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Programs, Events, & Resources for November 2022

 

In the next week or so you will receive our Annual Appeal letter in the mail or via email. As you consider your year-end contributions, please keep Parkinson Association of the Carolinas (PAC) at the top of your list.

 

You may receive, or have received, a letter from “Parkinson’s Foundation Charlotte.”  This is the national organization, Parkinson’s Foundation, which does not have a Charlotte office nor is there a local nonprofit by that name. Unfortunately, they send letters out to our communities where we are offering free resources like Yoga, Dance for Parkinson’s, Pedaling for Parkinson’s, our annual signature “Caring for Parkinson’s – Caring for You” symposium, and much more. They are using a name that is similar to ours and makes it confusing to know who to support.

 

If you have participated in any of the programs I mentioned above, those were offered from us. We hope you will continue to support your local, boots on the ground, organization – Parkinson Association of the Carolinas.

 

I’d like to wish you, your family and friends a good Thanksgiving holiday!

 

 

Ann Marie Worman

Executive Director

 
 

Julie Palazzolo, Audiologist

Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center

 

 

Register

Virtual Support Group

 

Date: Wednesday, November 2nd at 2:00 PM

 

Topic: "How Hearing Affects Your Overall Wellbeing"

 

Many people do not realize, but your hearing health affects much more than just your ability to hear; it affects your overall well-being. Join us as Audiologist, Julie Palazzolo, elaborates on 3 surprising ways hearing affects your life.

 

She received her Masters of arts degree from Michigan State University and brings more than 20 years of experience as a Certified Clinical Audiologist to our organization. Julie has worked with patients of all ages in both a private practice and Ear Nose and Throat Doctor's office setting.

 

Click here to learn more about PAC's Virtual Support Group Webinars.

 

 

 

Kathleen Lawrence, Physical Therapist

Powerback Rehab and Rehab to You

Register

Wellness Wednesday

 

Date: Wednesday, November 16th at 2:00 PM

 

Topic: The Benefits of Exercise

 

Exercise is one of the most powerful treatments for PD! Join us to find out why exercise is important if you have been diagnosed with PD and what the research supports.  

 

Kathy Lawrence PT, DPT is the Director of Rehab and a Physical Therapist for Powerback Rehab and Rehab to You (Previously Genesis). She graduated initially from the University of Wisconsin – Madison with a Masters in Physical Therapy in 1999.  In 2005, Kathy completed her doctorate work receiving a Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from A.T. Still University. Kathy has been working in various settings for the last 20+ years but now specializes in neurologic conditions, specifically Parkinson’s Disease.  

 

Click here to learn more about PAC's Wellness Wednesday Webinars.

 

If you need assistance registering for a program, you can call our office at 980-245-2786 or toll free at 1-866-903-PARK (7275), and a staff member will be happy to help you.

Did you know about our Motivational Mondays and Fact Fridays?

Every Monday and Friday we post motivational quotes and facts about Parkinson's disease on our Instagram and Facebook Stories.

 

We also post about some of our exercise programs and support groups across North and South Carolina on Wednesdays for our Spotlight Wednesdays. Each story stays up for 24 hours before disappearing the next day!

 

Where can I view Instagram Stories?

To view PAC's stories, just tap on our profile photo - it's a red and green tulip! If you like our story, you can send us a "heart" in the bottom right-hand corner! 

 

Where can I view Facebook Stories?

Similar to Instagram Stories, content shared to stories will appear at the top of the Facebook News Feed. To view a story, users simply tap the Parkinson Association Logo circle at the top of the app (if it has a blue circle around it). While viewing a story, users can also reply with a direct message to let us know if you liked our story!

PAC's Free Programs! 

 
 
 

Save the Dates for PAC's 2023 MoveIt! Walks!

 

Our annual MoveIt! Walk Charlotte will be Saturday, April 22, 2023 at Symphony Park. For those of you who have attended before you know what a great event it is with live music, yoga, many exhibitors, games, raffle and more. For those of you who haven’t attended, join us next year for a great day of awareness and fun.

 

We are excited to bring a new MoveIt! Walk to Wilmington, NC on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at Longleaf Park!!  We have some great volunteers that will be helping us bring the best Walk to you. It will feature live music, yoga stretching, pharmaceutical and other exhibitors, kids activity area, prize raffle and so much more.

 

 

Support for Individuals Living with PD & their Care Partners

 

We have numerous support groups across the Carolinas. If you would like to find out about one near you give us a call at 980-245-2786 and a trained staff member will assist you. Not ready for a support group? We can connect you one on one with a person with Parkinson’s through our Peer to Peer program.

NEW SUPPORT GROUP ALERT:

 

We are excited to announce that Atrium Health Neurosciences Institute is now hosting a monthly Parkinson's support group! This group is open to patients, families, and friends. 

 

Meeting information: 

This meeting will be held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM in the lobby of 1010 Edgehill Rd. N Charlotte, NC 28207.

 

For more information contact Katherine Sherry at 704-446-0837 or at katherine.sherry@atriumhealth.org. 

 

Movement Therapy Exercise

 

To join one of our in person classes or our virtual Gentle Yoga class, click here to see all locations, dates and times. You’ll also find our recently updated list of regional exercise classes in this same section of our website. 

 

* Disclaimers *

 

As a result of the pandemic, many meetings have been suspended until further notice, and others have pivoted to virtual meetings. Similarly, many classes or facilities still are closed out of an abundance of caution for public safety.

 

We ask that you practice caution when participating in all programs - particularly exercise programs. Talk to your doctor about what program would be best for you, stay hydrated, exercise in a safe environment, move at your own pace, and try to exercise with a partner or an accredited instructor.

FUNdraising Events for PAC

 
 
 

Local Community Programs

 

Dance for Parkinson's Exercise Class

 

Thursdays 11:00 A.M. - 12:15 P.M.

 

Dance:

- improves endurance and strength

- promotes better balance

- lessens gait disturbances and motor symptoms

 

Located at: Christ Lutheran Church (Rm. 6), 4519 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28226

Contact Jennifer Youse at: jenniferyouse@gmail,com

 

Available National Programs

 
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Dance and Sing for PD

 

Classes are now being held online.

 

To learn more,

click here.

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Rock Steady Boxing Headquarters

 

Offers classes online via YouTube!

 

To learn more, click here.

Pedaling for Parkinson's

 

Live Class Schedule:

 

M/W/F with Tom: 11:30 AM CT via Zoom

 

T/TH/SA with John: 8:00 AM  CT via Zoom

 

To join a class,

click here. 

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Poe for PD

 

Offers online Pilates classes!

 

For more information, click here.

Davis Phinney Foundation

Parkinson’s Exercise Essentials

 

To access the video content,

click here.

Stanford Neurosciences Supportive Care Program Virtual Exercise Classes 

 

To access the exercise class schedule, click here.

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Facebook Live Parkinson's Speech Exercises

 

Monday - Friday, 11:00 AM

To learn more,

click here.

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World Parkinson Coalition

 

For articles, webinars, etc., 

visit worldpdcoalition.org.

Smart Patients

Parkinson's Disease Community

In partnership with

American Parkinson Disease Association (ADPA)

 

For more information,

click here.

 

Parkinson's Community News

 

Expert Voices: Diet and Nutrition for People With Parkinson’s Disease

In this installment of our “Expert Voices” series, Parkinson’s News Today asked Christine C. Ferguson, PhD, to answer some of your questions about diet and nutrition for people with Parkinson’s disease.

 

Ferguson is a registered dietitian (RD) and postdoctoral scholar at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and nutrition research coordinator at the National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability. She earned her PhD in human nutrition from the University of Alabama. She has experience working in the clinical setting as an RD, instructing emerging RDs and health professionals in the academic setting, and educating the community of people with disabilities, including those with Parkinson’s disease, through organizations such as NCHPAD, the Michael J. Fox Foundation, the Tanner Foundation, and the Parkinson Association of Alabama.

 

Continue Reading On Parkinson's News Today

 

Inspired by our recent paper on “Unmet Needs of Women Living with Parkinson's Disease: Gaps and Controversies” that I wrote with Dr. Keener, Dr. Moro and three additional women who are health care providers living with PD - Dr. Oosterbahn, Dr. Mathur and Richelle Flanagan RD.

 

Continue Reading on World Parkinson Congress

The 15 Things Women Living With Parkinson's Should Know

 

Patients May Show Signs of Disease Years Before Their Diagnosis

People who go on to develop a neurodegenerative disease such as Parkinson’s may experience poorer overall health and show signs of disease many years before they get diagnosed, according to a study from the University of Cambridge in the U.K.

 

For those with Parkinson’s, grip strength in both hands become weaker over the years prior to diagnosis, researchers say. This means that they may have a harder time doing certain tasks years before their first symptoms appear.

 

Continue Reading On Parkinson's News Today

 

Whether you live with Parkinson’s disease (PD) or care about someone who does, there is much you can do in your daily life to boost brain health. From diet and exercise to social connection, research is piecing together the puzzle of how to best care for your brain, how to prevent disease and, if disease does arise, how to best treat it.

 

Download Your Free Guide

Better Brain Health: A Guide to Caring for Your MagnificentBrain at Every Age

 

Regional and National Programming

The American Parkinson’s Disease Association has a variety of educational webinars scheduled throughout the month of November.

 

For more information and to register for any of these upcoming sessions, click here.

 

MUSC Health presents: "Benefits of Psychotherapy for Individuals and Families Living with PD"

 

Thursday, November 3rd  at 12:00 P.M.

 

To register, click here. 

 
 
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Pacific Neuroscience Institute presents:

"Everything Parkinson’s Webinar"

 

Monday, November 7th at 12:00 P.M.

 

To join, click here. Use the following meeting credentials if prompted:

Webinar ID: 821 8048 1494

 

Topic: Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension: What It Is, How To Know If You Have It, and How To Manage It

 

Tuesday, November 15th at  3:00 P.M EDT.

 

To register for this, click here. 

 

Topic: 2022 In Reiview: Progress Toward Better Treatments and Prevention

 

Thursday, November 17th at 12:00 P.M.

 

Click here to learn more.

 

Additional ongoing programs are listed below. Note that some of these programs are not facilitated by Parkinson Association of the Carolinas (PAC) and are subject to change. Click the links for more details.

Local Studies & Trials

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Effects of Restrictions from COVID-19 on Physical Activity Levels among individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD)

 

The goal of the study is to understand how restrictions from COVID-19 effected physical activity levels in those with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Physical activity has been known to improve many symptoms in patients with PD. In this study, you will participate in one (1) virtual meeting. In total, this study will require around 30-45 minutes of your time.

 

You will be asked to answer surveys about your current physical activity level, cognitive abilities, and balance confidence. Following the questionnaires, you will be asked questions about how COVID 19 has affected your ability to participate in physical activity.

 

If you have any concerns about the study, you can contact:

PI: Jared W. Skinner at 828-262-2512 or skinnerjw@appstate.edu.

 

Acute Effects of Exercise on Autonomic Function

in Parkinson's Disease (PD)

 

Contacts:

  • Lizzie Gamwell, gamwellhe@appstate.edu
  • Dr. Jared Skinner, skinnerjw@appstate.edu if you are interested in participation and/or volunteering.
 

LSVT Global and CurePSP are partnering with Google for new study called Project Euphonia. Project Euphonia is looking for volunteers with moderate to severe speech disorders associated with Parkinson’s (or other Parkinsonism-related diagnoses) to participate in this new study involving recording spoken phrases to help improve automatic speech recognition software (e.g. phones, computers, devices).

 

If you are interested in learning more about Project Euphonia, click here.

 

Please contact project.euphonia@lsvtglobal.com with any questions.

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View the Full Flyer

 

The Social Communication and Neuroscience Lab at East Carolina University is looking for individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) to participate in a online research survey. Participation involves completion of a survey that consists of five short questionnaires about mental health, demographic variables, and coping during the COVID-19 pandemic and takes about 15-20 minutes to complete.

 

To access the survey, click here.

 

For questions, contact Kathrin Rothermich at 252-744-2329 or rothermichk17@ecu.edu.

 

Wake Forest Baptist Health is conducting a study of light therapy in patients with Parkinson's Disease to improve sleep.

 

To learn more about this study, click here.

 

For more information, contact Study Coordinator: Carolina Burgos Aguilar at caguilar@wakehealth.edu or 336-713-2603.

 

The MUSC Movement Disorders Program is conducting a clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an experimental drug (TAK-071) in Parkinson's Disease or Lewy Body patients with MCI and an elevated risk of falls. 

 

For more information, contact either of the following individuals:

  • Sandra Wilson, Research Coordinator - wilsosan@musc.edu 843-792-4616
  • Lisa Heidelberg, Research Coordinator - heidelbe@musc.edu 843-876-0829 

If you are interested in participating in a clinical trial please email the MUSC Movement Disorders Program at danger@musc.edu.

PAC's Toll-Free Resource Line is here to Help!

LEARN MORE

Staff Answered Toll-Free Resource Line

  • Available Monday - Friday, 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
  • You can call for PD related questions, resources, & referrals.
  • You can learn about PAC's cost-free programs.
  • Call 1-866-903-PARK (7275) or email pac@parkinsonassociation.org.

For more information, click on the green "LEARN MORE" button.

Support PAC's Cost-Free Programs!

DONATE
 

How You Can Support PAC

Volunteer with PAC

 

There are a variety of opportunities for individuals to volunteer with PAC in both an ongoing and/or one-time manner. Below is a list of available opportunities.

  • Board Member
  • Committee Member
  • Program Volunteer
  • Event Volunteer

For more information about PAC's volunteer program and ways to get involved with the organization, click on the green "VOLUNTEER" button.

Make Your Mark on Our Local Parkinson's Community!

VOLUNTEER
 

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You shop. Amazon gives.

 

Consider selecting Parkinson Association of the Carolinas as your nonprofit on AmazonSmile, and Amazon will donate a portion of your purchase to PAC. Click here to get started.

 

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