Not the end – a new opportunity

As many of you already know, I recently joined the team at the Inova Movement Disorders Center. I’ve heard there are rumors that some people are concerned that PSN will cease to exist and it’s time to put those rumors to rest.

Parkinson Social Network is a grassroots organization made up of people touched by Parkinson’s helping each other. Based on our experiences, we help to educate and support each other, and this will not change. We are continuing with our monthly cafes and Side by Side support groups, our annual caregiver appreciation luncheon, our presentations to our Parkinson community and others, and more! There are too many people who feel alone living with Parkinson’s and who don’t know where to find answers to their questions. We created PSN to help connect people with each other and answer those questions, and we will continue to do so.

Your PSN board has done an amazing job of growing our organization so far but we need your help to continue to grow, and reach out to others in the community who are not aware of the resources and support available to them. There are many ways you can help and we value your ideas and your time. From something as simple as welcoming a new person with a smile and a hug, to sharing your thoughts with regards to the needs of our community, to giving your time to meet these needs. You can also help with a financial contribution of which 100% goes to developing our programs.

These first weeks have been a steep learning curve for me as I define the parameters of the job and how to develop the partnership with PSN, but I’m making progress. Your encouragement and support means a great deal to me and I thank you! So to answer the rumor mill, no, this isn’t the end of Parkinson Social Network. It is a new opportunity to create an even stronger grassroots organization of people touched by Parkinson’s reaching out to help each other. I hope you’ll join us!

It’s National Family Caregivers Month!
November is my favorite month because it includes my favorite holiday – Thanksgiving. Are you wondering what that has to do with a month that celebrates caregivers? Well, the November meeting for our Fair Oaks support group generally occurs on Thanksgiving weekend. As part of our discussion one Thanksgiving weekend a few years ago we all shared what we were thankful for. It was a very special meeting, and it was very moving to hear the love and appreciation for the caregivers in our group. It also inspired the PSN Board of Directors to hold a special luncheon for caregivers each year to celebrate and honor them. It is one way we support our caregivers in addition to supporting our friends diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

Another way we support caregivers is by providing resources like this one.
Caregiver’s Corner Online
The Fairfax County Department of Family Services – Older Adults offers a monthly e-newsletter for caregivers called Caregiver’s Corner Online. Our thanks go to Peggy and Lucy who include Parkinson Social Network announcements to help us spread the word. Click here to subscribe. It’s free!

Request for a walker
Do you have a walker similar to the one in the photo that you are no longer using? We’ve had a request for a walker and they are willing to trade a rollator for it. If you can help, please contact me at Sonia@ParkinsonSocialNetwork.org.

REMINDER: Neuro Notes: Music for the Mind
free 90 minute trial session
Thursday, November 7 or Thursday December 5
from 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
At: 8100 Innovation Park Drive, conference Room N4, Fairfax, VA 22301
Singing  |  Rhythmic Exercises  |  Music Listening
Singing can enhance voice volume and quality as well as improve respiration and swallowing. Music may also improve mood and cognitive function. The group music experience is also a great way to socialize!
Instructor: Toni Sweitzer, MMT, MT-BC, Co-founder and Creative Director of A Place to Be.
Questions? Contact myinovawell@inova.org.
To register, click here, then scroll down to Exercise for Life, and click on the down arrow next to Neuro Notes.

Dance for PD news
Lucy Bowen McCauley currently has two Dance for PD classes in our area:
Inova Wellness Center
8100 Innovation Park Drive, Fairfax, VA
Wednesday: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Kenmore Middle School
200 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington, VA
Wednesday: 4:30 – 5:30 pm
For more information

Bowen McCauley Dance Co. provides FREE, weekly Dance for PD® classes for people with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners. There is no pre-registration or dance experience required. An opportunity to connect with others!
Questions? Please reach-out to us at dance@bmdc.org or by phone (703) 910-5175.

Dance for PD® released it’s streamed class for October. Anyone can join these classes from the comfort of their home! This particular class is taught by the Megan Williams.
Click here to view and participate in Megan’s class.

Webinar:
Parkinson’s Nutrition and Living Well with Dr. John Eric Duda
presented by the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s
Wednesday, November 6 at 3:00 pm
Nutrition continues to be one of the most important aspects of treatment for people living with Parkinson’s. The challenge is sifting through all of the available information about dietary guidelines and “ideal nutritional plans” to find what works best for each person.

In this webinar on Parkinson’s nutrition and living well, Dr. Duda will address:
• How dietary choices can affect symptom control in Parkinson’s
• How particular foods and timing of meals may interfere with Parkinson’s medication
• How age, progression of Parkinson’s and history can affect the efficacy of certain dietary choices
• Dietary management of non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s such as sleepiness and fatigue, nOH, constipation and excessive weight loss
• The role of the gut microbiome in Parkinson’s and how to improve the gut by making better dietary choices
• How nutrition can change the molecular mechanisms present in people with Parkinson’s and may even provide disease-modifying effects
• And much more
Click here to register.

Another helpful article from Parkinson’s Life!
12 of the best domestic tools for people with Parkinson’s.
Click here to read.

Thank you Susan Dietrich from APDA for sharing this event!
16th Annual Pancakes for Parkinson’s
When? Saturday, November 9, 9:00 am-2:00 pm
Where? UVA’s South Lawn
Why? 100% of proceeds go directly to
the Michael J. Fox Foundation
Susan also sent some helpful information:
It is the largest student-led fundraiser on The Grounds at UVA, and takes place on The Lawn. The students try to have some parking designated for those with Parkinson’s, but it usually works best to drop someone off near the Amphitheater on McCormick Road. There are some handicap parking spaces on McCormick near the drop-off point, but they are “first come, first served.” Students will be there to assist getting to The Lawn, as well as getting the pancakes for people with Parkinson’s. I will be present with PD literature, and the Charlottesville Rock Steady Boxing program will have a display, as well. And, of course, since the Michael J. Fox Foundation is the recipient of the funds, they will have a presence there, too! There is entertainment all through the event. Donations are accepted for the pancakes, but there is no “admission fee.”

I hope this newsletter is helpful and we’ll see you Out & About soon!

Cheers,
Sonia
email: Sonia@ParkinsonSocialNetwork.org