Join Parkinson’s Support Group on the third Tuesday of each month
by Katya Lukina
Section Editor
On Aug. 19, a handful or residents gathered for the Parkinson’s Support Group to share common experiences associated with Parkinson’s disease. Not all the attendees had Parkinson’s, but they all had an opportunity to ask questions and learn more from the group facilitator, Becky Kohl, and each other.
The Parkinson’s Support Groups is informal and meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 2 p.m. in Optum HCC Conference Room. The next meeting is on Tuesday, Sept. 16. People with a Parkinson’s diagnosis and their caregivers, or those who want to learn more about this disease, are welcome to attend.
“Parkinson’s affects people in different ways,” said Kohl. Slower movements, soft speaking, stumbling, trembling and freezing are all common signs of Parkinson’s disease. “It may start with just one finger you can’t control,” added Kohl, and if left untreated, the disease progresses over time. She said it is important for people to speak with their primary doctors about any ongoing symptoms that may affect their daily routine, so they can be referred to a specialist. “Keeping a daily journal or a log of what you’re doing and how you’re feeling could also help your doctor understand the patterns and identify potential triggers of a possible diagnosis,” said Kohl.
Some universities, such as Concordia University, perform research studies on people with Parkinson’s to understand its causes, develop new treatments, and improve the quality of life of those affected by this disease. People can participate on an annual basis but must meet eligibility criteria to be considered.
Kohl also passed out some freebies and informational handouts on how to cope with Parkinson’s, as well as practice sheets on breathing and exercising of the vocal cords to improve volume and clarity. She also spoke about the Big and Loud movement, also known as LSVT (Lee Silverman Voice Treatment) BIG and LSVT LOUD. Those therapy programs are designed to help people with Parkinson’s and other neurological conditions to improve their movement and speech. To learn more, visit www.lsvtglobal.com.
“In the recent Masters Golf Tournament, Rory McIlroy credits hope to his victory,” shared Kohl. Hope is also used as an anchor to find a cure for Parkinson’s or to stall its progression. Aside from having hope, people with Parkinson’s disease can learn five other things from McIlroy. They are discipline, perseverance, resilience, team effort and technology. But most importantly, said Kohl, “Continuous movement and staying young at heart are a key to healthy aging.”
To learn more about Parkinson’s and other support groups in Orange County, visit www.parkinsonsoc.org.
A handful of residents attended Aug. 19 Parkinson's Support Group facilitated by Becky Kohl. Kohl said that increased attendance would make it possible to invite guest speakers and medical professionals to share more about Parkinson's disease at the future meetings.
Katya Lukina
