Parkinson Social NetworkJuly and National Ice Cream Month Come to an End
Fueled with plenty of ice cream, we’ve updated the Resources section on our website with fun and interesting things we’ve learned at recent cafes. Check out our Traveling with Parkinson’s and Gadgets and Gizmos pages!
Cafe Ashburn – July 15
Sometimes it’s difficult to know when symptoms are caused by Parkinson’s or normal aging. Dr. John Dresely O.D., F.C.O.V.D. visited us this month to talk about how Parkinson’s affects vision. As he did at Cafe Fairfax in May, Dr. Dresely was able to answer our questions from his perspective as a Developmental and Behavioral Optometrist. We also enjoyed some yummy sandwiches and cookies provided by our hosts at Tribute at One Loudoun – thank you! And no, I didn’t forget the ice cream! The supplied us with lots of ice cream, too!
A message from the Fair Oaks Parkinson’s support Group
Please join us this Saturday, July 28 (tomorrow) from 10:00 to noon at:
Sunrise Senior Living at Fair Oaks, 3750 Joseph Siewick Dr., Fairfax, VA.
for our monthly Parkinson’s support group meeting. We do not have a program this month, but we look forward to spending time with friends and sharing information about our journey with PD.
More information on their website: www.FairOaksParkinsons.com
Lifeguard job available
As many of you know, I am the instructor for an aquatic exercise class for people living Parkinson’s and their caregivers. As far as we know, it’s the only one in Northern Virginia. One of the things that make it so special is our wonderful 90 degree, salt water, indoor pool at the Woodlands Retirement Community in Fairfax. The Woodlands has a job available for a lifeguard, preferably someone with experience as a pool operator. If you know of someone who may be interested, please contact me at Sonia@ParkinsonSocialNetwork.org and I’ll connect them with the Woodlands. And if you’re interested in joining us in the pool check out our class website at www.FlamingosInTraining.com or contact me.
Workhouse Arts Center
It’s great to participate in activities and classes with other people living with Parkinson’s because of the understanding people have for each other about how they’re feeling. However, there are lots of opportunities to enjoy or explore subjects of interest to us that are not Parkinson specific. The other day I heard about some of the offerings at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton. While they offer a variety or art classes, did you know they also offer “Art of Movement” classes such as tai chi, yoga, Pilates, rowing, ballet and ballroom dance? More information about the Workhouse Arts Center on their website at: www.workhousearts.org
Hope to see you out and about soon!
Cheers,
Sonia
email: Sonia@ParkinsonSocialNetwork.org
Cafes, Surveys, and a Handy Gadget!
We’ve had a busy week with lots of things to share with you . . .
Cafe Alexandria – July 16
We were provided with a special treat by our hosts at Brandywine Living at Alexandria to help us celebrate National Ice Cream month – a sundae bar! Check out all the toppings! Plus we had 3 flavors of ice cream to choose from. Thank you, George at Brandywine! While munching on sandwiches, salad and ice cream, we chatted about all kinds of things to do in and around DC and Northern Virginia.
Cafe Fairfax – July 18
More ice cream munching and chatting about travel! This time we talked more about how to travel whereas at our other two cafes we talked more about where to travel. An important thing we learned was that it can be a good idea to ask for help. For instance, when faced with long lines for airport security, you may be able to get to the front of the line more quickly if you explain your predicament. If you forget to buy water before boarding your flight and you need some for your meds before the drink cart comes along, just ask the attendant. I’m working on making my notes readable so I can add all these great tips to our website.
Later that day I was sent an article from this month’s Kiplinger magazine, Flight Delays – Expect more scrutiny from TSA. Some of the suggestions were along the lines of what we talked about at the cafe, such as enrolling in TSA Precheck. Click here to read the article.
One of our friends participates in Climbing for Parkinson’s at SportRock Climbing Center in Alexandria every Friday from 10:00 am – 11:00 am. Last month he participated in a national adaptive competition in Ohio! He also told us about a special clinic every month at SportRock in Alexandria. It’s an adaptive rock climbing clinic for people of any age living with a physical disability (not only Parkinson’s) and organized by Catalyst Sports. Click here to check out the Catalyst Sports website.
Rock Steady Boxing NoVa in the Local News
In case you missed this news piece on local station WUSA9 on Tuesday night featuring our friends at Rock Steady Boxing Nova, click here to view it now.
EaZyHold Universal Cuff for Daily Living Assistance
I learned about this from last Friday’s Dartmouth-Hitchcock Parkinson’s Newsletter. Thank you Diane! This universal cuff grip can help you hold eating utensils, toothbrush, pens, cups . . . all kinds of things! Click here to check out the EazyHold website.
Aging Well in Alexandria
This newsletter is a collaborative communication effort between At Home In Alexandria (AHA), City of Alexandria Division of Aging and Adult Services, and Senior Services of Alexandria. Click here to read the August issue and learn about events, programs and volunteer opportunities in and around Alexandria.
A Couple of Surveys
PD Grit
Dr. Klappa, physical therapy professor at Briar Cliff University in Iowa, is doing a study on grit, exercise, and quality of life for individuals with PD. Click here for recruitment information about the study. The link to the study survey is: www.surveymonkey.com/r/8FV9ZY6
Questions? Please contact Sue Klappa PT, PhD, MPT, MA
Professor / Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
Briar Cliff University, 4280 Sergeant Rd, Suite 100, Sioux City, Iowa 51106
712.279.5560 (office) | 651.335.9813 (cell)
Susan.klappa@briarcliff.edu | www.briarcliff.edu/doctor-of-physical-therapy
APDA “Needs” Survey
For the past three years, APDA has conducted a broad survey of PD constituents to determine the best way to provide programs and support to people with Parkinson’s disease and the Parkinson’s community. The Share Your Insights with APDA survey is a brief, multiple choice form. The link to the survey is below, and will be on the home page and multiple pages of the APDA website (www.apdaparkinson.org) until August 31, 2018. Here is the link to the online survey: www.aoic.net/APDASurvey2018
Questions? Contact Susan Dietrich
Coordinator,
American Parkinson Disease Association Information & Referral Center of Virginia
SJD3C@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu
Ashburn cafe next week!
Join us in Ashburn on Wednesday.
John Dresely O.D. will visit us to talk about how Parkinson’s can affect vision. If you missed his talk at Cafe Fairfax in May, please join us! Don’t forget we’ll also be munching on yummy food and . . . ice cream!
Please RSVP to help us with planning.
This is especially helpful for our hosts who are providing us lunch at no cost. Click here to RSVP.
Hope to see you out and about soon!
Cheers,
Sonia
email: Sonia@ParkinsonSocialNetwork.org
Parkinson Social Network 