March 2012
2 posts
Parkinson's Wellness Fund to Support San Diegans...
The Parkinson’s Wellness Fund is a program in its infancy stages whose mission is to alleviate the financial burden that accompanies living with Parkinson’s in order to improve the quality of life. The Fund, managed through a partnership between the MEYROW Foundation and the Parkinson’s Association of San Diego, will help to provide support for a variety of services and therapies for those living...
Parkinson’s Step By Step Strides Toward Record...
This year’s Step by Step 5K Walk/Fun Run is less than 2 months away - April 21st at NTC Park at Liberty Station in Point Loma. And, it’s shaping up to be a record breaking event!
With 85 teams registered so far, our numbers have doubled in 2012 over the same date last year. Meanwhile, fundraising goals have also exceded 2011 totals for the same date and are expected to set a record as...
February 2012
2 posts
Parkinson's Support Group for San Diego Veterans
As part of our further development of clinical services, the VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), in partnership with the Parkinsons’s Association of San Diego, will be starting a support group for Veterans with Parkinson’s disease.
The group will be lead by J. Vincent Filoteo, PhD, and Kathy Randall, LCSW, and will meet the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month from 4-5PM at the VA...
The Countdown is On - Step by Step
It’s hard to believe the Parkinson’s Step by Step 5K Walk & Fun Run is already coming up in 74 days! Join us on April 21st at Liberty Station for the Walk, Run, Paws for Parkinson’s Pet Festival, Medical Expo and Health & Fitness Pavillion. this year’s event promises to be even bigger and better than anything we’ve had in the past.
We are very lucky to have Richard...
October 2011
1 post
Unleash Your Creativity!
Sometimes a Parkinson’s diagnosis can lead to something amazing. While the initial diagnosis can be shocking and devastating, many find the changes in their brain help them to discover a creative side they never knew they had.
Some find their inspiration in painting. They may no longer be able to write legibly, but they can hold a paint brush steady and paint beautifully. Some pick up a...
September 2011
1 post
Honor a Loved One
Are you looking for a way to honor or remember a loved one? Is there someone you know who has made a difference in the lives of people with Parkinson’s? Why not recognize them at our Spirit of Life Gala.
One opportunity is to place a Tribute in the program.
Personal Tributesin the printed program can include messages such as (space permitting):*
· A tribute in recognition of a...
August 2011
1 post
Living Single with Parkinson's
There are many people living alone with Parkinson’s disease in San Diego and doing quite well. Having a positive attitude will help you to deal with the daily challenges of PD, as will having a good sense of humor. Living independently, safely, for as long as possible is of paramount importance to you as a single person, as well as to your friends and family members who may be concerned...
July 2011
1 post
Celebrating the 4th!
The Fourth of July is upon us and Summer has officially arrived in San Diego. It is expected to be a warm and sunny weekend, so make sure you are prepared!
People with Parkinson’s are particularly prone to skin cancers. If you will be outside at all this weekend, especially between the hours of 10 and 4, make sure you are wearing sunscreen with at least an SPF15 and that protects against...
June 2011
1 post
Anonymous asked: what is the name of the book about Honeybear and Cathleen Rodriquez
May 2011
1 post
Kicking off Summer the Healthy Way
Memorial Day is a time to remember those who have served our country, and paid the ultimate price. It is also a time to gather with friends and family and enjoy a barbeque, or watch the tradition that is the Indy 500. According to the calendar, Memorial Day is actually a Spring holiday, but most people consider it the start of the summer season.
Whatever you do this weekend, be sure to protect...
April 2011
5 posts
What You're Missing...
…if you haven’t yet signed up to receive our newsletter electronically. Subscribers also receive our eNews, featuring articles unpublished elsewhere in our materials. To subscribe simply go to www.parkinsonsassociation.org and click on “News and Newsletters.” Here is a sample of what you may be missing:
Biomarkers and Parkinson’s Disease By Stephanie Lessig, MD, Assistant...
A Song in My Heart
Music is an important part of our lives. Most people can think of at least one song that always makes them smile or feel happy. Members of the Tremble Clefs therapeutic singing program find joy in singing together, as well as receiving therapeutic benefit that can ease some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
The Tremble Clefs was founded in Phoenix, Arizona in 1994 by speech...
Service Dog to Lead Walk Team!
The annual Parkinson’s 5K Walk & Fun Run on Saturday, April 16 at NTC Park in Liberty Station will have a novel twist this year – a trained Yellow Lab / Great Pyrenees service dog named Honey Bear will be leading a Walk team of her own.
Honey Bear, the unofficial mascot of the Parkinson’s Association of San Diego, has been named Team Captain of her team (48members and counting) and has...
Is a Service Dog Right for You?
Have you been thinking that a service dog may be of use to you in your everyday life with Parkinson’s? Or are you not sure? And if you do want one, how do you go about getting one?
Service dogs can be quite helpful for people with Parkinson’s disease in many ways. One of the most important is animal companionship has long been shown to help lessen and combat depression, which is a...
5k Walk Coming Up April 16, 2011!
Have you started your team yet? Over 100 teams have already registered for the Parkinson’s Association of San Diego’s annual Fighting Parkinson’s Step by Step 5K Walk and Fun Run on Saturday, April 16th at NTC Park at Liberty Station. Registration includes a t-shirt!
This year’s event is promising to be bigger and better than ever! New this year will be a Research...
March 2011
8 posts
Planning Ahead for Summer Vacation
Starting to think about your next vacation? Wondering if it will be “just too much” with Parkinson’s disease? With the proper planning, and with the proper expectations, vacations can be as enjoyable as ever.
Travelling by airplane can be stressful for anybody. Alleviate some of that stress by allowing plenty of time for connections, even if it costs you a little bit more;...
Be Prepared for Your Next ER or Hospital Visit
Unexpected visits to the Emergency Department or even a planned hospitalization can be stressful and trying for people with Parkinson’s and their care partners. Many times the staff is ill-informed on how to deal with Parkinson’s patients and does not understand the intricracies of medication timing. Create your won plan now and be prepared for your next visit.
Whenever possible,...
Connecting Socially
Staying socially connected with new friends and old is difficult for anyone, and can be made even more difficult when living with Parkinson’s. It is easy to feel isolated and want to keep to yourself, but life is far more enjoyable when lived in the company of others.
Make it a point to get outside the home at least once a week. Even if it is just for a quick visit next door to talk to ask...
Building Your Overall Health
It is natural when you or someone you love has a diagnosis of a chronic condition such as Parkinson’s disease to put all of your focus on that one element of your health. But the truth is that it is only a part of the health picture which can affect or be affected by other elements of your overall wellbeing.
Make sure to schedule and keep regular appointments with the rest of your care...
Building Better Health - Stress Relief
Almost anyone with Parkinson’s disease is aware that stress and PD are not a good match. Stress can exacerbate Parkinson’s symptoms, causing a person to move even slower or cause an increase in tremors. Some people with Parkinson’s find they get easily confused during stressful events, making it more difficult to complete even simple tasks.
Yes, stress is a part of everyday...
Building Better Health - Laughter
Okay, everyone has heard that laughter is the best medicine. Is it true? Well, it certainly can’t hurt when it comes to Parkinson’s disease.
By its very nature, Parkinson’s in itself is certainly no laughing matter. After all, it is a progressive neurological disease that can become quite debilitating. It can rob a person of movement and of the enjoyment of many activities. Is...
Building Better Health - Eating Well
The one thing every person with Parkinson’s disease hears about constantly is the importance of taking medications on time. Most may have heard mention about the importance of exercise once or twice as well (okay, probably almost as much as the medication thing.)
An area that is sometimes neglected is the importance of eating well. The food that goes into the body of a Parkinsonian is...
Starting My Walking Program
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” - Confucius
You have registered for the Fighting Parkinson’s Step by Step 5K Walk and Fun Run. You’ve checked with your doctor who has suggested walking is a good idea. Now what?
Some important basics of a walking program:
Where sturdy walking shoes. Now is not the time to breakout the flip-flops you bought on...
February 2011
5 posts
Do I have to WALK 5K to participate?
So you saw our post earlier this week and you like the idea of supporting Parkinson’s families in San Diego County. You’re ready to start your team and contact your friends and family about supporting you. Then it hits you - you’ll need to walk the whole 5K.
Let us reassure you. This is an event where friends and family sponsor participants just for being a participant. This is...
Registration is Open for the 2011 WALK!
Would you like to spend a beautiful Saturday morning in April walking around Liberty Station in Point Loma? What if you could join 2500 other San Diegans who want to support families affected by Parkinson’s?
Don’t miss the opportunity to join us on Saturday, April 16th for our annual “Fighting Parkinson’s Step by Step 5K Walk and Fun Run.” You can join as an...
And She's Off...
Ultra-runner Charla Heimer departed San Diego International Airport this morning to begin her journey to Libya. Charla is participating in the Libyan Challenge, a 136.5 mile trek on an old camel route through the desert of Libya that begins February 22nd. Charla will carry a sleeping bag, a GPS and a snake bite kit, and little else. She is hoping to complete the race in “just” 40...
We Have a New Look
Many of you know the Parkinson’s Disease Association of San Diego is now the Parkinson’s Association of San Diego. We’ve dropped the “disease” to reflect the more common thought that Parkinson’s is not so much a disease but a collection of syndromes. This also reflects our hope that a cure for Parkinson’s will be found in the near future. In the...
Victory Summit Features Experts in Parkinson's...
Looking for a Parkinson’s symposium that features both national and local experts? Then the La Costa Resort in Carlsbad, CA is where you want to be this Saturday, February 5th!
The Victory Summit is a unique program developed for people with Parkinson’s who want to take advantage of all of the benefits of exercise and information to live well. Here is the schedule of speakers for the...
January 2011
9 posts
Victory Summit Speaker Spotlight - Holly A. Shill,...
On February 5th the Davis Phinney Foundation, in partnership with the Parkinson’s Association of San Diego and the National Parkinson’s Foundation Orange County Chapter, will bring the Victory Summit to Southern California.
One of the first speakers of the morning will be Holly A. Shill, MD, Director of the Christophe Center for Parkinson’s Research at Banner Sun Health...
The Importance of Support
Throughout our lives, most of us have been involved in some form of an informal support group. This may have been a football team in high school or college, a Girl Scout Troop as a school girl, the choir at your church, or even a study group. All of these groups involved people with a common interest working together to support each other in reaching a common goal.
Parkinson’s support...
Who Me? Exercise?
Okay, so you’ve read all of the latest and greatest on the importance of exercise. You know all about the benefits of forced exercise. You know Tai Chi can probably help your balance and help prevent falls. But, you’re still not participating.
Spring is approaching and there is no better time than now to start an exercise program you enjoy. Enjoyment is the key, because if it is not...
Ultra Runner Spotlight - Charla Heimer
Charla Heimer will be running 136.5 miles across the Libyan desert to raise money and awareness for Parkinson’s disease.
After running eight marathons in under two years, including the Boston Marathon, Charla wanted more of a challenge and signed up for her first 50 mile ultra running endurance race; that’s all it took was only one hilly, technical terrain run to be hooked into the...
Race for Parkinson's
Is it a challenge for you to complete the 5K Walk every year? Imagine running 136.5 miles across the Libyan Desert. On February 22nd Jennifer Griste and Charla Heimer, two experienced ultra-runners, will be doing just that - racing in support of families affected by Parkinson’s disease.
Please support Jennifer, Charla and the Parkinson’s Association of San Diego by either...
Get Involved - Everyone Can Make a Difference!
There are many ways you can get involved in making a difference in the lives of people with Parkinson’s. Whether you are young or old, newly diagnosed or facing the later stages, or are a family member or friend, there are things you can do.
Volunteer with the Parkinson’s Association of San Diego, or your local organization, to assist with a special event like the Walk; volunteers are...
Victory Summit - February 5th
In case you missed it, the Parkinson’s Association of San Diego is working with the Davis Phinney Foundation and the National Parkinson Foundation-Orange County Chapter to bring this unique event to San Diego on February 5, 2011. The event will be at the La Costa Resort in Carlsbad. This FREE event includes continental breakfast, lunch, and valet parking.
Need some convincing? This moving...
Handling Change
Parkinson’s disease is an ever-changing condition, with some good days and some more challenging days. And, unfortunately, today’s not-so-good days may become next month’s good days. Many times it is impossible to predict what the next day may bring, making it difficult to make plans.
One of the best ways to handle these types of changes is, when possible, plan ahead. For...
Resolve to Live Well in 2011!
It’s official, New Year’s has come and gone and it is undeniably 2011. Three days into the year seems like a reasonable point at which to begin making resolutions on how to live well with Parkinson’s disease for the next 362 days and well beyond. Here are just a couple of suggestions:
1. Resolve to keep moving! Exercise is very important for people with Parkinson’s as...
December 2010
8 posts
Reflections on 2010
During this last week of the year, many of us like to take a few minutes and reflect on our accomplishments (or shortfalls) over the past 12 months and make goals for the next year.
When tallying our accomplishments, it is important to remember that sometimes what may seem like a “little” thing at the time may have in fact had a great impact on a person’s confidence or lead to...
Happy Holidays!
Parkinson’s can be a challenge during stressful and busy times like the end of the year. Take the time to relax in a quiet space, free from external distractions. Don’t over-schedule; decline invitations or activities that may be overwhelming, opting instead to see some of these friends in more peaceful settings at a later time. (What a great way to make the season last even...
Nominate a Local Hero
As mentioned previously, the Davis Phinney Foundation is bringing the Victory Summit to San Diego on February 5th.
In the meantime, we are on the search for local heroes in your Parkinson’s community! With the Victory Summit symposium we will be bringing our Local Hero Award, which recognizes people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers who are inspirations to others in their...
Victory Summit Coming to San Diego
The Parkinson’s Association of San Diego will be partnering with the Davis Phinney Foundation to bring the Victory Summit to San Diego on February 5th, 2011.The Victory Summit symposium focuses on the things people living with Parkinson’s can do today to improve the quality of their lives. Featuring researchers, clinicians and physical therapists in the field of movement...
Dance as Exercise
Dance can be a very therapeutic for people with Parkinson’s disease. As a form of exercise, it stretches, strengthens and relaxes muscles; it also exercises the brain in an effort to control movement. Dance requires conscious use of the senses; utilizing vision, hearing and touch makes moving easier for people with Parkinson’s. The music adds the dimension of rhythm, beat, melody and mood;...
Latin Dance Cup Supports Parkinson's Association
The 1st Annual World Latin Dance Cup is coming to San Diego this week, December 14th through 18th. A percentage of day-of ticket sales will benefit the Parkinson’s Association of San Diego (PASD).
What’s the connection between the World Latin Dance Cup and the Parkinson’s Association? Larry Strauss, a Hollywood actor and dancer who is living with Parkinson’s disease, and...
Recreation and Socialization
These are two important words in the life of families living with Parkinson’s disease. Many feel isolated by their diagnosis, have no friends who are dealing with the same thing, may not be sure how to talk about Parkinson’s with others, may feel embarrassed by the visible effects of the disease, or any other number of excuses to stay away from others. One of the best ways to combat...
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