Parkinson's Disease Support Group
Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder often characterized by muscle rigidity, tremor, a slowing of physical movement, and in extreme cases, a loss of physical movement. The primary symptoms of Parkinsons are due to excessive muscle contraction, normally caused by the insufficient formation and action of dopamine, which is produced in the dopaminergic neurons of the...
I wrote the following article to be published in our newspaper in an effort to bring some awareness the my community about Parkinson's Disease. I also e-mailed the same information to the Mayor, Senator, and Governor in an attempt to maybe get them to issue a proclamation for making April - Parkinson's Awareness Month. I'm sure that after they either read or heard the Presidents remarks delivered by someone other than the President, the public officials may jump on board. I have already heard back from the Mayor's office and they will be doing something but not quite sure yet. Will keep you posted. Anyhow, the article had to be kept to a certain length so I put in as much information as I could without running out of room. Any feedback would be appreciated....thanks
Letter to the Editor April is Parkinsons Awareness Month
Many of you may not be aware of this but April is Parkinsons Awareness Month. Our support color ribbon is gray. Nearly 1 million Americans live with Parkinsons and many of them live right here in our community.
Parkinsons is a chronic and relentlessly progressive movement disorder. It involves the malfunction and death of vital nerve cells in the brain. As Parkinsons progresses, the amount of dopamine produced in the brain decreases, leaving a person unable to control normal movement. Some of the key motor symptoms of Parkinsons disease are tremors of hands, arms, legs, or jaw; muscle stiffness in the arms and legs; slowness of movement; impaired balance or coordination. Other common symptoms can include, but are not limited to, pain; dementia or confusion; fatigue; sleep disturbance; depression and fear or anxiety. Symptoms vary from person to person.
There is no cure for Parkinsons disease; however there are treatment options available such as medications, and surgery which is referred to as deep brain stimulation. Parkinsons disease is a progressive disorder, and although not considered to be a fatal disease, symptoms do worsen over time and make life difficult.
People with this disease find it difficult to function physically, socially and emotionally. Every day is a challenge for them. It makes it difficult to perform simple daily functions. It causes some to become overly frustrated, feel defeated, or embarrassed to go out into the public.
In some cases it takes a caring and dedicated group of healthcare workers such as Parkinsons disease specialists, Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Nutritionist, Speech Therapist, Social Workers, Psychiatrist and neurosurgeon to help improve the daily quality of live for those who suffer from Parkinsons Disease.
It saddens me to know that there are so many people affected by this disease yet we have no local support groups available in the area. Because of the lack of a hands on support group I have had to join online support groups. Its harder getting questions answered or issues addressed through a social media support group. Maybe someone like Onslow Memorial Hospital or our local Health Department will someday offer a Parkinsons Disease Support Group but until then I will continue on my web-searching adventures.
Kathy Marks
Onslow County
Letter to the Editor April is Parkinsons Awareness Month
Many of you may not be aware of this but April is Parkinsons Awareness Month. Our support color ribbon is gray. Nearly 1 million Americans live with Parkinsons and many of them live right here in our community.
Parkinsons is a chronic and relentlessly progressive movement disorder. It involves the malfunction and death of vital nerve cells in the brain. As Parkinsons progresses, the amount of dopamine produced in the brain decreases, leaving a person unable to control normal movement. Some of the key motor symptoms of Parkinsons disease are tremors of hands, arms, legs, or jaw; muscle stiffness in the arms and legs; slowness of movement; impaired balance or coordination. Other common symptoms can include, but are not limited to, pain; dementia or confusion; fatigue; sleep disturbance; depression and fear or anxiety. Symptoms vary from person to person.
There is no cure for Parkinsons disease; however there are treatment options available such as medications, and surgery which is referred to as deep brain stimulation. Parkinsons disease is a progressive disorder, and although not considered to be a fatal disease, symptoms do worsen over time and make life difficult.
People with this disease find it difficult to function physically, socially and emotionally. Every day is a challenge for them. It makes it difficult to perform simple daily functions. It causes some to become overly frustrated, feel defeated, or embarrassed to go out into the public.
In some cases it takes a caring and dedicated group of healthcare workers such as Parkinsons disease specialists, Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Nutritionist, Speech Therapist, Social Workers, Psychiatrist and neurosurgeon to help improve the daily quality of live for those who suffer from Parkinsons Disease.
It saddens me to know that there are so many people affected by this disease yet we have no local support groups available in the area. Because of the lack of a hands on support group I have had to join online support groups. Its harder getting questions answered or issues addressed through a social media support group. Maybe someone like Onslow Memorial Hospital or our local Health Department will someday offer a Parkinsons Disease Support Group but until then I will continue on my web-searching adventures.
Kathy Marks
Onslow County
The first person I met with PD like me was on a visit to Indiana to see my mom and sis. My school friend invited me to attend an exercise class and there was a person with PD there as well. We spoke briefly. Then 3 years later I joined a trial group at the MJ Fox offices in NYC and I met about 8 others like myself. It is still emotional when I think about it - I walked into the room and there were 8 other people there who act like me!!!!!! lol Isn't it silly. I met a lady there who keeps in touch and invited me to a presentation in NY on a Saturday and I saw more like me there. It is great to be around others who are like me!!!! I wish you the best of luck in setting up your group - it is so worth it.
Wishing the best of luck,
Paul