Would you be interested in trying Nordic Walking?

We are currently exploring if there is enough interest among our members to start up this activity. The idea is to set up a class in Prospect Park on Thursday afternoons 2.15-3.15. The course will run for a limited period of 10 weeks with the possibility of the class continuing on its own once the course is completed. Estimated start time for the course is end of June/beginning of July. 

 Criteria for inclusion:

Walking independently or with 1 stick

Advantages of walking with poles:

• Increased heart rate, oxygen uptake and calorie expenditure compared to normal walking
• Use of upper body muscles as well as legs
• Reduced pressure on joints
• Ability to walk more upright
• Increased safety and support 
• Feels physically less strenuous than the actual level of physical exertion
• Combines exercise with nature creating positive impact on mood
• Social aspect

 
If you are interested or have any questions please e-mail Henrietta@bmstc.org

Pilates

After an initial trial of Pilates classes at the centre Thursday and Saturday mornings we are now setting up an ongoing class Thursday mornings between 9.00-10.00.

Inclusion for attendance: ability to get on/off the floor (with assistance), walking independently or with 1 stick.

If you are interested in working on your core stability and joining the class please contact Henrietta@bmstc.org

Viagra may ‘drastically cut multiple sclerosis symptoms’

Source: The Indian Express
Viagra drastically reduces multiple sclerosis symptoms in animal models with the disease, according to Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona researchers.

The research demonstrates that a practically complete recovery occurs in 50 percent of the animals after eight days of treatment.  Read more here.

Timetable for NICE guidance on CCSVI

NICE (the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) has announced the timetable for its guidance on treatment for CCSVI.
Chronic cerebro-spinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) is a theory that stenosis (an abnormal narrowing or obstruction) in blood vessels can cause inflammation and damage to cells in the central nervous system, leading to MS symptoms.  For more click here.

Britain 'worst for MS in Western Europe'

Source: The Telegraph
Britain is the worst country in Western Europe in which to have multiple sclerosis (MS), a charity has said, because sufferers have such poor access to drugs and specialist treatment.  Read more here.

Online register to boost MS care

Source:  The BBC
An online register which aims to map multiple sclerosis (MS) suffers across the UK could improve care, services and aid research, according to experts.

The Swansea University project will capture details of those living with MS such as when they were diagnosed, their symptoms and help they receive.  Read more here.

Europe backs MS drug in change of tack

Source: The MS Trust:
Reversing an earlier decision, European regulators have recommended approving Acorda Therapeutics Inc's drug Fampyra, which is designed to improve the walking ability of patients with multiple sclerosis.
Acorda shares jumped 21 percent to $32.33 in premarket trading on Friday  For more click here.

Nominate BMSTC as your local charity at Sainsbury!

If you're in Sainsbury's, you can nominate BMSTC to be a local charity partner. Just fill in a nomination form and drop it into the box at the front of the store.


Local charity partners receive a year's worth of fundraising and support from Sainsbury's and its customers - vote for BMSTC and benefit people affected by MS in the area.

Thanks :0)

MS Nurse Clinic

Sarah Wyatt will hold 20 minute appointments at  the MS Nurse Clincs here at BMSTC. 

Appointments can be made for  10.00, 10.20, 10.40 and 11.00 am on either Thursday 2nd June or
Wednesday 22nd June.

To book please call the Centre on 0118 901 6000.

The Pedalo Challenge!

Wow what a challenge!!!
"In August 2011..........
We will attempt to traverse the River Thames from it's navigable source in Lechlade, Gloucestershire to Teddington, Middlesex. What makes this journey special ? The fact we will be travelling the 207 km route in a Pedalo - a feat that no two man team has ever before accomplished!

The beneficiary of this unlikely escapade - The Berkshire MS Therapy Centre. Please help us to meet our target, remember - the more we are sponsored the less likely we'll change our minds when we realise just what we have got ourselves into!!!
Thanks
James and Neil"

To support James and Neil  please visit their Just Giving Page here!

BMSTC AGM - 19th May 2011

The annual general meeting for the Berkshire MS Therapy Centre will take place on Thursday 19th May from 4.30 pm to 6.30 pm. Guest Speaker - Professor Neil Scolding, Burden Professor of Clinical Neurosciences and Director of the Institute at Frenchay Hospital in Bristol .

For more information click here.

Parliamentary date to discuss MS specialist nurse posts

Source The MS Trust:
Monday May 9th was the date for a dinner at the Houses of Parliament called by James Gray MP in his role as Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on MS.

The MS Trust along with several MPs and Peers, MS specialist nurses, and the MS Society were there to take forward a discussion on how best to support MS specialist nurses in the new look NHS. The dinner was supported by Novartis.  For more click here.

Women attempt mobility scooter distance record

Source The Telegraph:

Members of the world's first mobility scooter display team, the Red Wheelies, are attempting to set a new world 24-hour distance record this weekend.  For more click here

Go Red Wheelies! :0)

Changes to DLA - your chance to comment on the draft criteria for PIPs

From the MS Trust:

In December 2010, the Government published its proposals to replace Disability Living Allowance from 2013/14 with a new benefit, Personal Independence Payment (PIPs). They suggested that the new assessment would allow better identification of those with the greatest need.   For more information click here.

MS Awareness Week 23rd - 27th May!

Next week is MS Awareness Week!  There are lots of activities going on to raise awareness of the condition.  It's a great opportunity to talk to your friends and family about MS and the many organisations that offer support such as the MS Society, MS Trust, MS Resource Centre and of course the MS Therapy Centres. 

If anyone would like to show their support and make a donation to BMSTC please visit our Just Giving Page here! http://www.justgiving.com/bmstc

New town centre layout ‘lethal’ - News - getreading - Reading Post

Source Reading Evening Post Get Reading, article features Liz Cheyney!

A volunteer who works with elderly and disabled people claims her clients’ concerns have been ignored in the road changes to Reading town centre.  For more click here.

Benefit tests find sick fit to work, say charities

From the BBC:

Six charities say people with serious illnesses are being found "fit to work" under new sickness benefits tests - and are urging changes to the assessment.  For more click here.

It's time for your meditation

Source The Independent:

It's time for your meditation - More than just an aid to wellbeing, the ancient discipline could soon be used to treat conditions from obesity to multiple sclerosis. By Roger Dobson, The Independent. For more click here.

Have your say on government health reforms

From the MS Society:

Join the campaign against disability benefit cuts!

Disabled people, those with long-term conditions and their families are being hit hard by cuts to the benefits and services they need to live their lives. The Hardest Hit campaign, organised jointly by the Disability Benefits Consortium and the UK Disabled People’s Council, brings together individuals and organisations to send a clear message to the Government: stop these cuts.

On 11th May an estimated 8,000 people marched on Parliament to protest against the cuts. You can add your support to the campaign today by writing to your MP or joining our online protest.   For more click here.

The men from the Pru are cycling from Lands End to John O'Groates!

The men from the Pru are cycling from Lands End to John O'Groates!! Chris, husband of one of our members Claire Way is part of the team and raising money for BMSTC! Good luck guys! :0)

If you would like to sponser them please see their Just Giving Page at http://www.justgiving.com/ChrisMilkyWay

New age of charity donations by text message!

You can now donate to BMSTC by the new JustTextGiving service launched by JustGiving! Feel free to make a donation and be one of the first to use this new donation tool! :0)

Text BMST11 £10 to 70070 to donate to Berkshire MS Therapy Centre and make a difference today. JustTextGiving by Vodafone

BMSTC Summer Fayre - Saturday 28th May 2011

Summer Fayre and Plant Sale 2011


Saturday 28 May 2011

Saturday 28th May 1.00 - 3.30 pm at the Berkshire MS Therapy Centre. Come along and browse our many stalls!

For more info click here!

Stem cell treatments threatened by European patents ruling

Source The Guardian:
Work on revolutionary medical treatments for incurable diseases is in danger of being wiped out by a European court ruling on embryonic stem cells, according to leading scientists.  For more click here.

NICE to review surgery for CCSVI

Source MS Trust:
NICE (the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) has announced that it will be considering guidance to the NHS on balloon angioplasty with or without stenting as treatment for CCSVI.

For more click here.

Boars Bridge Festival Tickets!

Tickets are selling fast for Boars Bridge Festival on the 18th & 19th June!

Listen to Lynne's promo kindly produced by Reading4U Community Radio by visiting our events page and clicking on the "Listen to promo...." link, 2nd paragraph.  Click here!

Entry to this lovely little acoustic music festival is only by tickets purchased in advance. For details please see the official festival page

http://www.boarsbridgefestival.co.uk/

or conatct pippa@bmstc.org

Grand Annual Charity Clay Pigeon Shoot!

Grand Annual Charity Clay Pigeon Shoot organised by the Hazeley Lea  Clay Club on behalf of BMSTC.


Saturday 25th June 2011 - 9.30 am to 3.30 pm Mainstone Hill Shooting Ground, Pirbright, Surrey. Entry £35 per Gun.

For more click here!

Work and MS Chatroom

Source The MS Trust:
 Tuesday 24 May 2011 - 10am to 7pm

• What does the Equality Act mean for me?
• I'm being made redundant - is it because I have MS?
• Should I tell my boss about my diagnosis?

Visit the MS Trust Chatroom, Tuesday 24th May 10am to 7pm.

For more click here.