MS Active NOW
MS ActiveNOW is a pilot project of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada (Edmonton Chapter) and The Steadward Centre for Personal & Physical Achievement.
Goal
Broadly speaking, we aim to increase wellness opportunities for people with MS. The ultimate goal of MS ActiveNOW is for people with MS to have the option of attending a community fitness facility that employs MS-educated and trained wellness professionals. In turn, we have also been educating people with MS on the importance of exercise in the hope that they will choose to make it a part of their lifestyle.
To achieve our goal we are building a community network of wellness providers who can assist persons with a disability to lead a healthy, active lifestyle.
At present we provide basic information on MS and exercise to wellness providers.
MS ActiveNOW Fellow 2007-2008 Keith Johnston
The MS ActiveNOW Fellow for 2007-2008, Keith Johnston, is responsible for executing the mandate of this initiative. Keith is a PhD student in the faculty of Physical Education & Recreation at the University of Alberta under the supervision of Dr. Donna Goodwin. Keith’s doctoral dissertation explores the meaning and experience of dignity for persons with MS and disabilities. As the MS ActiveNOW Fellow, Keith will be continuing the work of the previous fellow in resource and community development, and direct one-on-one interaction with persons with MS, to expand physical activity and wellness opportunities. This year Keith will be developing and piloting a full package of educational materials to support the initiative with members of the MS Community. Completed educational materials will be distributed to all recreational facilities and physicians in Edmonton and the Capital Region and also across the province to other MS Society Chapters.
MS ActiveNOW Fellow 2005-2007
The MS ActiveNOW Fellow, Ali Jonzon, was responsible for executing the mandate of the initiative. Ali is an MSc student in the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation under the supervision of Dr. Donna Goodwin.
As the MSActive NOW Fellow, her time is divided between her studies, The Steadcard Centre, where she works one-on-one with members with MS developing and modifying programs and with the MS Society where she delivers presentations on MS and exercise to fitness facilities, and to MS Society support groups on the importance of exercise.
As part of her role she also keeps pace with the latest research on MS and exercise, and develops programs for people with MS exercising in community facilities.
Ali's master's degree thesis will look at the physical activity and play experiences of children who have parents with MS.
Contact us