Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 6829 msfocusmagazine.org Research has shown that exercise programs can greatly improve quality of life for people with MS. However, finding programs that are appropriate can prove to be a challenge. To address that problem, MS Focus began offering exercise classes in 2001. Through our Health and Wellness Grant, we connect people with MS to safe, appropriate programs. Through this grant, MS Focus provides funding fortraditional exercise options, such as aquatic exercise or Zumba®; adaptive sports and recreation, such as wheelchair bowling; and complementary alternative therapies, such as chair yoga or therapeutic horseback riding. Through the Health and Wellness Grant, MS Focus is currently funding 71 programs across 22 states, and the list continues to grow regularly. The Health and Wellness programs are therapeutic for both body and mind. But according to Natalie Blake, Directorof Program Services for MS Focus, they also involve a social aspect. “These programs get people out of their houses,” Natalie said, “where they get to meet others with MS, socialize, and be part of the community.” Alma Henry, Health and Wellness Coordinator for MS Focus, works to match people with groups and activities near them, and is constantly seeking out new providers in order to grow the program. Local MS centers, YMCAs, and health clubs around the country host the activities. The grant’s focus is on group classes, but not every location has enough participants to start a successful group program. In those unserved areas, scholarships to local well- ness centers or gyms can be provided for people who want to participate. Natalie said, “The program for individual participation has been around for several years and has proven to be very successful. People who have not had an opportunity to participate are now able to do so.” To learn more about the program, visit www.msfocus.org or call 888-MSFOCUS (673-6287) Contact Alma Henry at alma@msfocus.org. Grant Helps Improve Health, Wellness By Christopher C. Paine MS Focus Activities