discovery will hopefully help in the
development of more targeted treatments.
Science Daily
Exercising Impacts on Fatigue, Depression, and
Paresthesia in Female Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
A study conducted jointly by researchers at the University of
Basel and Kermashah (Iran) showed that exercise can have
a positive influence on certain MS symptoms. Fifty-four
women with MS, average age of 34, were assigned to one of
three groups: yoga, aquatic exercise or no exercise. Patients
who did yoga and aquatic exercise suffered less from
fatigue, depression and paresthesia reported researchers.
Breakthrough may stop multiple sclerosis in its tracks
An international research team has demonstrated that a new
plant-derived drug can block the progression of an MS-like
illness in animals. The experimental drug is a new approach
to treating autoimmune disorders, and could be another oral
method to treat MS. The plant-based compound is active
even when ingested orally rather than requiring injections.
The research team expects that they may be able to begin
testing the drug in clinical trials in 2018.
Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 2016; 48 (5):
796 DOI:
MS Society Canada
Pilot study takes a first step towards understanding
how bacteria in the gut influence childhood MS
The bacteria living in our gut – our gut’s microbiome – and
our immune system are inextricably linked: the microbiome
can influence the immune system, while the immune system
keeps the microbiome in check. Growing evidence suggests
that in some cases, shifts in the composition or number
of bacteria in the gut can drive a fundamental change in
immune cell behaviour, leading to inflammation and, for
some individuals, MS.
This pilot project was an important first step in establishing
a relationship between the absence of specific bacteria and
the risk of relapse in paediatric MS. Dr Tremlett’s findings tie
into a larger narrative, one where abnormal changes in the
gut microbiome act not only as potential triggers and drivers
for paediatric MS, but for all individuals who are at a higher
risk of developing MS.
Tremlett H et al. (2016) Gut microbiota composition and
relapse risk in paediatric MS: A pilot study. Journal of the
Neurological Sciences. 363: 153-157.
Read more at:
ms.asn.au/
researchupdate
8 Winter 2016 The MS Society of South Australia & Northern Territory The MS Society of South Australia & Northern Territory Winter 2016 9

NDIS Updates
Sue Shapland RN, BN
Protect yourself
against the flu
As you may know the first stage of the National
Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in South Australia
began on 1 July 2013 for children aged 13 years
and under.
As of 1 February 2016 the NDIS has begun its full roll out.
The NDIS will be made available progressively. As mentioned
in the last Network, from 1 July 2017, adults aged 18 to 64
years of age will begin to enter the NDIS based on where
they live. In each region people currently receiving supports
through South Australian Government specialist disability
services will be moved into the scheme first. Existing
Commonwealth and state-based services and supports will
continue until eligible people with disability start their plans
with the NDIS.
MSSANT will provide you with information to help you
better understand the scheme and how to register. We will
send you a letter, and some information sheets, well in
advance of your postcode rolling in. Staff will also hold some
information forums so you understand what you may be
eligible for.
By July 2018, it is estimated that around 26,000 people will
access the NDIS, including around 17,000 people from the
existing South Australian specialist disability system. The
agreement provides for another 6,500 people who are not
currently receiving disability services to enter from July
2018 onwards.
This scheme is already making a significant difference
to people with MS living in trial sites in other states. The
scheme is based on choice and control, being able to choose
supports that are reasonable and necessary to enhance
quality of life and do the things that matter, as well as the
choice of the provider to deliver those supports.
NDIS NT Update
The NDIS trials commenced in the Northern Territory on 1
July 2014 for people up to age 65 living in the Barkly region.
As the Commonwealth and Territory Governments have
now agreed on the scheme, the NDIS will progressively roll
out, geographically, across the Northern Territory over a
three-year period, ultimately providing support to more than
6,500 people. People will move to the NDIS at different
times depending on where they live.
The transition to full scheme will commence on 1 July 2016
with continued roll-out in the Barkly region. The Darwin
urban region is due to start rolling in from July 1 2018.
The NDIS is being introduced in stages, because it’s a
big change and it is important to get it right and make it
sustainable.
You can read more at ndis.gov.au/about-us/our-sites/nt#roll.
MSSANT staff will provide you with information closer to
your area rolling in along with information about how to
determine if you are eligible and what supports you may be
eligible to receive etc.
The NDIS will support over 400,000 Australians living
with a disability after full scheme roll out - a mammoth
task but life changing for many.
To read more about the NDIS in SA visit
ndis.gov.au/about-us/our-sites/sa/5-things-about-ndissouth-australia
Protect yourselves and others
Annual flu vaccination for everyone six months of age and
older, is recommended as the first step in protecting against
the flu. It reduces the chances of catching and transmitting
the flu. This is especially important for people at risk of
complications arising from influenza; and those in close
contact with at risk people.
Influenza is highly contagious and spread through coughing
or sneezing virus droplets into the air. Others breathe them
in and become infected. It’s important to remember that
touching contaminated surfaces (including hands) and then
touching your mouth, nose or eyes can also lead to infection.
You can minimise the spread of the virus during flu season
by practicing good household and personal hygiene; avoiding
close contact with others if you or they are ill; and covering
your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
The bad news:
1. Influenza viruses can survive an hour or more in enclosed
environments, which means contaminated respiratory
secretions can be picked up even without someone
coughing or sneezing near us.
2. Even before we show symptoms, we can be shedding the
flu viruses, infecting others around us.
3. Influenza viruses are characterised by constant evolution;
this means there can be a new threat every year.
The good news – you can protect yourself and others by
practicing good cough and sneeze etiquette by:
• turning away from other people;
• covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve;
• using disposable tissues rather than a handkerchief;
• putting used tissues into the nearest bin; and
• washing your hands or using alcohol hand rub as soon as
possible afterwards.
Hand washing is the single most effective way of killing
the flu virus and limits the spread of the flu and other
respiratory infections.
Wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based
product (gels, rinses, foams) that don’t require water:
• after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose;
• after being in contact with someone who has a cold or flu;
• before touching your eyes, nose or mouth; and
• before preparing food and eating.
Stop the spread in your household:
Flu viruses can survive more than eight hours on hard
surfaces. You should regularly clean surfaces that are
frequently touched such as door handles and benches.
Flu viruses can be inactivated and removed with normal
household detergents. Keep personal items such as towels,
bedding and toothbrushes separate. Don’t share cutlery and
crockery, food or drinks.
10 Winter 2016 The MS Society of South Australia & Northern Territory The MS Society of South Australia & Northern Territory Winter 2016 11

Swallowing: Everyone’s doing it.
Swallowing Day
But no one is talking about it!
Jamaica Grantis, Speech Pathologist
Campaign Kit
Calcium,
Vitamin D and MS
Amber Rose, Volunteer & Student Dietitian
The average Australian swallows 900 times a day. That’s
around three times an hour during sleep, once per minute
while awake and even more during meals. It’s something
every Australian is doing. But very few of us are talking
about it.
Most of us are unaware how difficulty with swallowing
can be frightening and even life threatening. So this year
on Wednesday, 11 May 2016, Speech Pathology Australia
launched Australia’s first Swallowing Awareness Day.
Swallowing Awareness Day 2016 was an opportunity to
bring attention to swallowing disorders and to connect
people with speech pathologists, the professionals who
can help. Speech pathologists assess and treat people with
Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) – pronounced ‘dis-fay-juh’.
It is estimated around one million Australians have difficulty
with swallowing. Swallowing disorders remain largely
invisible, poorly understood by the general community,
and rarely addressed in government policy.
Swallowing problems can mean food, drinks or saliva gets
into the lungs (aspiration), and this can cause lung infections
(pneumonia). Severe swallowing complications can lead to
death, while other swallowing complications can lead to poor
nutrition, dehydration, health complications, and
social isolation.
Australians with undiagnosed difficulties are frequently
referred to other health practitioners — often for expensive
and invasive investigations — when a speech pathologist
could readily manage the problem.
awareness day
Wednesday 11 May 2016
Jamaica Grantis, speech pathologist said,
“A swallowing problem can occur at any stage of life.
Swallowing is a skill developed from infancy.”
Around 15-30 percent of people aged 65 years and over
living in the community have a swallowing difficulty, with
that figure rising to over 50 percent for older Australians
living in a nursing home. And after falls, choking is the
second biggest killer of nursing home residents.
Almost half of everyone who has had a stroke will have a
swallowing problem, 69 percent of people with Parkinson’s
disease will have swallowing difficulties, as will 25 percent
of patients with multiple sclerosis.
Swallowing Awareness Day is an opportunity for all of us
to learn more about swallowing difficulties and how they
impact on the lives of our friends, neighbours and our
wider community.
What is calcium?
You probably already know that our bones and teeth are made
of a mineral called calcium. But did you know that calcium
is also classified as an earth metal? It’s pretty amazing to
think that our skeletons are made of metal! Our bones, though
we think of them as hard and rigid, are always turning over,
reshaping and rebuilding as we grow older – from birth through
to old age. This means that calcium is an essential nutrient for
humans and we need to consume it in our daily diet
(in the right amounts!) to keep ourselves in the best health.
Why is it extra important to me?
Not getting enough calcium can put you at risk of developing
osteoporosis. Osteoporosis makes our bones weak and
increases the risk of fractures and broken bones from falls.
Unfortunately, people with MS are at increased risk of
developing osteoporosis due to:
• side effects from medications, which can affect the
absorption of calcium;
• being unable to be physically active due to fatigue and/or
immobility, as our bones need to be subjected to regular
weight-bearing activities every day to stay as strong as
possible; and
• needing to avoid heat and the sun, because vitamin D is
also important for calcium absorption and bone health,
and most of the vitamin D our body needs is made by the
action of sunlight on our skin.
What foods contain calcium?
Dairy foods including milk, cheese and yoghurt are all good
sources of calcium. Non-dairy sources of calcium include
fish with edible bones such as tinned sardines and salmon,
firm tofu, legumes, almonds, brazil nuts, fortified soy
products, and leafy greens like broccoli, kale and bok choy.
How much do I need?
Osteoporosis Australia recommends that most people have three
to five serves of calcium-rich foods per day in order to meet their
body’s needs. Most people need 1,000 mg of calcium per day,
which increases to 1,300 mg of calcium per day once you are
over the age of 50. A serve of calcium-rich food could be:
• One cup (250ml) of reduced fat milk = 520mg of calcium
• Two slices (40g) of reduced fat cheese = 418mg of calcium
• One tub (200g) of low-fat natural yoghurt = 488mg of calcium
• Half a cup of firm tofu = 416 mg of calcium
• Sardines canned in water, no added salt, drained = 486mg
of calcium
• One cup (250ml) of low fat fortified soy milk = 367mg
of calcium
If you think that you are not getting enough calcium through
your diet alone, it is best to speak to your doctor about your
concerns before taking supplements.
Cooking with calcium - try it!
Smoked Salmon, Rocket and Ricotta Linguine
(Serves 4)
• 250g linguine pasta or spaghetti
• 250g Australian reduced-fat fresh ricotta, crumbled
• 100g smoked salmon, torn into bite sized pieces
• 100g rocket leaves
• ½ cup basil leaves, roughly chopped
• 2 spring onions, finely sliced
• ½ teaspoon finely grated lemon rind
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 /3 cup shaved Australian parmesan, for serving
1. Cook linguine according to packet directions or until
tender. Drain and return to pasta pot with a small amount
of pasta water.
2. Stir in ricotta, salmon, rocket, basil, spring onions, lemon
rind and juice, oil and pepper.
3. Divide between bowls and serve with shaved parmesan.
Tip: You could add 300g of sliced smoked chicken in place
of smoked salmon.
Nutrients per Serve:
Energy 1614 kJ (386 calories) Protein 23g
Total Fat 11.9g Saturated Fat 5.5g
Carbohydrate 45g
Sugars 2g
Dietary Fibre 3g
Sodium 647mg
Calcium 297mg
Iron 1mg
Recipe Credit:
Dairy Australia Good Health Recipe Book II (available online)
Article Text Credits:
Osteoporosis Australia
Dietitians Association of Australia
Croxton et al 2015. “Food and Nutrition Throughout Life”.
Allen & Unwin: NSW, Australia.
12 Winter 2016 The MS Society of South Australia & Northern Territory The MS Society of South Australia & Northern Territory Winter 2016 13

Reducing the risk of falls
Sandra Wallace, Occupational Therapist
Workplace
Solutions
The statistics on falls is not too great. Up to 75% of people
with MS report balance problems and 60% reported a fall
in a six-month period. When we add age group to the falls
data we learn that one in three people over the age of 65
experience a fall at home every year! The good news is that
most falls can be prevented.
People generally do not like to admit to having falls and do
not consider a near miss, or sliding gracefully to the floor,
as a fall.
We can group risk factors into biological, behavioural and
environmental risks.
Biological risk factors: Walking and balance is only part of
the biological risk picture. Fatigue, heat intolerance, visual
changes, reduced sensation in feet, cognition changes (ways
the brain processes information), continence urgency, and
medications with various problematic side effects can have
equally significant effect. Symptoms need to have good
management strategies.
Behavioural risk factors: Muscles become deconditioned
with decreased activity, resulting in loss of muscle tone,
weakness and/or poor posture. Fear of falling can be
positive when it increases care taken but can also be
negative when it leads to reduction in or withdrawal from
activity. Activity is essential in maintaining overall wellbeing.
Environmental risk factors: Typically, we need to consider
trip hazards such as obstacles on the floor, wet and slippery
floors, poor lighting and uneven floor surfaces. Footwear is
important; loose shoes are a trip hazard. Assess and make
the necessary changes.
Falls can result in serious injury. Managing falls involves
reviewing each of the risk factors and putting strategies in
place where needed. MS Society staff have some good falls
risk assessments to target effective strategies.
If you are having falls or near misses, or are gracefully
sliding to the floor, I encourage you to speak with an
OT or physiotherapist. Strategies can be discussed to
reduce your risk of a fall that may well result in injury
or harm.
Do you know someone whose health impacts on their
work or whose work impacts on their health?
Multiple Solutions offers the Workplace Solutions program
which specifically provides workplace support for those
living with a health condition or injury, are already employed
for at least eight hours per week and who wish to sustain
their existing employment. This includes the self-employed
and support can include:
• funding workplace aids, equipment or modifications for
various occupations via the Employment Assistance Fund;
• educating and negotiating employment conditions
including graduated return to work, reasonable
accommodations and adjustments; and
• helping to develop strategies to preserve energy and
continue working successfully.
The Employment Assistance Fund is available via Job
Access and can be accessed by employers, employees or
disability employment service providers to purchase:
• specific equipment or modifications for an individual
working with a permanent health condition/injury/disability
(including a funded worksite assessment by an accredited
occupational therapist);
• AUSLAN interpreters; and
• disability awareness training including mental
health awareness.
More information can be found via jobaccess.gov.au or by
contacting Multiple Solutions.
Contact Multiple Solutions staff to ask about free
workplace support or to have a staff member visit
you to talk to you and your team about accessing this
funding and support.
• North – Tel: 8203 6600
• South – Tel: 8198 1400
• Email: wpsolutions@ms.asn.au
My support
journey
My journey of amazing help
and support from Multiple
Solutions started when I
broke my foot last July.
I had to keep my entire
weight off the foot until
I had a proper cast on
it and because of my MS symptoms of really
wobbly and weak legs, I could not possibly use crutches.
So I reached out to the Society for a wheelchair. This was
delivered by Wayne the very next day, much to my surprise
and huge gratification. What a relief to have a chair to sit
and move around in. I was using my walker to start with,
sitting on it and pushing myself up and down the passage
backwards which was a wee bit dangerous. I spoke with
Michele from Multiple Solutions about a light weight walker
before going back to work. I knew I would have to return
with my moonboot and lifting a walker in and out of the
car was going to be tricky with wobbly legs and a boot on.
Michele suggested, that if it suited me, to meet with her
and have her come out to my workplace to see if there was
anything that she could do to assist me.
That’s when the help really begun! My workplace was
surveyed and an occupational therapist was brought in
to offer advice and suggestions as well. I found myself
being offered so much, from chairs to lightweight walker,
railings, scooter and back support, to doors around the
workplace being upgraded for easier access. Gosh,
the list just goes on!
I have had a few appointments with Michele since and she
rings regularly to keep in touch with me. She has been so
lovely to chat to, so friendly, cannot do enough for me and
has given me the courage to speak out and ask for help.
I feel so privileged to have had so much support from her
through Multiple Solutions!
What can I say besides a huge thank you! Michele,
you’re a gem!
Laine Woodcroft
14 Winter 2016 The MS Society of South Australia & Northern Territory The MS Society of South Australia & Northern Territory Winter 2016 15

MS is a family matter –
an article on family resilience
Monique Chas, Counsellor
“Life is not about how fast you run or how high you climb
but how well you bounce”
Vivian Komori
Resilience or ‘bouncing back’ can be generally defined
as the ability to return to optimum functioning after a big
life-altering event such as an illness, a birth or a death.
It is a dynamic process which generally involves a whole
family system.
A common misapprehension is that resilient people are free
from distressing emotions or thoughts, remaining optimistic
in most or all situations. To the contrary, resilient individuals
have, through time, developed coping techniques that allow
them to effectively navigate around or through crisis.
Indeed, adapting to new sets of circumstances doesn’t
happen by miracle. It requires a re-adjustment of all parties
– immediate family, spouse, children, extended family,
workplace and social networks – to deal with ongoing
changes. It tests our communication skills, our patience, our
beliefs, and we might start to question the meaning of it all.
With MS, coping and adapting can happen again and again
and again, as symptoms change, often daily. The inability
to precisely predict the course of MS brings uncertainty
to the whole family. The challenges presented by life with
MS are accentuated as individuals may struggle to manage
important social roles such as careers, parenting and
leisure activities.
So how do we cope, individually and as a familial group in
the face of adversity?
Especially during times of stress, it is increasingly important
to have open lines of honest communication. In a crisis
situation, a family may go through a variety of emotional
responses as it handles the chaos or grief.
Sharing and talking about problems are necessary for the
overall wellbeing of the family and its individual members,
allowing each individual to cope in their own way and at their
own pace.
Resilience won’t make your problems go away — but
resilience can give you the ability to see past them, find
enjoyment in life and better handle stress.
• Stay connected or get more connected: Building strong,
positive relationships with loved ones and friends can
provide you with needed support and acceptance in both
good times and bad. Establish other important connections
with all other social networks such as work colleagues.
Resilience is the ability to roll with the punches. When
stress, adversity or trauma strikes, you still experience
anger, grief and pain, but you’re able to keep functioning
— both physically and psychologically. However, resilience
isn’t about toughing it out, being stoic or going it alone.
In fact, being able to reach out to others for support is a
key component of being resilient. Learning to harness all
outside supports is a great coping skill.
• Make every day meaningful: Do something that gives
you a sense of accomplishment and purpose every day.
Set realistic goals to help you look toward the future
with meaning, while being present in the moment with
mindfulness. What are the values which keep you going?
What is meaningful for your family?
• Learn from experience: Think of how you’ve coped with
hardships in the past. Consider the skills and strategies
that helped you through rough times. When you have
resilience, you harness your inner strength: what are your
strengths? What are your family’s strengths and patterns
of coping?
• Remain hopeful: You can’t change the past, but you can
look toward a future with an increased sense of hope and
calm. Accepting and even anticipating change makes it
easier to adapt and view new challenges with less anxiety.
• Take care of yourself: Tend to your own needs and
feelings. Participate in activities you enjoy. Include
physical activity in your daily routine. Get plenty of sleep.
Eat a healthy diet. Practice stress management and
mindfulness techniques.
• Be proactive: Ignoring stress rarely works; it can leave
us feeling unsupported, isolated and a burden on others.
Instead, figure out what could be done differently if that is
needed. Although it can take time to recover from a major
setback, traumatic event or loss, explore other choices or
options with flexibility.
• Increase healthy communication: Sometimes family
members are afraid to talk about the issues involved in
a crisis situation, as they feel discussion might make
matters worse.
Many families have ‘filters’ on their communication styles.
They might filter out whichever feelings don’t quite fit such
as anger, resentment, joy, and concern with unwanted
news. This filtering, and the silence it creates, can block the
natural process to recover from a crisis.
Good communication helps members adapt to change.
Throughout this process, clear and open communication
joins members together as they share their reactions and
concerns. If emotional responses are not expressed, an
individual or the family may not reach complete acceptance
of the situation.
In conclusion, people with MS develop resilience through
psychological adaptation, social connection, life meaning,
planning ahead and physical wellness. Interventions,
such as counselling, can address both individual and familial
factors that support resilience and wellbeing, to promote
“living well”.
If you think you might benefit from taking the time to work
things out at a deeper level, consider counselling with an MS
professional counsellor. With guidance, you and your family
could attain a more adaptable and peaceful outlook on life.
References:
The Mayo Clinic.
Bostrom and Nilsagard, Journal of Clinical Nursing, 2016
Patterson, J, Understanding family resilience.
Journal of Clinical Psychology
Silverman, et al., Dept. of Rehabilitation Medicine, 2016
16 Winter 2016 The MS Society of South Australia & Northern Territory The MS Society of South Australia & Northern Territory Winter 2016 17

Insuring your
Mobility Scooter
Sandra Wallace, Occupational Therapist
Equipment Matters
Sandra Wallace, Occupational Therapist
Unfortunately scooter theft is on the rise. Whilst many thefts
occur from the owner’s home, other places include shopping
centres. So vigilance is needed at all times.
Many scooter owners do not consider the safety of their
scooter, especially if they will be away from it for only a
short time. Theft can occur in as little as 20 seconds, but
taking additional steps to secure your scooter may prevent a
very inconvenient theft.
Many of our Clients have had their scooters funded through
grants, and whilst sympathetic to the injustice of theft, there is
no obligation on the funding body to replace a stolen scooter.
Scooter owners are advised to take additional measures to
secure their scooter.
1. Do not keep the key or any valuables in the scooter basket.
2. Invest in a quality chain, u-lock or padlock to secure
the scooter.
3. At home, if you are unable to store your scooter indoors,
ensure the scooter is not visible from the road and secure
it to an anchor point.
Rome
wasn’t seen
in a day
Fold, Pack, Travel
1300622 622633
633
www.scootersAus.com.au
4. When out and about, secure the scooter to a bike rack
or lamp post when not using it, and remove the keys and
all valuables.
In the past, insurance was not always considered necessary,
but it is an important consideration now. Insurance
companies will vary in their quotes, and it depends on the
age of the owner, the suburb they live in and the value of the
scooter you want to have covered. It costs nothing to
get a quote, so phone around and find out what the costs
may be. I called the RAC, gave some particulars and was
quoted $101 for full cover for 12 months.
If you have a Home and Contents insurance policy,
discuss your needs with your insurer. Most policies
include personal effects. You can have additional
cover under your existing policy when you provide the
details and value of the scooter. Claims will usually
have an excess fee.
WH20241/MSWA
WH20241/MSWA
Occupational therapy is a lot about equipment. We know
the importance of having the right equipment for the need
and for that equipment to be used correctly. Over time that
piece of equipment may need maintenance and/or to be
checked for safety. You can be involved in checking your
own equipment. Here are some commonly used items that
should be checked routinely.
Personal alarms – if you
have a personal alarm,
activate the alarm at least
once a month to check
that it is working properly.
This helps to build your
confidence in the system
so, when needed, you are
familiar with what will
happen. Ask yourself
these questions:
• Is there a backup battery that needs replacing?
• Are all the phone numbers you have in the alarm,
or at a monitoring centre, still current?
• Is there a key in your key lock box?
Shower chairs –
including shower stools
and commode chairs
• If there is rust, the chair
needs replacing. Rust
is not usually obvious
because it is occurring
under the seat where you
can’t see it. Lean the chair
over and look for signs of
rust under the seat.
• Check the plastic of the seat is in good condition; broken
areas can pinch your skin. Tears in padded seats mean
they need replacing.
• Check the rubber stoppers on the feet are in good
condition as they dry out over time.
• Wash away soap residue to keep your chair looking clean.
• The wheels of commode chairs should be smooth and
easy to push. They can become clogged with soap residue
and hair so keep them clean.
• Ensure the brakes are in good working order.
• Never use plastic garden chairs in the shower as the
plastic becomes brittle and may suddenly give way, with
potential to cause injury.
Slings – used for hoisting;
either standing or full hoists
• Ensure all stitching is intact.
Never do your own ‘mending’ as
it will not comply with Australian
Standards. Repairs can be done
through the supplier.
• Ensure there are no holes or
frays and the straps are fully
intact. A small tear quickly
gets bigger and could lead to injury.
Repairs can be done through the supplier.
• Never write on the sling fabric or straps as the marker can
impair the fabric.
• Check the description label writing is legible. If it is fading,
the supplier can replace the label. Under Australian
Standards all slings must be clearly labelled.
As a general rule, whoever owns the equipment
is responsible for its servicing or replacement.
If you have any queries about your equipment you
should contact the person who issued it; or you can
contact MS Assist on 1800 812 311.
18 Winter 2016 The MS Society of South Australia & Northern Territory The MS Society of South Australia & Northern Territory Winter 2016 19

Peer Support
Join a support group and talk to others who understand.
Peer support groups meet in the following areas:
(Family members and carers are welcome)
If there have been any changes to your support group that we’re not aware of, please contact the
MS Society to advise us of any updates.
What is a Peer Support Group?
A Peer Support Group is a gathering of people with MS.
The purpose of the group is to provide support to
each other and to share information by:
• learning more about MS;
• sharing feelings and experiences;
• obtaining accurate information;
New Peer Support Groups
The Noarlunga group
This group meet on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each
month at 12.30pm. On the 1st Thursday they meet at
various venues for lunch, often the Seaford Hotel.
On the 3rd Thursday they will alternate between
Lifecare Active at Reynella and a member’s home.
They will meet at Lifecare Active, Reynella Village,
Old Reynella on 16 June, 18 August and 20 October.
Call Jude Brown on 8322 5441 for more details.
Singing group
Even if you can only sing in the shower, here is an
opportunity to develop your vocal skills while enjoying
some great company. Deborah Munro, the Music Director
of Illumina Voices and previous Artistic Director of the
award winning Young Adelaide Voices, will lead a session of
singing, fun and friendship.
This group is for people living with MS and their carers, and
is open to both men and women. Sessions will be held in
the early afternoons during the week at a church hall in the
Mitcham area.
Please call MS Assist on 1800 812 311 or email
msassist@ms.asn.au to express your interest in this group
and let us know your preferred meeting time and location.
Tai Chi classes in the mid-north
A Tai Chi instructor, with 20 years of teaching experience, is
running classes for people with MS living in mid-north SA.
Classes are held during school terms and activities can
be performed seated or standing. The cost will be a gold
coin donation.
Classes have commenced at:
Clare on Monday afternoons
4.30pm at St Joseph’s School Hall
Kapunda on Tuesday evenings
7.30pm at Uniting Church Hall
Please call MS Assist on 1800 812 311 or
msassist@ms.asn.au, if you would like more information.
• providing an opportunity to talk through problems or
choices being faced;
• listening to others who share similar feelings and
experiences;
• helping others through the sharing of ideas and
information; and
• knowing they are not alone.
Facebook online support groups
MySociety
This is an online Facebook group for people living with MS
in SA & NT. This is a private place to chat, only people in
the group will be able to read posts. It is a closed forum,
only accessible to members from South Australia and the
Northern Territory.
To protect the confidentiality of MySociety members, the
group has been set up as a private group. If you would like
to join the group, please send an email to msassist@ms.asn.
au to request membership.
MySociety - Family and Friends
A Facebook group for family, friends and carers of people
living with MS. This is a private place to chat, share
information and connect with others who are supporting
someone with MS. It has been created, and is administered
by the MS Society of SA & NT. As it is set up as a private
group, only people in the group will be able to read posts.
Request membership at facebook.com/
groups/1388437131394906/
REGION WHEN LOCATION CONTACT
Adelaide Hills –
Mount Barker
Barossa
Broken Hill
City based for workers
Clovelly Park
Copper Triangle
3rd Monday of each month,
6.30pm
3rd Thursday of each month,
11am
Sundays,
11am bi-monthly
2nd weekend of every month
alternating Friday nights/
Saturday brunch
4th Friday of each month,
12pm
1st Wednesday of each month,
11am
Auchendarroch Tavern,
Mount Barker
Tanunda/Nuriootpa
Gloria Jean’s Coffee,
Bromide St
Various city locations
Tonsley Hotel
Various venues
David
0410 451 301
Penny
0488 952 211
MS Assist
1800 812 311
Jess
0403 155 696
Christine Sutherland
(08) 8276 3779
Allan 0498 386 949 or
Peter (08) 8821 1807
Darwin Various Various venues Sarah
0439 885 604
Fleurieu
Gawler
Random Tuesdays
at 12:30pm
2nd Monday of each month,
10am
Rotated around Fleurieu eateries
Gawler Women's Health Centre
Jill
0428 843 327
Helen Hoppmann
0403 295 348
Gawler evening group Various Various venues Helen Hoppmann
0403 295 348
Hard Yakkas
(Salisbury)
Kapunda
Kensington
(Overcoming MS group)
Modbury
Mount Gambier
Noarlunga
Port Lincoln
Port Pirie
Riverland
South East Support
Group
Last Thursday of each month,
12pm
2nd Tuesday of each month,
6.30pm
3rd Monday of each month,
7pm
Last Tuesday of each month,
10am
1st Friday of each month,
1pm
1st & 3rd Thursday of
each month, 12.30pm
2nd Tuesday of each month,
4.30pm
2nd Wednesday of each month,
12pm
1st Tuesday of each month,
10am
3rd Thursday of each month,
10.30am
Sabine's Cafe & Bakehouse,
Parabanks shopping centre
Various venues
Various venues in Norwood area
Independent Living Centre,
Gilles Plains
Various hotels in Mount Gambier
Various lunch venues
Various venues
Port Football Club,
Port Pirie
The Big River Golf Club,
Berri, and other venues
Naracoorte Hotel
Tallia Coulter
0403 766 157
Pauline
0427 010 754
Pam Schartner
(08) 8331 9360
Gary Griffiths
(08) 8263 7760
Len Stidwill
0403 218 971
Jude Brown
(08) 8322 5441
Rick Cunningham
0429 977 082
Anne
0448 321 610
Crystal
0418 690 013
Kay Cavill
0407 615 118
Tailem Bend Wednesdays, mid-monthly Various venues Sue Griffiths
(08) 8572 3914
Under 35s
(and a bit older)
Western Suburbs
2nd Monday of each month,
6.30pm
Last Tuesday of each month,
10am
Various venues,
north of the city
Various venues
Nicole
0417 003 547
Enza
0433 972 312
20 Winter 2016 The MS Society of South Australia & Northern Territory The MS Society of South Australia & Northern Territory Winter 2016 21

Information
Sessions 2016
The MS Society of SA & NT provide a series of education programs focused on maintaining a healthy lifestyle
and keeping you up to date with latest information and research. These programs are free to Clients and
their family and friends.
Registration is essential. Confirmation letters are provided 1-2 weeks before each seminar or workshop.
If you do not receive a letter/email confirmation for a session you had planned to attend, please notify
MS Assist on 1800 812 311 or email msassist@ms.asn.au. At the time of printing, the dates, times and
venues are current however details may need to be changed. Please ensure you check details when registering.
Estate Planning – Overview
This session is provided by the Seniors Information Service, with legal consultant Catherine
Moyse as the presenter. Topics to be discussed include wills, power of attorney and advance
care directives. Information will be tailored to the needs of people with MS and there will time for
questions. Morning tea will be served.
Date: Monday, 25 July 2016
Time: 10am to 12pm
Venue: Payneham Library and Community Complex, 2 Turner Street, Felixstow
RSVP: Bookings are essential. Please RSVP by Monday, 11 July to
MS Assist on 1800 812 311 or msassist@ms.asn.au
A Panel Discussion – Symptom Management, a Holistic Approach
This session will look at some of the MS symptoms, including pain, spasticity, balance and
coordination, and altered sensations. It will explore the variety of ways to manage them –
pharmaceutical, complementary, diet, exercise, stress management and others. The panel will
include a medical practitioner, an MS Nurse, a therapist and a counsellor. Input from people living
with MS will be included. Morning tea will be served.
Date: Monday, 12 September 2016
Time: 10am to 12pm
Venue: Fullarton Community Complex, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton
RSVP: Bookings are essential. Please RSVP by Monday, 29 August to
MS Assist on 1800 812 311 or msassist@ms.asn.au
Plan to stay employed but plan for the unexpected
This session is aimed at those who are employed, particularly younger workers. Solicitor Tom
Cobban will focus on superannuation and insurance – reading your statements, having the right
cover and how to make a claim if you need to. There will also be an expert on workplace law from
Andersons Solicitors to talk about disclosure, reasonable accommodation and discrimination.
Multiple Solutions will talk about funding and supports available for workers to help them stay
employed. All speakers will allow time for questions. A light supper will be served.
Date: Tuesday, 18 October 2016
Time: 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Venue: MS Society of SA & NT new head office, Hillcrest
RSVP: Bookings are essential. Please RSVP by Tuesday, 4 October to
MS Assist on 1800 812 311 or msassist@ms.asn.au
Seminar for the Newly Diagnosed
An introduction to multiple sclerosis and MSSANT supports.
A neurologist will provide an overview of MS, including information about the latest in MS research
and treatments, followed by a Q&A session. MS Society staff will give a brief presentation on the
services they provide.
This session is free for people with MS and their family/carer. There will be time to meet with
MSSANT staff and others living with MS over a light supper.
Further information on these events can be found on the MSSANT website, in the monthly
e-newsletter Vitality and MySociety Facebook group. For more information, call MS Assist on 1800 812 311.
Volunteers wanted:
‘Getting back to work’ study
Date:
Time:
Venue:
RSVP:
August, Date to be confirmed
6.30pm to 8.30pm
TBA
Bookings are essential. Please check MSSANT website for full details.
The University of Adelaide is inviting working age
adults with MS (18 + years) who are employed or
seeking employment to participate in an online
study on job skills training.
If you have internet access and would like to take part,
visit: surveymonkey.com/r/Work_and_MS_2016_pre
22 Winter 2016 The MS Society of South Australia & Northern Territory The MS Society of South Australia & Northern Territory Winter 2016 23

That’s life
with Narelle
Narelle Taylor
The law of infinite potentiality
Dr Andrew Ong
My star sign is Cancer. I read in a magazine that it means
that I like cooking. It’s quite right, I do, I’ve always been a
‘foodie’. When I went to Sydney recently for my Dad’s 90th
birthday, there were eight of us in the house.
I admired the way we were all cooked for and were fed
on time. I also liked the way the fridge was kept in perfect
order, not like some fridges I’ve been responsible for, with
a food item left, forgotten about, or growing something that
looked like it could cure penicillin. My sister did a great job.
The MS Society also arranged to have someone come
to the house to shower me each day while I was staying
here in Sydney. Therefore I was able to function as
usual, and my being clean meant that everyone else was
comfortable too. I was very grateful. I had a pleasant
break and my father was, admirably, his usual humble self,
enjoying whatever was happening.
My mother’s sister, who is ninety eight and a half, sat
beside me at the birthday luncheon and had party guests
taking turns to come and talk to me. Aunty Audrey was, as
she always has been, very considerate of others and when
that meant my desires were met – all the better. She is an
excellent conversationalist herself anyway. I had a great time
and hope Dad enjoyed his luncheon too.
It was wonderful to be in Sydney for the last days of
summer. My sister took us for coffee with friends at the
spectacular Long Reef Golf Club on the northern beaches.
We sat and talked overlooking the sea and the headland.
Returning home was something that had to be done. My life
in an aged care facility is not for egomaniacs – the other
residents unanimously had not even noticed my absence and
thus were not really riveted to hear about what I had done,
seen and heard about in Sydney, and what a great job the
MS Society had done in arranging home-help on my behalf.
Ignored back here where I live, I decided I can continue to
be the rock-star in my own life. The staff here at the nursing
home where I live, though busy, love my stories. So do my
friends, though there is often a lag between the event and
the telling. That suits me. I can polish my lines in my head as
I wait for our next encounter when they will invariably ask,
“And how have you been?”
My four-year-old granddaughter is also learning the art of
conversation. She arrived to see me the next day and while
admiring the ensemble she had chosen and was wearing
(very important), I enquired about what she’d been doing.
Apparently she’d been watching football, she replied.
“Do you like football?”, I asked.
“Yes”. She replied, “The boys play with the ball and if they
break the rules the vampire blows the whistle.”
Well, who wouldn’t like watching that?
Afterwards we all went to a table in the garden and she
drew a lovely rainbow. Thank you, Claire.
Her Mum and I then spoke in horror of how children at a
local day-care centre had been kidnapped and abused. One
can’t but think of how fortunate we are – even me, engaged
in a daily battle with multiple sclerosis.
“Between the lowest and the highest degree of spiritual
and bodily perfection, there is an almost infinite number of
intermediate degrees. The succession of degrees comprises
the universal chain. It unites all beings, ties together all
worlds, embraces all the spheres” Charles Bonnet, 1764.
Like the acorn that grows into a giant oak tree, we also
are genetically programmed to grow into adulthood. But as
human beings we have this added responsibility bestowed
upon us to acquire an education so that we can fulfil our
particular purpose and obligation to become the best
possible person that we can. Unlike that strong oak tree,
our privileged position in the universal chain of being is
to continue to grow our mindset, appreciate our body and
improve ourselves until we have realised our own true,
authentic and unique self when we have become a complete
human being.
Once we realise and come to believe that this transformation
is possible and that we possess the ability to create and
become whatever it is that our heart desires, our potential is
infinite and limitless.
Providence has given us this opportunity to live at the
highest level of an infinite number of intermediate degrees of
bodily perfection, and such a privileged position propels us
into a realm of spiritual magic. It is a realm which knows no
boundaries, whose power is magnificent in its invincibility.
The false self you know so well, however, wears a social
mask that each day seeks external approval. This is the false
self that wants to control you and is sustained by power
because it lives in fear of providence. Your true, new self on
the other hand is internal and has an inner locus of control.
When you are in touch with your true self you will be
immune to criticism and fearless in all your life’s endeavours.
There will be no desire to control or manipulate other people,
no wish to justify yourself or indeed to be seen by others
to always be politically correct. Instead you will be content
because you are polite and will have done what you feel is
the right thing. You will have cast aside your social mask and
no longer seek to thrive only on the approval of others.
As your true authentic self you will have that infinite potential
to be creative. You will magnetise people. You will have
good luck and experience circumstances that will support
all your worthwhile desires. You will feel a sense of bonding
and synergy with people because your strength is built on
the greatest power in the universe, that of respect for your
privileged position in the universal chain. Then you will have
found unconditional love.
“Accept the children the way we accept trees—with
gratitude, because they are a blessing—but do not have
expectations or desires. You don’t expect trees to change,
you love them as they are” Isabel Allende.
Tips for a healthy lifestyle
Dr Andrew Ong
Take anti-oxidants. Ensure that your diet contains
high fibre. No sugar. Low fat. No salt. Always
exercise regularly. Maintain a positive mental
attitude. Have a hobby. Maintain goals. Enter a
relationship. Take enzymes, co-enzymes Q10,
selenium, calcium. Never smoke. Drink alcohol in
moderation. Be judicious in your use of drugs. Rest
often. Take a holiday. Ensure that you have some
quality time to spend with the one you love. Find
some personal space. Eat two ginseng leaves each
day. Always have positive expectations. Be moderate
with sunshine. Drink lots of water. And laugh.
24 Winter 2016 The MS Society of South Australia & Northern Territory The MS Society of South Australia & Northern Territory Winter 2016 25

Naracoorte Auxiliary
not slowing down
World MS Day
The Naracoorte Auxiliary MS Society has been active since
1968 and they are showing no signs of slowing down with
the recent re-election of Monica Carter as president for the
47th time at their Annual General Meeting.
Secretary Barbara Johnson said there are currently 16
financial members involved with the Naracoorte Auxiliary
MS Society.
“We might be a small group, but each year we raise around
$10,000 for Multiple Sclerosis, which is very worthwhile,”
she said.
“Money raised during the year supports the Naracoorte
Clients Support Group by paying fees to Naracoorte and
Lucindale fitness centres for MS Clients.
“We also purchased cooling vests and exercise balls for
Clients’ private use – as an auxiliary we are able to support
Clients with any extras they may need, depending on their
mobility or lack thereof.”
The group of locals have organised a wide variety of
fundraisers over the past year.
These have included morning teas at Settlers Cafe,
a card day at the Lutheran Church Hall, badge days and
wood raffles.
“As an auxiliary we are very grateful to the community for
the wonderful support,” Barbara said.
“This year we received $1,550 from the Lucindale Ladies
Football Tipping Competition, $300 was donated to MS from
the Kingston Triathlon and $307 was given from the Lions
Christmas Stocking.”
On May 19, the Naracoorte Auxiliary MS Society held
their annual morning coffee fundraiser at the Lutheran
Church Hall.
“We had a trading table and raffle and were delighted to see
many friends supporting the auxiliary,” she said.
The support group meets on the third Thursday every month
at the Lutheran Church Hall, with a morning tea and light
lunch for those attending.
To find out more, contact Naracoorte MS Society
secretary Barbara Johnson on 8762 2063.
To help mark World MS Day, MSSANT held Adelaide’s first
‘Hip Hop Yoga’ with a free breakfast on Thursday, May 26
at the Adelaide Oval.
Australian hip hop yoga pioneer, Sammy Veall led the
session and the event helped to showcase the link between
yoga and management of MS symptoms in a unique way,
generating interest on social media.
100 yogis came together to get their mornings off to a bendy
and twisty start.
Thank you to everyone who came down and to our
volunteers, Adelaide Oval, Sammy Veall, and everyone
else who made MS Hip Hop Yoga a success and helped
us raise awareness for people living with MS in South
Australia and Northern Territory.
Outreach news
The month of May was a busy one with staff heading
on outreach trips to Naracoorte and the mid and upper
north of South Australia.
In Naracoorte, the MS Auxiliary members kicked
things off with a delicious morning tea and set up a
trading table as a fundraising initiative. Clients and
families then stayed on to speak with MS Occupational
Therapist, Ella and Peer Support Coordinator, Mary-
Anne. Topics covered included symptom management,
research, Centrelink, government concessions and
support networks.
Our MS Nurse, Helen and Occupational Therapist
Anna held information sessions at Port Pirie,
Port Augusta and Whyalla. They also held a staff
in-service at the Whyalla Hospital with tele link
to other country hospitals.
There is a visit to Darwin planned for October this year.
The visit will include presentations on employment
support, insurance and superannuation, continence
and sleep advice. Details will be provided via our
website ms.asn.au
MS Game Changer Lottery
On 31 January, the MS Society launched its inaugural MS
Game Changer Lottery, the biggest and most challenging
fundraising project in the Society’s 50 year history.
The Lottery offered a game changing $1.5 million cash
prize to the Grand Prize Winner along with a $250,000
cash Early Bird Prize and a $25,000 cash Bonus Prize.
Only 50,000 tickets were available for sale at $100 each
with an amazing 1 in 15 chance to win.
Our lucky prize winner Kartik Shivaraman was left
speechless when CEO Marcus Stafford surprised him
and his family at his home with the massive $1.5million
Grand Prize Winner’s cheque.
As well as the life-changing cash prizes, other winners
shared in the prize pool of over 3,333 prizes valued at
over $2.4million. Prizes included a BMW 420i Gran Coupe,
Mercedes-Benz C200, Volkswagen Golf, Mazda CX3 and
fantastic holidays to London, Orlando, Gold Coast and Rome.
All proceeds from the MS Game Changer Lottery will go
towards providing services and support to people living MS in
South Australia and the Northern Territory and fund research
into a cause and cure for MS. Thank you to everyone who
showed their support and purchased a ticket. Stay tuned
to msgamechanger.com.au for details on the next lottery!
26 Winter 2016 The MS Society of South Australia & Northern Territory The MS Society of South Australia & Northern Territory Winter 2016 27

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