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MSSI

Mar 01 2020
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FIGHTING THE INVISIBLE

By Hyderabad No Comments

MSSI HYDERABAD CHAPTER and APOLLO HOSPITALS has conducted a symposium on Multiple Sclerosis – Fighting the Invisible

A very interactive session was held with a panel of Expert Doctors, MS persons, Caregivers, Sponsors, Committee members and Well Wishers on 1st March 2020 (Sunday) between 10.30 am to 1 pm at Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills.

A panel of Doctors who addressed the large gathering were:-

  1. Sudhir Kumar Consultant Neurologist, Apollo Hospitals
  2. RamMohan Vadapalli  Consultant Radiologist, Vijaya Diagnostic Centre
  3. Sanjay Sinha Consultant Urologist, Apollo Hospitals
  4. Anirudh Chirania Psychiatrist APOKOS, Apollo Hospitals
  5. Namita Singh, Neuro Psychologist, Apollo Hospital

The session was extremely interesting and informative. Each query was perfectly answered by the doctors and all the doubts of MSPs were clarified. Few new MS persons were registered.

The event was supported by APOLLO HOSPITALS and NATCO PHARMA followed by delicious Lunch.

 

Mar 01 2020
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Racefor7

By Chennai No Comments

On March 1st 2020, MSSI Chennai Chapter participated in the awareness programme – Racefor7 organized by ORDI – Organization for Rare Diseases India.

ORDI ( non-profit )  is a national umbrella organization representing the collective voice of all patients with rare diseases in India. Racefor7 symbolically represents the 7000 rare diseases in the world with 7000 people running for 7000 meters.

Mrs. Ann Gonsalvez, Hon. Chairperson addressed the crowd by explaining about Multiple Sclerosis.

The theme for this year was – “I Care for Rare”.

The Chief Guest of the day was the Disability Commissioner – Mr. Johny Tom Varghese.

As MS is one the rare disease, our MS persons along with their caregivers, volunteers & students walked/ran showing our solidarity to support the rare disease group.

The participants were happy that they ran/ walked for the cause of creating awareness.

 

Feb 29 2020
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Brain Lab Group Therapy Session

By Chennai No Comments

MSSI Chennai Chapter 1st group therapy session in the Brain Lab was held” on 29/2/2020. An expected event, fortunately, falls on the unexpected day “Brain Lab Group therapy  – 1st session” on 29th February –  the leap day.

Let’s Break the Stigma – Give importance to Mental Health as same as Physical Health.

The session started with the welcome address given by Mrs. Ann Gonsalvez, The Hon. Chairperson of MSSI Chennai Chapter.

The group therapy session was handled by the Resource person, Dr. Ravi Samuel and his two trainees, Mrs. Kavya and Mrs. Gayathri.

Dr. Ravi Samuel one of the Chennai’s eminent psychotherapist’s, who has over 20 years’ experience in treating people with emotional, behavioural, psychological, psychiatric problems, corporate mental health, etc. He has had professional training in Cognitive Behavior Therapy by Mr. Allan Davidson, Cognitive Behavior Therapist at Dept. of Clinical Neurology, Institute of Neurology and National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London.

He started the session by giving a brief introduction about, How MS affects the Brain.

  • Cognition gets affected for the MS Person i.e., Memory, Concentration and Attention.
  • Thinking- Thought process gets affected MS Person starts to connect everything in an emotional way.
  • MS Person’s lacks of Executive function ie. Information processing and decision making.

Therefore, brain lab will focus on – Brain function, Executive function and Thinking.

The assessment was done to the patients and caregivers to know their level of brain functioning, with several exercises both lingual and written.

The session came to a happy ending by having a delicious Lunch.

Feb 29 2020
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Mindfulness in Multiple Sclerosis.

By General No Comments

MSSI Trivandrum Support Group along with Sree Chitra Thirunal Hospital conducted a program on “ Mindfulness”.  Dr. S Krishnan (Associate Professor of Psychiatry) and Ms. Lekshmy K (Psychologist & Mindfulness Researcher) lead the session.

Mindfulness training has been shown to positively affect brain structure. Many MSP’s participated in this session, which covers training sessions over 2  months.

Feb 29 2020
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Deepthi Neelagiri

By Hyderabad No Comments

Deepthi Neelagiri, an MS Fighter from Hyderabad, participated in the prestigious all-women art exhibition called ‘Art Invasion’ that is aimed at promoting emerging artists in the field of art.

Deepthi, a few years after the diagnosis of MS completed a certificate course in oil painting from JNAFAU and also learnt the techniques in art from Mr.Sayyad Shaiek. She later did a TTC course from Pidilite. Music being her other area of interest, she also completed a four year certificate course in Carnatic music.

“The motivation to see myself as a singer, an artist started during that time when I wanted to add colour to my dull life” Deepthi says. She strongly feels that art and music had helped her cope with her health challenges and also primarily in keeping her mind happy.

Few fellow MSPs from Hyderabad chapter visited the art exhibition to encourage Deepthi for her marvellous work and celebrate the spirit of being ‘Unstoppable”. Also as part of creating MS awareness, MS brochures have been given and ‘Forms of the Formless’ book has been gifted to Mr. Sayyad Shaiek, Contradiction Art Curator.

Feb 28 2020
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World Rare Diseases Day – 2020

By Hyderabad No Comments

The Indian Organization for Rare Diseases (I-ORD) was conceived in 2005 and is incorporated as a not-for-profit organization in India and USA. It is the umbrella organization and represents interests of all rare diseases, individual patients, patient support groups, health policy advocates and health care providers for rare diseases. Its primary mission is to create Awareness – Education & Research, Public Policy & Drug Development.

I-ORD conducted ‘World Rare Diseases Day – 2020’ in Hyderabad on February 28th. The health minister of Telangana, Mr. Eatela Rajender was the honourable chief guest for the event. The intent of the conference is to bring diverse issues into focus and improve the quality of life of all the Rare Disease patients. The campaign targets primarily the general public and seeks to raise awareness amongst policymakers, public authorities, industry representatives, researchers, health professionals and anyone who has a genuine interest in rare diseases.

MSSI Hyderabad chapter received an invitation to participate in the ‘World Rare Disease Day’ event. The Chapter Chairperson Mrs. Meena Gupta and two MSPs attended the conference.  Mrs. Meena Gupta in her speech explained briefly about Multiple Sclerosis, its symptoms, how it is caused and diagnosed, and the available treatment options to manage MS.

Mrs Gupta then introduced about MSSI, and how MSSI through its multiple chapters has been working for the welfare of MSPs to address their needs. She briefly spoke about the Hyderabad chapter’s support activities and services offered for MSPs to help manage their MS for a better quality of life.

Medical professionals, patient advocacy groups, patient organizations from all over India have participated in the event and shared their views.

The event provided an opportunity to create good awareness about Multiple Sclerosis to a variety of audience present. Interestingly television media persons came forward to know more about MS and MSSI, and expressed their interest to extend support in their capacity.

Feb 09 2020
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India MS Day Event – Indore

By Indore No Comments

Date: 09 February 2020 Time: 10 am to 12 pm

Venue: Indian Coffee House, premises of district court, M.G road, Indore.

Around 25 people gathered at 10 am in the premises of district court of Indore for the MS walk on the occasion of IMSD event. The walk was symbolic. After the walk, we had breakfast at the Indian Coffee House and had discussions on the Advocacy project of M.P and fundraising events.

Feb 07 2020
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India MS Day at PMSSY Hospital

By Bengaluru No Comments

To commemorate India MS Day an Awareness program cum panel discussion was held at PMSSY Hospital (Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana) – Victoria Hospital Campus on 07 Feb 2020.

More than 100 people had gathered which includes MS persons, caretakers, Doctors, Volunteers, Government officials etc.

The Chief Guest & Speakers for the event were:

  • Veteran Actor Sri. Srinath – Chief Guest
  • Geetha Patil – Deputy Director, Dept. of the Empowerment of Differently Abled & Senior Citizens
  • Umesh – District Disabled Welfare Officer
  • Rajesh B. Iyer – Neurologist, Vikram Hospital
  • Shashikant – Integrated Medicine specialist

Institution:

  • Praveen Kumar – HOD, Neurology Dept., PMSSY – BMC & RI
  • Archana. B – Professor of Neurology, PMSSY – BMC & RI
  • Karthik – Associate Professor, PMSSY – BMC & RI
  • D. C.Janardhan – Assistant Professor, PMSSY – BMC & RI
  • Suhas – Assistant Professor, PMSSY – BMC & RI
  • Manoj Alluri – Neurology Resident – PMSSY – BMC & RI
  • Sanketh – Neurology Resident – PMSSY – BMC & RI
  • Nirupama. C – Neuro Physiotherapist – PMSSY – BMC & RI

The program started with lighting the lamp by the Chief Guest, Actor Srinath, Smt. Geetha Patil, Mr. Umesh, Dr. Praveen Kumar & Narayan Rao – MS person.

The invocation was rendered by Ms. Shruti followed by welcome address by Mr. Punkaj Gupta.

Mementoes were given to all the dignitaries present. Chief guest Veteran Actor Srinath spoke about the difficulties faced by MS affected persons & also told the audience that MSSI Bengaluru Chapter has organized this program as a platform for MS persons to discuss their difficulties & problems faced with the panel of Doctors & Government officials & to make use of this rare opportunity. He also wished all MS persons to follow as per the Doctor’s advice & stay healthy.

MS persons Geetha Balaji & Gautam Kashyap were given an opportunity to share their experience & challenges faced after their diagnosis of MS.

Dr. Manoj Alluri spoke on the topic About MS followed by Neuro Rehabilitation in MS by Dr. Nirupama. C. Dr. Shashikanth, Yoga therapist taught a few exercises on Mind & Body Relaxation.

After the yoga session, a Panel Discussion was held which was moderated by Mr. Punkaj Gupta. It was a good interaction between the Doctors, Government Officials & MS persons. Mr. Umesh Chandrashekar & Smt. Geetha Patil explained about the various schemes to be availed through UDID card. MSSI also submitted a project proposal to Smt. Geetha Patil & Mr. Umesh Chandrashekar at this point of time to take it forward to the concerned Government officials.

Main points mentioned in the project proposal were:

Objectives – Rehabilitation centre cum office for MSSI

  • Mobilize all of us inside the movement –  organizations, people affected by MS, volunteers, donors and staff, to achieve our common mission to improve the quality of life of people affected by MS.
  • To expand our work all around the districts in Karnataka & provide services.
  • To bring Staff training program for administering Official work and therapies.
  • It is built on the conviction that if we work together we can achieve this faster and better than if we each work on our own.

Smt. Geetha Patil, Deputy Director Dept. of the Empowerment of Differently Abled & Senior Citizens assured us that she would take it forward. She also invited the MSSI Committee to meet her next week to take this proposal forward.

Finally, Mr. Punkaj Gupta rendered Vote of thanks & thanked all the dignitaries, Doctors, MS persons, caretakers & volunteers for their support in attending this event & making it a grand success.

Feb 06 2020
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IMSD STANDEES : AWARENESS BLITZ

By Delhi No Comments

 AWARENESS BLITZ AT HOSPITALS ACROSS DELHI/ NCR

An Awareness campaign under the theme #knowMultiplesclerosis with MSSI Info Standees was launched by MSSI Delhi for the IMSD week starting 1st February 2020.

Standees with the IMSD logo and a few lines on What is MS (in English & Hindi), along with contact details of the Delhi Chapter were placed in prominent locations at 12 leading Hospitals across Delhi NCR . These are as follows:

  1. The Annual Delhi Neurological Association Conference Ambedkar Hall, New Delhi from 30 Jan onwards. It was expected that up to 1000 people would attend this conference over a period of 2 days
  2. GB PANT HOSPITAL OPD RECEPTION
  3. PUSHPAWATI SINGHANIA HOSPITAL
  4. VIMHANS HOSPITAL INDIAN SPINAL INJURIES CENTRE
  5. GANGA RAM HOSPITAL
  6. IBS (INDIAN BRAIN & SPINE ) HOSPITAL
  7. MAX HOSPITAL PATPARGANJ
  8. MAX HOSPITAL VAISHALI, Ghaziabad
  9. VIMHANS, ISIC
  10. ARTEMIS Hospital ( Permanent placement)
  11. MEDANTA Hospital Gurgaon ( LED Screen )
  12. APOLLO Hospital

We have got 4 new enrolments in the month of February.

As part of INDIA MS DAY 2020, Delhi Chapter organized a Health Check Up camp at Indian Spinal Injuries Centre Hospital, Vasant Kunj on Thursday 6th February 2020 between 12 Noon – 5 pm. This was for all PwMS and their caregivers at the end of a long & bitter winter!

The programme included exclusive one on one free consultations with related to medicines, treatments, management of MS in daily life with the following specialists,  Neuro-physicians, Urologist & Internal Medicine on issues of general health, MS / neurological issues, pain management, urine /stool problems etc.

Patients started trickling in from 11.45 AM onward. By 1:30  PM almost all the PwMS attending had registered.

All the MS patients consulted the neurologist & urologists. Based on their requirement, some were referred to the other specialists as well.

100 packed boxes of Lunch / Refreshments were arranged for MS Persons & the caregiver. A conscious effort was made to help out MS families wherever possible, therefore the lunch box was prepared by the family of a PwMS (Ms. Richa Bhambri )- the packed professionally home-style meal was enjoyed by all and shared with the staff of ISIC as well. .

The programme was attended by 28 PwMS accompanied by their caregivers, volunteers, EC Members & staff.

We were approached by several visitors to the Hospital, and pamphlets & information was distributed. We also identified one new MSPerson who is now getting registered with the Delhi Chapter.

GRATITUDE TO Volunteers Ms Ameeta Gupta, & thanks EC Members Milly Murgai & Pinky Hora for conducting the registrations in a systematic & efficient fashion.

Feb 02 2020
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India MS Day – Family Outing

By Chennai No Comments

Chennai Chapter to highlight India MS Day 2020 organised a family Picnic to one of the Beach Resorts that is Joe’s Beach Resort, situated along the coast, of the Bay of Bengal.

More than 100 MS persons, their caregivers and children after a breezy bus ride descended on the beach resort, to enjoy a sumptuous lunch, followed by games of Antakshri, Dumb Charades and Bingo. The laughter, the mimicry and acting were so contagious that 3 hours passed by. A very quick dip in the waves was a must for all, and a good hour was passed enjoying the water and lilting of the waves.

A treat of hot tea, vadas and Birthday cake brought the evening to a close and as the sun was setting, the families boarded the buses and headed homewards. It was indeed a very memorable “India MS Day 2020”