Disease Specific Resources
IDS/HIV
AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is caused by HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). HIV is most commonly spread through IV drug use. It can also be spread by sexual intercourse with an infected partner, through contact with infected blood, and women can transmit the virus to their babies during pregnancy or birth. By killing or damaging cells in the body’s immune system, HIV progressively destroys the body’s ability to fight infections. The term AIDS applies to the most advanced stages of HIV infection.
AIDS/HIV Hotline National, 1-800-232-4636
Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Referrals, answers to questions and free written materials.
AIDS and HIV Anonymous Counseling, Testing
Missoula County Health Dept., 258-4745
Counseling & HIV testing by appointment only.
Communicable Diseases, Missoula County Health Department
301 W. Alder St., 258-3896
Communicable Diseases answers questions about sexually transmitted illness and communicable diseases including HIV. Counseling and testing available.
Missoula AIDS Counsel
500 N. Higgins Ave., Ste. 100, 543-4770
mac@centric.net
Provides HIV prevention information and risk-reduction supplies. Offers HIV education, including at-risk youth program, HIV positive speakers bureau, and community presentations. Rapid testing is available free of charge; results are treated anonymously and confidentially. Only a 20-80 minute wait for results! Support for HIV-positive individuals includes referrals, housing assistance, and support groups.
Partnership Health Center
323 W. Alder St., 258-4789
Assistance with medical, dental and pharmacy needs for the uninsured and underinsured. Also offers mental health services and educational resources.
Yellowstone AIDS Project
2906 1st Ave. N, Ste. 200, Billings, 59101, (406)245-2029
www.yapmt.org
Provides direct services to people with HIV and AIDS, including prevention education and outreach, HIV counseling and testing. Also provides prevention education for people affected by HIV/AIDS or at risk.
ALZHEIMER’S AND OTHER DEMENTIAS
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease characterized in the brain by abnormal clumps and tangled bundles of fibers composed of misplaced proteins. Age is the most important risk factor for AD. Symptoms of AD include memory loss, language deterioration, impaired ability to mentally manipulate visual information, poor judgment, confusion, restlessness, and mood swings. There is no cure for AD and no way to slow the progression of the disease. - National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Alzheimer’s Association, Montana Chapter
3010 11th Ave. N., Billings
(406) 252-3053 or 24 Hour Helpline 800-272-3900
www.alz-mt.org
Safe Return Program for Montana - information available from this office along with educational materials about Alzheimer’s Disease.
Alzheimer’s Support Group
Contact Eunice Nelson at 251-4608 in Missoula
or Ray Prillwitz at (406)549-2524 in Seeley Lake
snicholson@blackfoot.net
For families and friends who have someone with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. Meets the fourth Monday of the month in Conference Room B at St. Pat’s Hospital.
Senior Information Line and Resource Center
Missoula Aging Services
337 Stephens Ave. 728-7682 or 1-800-551-3191
www.missoulaagingservices.org
Provides assistance to seniors, families of seniors or caregivers needing resource information. The Senior Information Line has over 600 resources listed in the database covering all aspects of senior needs. From transportation to Medicare insurance counseling, the trained staff can assist in finding answers.
ARTHRITIS
Arthritis is inflammation of a joint, often accompanied by pain, swelling, stiffness, and structural changes.
Aquatic Movement Therapy for Arthritis
Community Medical Center
2827 Fort Missoula Rd., 327-4427
Warm-water pool exercise at Community Rehabilitation Center helps relieve the pain and stiffness of arthritis, enhances movement and flexibility, and improves general strength. Call for fee and class schedule.
Arthritis Foundation 1-800-283-7800
Arthritis Foundation Rocky Mountain Chapter/Montana Branch
15 N. 26th St., Ste. 207, Billings, 59101
1-888-245-0231 or (406)245-0231
Education and support for people with arthritis and related diseases. Free informational brochures. Annual Camp Limber Limbs available for children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
The Women’s Club Fitness Center
2105 Bow St., 728-4410
Offers programs specific for women with arthritis and other debilitating joint or bone disease. Check on the web or call for fees and scheduled activities
ASTHMA
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that often arises from allergies. Labored breathing, chest constriction, and coughing accompany the disease.
American Lung Association and “Camp Huff and Puff”
825 Helena Ave., Helena, 59601
(406)442-6556 or call the Lung Association of the Northern Rockies at 1-800-LUNG-USA
Information about lung disease & promoting lung health. A summer camp “Camp Huff and Puff” for children with asthma and other respiratory difficulties.
BACK, NECK, AND SPINE
According to the Mayo Clinic, back pain ranks second only to headaches as the most frequent pain location. Back pain can occur anywhere along the spine and for no apparent reason.
The Montana Spine and Pain Center
St Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center
500 West Broadway, Missoula, 327-1670
Hamilton, 363-4209
The Montana Spine and Pain Center specializes in the evaluation and treatment of both acute and chronic pain. The team of specialists who work with our patients include both fellowship-trained and board-certified pain management specialists, psychologists, psychiatrists, physical therapists, pharmacists and others. Our team prides themselves on using a holistic approach to your care. We are committed to working closely with both you and your health care provider to develop a plan of care that focuses on improving your functionality and enhancing your quality of life. For your convenience we have locations in both Missoula and Hamilton.
CANCER
Cancer is the general term for the abnormal, malignant growth of cells in the body. The growth is purposeless, parasitic and flourishes at the expense of the human host. The cause of cancer is unknown, but it is not contagious. Cancer is considered curable if it is discovered early and if all cancer cells are removed by surgery or destroyed by radiation.
- Carcinoma: Carcinoma refers to malignant tumors of the skin or mucus membrane.
- Sarcoma: Sarcoma refers to tumors of the connective tissue.
The ABCDS of Melanoma:
- Asymmetry - one half doesn’t match the other half
- Color - The pigmentation is not uniform
- Border irregularity - the edges are ragged, notched or blurred
- Diameter - greater than six millimeters
(about the size of a pencil eraser)
American Cancer Society
542-2191 Opt. 3, M-F 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. (Missoula Office)
1-800-ACS-2345, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
www.cancer.org
The nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Local programs in Western Montana available to cancer patients include support groups, free transportation to and from cancer treatment, information & educational resources, prescription assistance, makeup, hair and skincare suggestions, free or discounted hotel accommodations and free loan closet with wigs, hats, scarves and other head coverings.
Benefis Cancer Programs, Sletten Cancer Institute
1117 29th St. S, Great Falls, 59405
(406)731-8200 or 1-866-466-6822
Benefis Cancer Programs offers comprehensive cancer care services for inpatients, outpatients and their families. Services include radiation oncology, chemotherapy and infusion, inpatient care including stem cell harvesting and transplant, and supportive services such as genetic counseling, pastoral care, nutritional services, physical, occupational and speech therapy services, and other service resources including but not limited to the Image and Appearance Center, Learning Resource Library and a variety of support groups for patients and their families. Benefis Healthcare’s Cancer Program is accredited by the American College of Surgeon’s Commission on Cancer as a Community Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Program.
The Breast Center at Community Medical Center
2827 Fort Missoula Rd., 728-4100 x7120
Services include diagnostic mammography, diagnostic studies of breast disease with breast ultrasound, sterotactic core biopsy, mammotome biopsy, fine needle aspiration of the breast, and MRI of the breast, breast health education and resource information for women, families and groups, breast center rehabilitation including lymphedema management and water exercise, nutrition counseling and social services. All machines are dedicated only to mammography and have been certified and accredited by the American College of Radiology, the Food and Drug Administration, and meets the Mammography Quality Standards Act requirement. The staff consists of registered mammography technologists, board-certified radiologists, and a registered nurse.
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America
Rocky Mountain Chapter
5353 W. Dartmouth Ave., Denver, CO 80227
(303)984-2110 or 1-800-955-4572 (Information Resource Center)
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Idaho/Montana Chapter
921 S. Orchard St. Ste. I, Boise, ID 83705, (208)658-6662
Missoula County Cancer Association
3005 Queen St., 523-7700
Offers up to $1200 a year for cancer-related medications, prosthesis and travel to authorized medical centers for diagnosed cancer patients in crisis. Clients must reside in Missoula County and be referred by a medical provider.
The Montana Cancer Center
500 W. Broadway
Medical Oncology: 728-2539
Radiation Oncology: 329-5655
The Montana Cancer Center is a collaboration between medical oncology and radiation oncology specialists, and St. Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center. This collaboration helps us to manage the cancer patient’s complex medical care and to support the patients and their families during the cancer treatment experience. Our mission is to support persistent improvement in cancer care, through a patient-oriented, physician-lead, information-rich system. We provide patients with access to a wide range of professionals: dieticians, physical therapists, oncology-certified registered nurses, nurse specialists, social workers and chaplains.
Montana Breast and Cervical Health Program
Partnership Health Center,
323 W. Alder St. 258-4167 or 1-888-803-9343
State funded program for women 50-64 years of age who are uninsured or underinsured and who meet income criteria. Montana women receive ongoing, accessible, and appropriate breast and cervical cancer screening. FREE.
National Cancer Institute 1-800-4-Cancer
CLOTHING, WIGS, VIDEOS & SUPPORT ITEMS FOR CANCER PATIENTS
American Cancer Loan Closet, Montana Cancer Center
500 West Broadway, 728-2539
The American Cancer Society Loan Closet is located at the Montana Cancer Center. Wigs, hats and scarves are made available to cancer patients and their caregivers free of charge.
“TLC” Catalog by American Cancer Society, 1-800-850-9445
Items include breast prosthesis, hairpieces, wigs and head coverings. Items cost less than retail. For a free copy, call number listed above.
CANCER PATIENT SUPPORT GROUPS AND RESOURCES
American Cancer Society
Look Good…Feel Better, 1-800-ACS-2345
Trained cosmetologists offer free group sessions to teach female cancer patients beauty techniques to help enhance their appearance and self-image during chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
American Cancer Society - Reach to Recovery
24 hrs/7 days a week, 1-800-ACS-2345
Trained breast cancer survivor volunteers visit with newly diagnosed breast cancer patients (and other types of cancer) to provide support and local resources. Call to schedule a visit or for more information.
Breast Cancer Survivors Water Fitness
Community Medical Center
2827 Fort Missoula Rd., 327-4427
This warm-water pool class was designed for women who have or have had breast cancer by a licensed physical therapist to reduce lymphedema, improve general flexibility and strength, and increase endurance and circulation. Call for fee and class schedule.
Breast Rehabilitation and Lymphedema Treatment Community Medical Center
2827 Fort Missoula Rd., 327-4050
Therapists with specialized training can provide the breast cancer patient with an individualized program to restore pain-free movement, maximize upper extremity function, and manage edema when necessary.
For One Another, Cancer Family Network, (406)587-8080
www.foroneanother.org
Networking Montana families affected by cancer through summer camps and events during the year.
General Cancer Support Group, Montana Cancer Center
500 West Broadway, 396-6294
The general support group is open to all patients and caregivers in any phase of their cancer. It meets on the second Thursday of each month from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the Montana Cancer Center. Please contact Katy Simon for more information at the above number or email katysimon@katysimon.com.
Guardian Angels Foundation
2835 Fort Missoula Rd, 721-1118
guardianangelsmt.org
The Guardian Angels Foundation is a 501c(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping Montana cancer patients focus their energies on the healing process by providing them with financial and other assistance with out-of-pocket expenses not covered by insurance. Guardian Angels will hold its Annual Auto and Motorcycle Fun Run in July of 2009 in which all interested parties are welcome to participate. Please call or visit our website for further information.
Living Art
PO Box 17303, Missoula, 59808, 549-5329
www.livingartofmontana.org; livingart@inwspace.org
Living Art supports whole person healing through the expressive arts and nature-based experiences for people facing illness and loss through a variety of programs, including workshops. Our biennial community event, Winterfeast, will be held in January 2007. An annual educational art exhibit that addresses the experiences of illness will be on display during the month of November. We also offer programs for people facing life altering illnesses and conditions.
The Sisters in Survival Breast Cancer Support Group
St. Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center, 329-5656
This breast cancer support group meets the first and third Tuesday of every month from 12 to 1 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Parish Center, 420 W. Pine Street. For more information call Char Houska, RN, at the above number, or email her at chouska@saintpatrick.org.
CAREGIVERS/HOUSING/TRANSPORTATION FOR CANCER PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES:
American Cancer Society
Road to Recovery, 1-800-ACS-2345
Volunteers provide ground transportation for cancer patients to their treatments and home again free of charge.
SUPPORT HOUSING
Discounts at Red Lion and Mountain Valley Inn
Contact St. Patrick Hospital at 543-7271
St. Patrick House
501 Alder St 541-2828
St. Patrick House is a hospitality house for people from out of town who are in Missoula for medical reasons. By medical referral only.
CEREBRAL PALSY
Cerebral palsy is a general term referring to the abnormal motor control caused by damage to a child’s brain in early development. Damage resulting in cerebral palsy can occur during fetal development, during the birth process or during the first few months of an infant’s life.
United Cerebral Palsy, 1-800-USA-5-UCP
CHRONIC FATIGUE
CFIDS (chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome) is also known as CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome), CEBV (chronic Epstein-Barr virus), M.E. (myalgic encephalomyelitis), “yuppie flu” and many other names. It is a complex illness characterized by incapacitating fatigue (experienced as exhaustion and extremely poor stamina), neurological problems and a constellation of symptoms that can resemble other disorders including: mononucleosis, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, AIDS-related complex (ARC), Lyme disease, post-polio syndrome and autoimmune diseases such as lupus. These symptoms tend to wax and wane but are often severely debilitating and may last for many months or years. All segments of the population (including children) are at risk, but women under the age of 45 seem to be the most susceptible.
CFIDS Association of Americas Inc.
P.O. Box 220398, Charlotte, NC 28222-0398, (704)365-2343
www.cfids.org
DEPRESSION
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, a depressive disorder is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts. It affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one feels about oneself, and the way one thinks about things. A depressive disorder is not the same as a passing blue mood. It is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be willed or wished away. People with a depressive illness cannot merely “pull themselves together” and get better. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. Appropriate treatment, however, can help most people who suffer from depression.
Catastrophic Loss and Depression Support Group, 721-3351
singer@montana.com
4-session commitment, $50 charge, 4-person minimum
Partnership Health Center
323 W. Alder St., 258-4789
www.co.missoula.mt.us/phc
In conjunction with the University of Montana, provides access to therapy services through a network of 50 local therapists. Cost may be discounted based on family size and income.
Recovery Inc., 866-221-0302
www.recovery-inc.org
Hours: Meets every Fri 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. in the board room just inside the front door of the Missoula Public Library, 301 E. Main St.
Improve mental health and reduce suffering. Learn skills and acquire tools to help cope with difficult emotions and nervous symptoms.
Senior Help Line,
Missoula Aging Services, 728-7682 or 1-800-551-3191
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
DIABETES
There are several types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes usually develops during childhood and is an autoimmune disease that is characterized by the inability of the pancreas to create enough insulin. The most common form of diabetes is type 2, which usually develops in adults and is not an autoimmune disease. Pregnant women may develop gestational diabetes if their hormones increase the body’s resistance to insulin. Gestational diabetes typically goes away after the pregnancy.
Diabetes Care Services
St. Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center
500 West Broadway, 329-5781
Our staff of Diabetes Educators works with you and your physician to develop an individualized program to meet your specific self-management needs. The American Diabetes Association has recognized our program for its high-quality education. Group classes include such topics as types of diabetes; meal planning basics; high and low blood sugar levels; glucose monitoring; exercise; medications; foot care; complications of diabetes and how to avoid them; and setting goals. Lectures, discussions, literature and videos, along with the long term support and follow up by our professional staff, come together to create an environment where you can learn how to stay in control of your diabetes and maintain a positive, healthy lifestyle.
Diabetes Management Program, Community Medical Center
2835 Fort Missoula Rd., 327-4325
Community Medical Center’s Diabetes Management Program offers individual and group sessions designed to help you manage your diabetes and enjoy a healthy lifestyle. Sessions are led by a nurse and dietitian certified in diabetes education. Physician referral required. Call for more information.
Free Diabetes Screening
St. Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center, 329-5781
Call to schedule an appointment at 8 a.m. the next day. Overnight fast required.
uvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
PO Box 2805, Missoula, 59806, 251-4972 or 549-0556
Driven by the needs of people with diabetes, the mission of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) is to find a cure for diabetes and it’s complications through the support of research. We work to accomplish this by finding and funding the best and most relevant research to help achieve a cure for this devastating disease. The Western Montana Branch of JDRF holds annual fundraisers such as the Walk to Cure Diabetes. We offer a “Bag of Hope” to newly diagnosed children.
Missoula Indian Center
Fort Missoula, Bldg. 33 829-9515
On-site blood sugar testing with glucose monitor, quarterly offers of immunizations, fasting blood sugar, lipid profile and thyroid panel.
Partnership Health Center
323 W. Alder St., 258-4789
As a participant in the National Diabetes Collaborative, Partnership Health Center practitioners are armed with the best and latest information in diabetes management. Costs may be discounted depending on family size and income.
Public Health Nursing Program
1400 Broadway, 444-4542 or call WIC 258-4740
Gestational Diabetes Counseling for low-income pregnant women provided to patients of the MCC Health Department Prenatal Case Management Program. No charge.
Self-Management Education Classes, Diabetes Care Services
St. Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center
500 West Broadway, 329-5781
People with diabetes and their loved ones learn how to manage the disease on their own. Physician referral only. Call for more information.
Sweet’n Low Aquatic Exercise for Adults with Diabetes
Community Medical Center
2827 Fort Missoula Rd., 327-4427
This warm-water therapy pool class helps adults with diabetes increase endurance, improve flexibility, strength, increase circulation, and improve control of diabetes. Call for fee and class schedule. Physician referral only.
EPILEPSY
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, epilepsy is a brain disorder in which clusters of nerve cells, or neurons, in the brain sometimes signal abnormally. In epilepsy, the normal pattern of neuronal activity becomes disturbed, causing strange sensations, emotions, and behavior or sometimes convulsions, muscle spasms, and loss of consciousness.
Epilepsy Foundation, 1-800-332-1000
www.epilepsyfoundation.org
HEART DISEASE/CHOLESTEROL
Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in the United States. High blood cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for heart disease. When too much cholesterol is in the blood, it can build up in the arteries. Blood flow to the heart may be slowed down or blocked. If the blood supply to the heart is completely cut off, a heart attack will result.
Everyone over the age of 20 should have their cholesterol checked at least once every five years. A “lipoprotein profile” is a blood test that measures the types of cholesterol in your blood. “Bad” blood cholesterol is called low-density lipoprotein or LDL cholesterol, and this is the kind that clogs arteries. “Good” blood cholesterol is high-density lipoprotein or HDL cholesterol, and it actually protects against clogging arteries.
Maintaining a normal blood pressure helps to prevent heart disease and stroke. Blood pressure should be checked at least once a year and more often if you take blood pressure medication.
American Heart Association
700 South Ave. W, Ste. D, 829-3377 or 1-800-242-8721
www.americanheart.org
The American Heart Association’s mission is to fight cardiovascular disease and stroke, the #1 and #3 killers in the state. The AHA has the Heart Walk each September and the Go Red for Women luncheon in February. AHA has Jump Rope for Heart in local schools. A turnkey corporate wellness walking program, START! is available for any businesses that are concerned with employee wellness and rising health care costs.
Community Medical Center Cholesterol Testing
2827 Fort Missoula Rd., 327-4077
Hours: Mon-Fri, 5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.,
Sat 7:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Community Medical Center offers a walk-in lipid panel at a cost of $20. A physician’s order is not needed and no appointment is necessary. A 10-hour fast (water permitted) is required. To participate, go to the hospital’s front reception desk.
The International Heart Institute of Montana
St. Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center,
500 West Broadway, 329-5615 or 877-444-5615
The IHI involves physicians and scientists from St. Pat’s and The University of Montana. It brings together an internationally recognized team of cardiologists, heart surgeons and researchers to perform the most advanced cardiac procedures and to search for new and improved ways to treat heart disease. We’re developing hew cardiovascular treatments and working toward the prevention of heart disease. We understand that families and loved ones have unique needs and concerns and are an important part of the healing process. We make sure your questions are answered and your family’s needs are met. We also stay in close communication with your personal physician for your follow-up care.
The Montana Heart Center at Community Medical Center
2827 Fort Missoula Rd, 327-4646 or 1-866-327-4646
Testing services include echocardiography, stress echocardiography, Adenosine Cardiolyte nuclear scans, electrocardiograms, Holter and event monitoring and others. Diagnostic angiograms, angioplasties, stent placement, and PFO closures are performed in the cardiac catheterization lab. A congestive heart failure program includes patient teaching by cardiologists, nurses, dietitians, and pharmacists, and there is a support group for patients and their families. Cardiac rehabilitation services are available for inpatients and outpatients.
HEPATITIS A, B AND C
Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). Hepatitis B is a serious disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) that attacks the liver cells. Hepatitis C is a disease of the liver that is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hepatitis B and C can cause liver damage, lifelong chronic infection, cirrhosis (or scarring) of the liver, liver failure, liver cancer or sometimes death. Many people may have hepatitis but have no symptoms. If you think you may have hepatitis, it is important to get tested by a health care professional.
Missoula County Health Department
301 W. Alder St., 258-4745
www.co.missoula.mt.us/health
Hours: Mon :2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.,
Wed 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.; Thurs 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Hepatitis B and C anonymous counseling and testing by appointment only.
Partnership Health Center
323 W. Alder St, 258-4789
Provides primary medical care to persons with Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.
KIDNEY DISEASE
Healthy kidneys clean the blood by filtering out extra water and wastes. They also make hormones that keep your bones strong and blood healthy. When the kidneys stop working the body holds fluid, blood pressure rises, and harmful wastes build up in the body. When this happens, treatment to replace the work of the failed kidneys is needed. High blood pressure and diabetes are the two most common causes of kidney disease.
American Kidney Fund
6110 Executive Blvd., Ste. 1010, Rockville, MD 20852
1-800-638-8299
www.kidneyfund.org
St. Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center
Dialysis Center
615 W. Alder St., 327-1750
Hours: The outpatient dialysis unit is open Mon-Sat
St. Patrick Hospital Dialysis Center offers both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis treatments for people with kidney failure. Patients with kidney failure and their families are provided with ongoing education and support by our professional Renal Team. The Renal Team is comprised of board-certified nephrologists, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, dialysis technicians, registered dietitians, medical social worker, chaplain and financial counselor.
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
Multiple sclerosis is a disorder of the brain and spinal cord caused by progressive damage to the outer coverings of nerve cells.
Missoula Multiple Sclerosis Support Group
Contact Nancy at 721-3826 or Becky at 721-9877
Hours: Monthly meetings on the 2nd Sat of the month, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Community Medical Center’s rehab conference room, 2827 Fort Missoula Rd.
Self-help group for individuals with MS, their families and caregivers. Guest speakers offer education at meetings. Please call to receive a monthly newsletter. Sep-May summer break.
Multiple Sclerosis Association of America,
Northwestern Region, 600 Central Plaza, Ste. 13
Great Falls, 59401, 1-800-565-6722 ext. 131
www.msassociation.org
Information and education for people living with MS. Offers a monthly newsletter, home assessment/modifications for safety and accessibility, equipment distribution program, and social events for those with MS and their families. Coordinates with support groups, provides aquatics and therapeutic horseback riding, and offers assistance with MRI funding.
National MS Society, 1-800-344-4867 or 252-5927
www.nationalmssociety.org
Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, but research and treatments are giving hope to those affected by the disease. National MS Society provides equipment loan, respite care, advocacy, and programs.
Women’s Club
2105 Bow St., 728-4410
twc@thewomensclub.com
Supported and recognized by the National MS Society, this class is a session-based yoga class specifically designed for women with MS. Call for fees and scheduled activities.
MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes, muscular dystrophy refers to a group of genetic diseases characterized by progressive weakness and degeneration of the skeletal or voluntary muscles which control movement. Although some forms first become apparent in infancy or childhood, others may not appear until middle age or later.
Muscular Dystrophy Association of Montana
2070 Overland Ave., Billings, 59102, (406) 655-9000
Provides evaluation, treatment, therapy, family counseling, and adaptive equipment services for clients affected with neuromuscular disease. Offers a week-long summer camp for children with MD.
OSTEOPOROSIS
Osteoporosis is a common bone disease that can affect both men and women as they grow older. People lose bone strength as they age, making the bones weaker and prone to fracture. Osteoporosis is symptomless and may not be diagnosed until after a bone has been broken. A person suffering from osteoporosis can suffer broken bones even after a minor fall. Osteoporosis is 100% preventable and if diagnosed early, responds well to treatment.
Community Medical Center
2827 Fort Missoula Rd, 327-4009
osteoeducation@communitymed.org
Monthly osteoporosis education meeting. All meetings include a speaker, time for questions and answers, and sessions on nutrition and exercise. Refreshments served. Call or email for more information and schedule.
Osteoporosis Prevention, Screening and
Referral Services, 258-4837
Missoula City-County Health Department Wellness Program offers services to help reduce the risk of osteoporosis in our county. Services include risk assessment, heel scans using an FDA-approved Peripheral Testing device, explanation of testing results, brief nutrition counseling related to bone health and referrals to health care providers for bone density follow-up. Call for more information or to schedule individual appointments or worksite osteoporosis prevention programs.
POLIO
Poliomyelitis is an infectious viral disease occurring mainly in children. In its acute form it attacks the central nervous system and produces paralysis, muscular atrophy, and often deformity.
Post-Polio Clinic Community Medical Center 327-4050
Multidisciplinary team provides assessment to individuals experiencing symptoms of late effects of polio.
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS
Sexually transmitted diseases are epidemic and many people do not know that they have them. Men often have no symptoms. Symptoms in women can be mild but if left untreated may lead to infertility. If you are notified that you have, or have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection, see your healthcare provider and take all medications prescribed.
Communicable Diseases, Missoula County Health Department,
301 W. Alder St. 258-3896
Communicable Diseases answers questions about communicable diseases including HIV and STIs (sexually transmitted illnesses).
Genital Human Papillomavirus (HPV), 1-800-232-4636
Contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information about the virus and the vaccine. Also see the HPV Vaccine section under “Preventative Care” in this Health Resource Guide.
Herpes Hotline 1-919-361-8488
Sexually Transmitted Infection Hotline 1-800-227-8922
www.ashastd.org
SLEEP DISORDERS
How you feel and perform during the day is related to how much sleep you get the night before. If sleepiness interferes with your daily activities, more sleep each night will improve the quality of your waking hours. Yet many adults report experiencing a sleeping problem one or more nights a week.
Missoula Sleep Medicine
910 Brooks St., Ste. 201 829-8053
A variety of sleep disorders can have a significant negative impact on health and work, and can lead to increased accidents in the workplace and on the highways. Common sleep disorders include sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder. They not only rob a person of a good night’s sleep, but can also contribute to serious medical problems including heart failure, high blood pressure and stroke. Many motor vehicle accidents are the result of drivers falling asleep behind the wheel.
Services available at Missoula Sleep Medicine: consultation, formal diagnostic testing facility with CPAP & BiPAP therapy capability, treatment recommendations and patient follow-up.
The Sleep Center
St. Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center
500 West Broadway 329-5650
An occasional bad night’s sleep is no cause for concern, but a continued sleep problem, such as snoring, restless legs, excessive daytime sleepiness and insomnia, can affect your health and the quality of your waking hours. At St. Pat’s Sleep Center, we offer complete in-laboratory testing of Registered Polysomnography Technicians. We offer CPAP support for patients on CPAP. .The St. Patrick Hospital Sleep Center is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Drs. Rolf Holle and Stephen Johnson are recognized by the American Board of Sleep Medicine and are Co-Directors of the Sleep Center.
STROKE
A stroke occurs when either the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. The symptoms of a stroke include: sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body; sudden confusion or difficulty understanding speech; sudden trouble in seeing with one or both eyes; sudden trouble walking; dizziness; or loss of balance or coordination.
Stroke/Head Injury Support Group
First Presbyterian Church, 1220 W. Main St., Hamilton
Contact Frank at 821-3891 or Delores at 363-1850
Meets second Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Must call before attending meeting.
Stroke Support Group
Community Medical Center, 2827 Fort Missoula Rd.
Contact Marilyn at 542-8371 or Sue at 327-4062
Hours: Meets 4th Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m.
Monthly meeting for individuals surviving a stroke, their families and caregivers.
St. Patrick Hospital Advanced Primary Stroke Center
500 West Broadway 329-2685
www.saintpatrick.org
St. Patrick Hospital’s award-winning Advanced Primary Stroke Center treats stroke patients with a multidisciplinary team of stroke experts who provide 24-hour rapid response and secondary stroke prevention. Stroke care starts in the Emergency Department and continues through inpatient hospitalization and rehabilitation. A leading edge radiology facility ensures the highest standard of care and the most accurate diagnostic techniques, therapeutic developments and interventional options to stop a stroke in progress and minimize the potential damage. The advanced Primary Stroke Center’s comprehensive care extends beyond hospitalization, and specialists provide stroke prevention, stroke survivor support, and extended rehabilitation.
St. Patrick Stroke Support Group
St. Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center…327-3280
Meets the second Thursday of every month, from 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. It is free and open to the community. Open to stroke survivors, family members and caregivers.
OTHER DISEASES AND RESEARCH HELP
Center for Health Information (Medical Library)
St. Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center
500 W Broadway 329-5710
chi.saintpatrick.org; library@saintpatrick.org
Hours: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Please call or check our website for extended evening hours.
The Center for Health Information is a full-service medical library that is open to the public. A variety of resources are available for self-service or staff-assisted searching; library holdings include consumer health information, medical and nursing textbooks and journals, and special collections on death and grieving, and medical humanities. Computer workstations, comfortable seating areas and study tables are available for your use and the Center provides quick links to quality health resource sites.
Family Caregiver Program & Resource Library
Missoula Aging Services
337 Stephens Ave. ..728-7682
www.missoulaagingservices.org
The family caregiver program and resource library provides information and consultations for people caring, informally, for older family members at home. The resource library provides information for caregivers on such topics as personal care, self-care strategies, diagnosis-specific information and resource information available locally and nationally.
