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• my new year's resolution
• Posted: 2008-01-01 18:37:53 By dan r
• Dear Friends,
  
  My personal resolution for the new year is to help cure the fear that comes with AMD. I can't cure the disease, so that's the best I can do. And I've learned that a good way to accomplish it is by giving the weapon of knowledge to everyone who is in the fight. This goes for people who are not only on the Internet, as we are, but to thousands more "unconnected seniors" out there.
  
  Since March 2006, our International MD Support Group (IMDSG) has been reaching more than 2500 people per month in retirement centers, senior centers, libraries and clinics with Internet webcasts featuring leading experts in the field of vision care. Many of you have been listening to the archived sessions, and some of you have even formed affiliate groups as your own personal outreach (thank you!). I hope you have benefited from these programs and that you will continue to "tune in."
  
  In a few weeks, nearly 9000 centers and about 20 CEOs of large retirement community corporations will receive information through the mail about the IMDSG. Hopefully, as a result of this effort, we will add many more affiliates to the 100 or so groups already participating.
  
  I have listed below the presentations scheduled for the coming 12 months. Please talk it up among your friends, acquaintances and doctors, and let them know that this information is available at absolutely no cost. That's how we are fighting AMD until the cure comes along, and your help is greatly appreciated.
  
  For more information about the IMDSG, how you can start a group, and links to all past and current webcasts, see:
  
  http://www.mdsupport.org/nsg.html
  
  Please take a minute to look over our schedule of upcoming programs. Better yet, hang a copy next to your calendar. Knowledge is the best medicine we've got right now, and thanks to financial support by our generous sponsors, LowVision.com and the Macular Degeneration Foundation, it will continue to be absolutely free.
  
  Best wishes for a happy 2008,
  
  Dan Roberts, Director
  Macular Degeneration Support
  email: director@mdsupport.org
  web site: http://www.mdsupport.org
  ------------------------
  IMDSG Schedule of Presentations: 2008
  
  January
  "The Challenges of Multiple Age-Related Disabilities" (Mary Warren, MS, OTR/L, SCLV, FAOTA, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Alabama at Birmingham)
  
  February
  "Senior EZ Living" (Charles Schwartz, MS (Support Specialist, Low Vision Products)
  
  March
  "Aging Successfully with Vision Loss: Creative Pursuits and Leisure Activities" (Colleen O'Donnell, MSA, OTR, CLVT (Visual Rehabilitation and Research Center, Henry Ford Health System)
  
  April
  "Overview of Assistive Technology for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired" (Ike Presley, American Foundation for the Blind)
  
  May
  "Update on Research and Treatments" (Dan Roberts, MD Support, IMDSG)
  
  June
  "Preventing Type II Diabetes" (Susan Mills-Gray, University of Missouri, MU Extension)
  
  July
  "Traveling Without Trouble--Overcoming Travel Challenges With Disabilities" (Renée Rentmeister, Vision World Foundation)
  
  August
  Presentation by Edward J. Huggett, Jr., O.D., P.A. (St. Luke's Cataract and Laser Institute, Tarpon Springs, Florida)
  
  September
  "What You See is What You Eat: Nutrition and AMD" (Lylas Mogk, MD, Henry Ford Medical Center, Lavonia MI)
  
  October
  "Reclaiming Independence--Staying in the Driver's Seat When You No Longer Drive" (L. Penny Rosenblum, Ph.D., University of Arizona)
  
  November
  "Adventures in Darkness" (Tom Sullivan, actor, singer, entertainer, author, producer)
  
  December
  "Cooking Without Looking" (Celia Chacone, Cooking show host, WXEL-PBS 42, Palm Beach FL)