Parkinson Social Network| From the PSN Board of Directors: During this time when we are unable to gather and chat in person, we at PSN would still like to hear from you about how you are coping. Traditionally, at our cafes, we have shared ways that we have addressed challenges in our lives, we have compared experiences, and tried to send you home with alternatives and new approaches. Knowing life is much more complicated right now, our PSN board would like to hear from you about challenges that you are having and solutions that you may have used. Is there a non-medical concern you have that PSN might be able to help you with? We are also interested in strategies you have used to make things easier during this challenging time. Would you be willing to share your experiences with others? Here are some examples: – Have you or your caregivers taken advantage of the special shopping hours that the food stores are offering? – Have you used a delivery service or curb side pick up offered by local retailers? – How are you managing to maintain your supply of medications? – Have you identified any good exercise programs on-line or on TV? -Can you get outside of your home while still practicing social distancing? -Have you been able to reach your health care providers? -Have you been exposed to any person known to have the Coronavirus? While we can’t put more toilet paper and hand sanitizer on the shelves, we may have suggestions to help. Bottom line – we want to know how you are doing. If you have something to share or if you would just like to have someone call you, you can send email to board@parkinsonsocialnetwork.org and all of our board members will receive the email. You can also call us at 571-286-5000. If we are unable to answer your call personally, please leave us a message and your call will be returned.  Online Events This WeekThese online events are happening this week: March 30th – 30 Day Mindfulness Challenge with Martha Brettschneider. April 1st-3rd – Insight into Parkinson’s 2020 – Free online Parkinson’s conference. April 2nd – AARP’s Live Q&A event: The Coronoavirus April 6th – Pain and Parkinson’s webinar hosted by the Davis Phinney Foundation.  Staying ActiveThese websites and activities can help you stay active during this period of social distancing: *Dance 4 PD is offering free online and archived classes. *Speech Therapist Matt McKeon (CCC-SLP) hosts twice weekly online Parkinson’s voice, speech practice and social groups. Email him directly at Vocalizemckeon@gmail.com for more information. *Ageless Grace – Mondays & Wednesdays 1pm This is a mind-body program designed by fitness specialists to promote a sense of well-being and joy. It’s a fun way to move that includes a chair (seated dancing; standing is optional), great music, creativity, and a sense of humor! Email Sheila Queen (squeen125@gmail.com), Certified Educator for Ageless Grace, to participate. *Parkinson Voice Project has voice practice sessions Facebook LIVE sessions each day at 10am Central Time Mon.- Fri. and Tuesdays at 6pm. You can watch the archived sessions (NO Facebook required) by visiting this webpage. *Need financial help purchasing exercise equipment to use at home? Local non-profit Can’t Shake Me maybe able to help.  Mind and BodyThese online events and websites can help with supporting your mind, body and spirit during these times: *Yoga Nidra with Carolyn Bagdoyan, Sundays at 4pm visit this page for links and phone information. *Local yoga studio, Sun & Moon Yoga has free online yoga each day at 10am and archived yoga sessions to watch on YouTube. *Daily Meditation with Alex Duchscher (yoga instructor and coach) Mon. through Thursday at 1:15pm on Facebook Live.  For CaregiversCaregivers need support too! Here’s some online resources you may find benefit from: Visionary Caregiver Connect Time (Support) – Caregivers talking about challenges we face and how we can help each other. You are not alone! Every Mon, Wed, and Friday at 10am Eastern via Zoom:- Click https://zoom.us/j/590307314 Caregiver Support on ParkinsonsDisease.net on Facebook and online forum. Fairfax County – Agency on Aging – Past Caregiver Webinars – https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/older-adults/family-caregiver-support-programs Free Caregiver Webinar Recordings – Janet Edmondson – http://www.janetedmunson.com/edm_events.html Davis Phinney Foundation – Caregiver articles and resources https://www.davisphinneyfoundation.org/care-partners/ Family Caregiver Alliance archived webinars https://www.caregiver.org/fca-webinars US Department of Veterans Affairs – VA Caregiver Support https://www.caregiver.va.gov/ Local, State, and Federal ResourcesHere are some local, state and federal resources online during this Coronavirus emergency: Fairfax County Emergency Information website Fairfax County COVID-19 updates website Congressman Gerry Connolly’s Coronavirus Information page Disclaimer: The inclusion of announcements, logos or website links included in this newsletter or on our website does not constitute an endorsement by the Parkinson Social Network of the products, programs or services. |
Staying Connected Newsletter: March 31 – April 6
Parkinson Social Network 