Nutrition for Parkinson's
 This week I was asked if I could suggest someone local who has a good understanding of nutrition for Parkinson people. I'm not aware of anyone, so I did some research online and found a video that really impressed me. The panel addresses a number of issues I've been asked about such as protein and levodopa, unintentional weight loss, constipation, supplements, and more. They've packed a lot of good explanations and suggestions into 35 minutes, and I highly recommend it. Click here to view - it's episode 3 on this page.
This video is on ParkinsonTV.org, part of the ParkinsonNet initiative - www.parkinsonnet.info (this is the link for the English language version) - led by Prof. dr Bastiaan Bloem. I heard Dr. Bloem speak at the World Parkinson Congress in 2016, and I appreciate how his explanations are so easy to understand.
Season one on ParkinsonTV covers the basics, and in season two they discuss mental health. In the episode on nutrition, they refer to the episode on medications (episode 2), and it's worth watching, too. If you're looking for something to do when you're housebound on these snow/ice days, how about checking out these TV shows?
Cough and Cold Medication
 This week I was also reminded about an issue with cough and cold medications, because it's that time of year again, isn't it? Here's some helpful information from an educational supplement provided by the American Parkinson Disease Association, Medications To Be Avoided Or Used With Caution In Parkinson’s Disease:
medications that should not be taken with selegiline HcL (eldepryl, Deprenyl, Zelapar) and rasagiline (Azilect) - cough suppressant / Dextromethorphan / Numerous Brands.
With these over the counter (OTC) medications, it's up to us to read the label. However, I've found that the instructions often give 'fine print' a whole new meaning, and this information about Parkinson's is really hard to find. It's a good idea to check with your physician or pharmacist before taking OTC cough and cold medications.
Parkinson's Awareness Month - out of town events
April is Parkinson's Awareness Month and information about events are starting to appear in my inbox. I thought I'd share these two with you so if you're interested, you can save the dates on your calendar.
1) The Parkinson's Unity Walk takes place in New York City's Central Park every year. The 25th walk will be on Saturday, April 27, 2019. Click here for more info. (If you watch the video from last year you might see a couple of familiar faces - time 2:02)
2) The APDA Hampton Roads 2019 Optimism Walk at Neptune Park (31st and the Boardwalk) Virginia Beach is on Saturday, April 13, 2019; 9am to Noon. For details on setting up your team or joining one, call 757-495-3062 or check out www.apdaparkinson.org/community/virginia/
For Caregivers
1) BossySpa.com
This blog is written by a woman to support her sister who is caring for her husband with Alzheimer's, every day she posts a reflection and note of support for her sister. It usually begins with a meditation on nature and ends with an instruction to give emotional support to caregivers. It's very thoughtful and well-written. Recommended by Kristen - thank you!
2) JanetEdmunson.com
Janet shares her experiences as a caregiver for her husband, Charles, who lived with progressive supranuclear palsy, or PSP, a Parkinson-plus disorder. You can sign up on her website to receive a free weekly affirmation for caregivers (click here for examples). There are books and webinars, too. Ruth Ann has often shared the affirmations with us - thank you!
Hope to see you out and about again soon! Maybe next Monday at Cafe Alexandria or on Wednesday at Cafe Ashburn?
Cheers,
Sonia
email: Sonia@ParkinsonSocialNetwork.org
website: www.ParkinsonSocialNetwork.org
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All underlined words and phrases are links for email or websites.
Parts of Out & About will be posted on our blog or community events pages.
There's also an archive for previous newsletters here.
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January PSN Events
Our Cafes
Save the date & location for the cafe that works best for you!
Please help us with planning
and click on the links to RSVP for the events you'd like to attend.
Family and friends are welcome to join us, too!
 We're beginning the year by talking about music and memory at our cafes this month. Lindsey Vajpeyi, Director of Education and Outreach, Insight Memory Care Center, will get us started at Cafe Fairfax. We'll share what we learn and continue the conversation at our cafes in Alexandria and Ashburn.
Cafe Alexandria - Monday, January 21
11:00 am to 1:00 pm (light lunch - Click here to RSVP!)
3rd Monday of each month at:
Brandywine Living at Alexandria
5550 Cardinal Place, Alexandria, VA 22304 map
(703) 940-3300
DIRECTIONS
This is a brand new building on a new street so if your GPS doesn’t recognize the Cardinal Place address try:
450 South Pickett Street, Alexandria alternate map for GPS
PARKING is underground and accessible from the back of the building.
Cafe Ashburn - Wednesday, January 23
11:00 am to 1:00 pm (light lunch - click here to RSVP)
4th Wednesday of each month at:
Tribute at One Loudoun
20335 Savin Hill Drive, Ashburn, VA 20147 map
(571) 252-8292
And in February. . .
Cafe Fairfax - Wednesday, February 20
10:00 am to 12 noon (coffee & donuts - click here to RSVP)
3rd Wednesday of each month at:
Insight Memory Care Center,
Linda and Lou Mazawey Education & Support Center
3955 Pender Drive, Suite 100, Fairfax, VA 22030 map
(703) 204-4664
DIRECTIONS:
From Waples Mill Road turn onto Pender Drive.
Then turn right at the 2nd driveway;
head straight back,
the road will curve around to the left and 3955 will be on your left.
But wait! There's more!
Classes for Caregivers follow Cafe Fairfax from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
We are welcome to stay at Insight after the cafe, and participate in this program that is specifically designed to assist family caregivers.
All sessions are FREE, and respite care may be available by request; please notify us when registering to confirm availability.
You can sign up here or contact Lindsey Vajpeyi at lindsey.vajpeyi@insightmcc.org or 703-204-4664.
Click here to check out Insight's events calendar for details about their other classes, workshops, support groups, and social events.
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There is no cost to attend any of our cafes
including those that offer a light lunch.
To help us and our generous hosts with planning
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At our cafés we help each other
to make the most of life with Parkinson's.
We welcome anyone living with Parkinson's and related movement disorders, as well as family and friends. You'll find more information about our cafes on our Cafes page.
Come for the coffee, stay for the company and conversation!
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With your contribution we can continue to educate, advocate, support and enrich the lives of those touched by Parkinson's disease.
Click here or on the button below to . . .
Parkinson Social Network
is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. |
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