Otago Multiple Sclerosis Society
www.msotago.org.nz
Phone: (03) 455 5894
Toll Free: 0508 MS OTAGO
(0508 67 68 246)
8 Baker Street
Caversham
Dunedin 9012
Multiple Sclerosis
Otago
SAY GOODBYE TO
NEGATIVE SELF-TALK!
Manager
Tania McGregor
021 1659 440
[email protected]
Field Officer
Jo Smith
027 296 5254
[email protected]
Health Support Officer
Pam Macdonald
Patron
Dr John Mottershead
Have you ever taken a few moments to really listen to the language people
use when describing a chronic illness or disability such as MS? The way
we use language can alter our perception of an illness or disability. Using
terms such as “suffering” or “struggling” or “battles with…..” characterizes a
disease in a way that can make it seem unbearable and perhaps not worth
living through. This type of language and negative thinking is unproductive
and disempowering.
Why Negative Language and Negative Self-Talk is Disempowering?
Only 10% of our mind is conscious while 90% is unconscious. The conscious
mind is our analytical, rational and logical mind and is said to hold our
temporary memory. The unconscious mind is the opposite being irrational
and is where we form habits and our beliefs. The unconscious mind is just
like a robot as it takes everything we say literally and personally.
When you listen to the words people use they are telling you a lot about their
world. When we use negative phrases such as “I have no purpose in life”
these are messages that we are telling our unconscious mind which will form
how we view ourselves. Listen very carefully and pay attention to the words
you are using. Our thoughts and self-talk create our reality.
Negative Thoughts Have Physical Effects
Our thoughts, memories and emotions are not only part of our mental
programming but they affect our bodies. We assign emotions to the memories
recorded in complex stings of nerve cell wired together. Connections between
our nerves cells are strengthened when they are repeatedly stimulated in
a process called “long term potentiation.” Through associative learning our
brains are programmed not only by ordinary experiences but also by extreme
circumstances. Trauma can change the structure and function of the brain
and may create an automatic response in the form of anxiety or fear.
Otago Multiple Sclerosis Newsletter ~ June 2014
How can Occupational
Therapy assist someone
with MS?.................Page 7
Interview with Wayne
Kettle.....................Page 12
Dorothy Newman
Scholarship............Page 21
Powerhouse fruit and
vegetables.............Page 22
Page 1
Our thinking affects our bodies, especially thoughts
that have become patterns that don’t serve us well.
For example, putting yourself down is an old habit
built on old information. Old emotions like despair,
low self-esteem and self-pity give us a chemical
boost of neuropeptides that guides our perception
of our new choices.
Cancel Old Thoughts and Substitute Powerful Ideas
DO you want to feel better? Stop engaging in negative
self-talk. Prune away you old negative programming
and plant new seeds for your current circumstances.
Positive thought strings create new systems in the
brain, producing the new chemical associated with
emotional changes.
It is vital to remember that your thoughts, emotions,
beliefs and physicality are intertwined. Negative selftalk can make you feel unmotivated and physically ill.
Move your mind to a new way of being.
Here are five ways to shift to positive self-talk:
1. Check your state of mind. Choose your own
attitude and emotions. Don’t accept another
person’s outlook on life. Focus your intentions in
the present moment. Because we have choices,
our experiences begin in the mind. As within,
so without. Be consciously aware of what you
want to create.
2. Focus on today. Step away from old memories,
past relationships, and hurts. Attend to the
present. Find joy in what you bring to the world.
Take a deep breath, stay centred, and remind
yourself that your presence is a gift.
3. See the big picture. In the universal equation,
today is but a blink in time. You are not
permanently stuck in difficult moments. You
can move through them with ease and grace.
You can do this without depleting your energy
reserves by making a commitment to doing
so. Remember, life moves all too quickly. Make
each day count and quit wasting your energy on
negative thoughts, unproductive thinking, and
who said what to whom ten years ago.
4. Release negative expectation. Focus on what
YOU can do to contribute to a better world and
not what others expect you to do. Pace yourself.
As you practice positive expectation, you’ll find
that better circumstances will be naturally
attracted to you. Have faith in the process.
5. Be thankful. There is no better way to change
your energy then to turn up the volume on
gratitude. If you are thankful for what makes
you happy, by the Law of Attraction, the universe
will provide you with more to be thankful for. Be
generous and say thank you to those in your life
who care, to your Higher Power, and to yourself
for being an individual spark of Divine Power.
Your natural state is unlimited abundance, so be
thankful for all you are. Be thankful for and your
journey.
Experiencing success through a positive mental
attitude begins when we retire negative perceptions
and break the addiction of old emotional states.
Doing these things is a choice that requires persistent
effort. Let go of self-criticism and move forward.
When a challenge arises, change your thought
process to include more thoughts of gratitude,
unconditional love, self-appreciation, freedom, and
joy. That’s the foundation of a new and better reality.
References:
Cattelan, L. (2014). Stop Negative Self Talk Now! by
Linda Cattelan.
Evan Carmichael Business Coach
www.evancarmichael.com/Business-Coach/6541/
Stop-Negative-Self-Talk Lambeth, L. C.
Two Faces of Lydwina. Proctor, R. C. (2011). Stop
Negative Self-Talk:Five Ways to Build Confidence
and happiness. Growth Through Transformation
www.charleneproctor.com/articles-by-charlene/
stop-negative-self-talk
DISCLAIMER: The information in this newsletter is for the purpose of informing people about multiple sclerosis, events and interesting
reading. The contents of this newsletter neither indicate nor reflect the views of the Otago MS Society. You should not rely on any information
produced in this newsletter in place of a visit, consultation or advice of a doctor or other qualified health provider.
Page 2
Otago Multiple Sclerosis Newsletter ~ June 2014
Benefit Information (as at May 2014)
Disability Allowance:
Benefit Information (as at May 2014)
Disability Allowance is an income supplement intended to assist people on benefits or low incomes who have
additional costs that result from aDisability
long term disability
or health condition.
Allowance:
Your disability/health condition must be expected to last longer than six months.
Disability Allowance is an income supplement intended to assist people on
The amount you receive is based on
your actual
in the
casethat
of assistance
with
costs
where or healt
incomes
whocosts
have(except
additional
costs
result from
a heating
long term
disability
it is based on the difference between your actual costs and the average cost for a person to heat their home).
Your costs are added up for the whole year and then divided by 52 to give a rate which is paid weekly.
Your disability/health condition must be expected to last longer than six months.
If your income is below the limit, you receive up to $61.38 a week depending on your costs. Above the limit,
Thegreater
amount
based
on your
actual
costs
(except
in the case of
you are not eligible. If your costs are
thanyou
this,receive
submit is
them
anyway.
In some
cases
you may
be eligible
coststhose
where
it iscosts.
based on the difference between your actual costs and
for Temporary Additional Supportheating
to help with
extra
for a person to heat their home). Your costs are added up for the whole year and
Examples of disability related costs are:
52 to give a rate which is paid weekly.
• Pharmaceutical charges and nicotine
• Alternative treatment
If your income is below thereplacement
limit, you receive
up to $61.38 a week depending on y
products
• Ambulance fees and subscriptions
the limit, you are not eligible.
If
your
costs
are
• Power, gas and heating greater than this, submit them
• Authorised consumables (hearing
aid
batteries,
cases you may be eligible for Temporary Additional Support to help with those ex
• Rental equipment
continence supplies that are not funded, etc)
Examples of disability related
costs
are:
• Special
foods
•
Alternative treatment
• Telephone – in some cases
• Counselling
•
Ambulance fees and subscriptions
• Transport
- counselling
• Day care for the elderly disabled
•
Authorised consumables
(hearing
aid batteries, continence supplies that are n
Clothing
• Transport - disability
• Gardening, lawns and outside •window
cleaning
•
Counselling
• Transport - personal health
• Gym and swimming pool fees
•
Day care for the elderly disabled
• outside
Vitamins,window
supplements,
herbal remedies and
• Medical alarms
•
Gardening, lawns and
cleaning
minerals
•
Gym and swimming pool
fees
• Medical fees
•
Medical alarms
•
Medical fees
You will be required to provide ‘evidence’ (receipts or quotes) for each cost you are applying for, and a medical
•
Pharmaceutical charges and nicotine replacement products
practitioner will need to sign the Disability Allowance application in support of each of the costs you are
•
Power, gas and heating
requesting assistance for.
•
Rental equipment
Income
cut-out
points
for
Disability
Allowance
(for non-beneficiaries):
Income cut-out points for Disability
Allowance
(for non-beneficiaries):
•
Special
foods
•
Telephone – in some cases
•
Transport - counselling Income limit (Gross per week)
•
Transport - disability
Single 16 - 17 years
$516.13
•
Transport - personal health
Single 18+ years
$607.36
•
Vitamins, supplements, herbal remedies and minerals
Married, civil union or de facto couple (with or
$900.57
without children)
You will be required to provide ‘evidence’ (receipts or quotes) for each cost you
Sole parent 1 child and a medical practitioner will$719.82
need to sign the Disability Allowance application in
• Clothing
of the costs you are requesting assistance for.
Sole parent 2+ children
$758.39
Reference: Information kindly supplied by Zena Pidgen, Social Worker located at ISIS.
Reference: information kindly supplied by Zena Pidgen, Social Worker located at ISIS.
We do have
a fact sheet available explaining a number of different benefits available which we are happy to provide
a copy of for you. Please contact our Field Officer Jo Smith on (03) 4555 894 ext 4 or email Jo at [email protected]
We do have a fact sheet available explaining a number of different benefits available which we are happy to provide a
copy of for you. Please contact our Field Officer Jo Smith on (03) 4555 894 ext 4 or email Jo at [email protected]
Otago Multiple Sclerosis Newsletter ~ June 2014
Page 3
New knowledge about treating
multiple sclerosis
New information that could lead to improved treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) has been
uncovered by Victoria University of Wellington scientists.
A study carried out at Victoria, and recently published online in the international scientific journal
PLOS ONE, holds promise for patients suffering from secondary progressive MS, an advanced form
of the disease, which causes nerve degeneration leading to impaired vision and coordination, and
eventually, paralysis.
The study focused on understanding how a new MS drug, MIS416, developed by the New Zealand
biotech company Innate Immunotherapeutics, is able to help patients with secondary progressive
MS, a form of MS with few effective treatments.
The team of scientists includes Dr Anne La Flamme, an Associate Professor in Victoria’s School of
Biological Sciences and head of the MS Research Programme at the Malaghan Institute of Medical
Research, PhD student Madeleine White, and Dr Gill Webster from Innate Immunotherapeutics.
“We know this drug works, but we are not sure why. This study has helped us understand the
pathways that are driving the disease and how the medication alters the immune system, giving
us a better idea of why MIS416 works as well as insight into how to treat patients and predict who
will do better on this sort of medication,” says Dr La Flamme.
Most people believe MS revolves around T cells, says Dr La Flamme, but the Victoria study reveals
that targeting other cells in the central nervous system can significantly reduce advanced forms
of MS.
Reference: Fuseworks Media, 3 February 2014
Research into MS and quality of life
The possible role of psychological stress in the aetiology and progression of MS has been debated
for decades. It has been suggested that major stressful life events may somehow cause damage
to the CNS or provoke dysfunction of the immune system, which could lead to the development
of MS. It has also been hypothesised that stress may induce a disruption of the blood–brain
barrier, resulting in T cell entry into the CNS and development of MS. This study looked at the
association between major stressful life events and the development of MS using death of a child
or a spouse or marital dissolution as indicators of severe stress to test these theories. Two cohorts
were created based on all Danish men and women born between 1950 and 1992. One cohort
was made up of all persons who became parents between 1986 and 2010 and a second cohort
was made up of all persons who married be-tween 1968 and 2010. Both cohorts were followed
for MS between 1982 and 2010. They then looked at the association between major stressful life
events and the risk of MS. The results showed that bereaved parents experienced no unusual risk
of MS compared to parents who did not lose a child. Divorced or widowed people were not at an
increased risk of MS compared with married people of the same sex. There-fore this study does
not provide an association between major stressful life events and subsequent MS risk.
Reference: Authors Nielsen NM, Bager P Source: J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 7 March 2014 doi: 10.1136/jnnp2013-307181.
Page 4
Otago Multiple Sclerosis Newsletter ~ June 2014
SNOW DAY POLICY
Given the recent weather in the deep
South we thought it best to clarify what
we do if there is a group scheduled in
Dunedin. If it’s snowing, or the roads
are icy and unsafe the group will be
automatically cancelled. We recommend
that you stay at home and keep warm.
You may wish to check on the television
channels 1 and 3, as they often have
weather updates, or your preferred radio
station, we will endeavour to either text
or phone members to advise you.
Otago Multiple Sclerosis Newsletter ~ June 2014
Page 5
Telling people you have MS
We hope that this may assist you with deciding
who to tell and take you through some of the
different reactions you might get and some
suggestions about how to deal with them.
Getting started
Telling people that you have MS can be a very
difficult thing to do. Accepting the diagnosis
yourself is hard, let alone having to break the
news to others.
Being able to open up about something sensitive
takes courage and practice.
If you find it hard talking about personal issues,
there are techniques that can help. Try writing
down what you want to get across to the person
you are telling, or doing some role-playing with
someone you trust beforehand.
Dealing with adversity can strengthen a
relationship, as well as cause difficulties.
Many people with MS say they remember this
as the time when they found out who their true
friends were.
Who to tell
Many MS symptoms such as fatigue are not
outwardly visible. It can be difficult and frustrating
trying to explain to people how you are affected
and how debilitating the symptoms can be.
You may find it helpful to direct people to the
MS Society website to have a look at different
symptoms and how they can affect you, this will
save you having to explain everything yourself.
Dealing with different reactions
People may deal with the news in a number of
ways. For you, the way they deal with the news
may be helpful or not so helpful.
Some people may panic whilst others will be
surprisingly calm.
People who don’t know much about MS will have
lots of questions that you might not be able to
answer. They might assume that you’re an expert
on MS when in fact you know little more about it
than they do.
Other people may avoid you because they don’t
know what to say. They don’t know how to deal
with you having MS, so they choose not to. This
can be very hurtful, and it’s hard not to take it
personally.
Some people will go out of their way to help. This
may have the opposite effect, making you feel
frustrated or even useless. Try to explain to the
person that you will ask for their help if you need
it, but that you want them to treat you the same
as they did before they knew you had MS.
Whatever a person’s reaction, talking
about it with them can be really helpful.
“It is a very personal thing, your health, but
I don’t see why I shouldn’t be upfront. I’m not
embarrassed about my MS; it’s a fact of life.”
There is no reason why you should feel pressured
to tell everyone you know that you have MS,
or share that information immediately with
strangers. Your health is a personal thing, and
only you will know how you want to handle
things.
However, if people are aware of your condition
and how it affects you then they may be better
placed to offer their support if and when you
need it.
Page 6
Try to look at people’s questions objectively and
don’t take them personally. Encourage people to
talk openly to you about your MS and about how
it makes them feel.
Often, you can only do this once you have come
to terms with the diagnosis yourself so only talk
to people when you really feel ready.
References:
Multiple Sclerosis Society UK. (April 2014). Telling people
you have MS.
www.mssociety.org.uk/ms-support/emotional-support/
living-with-ms/telling-people-you-have-ms
Otago Multiple Sclerosis Newsletter ~ June 2014
How can Occupational
Therapy assist
someone with MS??
Occupational Therapy is a health profession that
aims to increase quality of life through making
changes to your usual “occupations”. Occupation
is not just about work! It may include showering,
dressing, cooking, driving: any activity that you need
or want to do.
Occupational Therapists work in a range of settings
including acute wards, rehab wards, outpatients
and the community. Occupational Therapy can offer
a range of education and assistance depending on
an individual’s needs.
Types of intervention that may be helpful for
someone with MS include:
• Fatigue Management – This could include
education about fatigue for clients and their
families/significant others. Practical strategies
to minimise fatigue so that you have more
energy to do the things you enjoy. We can help
you identify triggers that exacerbate fatigue
and ways to overcome these.
• Cognitive Rehabilitation – Cognition includes
attention, memory, processing, thinking and
problem solving amongst many other vital brain
functions. Occupational Therapy may include a
formal cognitive assessment to identify areas
of difficulty. From this we will work alongside
you to identify specific practical difficulties and
develop solutions e.g. using a diary, cell phone
reminders, education for family and friends,
written prompt cards.
• Leisure and community involvement – We
can discuss your previous and current interests
and look at strategies to maintain these e.g.
large print books, ipad Aps, raised gardening
beds. We can assist you to be linked in with
appropriate community groups if desired e.g.
senior net, falls prevention programmes, craft
groups etc.
• Sexuality - Occupational Therapists can discuss
relationship difficulties and sexual concerns.
We can provide support, information and
practical advice and make referrals to other
agencies as needed.
•
Mobility and equipment - Some Occupational
Therapy services can provide assessment and
provision for wheelchairs and seating. This may
include a power chair if indicated. Occupational
Therapy can support you to complete an
application for a scooter if appropriate, assess
your car transfer techniques or refer for a
formal driving assessment (likely to require
private funding). Occupational Therapists also
assess for a range of equipment to aid everyday
living e.g. shower stools, chair raisers, toilet
frames etc.
• Work
–
Occupational Therapists can
complete an assessment of your existing work
environment and make recommendations
depending on workplace demands e.g. an
assessment of your workstation, fatigue
management at work.
• Housing Modifications – Occupational
Therapists are able to complete an assessment
to determine if you are eligible for housing
modifications e.g. level access showers and
ramps.
• Relaxation and stress management –
Occupational Therapists can teach a range
of formal relaxation strategies such as
diaphragmatic breathing, visualisation and
progressive muscle relaxation. We can also
assist you to identify lifestyle factors that may
be enhancing stress and anxiety.
• Team work – Occupational Therapists often
work as part of a wider team and can make
referrals to other agencies as indicated e.g.
Physiotherapy, Social work, District Nursing etc.
If you feel Occupational Therapy may assist you,
please contact our Field Officer Jo Smith on (03)
4555 894 ext 4 or email Jo at [email protected]
Reference: written by Lana Van Lierop, OT at Dunstan
Hospital.
Lest We Forget -
It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of
Jim Gutsell who was a member of our Society; our thoughts are with his family and
friends during this time.
Otago Multiple Sclerosis Newsletter ~ June 2014
Page 7
MS & the Importance of
Exercise & Physical Therapy
It’s tempting to avoid exercise when you have MS. You might think that you’ll wind up feeling fatigue, discomfort
and pain. But it’s just the opposite: Lack of exercise leads to de-conditioning that over time reduces your functional
abilities and leaves you feeling worse.
Exercising regularly, on the other hand, helps to preserve your mobility and reduce your fatigue. Physical activities
may also help improve muscle spasms, balance and coordination.
Work With a Physical Therapist:
It’s very helpful to work with a physical therapist if you have MS. At MS physical therapy, you learn the safest ways
to exercise for your symptoms and condition. Over the first few sessions, the physical therapist gets to know you
and your limitations. Then, you receive an individualised physical therapy plan that challenges you, not strains you.
The physical therapist teaches you a variety of stretching and range-of-motion exercises and muscle strengthening
techniques. Your therapist also shows you how to use adaptive equipment.
Ease Into Your Workout:
Your physical therapist will likely recommend starting slow and working your way
up to a faster pace or more repetitions.
To avoid overheating (a common problem for people with MS), you’ll also get this
advice:
•
•
•
•
Choose a cool spot to exercise.
Wear breathable clothing and cool cloths on your neck.
Have a fan pointed directly at you.
Drink plenty of cold water.
Types of Exercise:
Your tailored exercise plan may include the following:
Range-of-Motion Exercises;
Involuntary muscle spasms (spasticity) are a common issue for people with Multiple Sclerosis. The legs are the
most often affected, and some people also experience the MS hug, when tiny muscles between the ribs tighten
up. Stretching exercises can help improve the spasticity: Stretches maintain the length of your muscles, preserving
flexibility.
Balance and Coordination Exercises:
Doing balance and coordination exercises improve mobility and reduces the risk of falling. Your physical therapist
will demonstrate proper form and technique.
Aerobic Exercise:
Many people with MS can do aerobic exercise, if they are careful to avoid overexertion. Your physical therapist will
pinpoint the exercises and pace that is right for you. Swimming, water aerobics, walking and biking are generally
well-tolerated.
Muscle-Strengthening Exercises:
Strengthening your muscles will help you avoid weakness and poor mobility down the road. It’s important to work
with your physical therapist to learn proper technique so you avoid injury.
By keeping up with physical therapy and exercise, you’ll feel better and ease your symptoms for a better quality of
life.
Reference: By R Elizabeth and C Kitchen
MS & the Importance of Exercise & Physical Therapy, from Health Communities.
www.healthcommunities.com/multiple-sclerosis/ms-exercise-physical-therapy
Page 8
Otago Multiple Sclerosis Newsletter ~ June 2014
A LASTING LEGACY
We all have a different way we want to leave our mark on the world. As little as
1% of your estate will make a lasting difference to the Otago Multiple Sclerosis
Society, which will enable us to continue supporting, providing services and
education to people with Multiple Sclerosis and other neurological illnesses.
A gift in your Will is one way to leave a lasting legacy that continues long after you are gone.
HOW DO I MAKE A BEQUEST?
A bequest is made through your Will. If you already have a Will, all you need to do is add a codicil (supplement),
which amends part of the Will. You are able to place conditions on any bequest, but since your bequest is likely
to be received far into the future, it is more beneficial if its terms are as general as possible. We recommend
that you seek legal advice from your Solicitor when adding a bequest to your will.
SAMPLE BEQUEST
I give $_________________ or _____________ % of my estate to the Otago Multiple Sclerosis Society
(Inc) to be applied for its general purposes. A receipt taken by my trustees as being given on behalf of the
beneficiary will be a complete discharge to my trustees for this legacy.
Room Hire
Available
The Day Room which is located at 8 Baker
Street, Caversham, DUNEDIN is available
to hire for your next board meeting,
training session, group meetings, or
function.
This versatile inviting room can be set up
in a variety of individual needs; seating
is currently available for a maximum of
50 people.
Our venue is completely wheelchair
friendly including the ablution area which
also has a disabled friendly shower unit.
Our heat pumps provide a warm and
inviting atmosphere on cold days, and
on hot days our sliding windows provide
some much needed cooler airflow.
Our premises are located in a quiet
suburban neighbourhood, near main bus
routes, street parking, and also off street
parking is available.
Bookings are available during some
weekdays, most weekends and evenings.
Should you wish to view our venue
please contact Tania on (03) 4555 894 ext
2 to arrange a time to visit.
The hiring fee contributes towards the
continued work of the Otago Multiple
Sclerosis Society in the community.
The Otago Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Brain Injury
Association would like to present ....
‘The Health Passport’
By Shonelle Eastwood
Where: Our Society 8 Baker Street, Caversham
When: Thursday 3rd July 2014
Time: 7.00 pm
A gold coin donation is appreciated
To reserve a seat please contact your Field Officer Jo Smith
on 455 5894 ext 4 or email [email protected]
The Otago Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Brain Injury
Association would like to present ....
Otago Multiple Sclerosis Newsletter ~ June 2014
Speech and Language Therapy
By Marg Sharpe
Where: Our Society 8 Baker Street, Caversham
When: Thursday 7th August 2014
Time: 7.00 pm
A gold coin donation is appreciated
To reserve a seat please contact your Field Officer Jo Smith
on 455 5894 ext 4 or email [email protected]
Page 9
Guide to Winter Wellness
The herbs here can ease coughs, congestion, and sore throats, and
some may help prevent illness altogether. (As always, talk to your
doctor before trying new remedies, particularly if your symptoms
are severe, if you take medication, or if you have a chronic health
condition.)
Echinacea
A go-to herb for colds, this plant (Echinacea purpurea and E. angustifolia) may help support your
immune system to fight viruses. The root leaves, and flowers are all medicinal.
How to use: Take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of tincture (herbal extract) every two hours until symptoms are
gone. Echinacea also comes in tea blends.
Elderberry
The classic form for elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is a tasty syrup: European studies have shown it to be
helpful for seasonal flus (talk to your doctor before using it for H1N1, or swine flu).
How to use: Follow package directions for the syrup at the first sign of symptoms.
Goldenseal
For short-term use only, goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) can help to clear up bacterial infections and
restore the respiratory system lining after a bad cold.
How to use: Goldenseal is very bitter, so stick to tinctures or capsules. Use small doses of this potent
herb. Safety note: Pregnant women and those with hypertension should not use goldenseal.
Elderflower
The flower form of the elder plant (Sambucus nigra) can induce sweating, which may help reduce
fever.
How to use: Look for elder in cold formulas. To make a tea, pour boiling water over a teaspoon of dried
elderflower. Leave for 10 to 15 minutes, then strain. Drink up to three cups per day. Or make a tea that
combines elder, echinacea, and a pinch of peppermint.
Ginger
A cup of tea made with ginger (Zingiber officinale) can help ease congestion and warm the body, which
helps your system, fight infection. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it a good sore-throat remedy,
too.
How to use: Simmer fresh or dried ginger for 20 minutes; strain and add a touch of honey and a
squeeze of lemon, if desired. Incorporate ginger liberally into stir-fries and soups.
Slippery Elm
A sore-throat soother extraordinaire, slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) products are high in “mucilage,” a
substance that coats the throat and helps relieve coughs.
How to use: Look for slippery elm lozenges at health-food stores; follow package directions. To make a
tea, simmer 1 tablespoon dried slippery elm bark per cup of water; strain and drink.
Thyme
Loaded with antibacterial compounds, fresh or dried thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a cold season
powerhouse.
How to use: Use fresh or dried thyme in stews and soups. To make a steam, pour near-boiling water
into a pot. Add a pinch of fresh or dried thyme, turn off heat, and create a tent by draping a towel over
your head and the pot. Breathe in steam for five minutes.
Page 10
Otago Multiple Sclerosis Newsletter ~ June 2014
Astragalus
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus), which has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese
Medicine, may help to strengthen the body against illness when used over time.
How to use: Take astragalus in tincture or capsule form throughout the cold and flu season. You can
also incorporate dried astragalus slices into soups or rice; remove the astragalus before serving.
Eucalyptus
With antibacterial and expectorant properties, eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) can loosen congestion
and help you breathe easier.
How to use: Pour near-boiling water into a pot. Add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil, turn off
heat, and drape a towel over your head and the pot. Breathe for five minutes. Safety note: Do not use
essential oils internally.
Eleuthero
Also known as Siberian ginseng, this well-studied herb (Eleutherococcus senticosus) can help your
body resist the effects of stress and boost your immune system.
How to use: Take in tincture or capsule form, or make an immunity chai by blending eleuthero with
cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon. Simmer for 20 minutes and strain; drink two to three cups daily.
Mullein
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) has expectorant and soothing properties that make it a cough treatment
supreme.
How to use: For coughs, try mullein tea: Pour a cup of boiling water over a tablespoon of mullein
leaves; leave for 20 minutes and strain. Add honey and lemon to mask the bitter taste. Treat ear
infections with drops of oil infused with mullein and garlic.
Tulsi
Believed to boost overall health, tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) also known as holy basil contains antiviral
and antibacterial compounds. It may help prevent illness when used over time.
How to use: Tulsi makes a delicious tea; look for it in packaged form or brew your own with loose tulsi.
Aim for two to three cups daily.
Yin Chiao
This centuries-old Chinese formula stars a number of immune-boosting herbs and can help ease cold
symptoms such as sneezing and congestion.
How to use: Use at the first sign of illness; follow package directions or consult with a TCM practitioner.
Sage
Common culinary sage (Salvia officinalis) can help to ease sore throats and dry up sinuses.
How to use: For a sore throat, make a strong tea by pouring 4 ounces of water over 2 teaspoons of
dried or fresh sage. Cool to room temperature. Gargle until the mixture is gone. Repeat three times
daily. For drippy sinuses, drink a cup of regular-strength sage tea.
Licorice
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has immune-boosting and throat-soothing properties that make it an
excellent addition to cough and cold formulas.
How to use: For coughs, make a tea that combines mullein leaf with a pinch of licorice. Safety note:
People who have high blood pressure should avoid this herb or use the deglycyrrhizinated form (look
for “DGL” on packaging).
Reference: www.wholeliving.com/136113/15-natural-remedies-winter-season#27716
Otago Multiple Sclerosis Newsletter ~ June 2014
Page 11
Interview with Wayne Kettle
the ‘Muscle Therapist’
Wayne has worked with many of our clients
over the last 18 months and has attended
many of our groups in Dunedin, has travelled
to Central Otago and has presented at one
of our Guest Speaker / Educational Evenings.
We have had some amazing feedback on
Wayne’s work and thought it was about time
we interviewed Wayne and found out more
about his unique technique of Positional Release Therapy.
 What is positional release therapy?
Positional Release Therapy is a technique that shortens
the muscle by altering the position of the body to release
the muscle.
 What’s the difference between deep tissue therapy
and positional release therapy?
Deep tissue therapy forces the muscle to release which
is very invasive. Positional Release Therapy helps the
muscle to release itself which helps muscle fibres reset
without the pain.
 Why is it good for people with MS?
Positional Release Therapy is good for people with MS
because it is non-invasive, though I do have to find the
sore spot first with the flat part/pads of my fingers.
 What if I can’t get onto a massage table?
I do have a small step stool you can stand on. Quite
often I will help the client on to and off the table, or you
can be treated while sitting on a chair
Everyone using a health or disability
service has the protection of a Code of
Rights. An independent Commissioner
promotes and protects these rights
under a New Zealand Law called the
Health and Disability Commissioner Act
1994.
Your rights when receiving a health or
disability service:
1.
To be treated with respect.
2.
To be treated fairly without
pressure or discrimination.
3.The right to
independence.
 What if I am in a wheelchair? (you could come to the
Otago MS Society who has wheelchair access and have
treatment)
You can be treated in your wheelchair which I do
quite often if you find it too difficult to get out of your
wheelchair, but this may have some limitations. Just
check with me first.
Please contact Wayne on 027 683 4443 or email
[email protected]
Page 12
and
4.
To receive a quality service and to
be treated with care and skill.
5.
To be given information that you
can understand in a way that helps
you communicate with the person
providing the service.
6.
To be given the information you
need to know about your health
or disability; the service being
provided and the names and roles
of the staff; as well as information
about any tests and procedures you
need and any test results. In New
Zealand, people are encouraged
to ask questions and to ask for
more information to help them
understand what is going on.
 How many sessions would I need?
That depends on the client. Some people need only
two half hour sessions and some may need more. After
that maybe have three weekly / monthly sessions of half
hour duration.
 Do I have to come to your rooms?
No, not at all. I do house calls, which suits some people.
I can also use one of the rooms at the Otago MS Society.
dignity
7. To make your own decision about
your care, and to change your
mind.
8.
To have a support person with you
at most times.
9.
To have all these rights apply if you
are asked to take part in a research
study or teaching session for
training staff.
10. The right to complain and have
your complaint taken seriously.
Otago Multiple Sclerosis Newsletter ~ June 2014
FUNDRAISING ITEMS AVAILABLE
FOR OUR SOCIETY
2014 DIARY PENS (with a pull out calendar)
A number of our members have purchased these
for gifts already, and some have them available to
pass onto others. Please note that these pens are
inexpensive at only $2.00 per pen.
We have had professionally made display boxes to
hold our pens, and you may know of a business that
would be happy to support our Society by having
one of these on their premises, if you do then
please contact Tania on (03) 4555 894 ext 2.
MS OTAGO DESIGNER EARRINGS
Many of you have seen the lovely MS Otago earrings that some of us
wear. As we had a number of very positive comments made about these
earrings we asked Kismet Jewellery if they would have some more made
especially for our Society. We thought it was an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of
MS, raise the profile of our Society, and to generate some income.
To those of you who have purchased a pair of earrings thank you!, and we now only have 12
pairs available so we have reduced the cost of these earrings to $ 10.00 a pair!!!!
These would make a lovely gift for someone. If you wish to purchase a pair please contact Tania
on (03) 4555 894 ext 2.
BULK TOILETPAPER STILL AVAILABLE
Thank you to all of those who have already purchased
some toilet paper. Stock supplies of toilet paper are
literally walking out the door! Be in quick and order
yours now. They are $20.00 per pack which include 45
rolls. If you wish to purchase a pack please contact Tania
on (03) 4555 894 ext 2 to arrange a time to collect yours.
Please note that all the above fundraising is part
of the Otago Multiple Sclerosis Society Fundraising
Programme.
Otago Multiple Sclerosis Newsletter ~ June 2014
Page 13
Visit to The Otago Rescue Helicopter Headquarters
On Thursday 8th May the Men’s Group were
given a tour of the Otago Rescue Helicopter Trust
headquarters. After being welcomed, we were
escorted into a board room, overlooking the
helicopters, and given a short presentation of the
history of the Trust, and an in-depth description of
how the Trust has evolved.
If you would like to be part of our MEN’s group
who meet monthly please contact our Field Officer,
Jo Smith on (03) 455 5694 ext 4 or email
[email protected]
There are three helicopters, and I was amazed to
discover that while the shells of them are early 90s,
they’ve had many, many upgrades. Each upgrade has
to be certified, so just putting in a new light on the
outside, can cost up to $40,000. We were then given
the chance to go out and look inside the helicopters.
It was amazing being able to have such a good close
up view of these amazing machines. I’m sure I wasn’t
the only one who was secretly hoping they were
called out whilst we were there, so we could see
them in action. It’s also made me appreciate what
they do, even more. I know next time they are asking
for donations, I will put my hand up. Thanks Otago
Rescue Helicopter Trust for having us, we had a great
time, and would have happily spent much longer with
you, given the chance.
A huge thanks to the Otago Rescue Helicopter team
from John, John, Paul, Roy, Denis, Ross, Glen, Mel,
Denise and of course our Field Officer Jo.
Written by Mel Hogue
DunedinPrint
ltd
Inspiration Design Innovation
Proud to sponsor MS Otago
Page 14
For all your print
requirements
please contact:
P: 477 8213
E: [email protected]
297 Vogel St, Dunedin 9016
Otago Multiple Sclerosis Newsletter ~ June 2014
3 Good reasons to make a will and
ensure it’s up to date
1.Make sure assets go to the right people
2.Be sure your family is taken care of
3.Prevent family disputes
While no one likes to think about dying, having a will
and making sure it is up to date is very important
and allows you to control how your assets will be
distributed when you die. This ensures that the people
close to you benefit from your assets.
A will lets you make decisions about your funeral, as
well as the distribution of assets such as money, or
smaller items like jewellery. By having an up to date
will you may reduce any family friction that could
otherwise occur. It also lets you choose the guardians
you would want for your children. Administering an
estate where there is no will can be expensive.
Ask yourself whether any of the following has
happened recently that may affect your will:
 Do you have children whose marital status or
personal situation has changed?
 Have you had a child or grandchild?
 Have you bought a house or any other major asset?
 Have you set up a family trust?
 Have you received an inheritance or another sum
of money?
 Have you changed your mind about passing special
items of significance to certain people?
 Is the executor of your will still appropriate?
 Do you wish to make a bequest to a charity?
It’s only right that you get to decide what you want
done with your assets when you pass away. If you
don’t have a will or your will is not up to date, you lose
that power.
By making sure that your will is in order, you will
ensure your wishes are carried out, safeguard your
beneficiaries and add to your own peace of mind.
Making an appointment with a Trustees Executors
Trust Manager is as simple as dialing our 0800 number
below. Ensure your wishes are recorded. Contact us
today.
0800 Trustees (0800 878 783)
Email [email protected]
Or visit www.trustees.co.nz
The Otago Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Brain Injury
Association would like to present ....
Pain Management
By Louise Parr-Brownlie
BHRC
Where: Our Society 8 Baker Street, Caversham
When: Thursday 11th September 2014
(to be confirmed)
Time: 7.00 pm
A gold coin donation is appreciated
To reserve a seat please contact your Field Officer Jo Smith
on 455 5894 ext 4 or email [email protected]
Otago Multiple Sclerosis Newsletter ~ June 2014
Page 15
What do you do if you are experiencing . . .
PAROXYSMAL SYMPTOMS
You may experience a temporary worsening of symptoms in the following
Heat (try cooling down)
Recent surgery
Dental treatment
Increased stress
Vaccinations
Infections and fever
These symptoms may worsen and then get better on and off over a period of time and usually do not
require treatment. They are most commonly a reactivation of old symptoms that you may have
experienced in a previous relapse.
CONTACT/VISIT YOUR GP
For the following problems it is best to visit your GP/Local Doctor:
Fever
Viral infections
Colds and ‘flu
Influenza
Sleep deprivation
Mild depression
Urinary tract infections (these may be silent without symptoms)
Gut / tummy infections
Constipation
CALL THE NEUROLOGY CLINIC
If new or worsening symptoms occur past 48 hours please call the Neurology Nurse on 03 4709286
for advice. If they are not available contact your GP. Examples of symptoms include:
Weakness of limbs
Changes in vision (for example double vision,
blurred vision, colour changes, pain on eye movement
Altered sensation (pins and needles,
tingling, burning pains) in new areas
Severe fatigue, which is not helped by rest
Worrying injection site reactions /
Medication side effects
Sudden changes in memory or mood
GO STRAIGHT TO EMERGENCY
Very rarely, emergency situations may occur but these are not common at all. In the unlikely event that
these situations occur, or if you cannot contact MS clinical staff and you are worried, presentation at
your local hospital emergency room is appropriate:
Falls with injury
Sever limb weakness, falling to one side, unable to walk
Sudden loss of vision
Difficulties breathing
Severe pain on eye movement
Severe dizziness/balance issues
Reference: MS Neurology Nurses SDHB.
Page 16
Otago Multiple Sclerosis Newsletter ~ June 2014
Cadbury Dunedin Marathon
Preparation Evening held 10 June 2014
On Tuesday night despite the foul weather all day
we had approximately 70 people attend the event,
which was fantastic we thought! Our keynote
speaker was Ken Hodge who is Professor of Sport
and Exercise Physiology, and Sport and Exercise
Science at the School of Physical Education here in
Dunedin. Ken has long been one of New Zealand’s
leading sports psychologists, and he had a number
of great ideas which will hopefully enable the
athletes to achieve the best possible result on the
day. Geoffrey Anderson (our main Physiotherapist)
provided an update on injury prevention, and
Megan Gibbons spoke about effective nutritional
plans. Dave Stinson from Caversham Harriers
outlined his training programmes which he hopes
will get everyone prepared for the start line for
the Full or Half Marathon runs, and Half Marathon
walks.
We ALWAYS run this seminar 3 months BEFORE
THE EVENT so that you can build up safely
and avoid risking injury. This year’s CADBURY
DUNEDIN Marathon will be held on the 14th
September 2014, AND should anyone wish to know
more about this event please go to the website
www.dunedinmarathon.co.nz.
This year we were very happy to continue
supporting The Otago Multiple Sclerosis Society,
with the event raising $ 126.00 from the gold
coin entry. WE AGAIN had another lovely pair of
Mizuno shoes worth $200 from The Frontrunner to
give away on the night, AND I’m sure they will come
in very happy to the lucky recipient!
On behalf of the Society I would like to thank
Barbara and her team for their ongoing support
and donation to our Society from hosting this year’s
event.
Written by Barbara Anderson – owner Caversham
Physiotherapy
We have our Annual Street Appeal confirmed for Friday 5th September 2014, and I have a
number of sites confirmed around, Dunedin, Oamaru, Balclutha, Alexandra, Wanaka and Cromwell that
need to have some wonderful willing volunteers look after the site for an hour or two or more if you like!
Please note that we are allocated only 1 day a year where no other organisation/s are able to collect.
This enables us to raise the profile of Multiple Sclerosis, our Society, and some much needed funds all
at the same time.
It would be greatly appreciated if you could please let me know as soon as possible if you are willing to
assist with the appeal.
I can be contacted either by phone (03) 455-5894 ext 2 or email [email protected]
I look forward to receiving your support!!!
Otago Multiple Sclerosis Newsletter ~ June 2014
Page 17
Staff News
Well if you are anything like me and it feels like
in just a blink of an eye you wonder how we have
managed to reach the middle of the year, rest
assured you’re not alone! The mornings and
evenings have been rather cool but I am really
enjoying the amazing days we are having.
The Society is ticking along nicely with Jo and myself
constantly on the go with various appointments
to attend, visiting clients, and organising groups
and educational evenings. Jo continues travelling
to the various regions and I recently returned
from 2 days in Christchurch for National business
of which is always full of interesting and robust
discussions.
I am currently focusing on our Annual Street
Appeal which has been confirmed for Friday 5th
September 2014. I have written to numerous
clubs and schools asking for their support and
assistance with the various sites I have confirmed in
Dunedin, Oamaru, Balclutha, Alexandra, Cromwell
and Wanaka, I have yet to receive a response from
the majority of them, but there is still plenty of
time, so I haven’t quite activated the panic button
just yet. I would however, like to extend the invite
to all, if you are able to spare a couple of hours on
Friday 5th September 2014, that would be greatly
appreciated as unfortunately we do not have an
unlimited amount of volunteers to call on. This is
a great opportunity for us to raise the awareness
of MS in our community, whilst at the same time
raising some much needed funding.
I have started to compile a list of willing volunteers
that I hope to be able to have stationed at the
various sites dotted around Dunedin and further
afield. So if you can help or know of people who
would be willing to help the Society please contact
me directly, I look forward to hearing from you!
Jo and I are still occasionally asked by some of
our members and clients for assistance in helping
them with gardening, housework, and odd jobs.
Unfortunately we have been unable to find a
“willing person or persons” to be able to assist
you in this way. Again, I ask if there is anyone out
there or if you know of someone who may be able
to help our clients and members out from time to
Page 18
time, to please get in
contact with either Jo
or myself.
On the home front, the
girls are in full swing
with their winter sport,
and there never seems
to be shortage of
homework for either
of them, and quite
often both Hannah and
Tania McGregor
Manager
Katelin come and ask
for some help for one
subject or another. It’s been rather a long time
since I had to do algebra and even then it certainly
wasn’t my best subject! The school holidays are
fast approaching which they are looking forward
to, so this means I will need to think of some
things to keep them occupied maybe even some
extra jobs may be an idea, but I can just hear the
moaning and groaning already.
Given the weather has been quite settled of late it
has given me the opportunity to be able to potter
outside in the garden, but there never ever seems
to be enough hours in my day to get everything
done that I want to, given the shortest day has
now passed, the days will start becoming a little
longer and daylight savings won’t be too far away,
which means that before too long summer will be
here, and I cannot wait!
Otago Multiple Sclerosis Newsletter ~ June 2014
Staff News
Hello team. I hope you are all keeping warm and
well. I cannot believe how this year is just flying
by; before we know it we will be planning our
Christmas get together!
I have now been with the Society for 18 months
and enjoying every aspect of my role as Field
Officer for MS Otago. Every single member/client
of the Society has touched my heart in one way
or another. You all inspire me and I am so grateful
for all that have let me into their lives and who
have shown sometimes the vulnerable side of
living with MS and the challenges that poses for
not only the individual with MS but their families
and wider support networks.
Many of you may be aware that I have a Degree
in Social Services endorsed in Counselling and
this is my area of strength. I have well developed
interpersonal skills and am naturally a great
listener. Sometimes just having someone to listen
to you can have a positive effect on how you view
a certain situation and help you find solutions
or ways to move forward. I am available to be a
listening ear!
I am passionate about working with people with
Multiple Sclerosis and I am always looking at ways
of being able to build on my own knowledge base
and share any new findings with my clients. If
you come across information that you feel others
would be interested in feel free to contact me
either by telephone or email.
Our
Educational
evenings have been
proving to be a great
success with many
interesting
guest
speakers. Everyone is
welcome to attend and
these are open to the
wider community as
a way of being able to
generate awareness
of MS and to provide
Jo Smith
a holistic way of living.
Field Officer
We have been working
alongside the Brain
Injury Association to be able to deliver these
evenings.
On a more personal note, both my boys aged 6
and 8 are enjoying school and are doing well.
My youngest Oliver is playing Soccer this season
and has a real passion for team sports. Joshua’s
strength is more individual sports and is enjoying
trampolining and has also just started guitar
lessons. My husband and I are so very proud of
growing boys who seem to amaze us with their
courage and strength every day!
Take care and keep warm this winter and before
we know it spring will be here!
Winter is starting to be felt with these colder days . . . makes us think of food
to warm us. As my Scottish grandmother would have said it will warm the
cockles of your heart. It’s a time to take care of ourselves and hope we can
get through the winter without colds and flu. Keep warm.
Pam Macdonald
Health Officer
On behalf of Tania, Jo, Pam and our members, we would like to sincerely thank our wonderful volunteers
Jean, Margaret and Charity for their continued support assisting us with our Tuesday Social group, their
kindness and warmth is appreciated by us all, and we look forward to seeing them every week.
Otago Multiple Sclerosis Newsletter ~ June 2014
Page 19
Brain Training Games –
Should we or shouldn’t we???
Companies hawking brain-training games have
enjoyed massive success in recent years. Joe Hardy,
the vice president of research and development
at Lumosity - one of the most well-known of
these companies - told The Scientist in an e-mail
that his firm has more than 50 million users.
These ventures bank on consumers’ expectations
of cognitive benefits from brain training, but
the scientific evidence to date suggests that the
games do little beyond make people better at the
specific tasks involved in game-play.
“Psychologists have been trying to come up with
ways to increase intelligence for a very long
time,” said D. Zachary Hambrick, a professor of
psychology at Michigan State University. “We’ve
been interested in increasing intelligence for
almost as long as we’ve studied intelligence,
which is over a century.”
Psychologist Randall Engle’s group at Georgia
Tech has previously shown that working memory
capacity is highly correlated with complex
learning, problem solving, and general attention
control. But he pointed out that this correlation
does not mean that by increasing working memory
capacity, fluid intelligence can be increased. “This
idea that intelligence can be trained would be a
great thing if it were true,” Engle said.
In 2008, scientists at the University of Michigan
and the University of Bern in Switzerland published
a paper in PNAS that concluded training for just
10 hours on a working memory task known as
the adaptive dual n-back task, which appears
in some forms in commercial brain-training
software, could improve some measures of fluid
intelligence—that which is behind the ability
to solve problems. The researchers uncovered
something unusual: evidence for far transfer—
performance on a reasoning task improved
after practicing a working-memory task. While
near transfer—training on a task that leads to
improvements in identical or similar tasks—is
fairly common, far transfer had been observed
only rarely.
The researchers also described a dosage effect
Page 20
of training on the dual
n-back task. “The longer
you train, the bigger the impact is,” said coauthor
Martin Buschkuehl, who is now the director of
education research at MIND Research Institute,
a nonprofit organization in Irvine, California that
has created game-based mathematics software
available in elementary schools across the U.S.
When Engle’s group tried to repeat the findings
of the 2008 PNAS paper, “we totally failed to
replicate the . . . study,” he said. For the paper that
resulted from their efforts, which was published
in 2012 in Journal of Experimental Psychology, the
researchers taught the same working memory
tasks, in which participants were presented with
stimuli one right after the other and are asked
to recall which occurred a certain number of
times previously, to one group of young adults;
an adaptive visual search task to a second group;
and no task to a control group. The researchers
assessed the participants at the beginning, middle,
and end of the training programs for measures
of cognitive function, including fluid intelligence
and multitasking. The groups that practiced the
n-back and the visual search tasks improved their
performance on those tasks specifically, but the
team found no positive transfer to the other
cognitive abilities they tested.
“If it’s too good to be true, it probably isn’t true,”
said Engle. He suggested that the 2008 study
and others like it that have shown the benefit
of training tasks may have lacked appropriate
controls, which his group corrected for by using
the visual search task group. The dual n-back task
also does not relate well to real-world cognition,
he said. Engle said he has extensively used other
types of tasks that better predict real-world
cognition. When his team tested the far transfer
of these complex working memory span tasks for a
paper published in Psychological Science in 2013,
the researchers found that even improvements
on the performance of the complex span tasks
did not transfer to increases in measures of fluid
intelligence.
Otago Multiple Sclerosis Newsletter ~ June 2014
Other groups have also encountered problems
replicating the results of the 2008 study. Work
published in 2012 in Intelligence suggested
that working memory training did not improve
intelligence in young adults. The participants
in this study improved their performance on
the training task, but the researchers found no
improvements in the subjects’ fluid intelligence
or working memory capacity.
“Data obtained so far doesn’t seem to show that
working memory capacity was expanded after
working memory training,” coauthor Weng-Tink
Chooi, who is now a researcher at the Advanced
Medical and Dental Institute of the University
Sains Malaysia, wrote in an e-mail to The Scientist.
“What is more consistently observed is that
improvements are noted on the trained task and
other tasks that share the same specific skills/
processes engaged as the trained task.”
“We take this non-replication very seriously,” said
Buschkuehl. “What we now need to do is find out
why some studies worked and some did not.” This
month, Buschkuehl and his colleagues published
a paper in Memory & Cognition, suggesting a role
for intrinsic motivation and individual differences
in outcomes of cognitive training. “I think it is
worth going forward with cognitive training even
though there are some studies that did not find
an effect,” he said.
A meta-analysis of the work on transfer after
working memory training from researchers at
the University of Oslo in Norway published in
Developmental Psychology last year suggested
that improvements in working memory after
practicing tasks did not last over the long term.
The meta-analysis also found no evidence that
improvements in working memory generalize to
other cognitive functions, and experts remain
cautious.
“I am not totally negative about the potential for
brain training,” said David Meyer, a psychologist
and cognitive scientist who directs the University
of Michigan’s Brain, Cognition, and Action
Laboratory. But he added that there are certainly
vast individual differences in the effectiveness of
brain training and highlighted the dearth of sound
evidence for far transfer. “What the brain-training
games do is help you to get better at particular,
relatively limited kinds of tasks that in effect
are exercised by the game,” Meyer said. “The
implication on the part of the companies is that
somehow you’re going to get better at everything
that is mental, and there is no evidence to show
that.”
“Research has not been able to capture significant
and actual benefits that the participants and
brain-training software creators are claiming,”
agreed Chooi.
Meyer is optimistic that questions about the
effectiveness of brain-training games can be
answered empirically, but “we’re going to need
an enormous amount more research than has
been invested so far,” he said.
Dorothy L Newman Scholarship
Applications for Dorothy Newman Scholarships are now open and close on the 8th September 2014. The scholarships
are for studies commencing in 2015 academic year.
The Dorothy L Newman Scholarship assists people who have been diagnosed as having MS and as a result are
unable to continue in their present employment, who need to change their employment and undergo a course of
retraining in order to do so.
Applicants will be required to explain in a statement in their application the reasons why they chose their course
of study, how they intend to use their qualification on successful completion of their course and the likelihood of
employment following the course.
If you wish to find out more about this scholarship please contact our Field Officer Jo Smith on (03) 4555 894 ext 4
or email Jo at [email protected]
Otago Multiple Sclerosis Newsletter ~ June 2014
Page 21
What are ‘powerhouse’ fruit and vegetables?
Suddenly this leafy green vegetable is a health super star, thanks to it topping a list of ‘powerhouse’ fruit and
vegetables.
A new study defined powerhouse fruit and vegetables as containing 10 per cent or more of our daily requirements
of 17 essential nutrients, including calcium, iron, folate and vitamins A and C.
1.
Watercress
The study’s author, Jennifer Di Noia, gave watercress a nutrient density score of 100, making
it the top performing powerhouse vegetable. Put it on your shopping list right now!
2.
Chinese cabbage
Chinese cabbage, a brassica popular in Chinese cooking, scored just shy of 92 on the nutrient
density scale.
3.
Chard
Chard, a leafy green vegetable with often brightly coloured stalks, is as healthy as it is good
looking.
4.
Beet greens
Don’t toss the leaves of your beetroot! This powerhouse vegetable deserves a spot in your
salad.
5.
Spinach
No surprise that the study found that spinach is a nutrient-dense vegetable.
6.
Chicory
Liven up your next salad with colourful radicchio leaves - a member of the chicory family.
7.
Lettuce
Two types of lettuce rate in the top 20 powerhouse fruit and veg: leaf lettuce was seventh
on the list, while Romaine lettuce followed at ninth.
8.
Parsley
Not only is parsley a rich source of antioxidants, the common herb scores high on the list.
9.
Collard greens
We all know we should eat our greens - specifically collard, turnip and mustard greens
which are all bonafide powerhouse vegetables.
10. Kale
If you were expecting kale, the super food pinup, to top the powerhouse veg poll, you’d be
disappointed. Don’t ditch your kale smoothies entirely though - the on-trend veg scored a
respectable 49 on the nutrient density scale.
Reference: The Sydney Morning Herald – Sarah Berry Life & Style reporter.
Page 22
Otago Multiple Sclerosis Newsletter ~ June 2014
The Otago Multiple Sclerosis Society
gratefully acknowledges the past and present support of
St Kilda
Community Sports
Society
The Marsh Family
Trust
ANZ STAFF
FOUNDATION
Dunedin North Lions
Otago Multiple Sclerosis Newsletter ~ June 2014
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