Parkinson Social NetworkAugust Staying Connected Newsletter
Just a reminder that all in-person support events have been suspended due to the COVID-19 /Coronavirus pandemic. To support our Parkinson’s community, PSN offers online (via Zoom) support options each month:
August Schedule Changes
This August, Parkinson Social Network will be having only one support event (see below) to give our volunteers some much needed rest and relaxation time!
Calls to our phone number and emails will still be open and answered!
Have a fantastic August!
Watch & Discuss: Conversation with Neurologist & Movement Disorder Specialist,
Dr. Randolph Stephenson
Wednesday, August 17
10:00am-11:30am ET
Watch a recording of a conversation with Dr. Stephenson & PSN board members Karl and Angela Robb.
Listen in on a candid discussion between a person with Parkinson’s disease, a carepartner/caregiver, and a neurologist / movement disorder specialist. The conversation covers many different topics: self-care, coping with a diagnosis, finding support, developing a care team, importance of having a Movement Disorder Specialist in treating Parkinson’s disease, telemedicine, motor symptoms vs non-motor symptoms, mental health and mood challenges in Parkinson’s, stress, exercise, and more! After this 50 minute video, there will be a volunteer lead discussion.
Did You Know?
We are Here to Help!
Are you searching for a resource or more information about Parkinson’s?
Parkinson Social Network volunteers can help! Call our office at 571-286-5000 or send us email at board@parkinsonsocialnetwork.org
Parkinson Social Network is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization. With no paid staff, we are a volunteer led organization with each volunteer having a personal connection to Parkinson’s disease.
July Staying Connected Newsletter
Just a reminder that all in-person support events have been suspended due to the COVID-19 /Coronavirus pandemic. To support our Parkinson’s community, PSN offers online (via Zoom) support options each month:
Special Side by Side Support Group Presentation via Zoom*
Tuesday, July 12
10:00am-11:30am ET
This Month’s Presentation:
Maintaining & Promoting Oral Health with Parkinson’s
with Dr. Rick Jackomis, DDS
Dr. Rick Jackomis, DDS will focus upon the delivery and need for dental care as it pertains to patients with complex medical concerns and aging. Particular focus will be upon the complexity of care and management of Patients with Parkinson’s Disease as they present with some unique challenges. He will focus upon the issues the disease presents for the patient and the clinical challenges for dental care provider. He will promote ways to maintain and promote the patient oral health.
Dr. Jackomis is a practicing general dentist with over twenty years of clinical experience. His practice has a growing focus on an aging population, implant-based dental solutions, and the use of advanced technology for the delivery of care. He teaches these topics and procedures to other dentists. He is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, a graduate of the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry and a graduate of the Valparaiso University School of Law. Dr. Jackomis is a member of numerous professional dental associations, study clubs and an associate member of the Virginia State Bar Association. He is a public speaker for a couple of dental technology corporations and provide litigation support for malpractice and board complaint matters.
*Online Support Groups Sponsored by:
July Schedule Changes
This July, Parkinson Social Network will be having only one support event to give our volunteers some much needed rest and relaxation time!
Calls to our phone number and emails will still be open and answered!
Have a fantastic July!
Did You Know?
We are Here to Help!
Are you searching for a resource or more information about Parkinson’s?
Parkinson Social Network volunteers can help! Call our office at 571-286-5000 or send us email at board@parkinsonsocialnetwork.org
As an all volunteer organization with no paid staff, we count on volunteers.
We are looking for folks to help us with our mission to support the Parkinson’s community. Do you have time to help us with the following activities?
- Writing articles for our e-newsletter.
- Uncovering interesting topics and speakers.
- Editing and publishing YouTube videos.
- Updating our website.
If you have talents and time for any of these items or have other talents you want to share, please contact us at 571-286-5000 or email info@parkinsonsocialnetwork.org.
Parkinson Social Network is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization. With no paid staff, we are a volunteer led organization with each volunteer having a personal connection to Parkinson’s disease.
June Staying Connected Newsletter
Just a reminder that all in-person support events have been suspended due to the COVID-19 /Coronavirus pandemic. To support our Parkinson’s community, PSN offers three online (via Zoom) support options each month:
Caregiver’s Support Group via Zoom*
Tuesday, June 14
10:00am-11:30am ET
This Month’s Open Discussion:
Procedures – Before & After
Getting ready for medical procedures can be a stressful time but planning ahead can alleviate some of the stress.
Our facilitators will lead a discussion with attendees about how to be ready before and after a procedure.
Click here to register for the Caregiver’s Support Group meeting
Online Café
Wednesday, June 15
10:00am-11:30am ET
Watch & Discuss: The Long Road to Hope: Ending Parkinson’s Disease documentary
From the ParkinsonTV.org website: Twelve extraordinary individuals. One riveting mission. The journey to end Parkinson’s starts here. Parkinson’s is growing. We can end it. Worldwide, more than 10 million people have the disease. Over 200 people are diagnosed each day. 100 die. We profiled twelve extraordinary individuals with Parkinson’s and have the privilege of sharing with you their personal journeys to end this debilitating disease.
After watching the documentary, attendees will be invited to discuss the documentary with our volunteer facilitators.
Special Evening Event
Wednesday, June 22
7:00pm-8:30pm ET
Watch & Discuss: The Long Road to Hope: Ending Parkinson’s Disease documentary
To accommodate those unable to attend our morning Online Café, we are offering an evening viewing of this important documentary. After watching the documentary, attendees will be invited to discuss the documentary with our volunteer facilitators.
From the ParkinsonTV.org website: Twelve extraordinary individuals. One riveting mission. The journey to end Parkinson’s starts here. Parkinson’s is growing. We can end it. Worldwide, more than 10 million people have the disease. Over 200 people are diagnosed each day. 100 die. We profiled twelve extraordinary individuals with Parkinson’s and have the privilege of sharing with you their personal journeys to end this debilitating disease.
People with Parkinson’s
Side by Side Support Group via Zoom*
Tuesday, June 28
10:00am-11:30am ET
This month’s Discussion: Preparing for Summertime
Summertime means fun, travel, outdoor activities – what can we do to prepare ourselves for participating in these summer activities? Join our discussion of how to prepare for joining into the summer fun!
Click here to register for the
People with Parkinson’s Disease Support Group
*Online Support Groups Sponsored by:
As an all volunteer organization with no paid staff, we count on volunteers.
We are looking for folks to help us with our mission to support the Parkinson’s community. Do you have time to help us with the following activities?
- Writing articles for our e-newsletter.
- Uncovering interesting topics and speakers.
- Editing and publishing YouTube videos.
- Updating our website.
If you have talents and time for any of these items or have other talents you want to share, please contact us at 571-286-5000 or email info@parkinsonsocialnetwork.org.
Did You Know?
We are Here to Help!
Are you searching for a resource or more information about Parkinson’s?
Parkinson Social Network volunteers can help! Call our office at 571-286-5000 or send us email at board@parkinsonsocialnetwork.org
Parkinson Social Network is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization. With no paid staff, we are a volunteer led organization with each volunteer having a personal connection to Parkinson’s disease.
May Staying Connected Newsletter
Just a reminder that all in-person support events have been suspended due to the COVID-19 /Coronavirus pandemic. To support our Parkinson’s community, PSN offers three online (via Zoom) support options each month:
Caregiver’s Support Group via Zoom*
Tuesday, May 10
10:00am-11:30am ET
May’s Topic:
Watch & Discuss: Sights, Sounds and Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s Foundation Expert Briefings (Recorded – 2022)
Join us as we watch the Parkinson’s Foundation recording of Dr. Hamedani’s presentation. After we watch the recording, we will discuss the video presentation.
From the Parkinson’s Foundation YouTube description: As we grow older, it is normal to experience age-related vision and hearing changes. However, for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD), difficulties related to the eyes and vision as well as hearing loss often progress alongside other PD symptoms. Learn more about how changes in vision, hearing as well as other senses including taste and smell impact people with Parkinson’s and how to cope with these changes.
Speaker: Ali G. Hamedani, MD, MHS, Assistant Professor of Neurology Divisions of Neuro-Ophthalmology and Movement Disorders Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
Click here to register for the Caregiver’s Support Group meeting
Online Café
Wednesday, May 18
10:00am-11:30am ET
Miscommunication or Missed Communication?
The Challenges of Hearing Loss
Bonnie O’Leary, Certified Peer Mentor and the Outreach Manager for the Northern Virginia Resource Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons (NVRC)
This presentation will include basic information about deafness and hearing loss, limitations of hearing aids and cochlear implants, accessibility options including apps that can be helpful, and effective communication environments and strategies. Hearing loss has an impact not only on those who struggle with it but on everyone in the relationship.
Bonnie O’Leary is a Certified Peer Mentor and the Outreach Manager for the Northern Virginia Resource Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons (NVRC) where she has been providing services to adults aging into hearing loss. since 2001. She also provides trainings for emergency responders, healthcare professionals and caregivers, agency staff, and other organizations where hearing loss presents a challenge to communication. Bonnie created a 3-part program, “I Can’t Hear You!”, which won a Distinguished Partner award from Fairfax County’s Neighborhood and Community Services. A late-deafened adult, she shares a lot of her own experiences in her outreach work.
People with Parkinson’s
Side by Side Support Group via Zoom*
Tuesday, May 24
10:00am-11:30am ET
May’s Presentation:
Making the Most of Your [Many] Medications
Managing medications is not an easy task, especially for people with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners. Dr. Peron will share strategies to help take the guesswork out of managing complex medication regimens and maximize the time spent with members of your medical team, including your pharmacist. Although she cannot offer individual treatment recommendations, Dr. Peron is always happy to provide referrals and resources. She encourages audience members to ask questions and share their insights for the benefit of the group.
Emily P. Peron, PharmD, MS, is an Associate Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy. Dr. Peron attended a training program for pharmacists interested in Parkinson’s disease in 2009, identified a drug-induced tremor in her grandfather in 2010, and has been working with individuals with movement disorders ever since. Dr. Peron earned her Doctor of Pharmacy from Butler University and completed clinical residency training in geriatrics at the Cleveland VA Medical Center. She went on to earn her Master of Science in Clinical Research while completing a research fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh. She currently serves as a consultant for the VCU Health Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Center and is a member of the Parkinson’s Foundation Aware in Care Committee.
Click here to register for the
People with Parkinson’s Disease Support Group
*Online Support Groups Sponsored by:
Did You Know?
We are Here to Help!
Are you searching for a resource or more information about Parkinson’s?
Parkinson Social Network volunteers can help! Call our office at 571-286-5000 or send us email at board@parkinsonsocialnetwork.org
Parkinson Social Network is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization. With no paid staff, we are a volunteer led organization with each volunteer having a personal connection to Parkinson’s disease.
April Staying Connected Newsletter
Just a reminder that all in-person support events have been suspended due to the COVID-19 /Coronavirus pandemic. To support our Parkinson’s community, PSN offers three online (via Zoom) support options each month:
Caregiver’s Side by Side Support Group*
Tuesday, April 12th
10:00am-11:30am ET
This Month’s Presentation:
Dementia Friendly Information Session
Presented by Diane Watson and Allegra Joffe, Dementia Friendly Fairfax Champion Trainers
Learn how to become a dementia friend and turn your new understanding of dementia into a practical action that can help someone living in your community.
AFTER PARTICIPATING IN A DEMENTIA FRIENDS SESSION, PARTICIPANTS CAN:
• Describe dementia and know the most common type of dementia
• State the five key messages about dementia
• Explain one approach to effectively communicate with a person with dementia
• Commit to an action as a Dementia Friend in your community
Dementia Friendly Fairfax envisions our community as a place where people living with dementia and their care partners will be able to engage in a variety of activities, be supported in the highest quality of life, and can live independently for as long as possible.
Click here to register for the Caregiver’s Support Group meeting
Online Café
Watch & Discuss: Parkinson’s and The Good Life
Webinar from the Davis Phinney Foundation
Wednesday, April 20th
10:00am-11:30am ET
During the first half of this webinar, from the Davis Phinney Foundation, Dr. Laurie Santos (Yale University) discussed what new results in psychological science teach us about:
- How to be happier
- How to feel less stressed
- How to flourish more no matter your situation
During the second half of the webinar, Davis Phinney and Connie Carpenter Phinney helped us unpack what we learned and opened the floor for questions. At the end, we offered some ideas for “rewirement” activities to help you create new happiness habits, boost your mood, and improve your overall well-being.
After watching the video (first hour), there will be a 30 minute volunteer-led discussion of the webinar.
People with Parkinson’s
Side by Side Support Group via Zoom*
Tuesday, April 26th
10:00am-11:30am ET
This month’s topic: Building Your Support & Care Team
Do you have a non-medical support and care team? Maybe some of the team members have 4 legs instead of 2?
Join us as we discuss and share our support and care team that you find outside of health care professionals. Led by Karl Robb, this discussion is facilitated by people who have experience living with Parkinson’s disease.
Click here to register for the
People with Parkinson’s Disease Support Group
*Online Support Groups Sponsored by:
Did You Know?
We are Here to Help!
Are you searching for a resource or more information about Parkinson’s?
Parkinson Social Network volunteers can help! Call our office at 571-286-5000 or send us email at board@parkinsonsocialnetwork.org
Parkinson Social Network is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization. With no paid staff, we are a volunteer led organization with each volunteer having a personal connection to Parkinson’s disease.
March Staying Connected Newsletter
This month’s programs are highlighting advocacy, education, & support for our Parkinson’s community.
Just a reminder that all in-person support events have been suspended due to the COVID-19 /Coronavirus pandemic. To support our Parkinson’s community, PSN offers three online (via Zoom) support options each month:
Caregiver’s Support Group via Zoom*
Tuesday, March 8th
10:00am-11:30am ET
Topic this month: How do you define advocacy?
Join this important discussion and hear how others view advocacy. This discussion for caregivers will be an open discussion that is facilitated by Parkinson Social Network volunteers who have experience caring for those with Parkinson’s disease.
Click here to register for the Caregiver’s Support Group meeting
Online Café
Let’s Combat Micrographia with Saba Shahid, M.S.
Wednesday, March 16th
10:00am-11:30am ET
Saba Shahid, M.S is the Chief Smiling Officer of Creative Neurology, Author and Creator of Let’s Combat Micrographia®. Let’s Combat Micrographia Educational Seminars spread awareness about how to overcome micrographia or small handwriting, a common symptom of Parkinson’s disease. The discussion will be an interactive session covering what micrographia is, tips and aids that can be used to improve writing, and hand exercises will be shared. Further information will be given on the internationally acclaimed Let’s Combat Micrographia or Smile Through Art programs and how people can get involved. Saba will give an interactive PowerPoint presentation for 30 minutes and will be available for questions.
People with Parkinson’s
Support Group via Zoom*
Tuesday, March 22nd
10:00am-11:30am ET
This month’s topic: Sharing your Passion
What is your passion or hobby? We welcome all who attend to “show and tell” their passion or hobby with the audience. Led by Karl Robb, this discussion is facilitated by people who have experience living with Parkinson’s disease.
Click here to register for the
People with Parkinson’s Disease Support Group
*Online Support Groups Sponsored by:
We are Here to Help!
Are you searching for a resource or more information? Parkinson Social Network volunteers can help! Call our office at 571-286-5000 or send us email at board@parkinsonsocialnetwork.org
Parkinson Social Network is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization. With no paid staff, we are a volunteer led organization with each volunteer having a personal connection to Parkinson’s disease.
February Staying Connected Newsletter
Our February programs offer a variety of supportive & informative programs for the Parkinson’s community.
Just a reminder that all in-person support events have been suspended due to the COVID-19 /Coronavirus pandemic. To support our Parkinson’s community, PSN offers three online (via Zoom) support options each month:
Caregiver’s Support Group via Zoom*
Tuesday, February 8th
10:00am-11:30am ET
Topic this month: Open DiscussionThis discussion for caregivers will be an open discussion that is facilitated by Parkinson Social Network volunteers who have experience caring for those with Parkinson’s disease.
Click here to register for the Caregiver’s Support Group meeting
Online Café
Watch & Discuss
Interview with
Dr. Michael Okun
Wednesday, February 16th
10:00am-11:30am ET
Dr. Michael Okun is the Adelaide Lackner Professor and Chair of Neurology, Executive Director Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at the University of Florida Health and
Medical Director, Parkinson’s Foundation.
Parkinson Social Network volunteers, Angela & Karl Robb had the opportunity to interview Dr. Okun who is one of the leading minds in neurology and Parkinson’s disease. A longtime friend and fellow author, Dr. Okun, Angela, and Karl discuss a wide range of topics from advocacy, research, patient care, complementary medicine/reiki, exercise, and so much more.
People with Parkinson’s
Support Group via Zoom*
Tuesday, February 22nd
10:00am-11:30am ET
This month’s topic: Maintaining Yourself is a Daily Practice
This facilitated discussion, led by volunteers Marc Mitnick & Karl Robb, will be a discussion about the importance of those with Parkinson’s to develop a daily practice of self-care. This discussion is facilitated by people who have experience living with Parkinson’s disease.
Click here to register for the
People with Parkinson’s Disease Support Group
*Online Support Groups Sponsored by:
We are Here to Help!
Are you searching for a resource or more information? Parkinson Social Network volunteers can help! Call our office at 571-286-5000 or send us email at board@parkinsonsocialnetwork.org
Parkinson Social Network is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization. With no paid staff, we are a volunteer led organization with each volunteer having a personal connection to Parkinson’s disease.
January Staying Connected Newsletter
Just a reminder that all in-person support events have been suspended due to the COVID-19 /Coronavirus pandemic. To support our Parkinson’s community, PSN offers three online (via Zoom) support options each month:
Caregiver’s Side by Side Support Group via Zoom*
Tuesday, January 11
10:00am-11:30am ET
This month: Getting a Move On
In this session for caregivers, Joy will be speaking about the critical importance of exercise for people with Parkinson’s. Included in Joy’s talk will be the following topics:
- Tips for coaching and encouraging your loved one to exercise.
- How to notice cues from your loved one that can be helpful to motivate and encourage them to move better.
- Sharing resources for outside assistance.
Click here to register for the Caregiver’s Support Group
Online Café
Setting Goals and New Habits for 2022
Wednesday, January 19
10:00am-11:30am ET
With the new year the opportunity of goal setting and opening ourselves to new opportunities arises.
Starting a new habit is one thing but maintaining it and sticking with it is another. Join us for discussion about how we may improve our situations with suggestions and the watching of a helpful and brief TED talk that may give you a fresh perspective about your goals for 2022!
Click here to register for the Online Café
People with Parkinson’s Disease Support Group via Zoom*
Tuesday, January 25th
10:00am-11:30am ETThis month’s topic: Getting a Move On
In this session for those living with Parkinson’s, Joy will be speaking about the critical importance of exercise. Included in Joy’s talk will be the following topics:
- Ways to integrate exercise when you don’t really want to.
- Identify specific self-cues that can be helpful to motivate you to move better.
- Share resources for outside assistance.
Click here to register for the People with Parkinson’s Disease Support Group
Online Support Groups Sponsored by:
Many thanks to our donors who donated to support our mission! Thanks to your contributions, we received the $1,000 match.
We are Here to Help!
Are you searching for a resource or more information?
Parkinson Social Network volunteers can help!
Call our office at 571-286-5000 or send us email at board@parkinsonsocialnetwork.org
Please consider a donation to support our programs. Parkinson Social Network is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization. With no paid staff, we are a volunteer led organization with each volunteer having a personal connection to Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinson Social Network 