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Maintaining Independence with Help from Sandy Clinic

This month, we have exciting news about rehabilitation for people living with MS: the Mountainland Rehabilitation Clinic in Sandy, Utah will be starting the first MS-focused integrated rehab program in our Chapter area. Blending physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language therapy, all provided by therapists and assistants trained in MS and its symptoms and management, the clinic will provide fully-integrated, holistic rehabilitation services for people living with the disease.

Perhaps the best part is that this clinic is not only for those with existing disability.  The new Maintaining Independence program, which will include personalized evaluation, individual exercise and wellness prescriptions, and regular follow-ups and contact, will help those at any level of ability achieve and maintain their best health.  The clinic will be managed by Gabe Byars, an occupational therapist, and Tyler Ellis, a physical therapist.  Both have significant background and training in multiple sclerosis and are dedicated to serving the whole person, not just the disease or individual symptoms.

This is a great resource for those who are looking to stay healthy and maintain their independence over the long term.  For more information, give them a call at 801-562-2124.  

 UTU Mountainland Therapists

Upcoming Events


Our educational programming is starting up once again!

9/5 Free From Falls - Boise

9/8 MS 101, West Jordan

9/12 MS Walk Northern Utah - Ogden

9/15 Preparing for MS Doctor Visits*

9/17 Preparing for MS Doctor Visits*

9/19 Walk MS - Idaho Falls

9/19 Walk MS - Twin Falls

9/19 Walk MS - Wood River

*Denotes a teleconference

>>See All Upcoming Events

Team Sweet Feet Passes Another Milestone

SweetFeetTeamPhoto.jpgHeidi Smith, Captain of Team Sweet Feet, not only participates in the Chapter’s events, but she is also living with MS with a growing number of family members also being diagnosed. Rather than feeling frustrated by her life’s path, she fights to end MS every day.

Heidi’s story: “I first became aware of [multiple sclerosis] the disease 11-years ago after my aunt was diagnosed. A short three years later, I learned that I too had MS. I spent the first couples of years learning to understand and accept what was going on with me, and I am now in my seventh year since my diagnosis and I’m continuing to fight back anyway I can. My determination was made even great after another of my Aunt’s was diagnosed last year (I think we have met the family quota.)

My goal is to keep raising more money than the year before with the hope that maybe one of my dollars raised could be “the one” that funds the research that figures out the cure!”

Thank you, Heidi, for sharing your story and for being an inspirational Team Captain! Team Sweet Feet has already passed their fundraising goal of $6,000 this year with the current amount raised at $6,470. In 2014, they raised over $7,000 and in 2013 they raised over $6,000. What is truly impressive is that cumulatively they have raised over $20,000 for the National MS Society in only three years!  

Opportunities


Volunteers Needed: 

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Volunteers are critical to our success! Whether you are looking for opportunities to give back to the community, or if our cause has a more personal meaning for you, we'd love you to join our team of volunteers!

We’d love to hear from you if you live in Ogden, Twin Falls, Idaho Falls or Wood River and are interested in volunteering for Walk MS in your area this September, or if you’d just like to volunteer with the chapter and make an impact in our MS community.

Email us at getinvolved@nmss.org to sign up or if you have questions about volunteering.

The Challenge with Special Diets

UTU Nutrition PaperDifferent diets have been proposed as treatments, or even cures, for the signs and symptoms of MS. Evidence of effectiveness is limited. There is some evidence that a diet low in saturated fats and supplemented by Omega 3 (from fatty fishes, cod-liver oil, or flaxseed oil) and Omega 6 (fatty acids from sunflower or safflower seed oil and possibly evening primrose oil) may have some benefit for people with MS. Most of the diets that have been touted as helping people with MS have not been subjected to rigorous, controlled studies. The few that have been evaluated have produced mixed results. Most claims made for dietary treatments are based on personal accounts. The reported benefits may have been spontaneous changes that would have happened without any treatment. A recent research review paper by Pavan Bhargava, MD, provides information and current evidence for each of the most popular diets.

>>Read Research Review Paper

>>Learn more about nutritional guidelines for people living with MS by watching this video.

Nutrition Resources


Find a Dietician/Nutritionist

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics – Provides an online search tool to locate registered dietician nutritionists (RDNs) and offers many consumer-geared resources.

Find Food Assistance

Feeding America – Nationwide network of food banks. Also offers information & links to help consumers determine their eligibility for federal food assistance such as SNAP and the National School Lunch Program.

Meals on Wheels America – Online search tool to locate home-delivered meal programs throughout the U.S.

MSidaho.org  •  MSutah.org  •  800.344.4867  •  utah.idaho@nmss.org •  Unsubscribe from e-Newsletter