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No Meeting This Week

Scheduled for November & December


We have a great lineup of guest speakers for our upcoming meetings. The first 30 minutes of our meetings will involve a speaker and the second half will be for support and networking.
December 1st.
Care Partner Support Group

December 8th.
Ginger Mills PhD Clinical Neuro Psychologist at Hartford Hospital.





December 15th.
PD Support
December 22nd.
No Meeting
December 29th.
No Meeting (Holiday)

Dr. Brian Kopell is a Professor of Neurosurgery 

Dr. Leon Meytin, Movement Disorders Neurologist,


Dr. Sheila Silver is a board-certified clinical sexologist

David Bornstein, MD  "Medical Marijuana and Parkinson’s Disease”

Dr. Kim’s lab investigates translational stem cell research,

More...
Parkinson’s Body and Mind Program
Revised COVID Safe
 Greenwich YMCA 
 
The Parkinson's Body & Mind Program is back at the Greenwich YMCA. Our goal is to deliver safe programs that re-engage and re-connect members of the Parkinson’s community as it works best for each individual.

 
New Class!!!!  

Wednesday: Rock Steady Boxing w/ Toni @ 10:00am Starting 12/2
(Zoom in and try the class free. Call member services for the link)

Friday:               Yoga w/ Francesca @ 10:00am
 
Wellness classes will be LIVE in the YMCA with a maximum capacity of 10 participants indoors. Also, we have set up our Zoom cart in order to livestream all the classes.

Registration
All participants must register for the class via the YMCA of Greenwich App click here for Apple or here for Android or you can call the Member Services Team at (203)869-1630 to reserve spot or if you have any questions about registration for classes.

PD Body & Mind Program Pass .
Instead of a per/class fee, this is a monthly PD Body and Mind Program Pass which provides the following benefits:
  • All participants will be considered members of the YMCA of Greenwich and will receive all of our communications.  
  • Full, unlimited access to all PD programs (classes, support groups, Y-events).  Program Pass holders also have full access to our facility.
  • Greater connection w/ members of the group the event of class cancellations, facility alerts, or otherwise.  
  • The ability to easily freeze the ongoing monthly fee due to travel, schedules, etc.   
  • Zero joiner fees that would normally come with a membership. 
The PD Body & Mind Program Pass is set up at $49/month.  there may be some participants for whom this fee is not reasonable. We will set up a separate fund whereby others can donate an additional amount/month to cover these gaps. Also, as we do for all our members, we offer a sliding scale program for membership and program fees.

We are very excited to get this program going again through the YMCA!


Rock Steady Boxing Class
Mondays at 10 AM
Roger Sherman Baldwin Park
100 Arch St Greenwich



Toni Rock Steady Zoom Mondays @10 
Join Zoom Meeting 
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82013766021?pwd=b0ova3BEeXVINDQvcHdJSFY0NThWQT09 
Meeting ID: 820 1376 6021 
Passcode: boxnov 


One tap mobile 
+13017158592,,82013766021#,,,,,,0#,,171313# US (Washington D.C) 
+13126266799,,82013766021#,,,,,,0#,,171313# US (Chicago) 

Meeting ID: 820 1376 6021 
Passcode: 171313 

Toni Mafes received her certification in Rock Steady Boxing for Parkinson’s disease back in 2017.  She  is the head coach of RSB at Belmars gym in White Plains NY.  
  
In 2006, Toni fought in the NY Daily News Golden Gloves, 
 
Rock Steady is different from other boxing classes because we are catered to the needs of people with PD. Boxing itself offers great benefits (coordination, strength, fitness, bone density, stress management) Rock Steady adds vocalization, balance, fine motor, dexterity, cognitive functions- just to name a few.  

Roger Sherman Baldwin Park
100 Arch St Greenwich
(Right off I-95, plenty of Parking and there is a porta potty)

Toni's Venmo for those who would like to pay for the class or bring cash. Suggested amount is at least $10 per class. 

If interested in attending the class please email Lynn at hagerbrant@gmail.com
Tai Chi/Qigong Class for PD 
Tuesdays at 11:00 AM
New Location
Cos Cob Park.
22 Sound Shore Dr. 
Greenwich, CT
 
Beautiful location with a gazebo overlooking the water. Click here for driving directions. 

Ken began studying TaiChi/Qigong in 1996. He has been teaching regularly scheduled TaiChi/Qigong classes in the Stamford-Greenwich area for 13 years as well as private sessions. He also co-teaches a stress management class at the Bennett Cancer Center. His classes emphasize relaxing with focused breathing and coordinated movement.
 
Studies have shown that TaiChi improves balance and motor control in Parkinson”s disease. 

No charge for trying out a class! For those who want to pay, suggested amount is at least $10 per class. 

If interested in attending please email Lynn at hagerbrant@gmail.com

Francesca Conway's Yoga for Parkinson's 
Tuesday and Thursday at 10 AM  
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3901405312?pwd=QUVTTzM3LzN5OTQ2ZlFYTld6dnRaUT09

Meeting ID: 390 140 5312
Passcode: 321096 (NEW )

Classes are free - Donations are welcome
Venmo: @Francesca-Conway-1 PayPal: nicole3@optonline.net

Ray Fructuoso online workout classes Wednesdays and Fridays at 2PM
Join us on Wednesdays at 2:00 PM on Zoom. 
 
New!! Fridays at 2:00 PM in person at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park and on Zoom.

Just go to the following link on your iPhone, laptop or desktop.
Click https://us04web.zoom.us/j/7064312737 to start or join a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Classes are free/Donations are welcome https://venmo.com/code?user_id=19602005169274888

Ray's YouTube videos are available in the Shakers Anonymous video library https://www.shakersanonymous.org/help-videos

 

Mark calendars for a

Community Zoom Meeting

 to discuss plans to implement

the Parkinson’s Body and Mind Program 

at the Westport Weston YMCA 

on Thursday 12/10 at 12 noon.

 Details coming soon!
Michael J. Fox ‘No Time Like the Future’ coverage   
  • Michael J. Fox Is Still in the Business of Telling Stories [LA Times Magazine – November 17, 2020 – By Andrew Goldman] 
  • Michael J. Fox Says His Wife Tracy Has Remained His ‘Best Friend’ for 32 Years [Entertainment Tonight – November 17, 2020 – By Leena Tailor] 
  • Michael J. Fox Details Entering a “Second Retirement,” Health Struggles in New Memoir [Hollywood Reporter – November 17, 2020 – By Lexy Perez] 
  • PPMI Study Expanding Enrollment [Parkinson’s News Today – November 18, 2020 – By Marisa Wexler] 
  • Parkinson’s Foundation, VA Team Up to Help Vets Manage Disease [Parkinson’s News Today – November 18, 2020 – By Mary Chapman] 
  • How Smartphone Typing Patterns Can Track Neurodegenerative Disease [News Atlas – November 17, 2020 – By Rich Haridy] 
  • Ardigen and BioCollective Partner to Detect Early Signs of Parkinson’s Disease for Better Diagnosis and Treatment [Pharmiweb – November 18, 2020]
  • American Parkinson’s Disease Association Releases Symptom Tracker Mobile App with Expanded Features [PR Newswire – November 17, 2020 – By APDA] 
  • These Parkinson’s Patients Find Relief at the Barre [Montana PBS – November 17, 2020] 
  • The Vaccines Will Probably Work. Making Them Fast Will Be the Hard Part. [The New York Times – November 18, 2020 – By Katie Thomas]  
  • Americans Are More Willing to Take a Coronavirus Vaccine, Poll Suggests [The New York Times – November 17, 2020 – By Kwame Opam]
  • Pfizer Says Vaccine is 95% Effective in Final Data, Will Seek Authorization [The Wall Street Journal – November 18, 2020 – By Jared S. Hopkins] 
  • Health Systems are Using AI to Predict Severe COVID-19 Cases. But Limited Data Could Produce Unreliable Results [STAT News – November 18, 2020 – By Erin Brodwin]
  • Public Health Programs See Surge in Students Amid Pandemic [PBS – November 17, 2020 – By Michelle R. Smith and Kathy Young]
  • Vaccine Trials Point to December Doses, ‘Light at the End of the Tunnel’ [NPR – November 17, 2020 – By Lee Hale, Brianna Scott and Brent Baughman]
  • Mysteries of COVID Smell Loss Finally Yield Some Answers [Scientific American – November 18, 2020 – By Stephani Sutherland]
  • FDA Greenlights First All-in-One Home COVID-19 Test, With Results in 30 Minutes [Fierce Biotech – November 18, 2020 – By Conor Hale]
On Wednesday, December 2, at 11 am (MST), join us as we welcome back Dr. Jonathan Jackson and Dr. Nabila Dahodwala for the next webinar in our Health Disparities and Parkinson's Series: Inequities in Parkinson's Research.
Join us as we talk with Dr. Jackson and Dr. Dahodwala about: 
  • Why diverse participation in research matters
  • What researchers get wrong about designing and recruiting for diverse participation
  • What leaders in health disparities and Parkinson's research are focusing on right now
  • What role research can play when it comes to changing equity and access to Parkinson's care
  • and more
If you're unable to make it at the scheduled time, register anyway, and we'll send you a recording as soon as it's available.
REGISTER FOR THE WEBINAR
 
Help us map the future of Parkinson’s disease (PD). PD GENEration: Mapping the Future of Parkinson’s Disease is a Parkinson’s Foundation initiative that offers genetic testing and genetic counseling at no cost for people with Parkinson’s. Find out if you are eligible today!
 
ENROLL NOW
 
After a successful pilot program, the PD GENEration research study has launched its next step: a genetic test that can be completed at home. Participants can now submit their test using an at-home kit and review their results with a genetic counselor. All available at no charge to the participant in Englishand Spanish.
Learning detailed genetics results through PD GENEration can help you:
Parkinson's Foundation
How does PD GENEration work?
  1. Visit Parkinson.org/PDGENEration to confirm your eligibility and email your preferred PD GENEration site to enroll.
  2. Complete a phone screening and schedule your at-home genetic testing appointment.
  3. Receive your genetic testing kit in the mail that you will complete with a healthcare professional during your virtual appointment.
  4. Review your results with a genetic counselor.
Alternatively, you can choose in-person testing offered at select sites across the U.S. To see if a PD GENEration site is near you and to schedule an appointment, enroll now. 
Together, we’re mapping the future of Parkinson’s disease. 
Enroll today at Parkinson.org/PDGENEration.
We’re here to help. For questions about enrollment or the initiative, email Genetics@Parkinson.org or call our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (473-4636) to speak with a Parkinson’s Information specialist in English or Spanish. 
 
Hand Movement Workshop with Pat Beilman
Saturday, November 21st, 11:00-11:20 AM
Hands On! In this short and sweet workshop you’ll learn a few therapeutic hand movement sequences set to fun music. Great for those with PD, joint stiffness, arthritis, or typing overuse.
 
Hip Hop with a Twist with Dom Lockett: Monday, November 30th, 5:00-6:15 PM
Hip Hop with a twist! This class will blend contemporary dance with hip hop and making different moves flow into each other. You'll play with musicality, learn how to hit (challenging) beats, and express yourself though movement.
 
Mindfulness Meditation & Movement with Lisa Clementi
Saturday, December 5th, 11 AM-12 PM
Moving Mindfulness is a guided journey into the self, discovering your inner strengths using imagery to invoke movement responses from within. This 45-minute session is welcome to all, including persons with disabilities and newcomers to mindfulness. Participants are encouraged to be in a comfortable space with minimal distractions. For the session, you will be invited to find a supportive position, such as sitting down, or laying on a yoga mat, whatever feels right for you. Being on camera is not required. You can turn off your video in Zoom if you’d like; just make sure you can hear or read the instructions on screen.
 
Dancer and Artist Support Group with Sara Schwabacher
Sunday, December 6th, 4:00-5:30 PM
Everyone has a dancer story. What is yours? When and how did you first dance? What joy does dance bring to you, and what struggles are part of your dance story? How has the Pandemic impacted you? How are you feeling about the changes in the (dance) world? How are you taking care of your body and your spirit? We all need a chance to tell our stories. This Support Group gives us the opportunity to take turns, to be heard, to listen to each other. Let’s connect and support each other in these challenging times! This Support Group is open to dancers and artists of all stripes, including those new to the arts.
 
Advocacy Workshop with Stephanie Infante
Saturday, December 12th, 11 AM-12 PM
This workshop will provide students with disabilities and their parents/families as well as people/dancers that work with people with disabilities an introduction to advocacy and the tools necessary to become successful advocates.
 
Contemporary Dance with Madeline Charles
Saturday, January 9th, 2021, 11 AM-12 PM
This contemporary dance class is inspired by getting off the couch and exploring emotion through movement (think: Drama!). After a warm up to get you moving safely, you'll learn some contemporary choreography and get creative. This class is open to all, no prior dance experience needed.

 
Register Here for Free Classes
 
 
As we approach the holiday season, beginning with Thanksgiving this Thursday, it’s important for care partners to take care of themselves, as well as their person with PD, and look for ways to make the most of the holidays without creating additional work and stress.
 
APDA is here for you with resources and ideas that can help:
 
Care partner basics: Our Becoming a Care Partner supplement is a great overview full of useful guidance for all PD care partners, including tips for taking care of yourself as well as a helpful list of resources for additional information and support.
 
A Conversation with a Care Partner: In this episode of Dr. Gilbert Hosts, we talk with Lianna Marie, a trained nurse, PD care partner, PD advocate and author, for an insightful and personal conversation about navigating care for people with PD.
 
Care Partner Perspectives: Being a care partner for someone with PD can be whirlwind of challenges, responsibilities, setbacks and victories. Here, three care partners bring their unique perspectives to our readers who might be grappling with similar issues.
 
Navigating Holiday Emotions: Sometimes it’s tricky to feel festive and hopeful during the holidays, but there are some things you can do that can help make things feel a bit brighter.
  • Keep moving. Exercise and movement can help you feel better. There are many live and recorded online classes you can join from home, or get outside for a walk or a jog. View upcoming programs on our Virtual Events Calendar or our recorded programs on our YouTube Channel.
  • Take time for yourself. It’s not always easy to carve out time for yourself, but it is important to take care of yourself – whether it’s to squeeze in your own doctor appointments, to catch-up with friends/family, to get some exercise, or just have some quiet alone time to read a book.
  • Accept help. Sometimes it takes a village. And that’s ok. If friends or family offer help, say ‘yes’ and give them something specific to do (i.e., pick up groceries, or visit with your person with PD for an hour or two so you can run to the beauty salon, or maybe just lend an ear so you can vent if you’re having a tough day.)
  • Find support. You don’t have to go it alone. Find a care partner support group near you, or join an online community like Smart Patients – a discussion forum for people with PD and their loved ones where you can share help, advice and information.
 
For those of you who are care partners, thank you for all that you do to help people with PD live their best lives; for those of you who have a care partner who helps you in any way, we hope you’ll take a moment (or two, or three!) to say a special thank you to those who are integral to your care and well being. 
 
FREE Online Education, Exercise and Wellness Programs!
 
We know that most of you can't participate in your regular fitness routines or in-person events, so APDA is proud to sponsor community programs that bring opportunities to you wherever you are! Most programs are offered on Zoom and registration is required.
 
Below are just a few of the programs offered.
Visit the APDA Virtual Calendar for a complete list of our virtual programs.
 
APDA Virtual Events Calendar
STABILITY SUNDAY
 
 
Dance for the Body, Mind and Spirit
Brought to you by APDA Northwest
 
Every Sunday at 3:00 pm ET
Join this session for a fun and inclusive dance experience. Learn movements that support postural stability, increased range of motion and fluency. Move to the music of Motown and more. The class starts in a chair and progresses to standing. You can also stay seated the whole time if you desire.
 
Learn More
 
 
MOVEMENT MONDAY
 
Movement for Parkinson's
Brought to you by APDA Massachusetts
Every Monday at 10:00 am ET
Offered for people with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers, this dance class is designed to engage participants’ mind and body through many styles of dance, while exploring stretching, muscle strengthening, postural stability, personal expression, and rhythm. This class is specifically designed for people who wish to continue moving dynamically as the body adapts to mobility challenges. Participants are encouraged to move at their own rate and pace of time and adapt movements to meet their own need/ability.
This class is sponsored by the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts in Burlington, Vermont. Additional funding by VT AARP and community donations.
 
Learn More
 
 
TERRIFIC TUESDAY

BIG TIMETM
Exercise IS Medicine
Brought to you by APDA Connecticut
 
Tuesdays at 2:00 pm ET
 
Join Thomas as he leads this exercise class that focuses on the size and accuracy of movement, how to conquer daily tasks and how to keep independent.
Register Now
   
WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY

Sing Loud
 
Every Wednesday at 3:30 pm ET
A chorus for people living with PD and their care partners. Classes are offered live via Zoom, and you may join for one or all sessions. Classes are free, registration is limited. No previous musical experience is required and all lyrics will be provided!
Offered in collaboration with APDA, Guild Hall and Stony Brook Southampton Hospital’s Center for Parkinson’s Disease.
 
 
THANKFUL THANKSGIVING THURSDAY
AND FESTIVE FRIDAY
 
APDA Online Programs
 
APDA live online classes are suspended on Thanksgiving, as well as Friday.
 
However, if you are looking for something to view online on both Thursday and Friday, please visit any of APDA's YouTube Channels for a vast variety of recorded wellness, and educational programs or visit our At-Home Activities page on our website.
 
APDA YouTube Channel
APDA Greater St. Louis YouTube Channel
APDA Northwest YouTube Channel
STEADY SATURDAY
 
Rock Steady Boxing
Brought to you by APDA Northwest
 
Every Saturday at 12:30 pm ET
Rock Steady Boxing gives PWP hope by improving their quality of life through a non-contact boxing inspired fitness curriculum. This small group training consists of exercises largely adapted from boxing drills that focus on agility, speed, muscular endurance, hand-eye coordination, footwork, and overall strength. Our friends at Pavitt Fitness in Juneau, AK are now bringing non-contact boxing to your own home! CLICK HERE to visit their website. To participate in this class you must have a virtual pre-program assessment with the coaches.
 
Email for a Pre-Program Assessme
 
Educational Programs
 
Please join us for the next episode of Dr. Gilbert Hosts!
In this continuation of the popular Dr. Gilbert Hosts series, APDA's Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Rebecca Gilbert speaks with special guest Dr. Chantale Branson, for a conversation about Parkinson's disease and the African American community.
Dr. Branson is an Assistant Professor of Neurology in the Department of Internal Medicine at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. Her research interests include understanding and improving health disparities among African Americans with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Dr. Branson is a medical graduate of Boston University in Boston, Massachusetts. She completed her residency training in Neurology and subspecialty training in Movement Disorders and Sleep Medicine at Boston University Medical Center. 

Register today for this live webinar featuring a fascinating and informative discussion followed by a question & answer session where you can ask questions and get answers in real-time. 
 
Register Today
 
 
Thursday November 19
     
 
Reaching Out
by Jon Stamford BSc, PhD, DSc
India is different. The world's largest democracy with a population of more than a billion in its million square miles, India is a land of contrasts. It is hard to believe sometimes that India is a single country so different are its provinces. From snow-capped mountainous Kashmir in the North to the steamy coastal tropics of Kerala at the very southern tip, India has at least nine different religions and more than twenty languages. 

Of course a country of such diversity and scale poses healthcare problems just by virtue of scale. Medicines are sometimes harder to obtain and the workload of the neurologists higher. In India, there are more than a hundred thousand for every such specialist. 

But health and healthcare is so much more than just numbers. In a country where there is less healthcare to go around, tough decisions sometimes have to be taken. I was recently told of a pregnant twenty-six-year-old woman with deteriorating eyesight forced to choose between termination of her pregnancy or permanent blindness for the rest of her life. Although, around six decades ago now, the story was just as strong. It is a measure of the progress of Indian medicine that such choices are a thing of the past. 

As I said, India is different. The sheer scale of the country makes travel a challenge. Few patients can spare the time or afford to travel long distances to the big cities for treatment. And of course Parkinson’s poses its own problems of mobility, limiting access to healthcare. 

But In India there is a tendency to view things laterally, to see each limitation as an opportunity. Deprivation and distance promotes creativity. Against this backdrop, Maria Barretto, a trained clinical psychologist with a particular interest in mental health, reflected “there was really nothing happening at that time”. She said “At best they would get a diagnosis... There was no education program." Maria recognized the opportunities presented in India and reasoned that, if people with Parkinson's could not travel, then it made sense to reach out and take the program to them. But that takes a lot of energy and drive. 

Emerging from this germ of an idea in 2005 was a community based model of care for Parkinson's, taking advantage of what was available rather than focusing on what wasn't. Above all, the program engaged local community support. Designed centrally in Mumbai, the program emphasized self-management as a cornerstone of health in Parkinson's. Local facilitators gave it a local feel and helped engage people with Parkinson’s. Maria is quick to acknowledge an army of helpers who not only helped in the creation of the program but also the training of facilitators and volunteers.
Continue Reading 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
Find Out More
 
 
Find Out More
 
 

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Michael J. Fox Foundation
https://www.michaeljfox.org/newsletter

Parkinson’s News Today
https://parkinsonsnewstoday.com/

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https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/JLqy59x/CTsignup

Parkinson’s Foundation
https://www.parkinson.org/node/4899

Dance For PD
https://danceforparkinsons.org/contact-us
Copyright © 2020 Parkinson's Body and Mind Inc., All rights reserved.


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