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News & Notes |
It's
not what is taken away from you that counts. |
| 'WANTED: CPA to conduct an audit for a non-profit corporation books & records. For additional information, please call Al Krenitsky at 546-1383 (days preferred.) | ||||||||
| Connecting Voices Aa choir experience led by a board-certified music therapist for adults with Parkinson’s disease and their spouse or caregiver. Choir members will learn several vocal warm-ups that enhance awareness and control of breath support and the ability to focus the sound when singing. Song material includes hits from Broadway musicals, Big Band music and more! Each group will have an opportunity to select some of the repertoire. Participants will have an opportunity to share their experiences/memories in a friendly and supportive environment and will also be asked to reflect on the physical, social and emotional effects of singing in the choir. No singing experience necessary! Connecting Voices meets Monday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at
the Pieters Family Life Center at 1025 Commons Way, Henrietta. The fee
for the program is $50 per person which will be pro-rated for individuals
joining the group now. In addition, PSGUNY has some limited funds available
to help cover the cost. Don’t let the cost prevent you from trying
this exciting new program! Call Harvey Berson on the PSGUNY phone line
(234-5355) for subsidy information. Call Melinda Kurowski at Pieters Center
(487-3500) or just show up on Monday evening March 22nd. Take a chance
and enjoy this time-limited program. |
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University of Rochester Research
Studies of Parkinson's Disease
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| "Surviving Adversity: Living with Parkinson's
Disease" - - - A new and outstanding book offering a unique look into the lives of people living with Parkinson's Disease. In their own words, they (including PSGUNY's own Parkinson Post editor Louise Whitney) share the mental, emotional, spiritual and physical challenges PD has brought to them, their family and friends. 50% of the net proceeds from book sales will go to fund PD research. The book will not be in book stores until the Fall of 2007 but you can obtain an advanced copy by sending a check for $14.00 (made out to Surviving Adversity) to Louise Whitney, 10 Crossbow Drive, Penfield NY 14526. Be sure to include your mailing address plus your phone number and e-mail address. |
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| Doctors Focus on Depression in Patients with Parkinson’s
- - - Doctors at the University of Rochester Medical Center are leading a nationwide study to test the effectiveness of anti-depressants in patients with Parkinson's disease.The study will include 228 patients at 19 sites around North America, including Rochester. Doctors conducting the four-year study, funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, are testing whether the anti-depressant medications paroxetine (brand name Paxil) and venlafaxine (brand name Effexor) are effective at alleviating the depression that many Parkinson’s patients experience. It’s the first large placebo-controlled study testing how well anti-depressant medications actually work in patients with Parkinson’s. “Many people who are depressed are reluctant to seek treatment,” said Irene Richard, M.D., the neurologist who heads the study. “Some patients believe it’s just a matter of will to overcome depression, and others think it’s just a normal response to being diagnosed with Parkinson’s. We’re saying that the depression is part of Parkinson’s, that there is treatment for their depression.” |
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Suggested Reading Parkinson's Disease & the Art of Moving by John Argue - Paperback available for $12.21 at Amazon.com. This book is a valuable tool for every PD patient. It clearly illustrates with photographs how to do exercises for every need. The author presents a program that offers hope of preventing the progression of PD symptoms. 300Tips for Making Life with Parkinson's Disease Easier by Shelley Peterman Schwartz - Paperback available for $12.89 at Amazon.com. The author includes tips, techniques and shortcuts learned from her personal experience and from the people around her. She discusses how to save time and energy, becoming more organized and being independent. |
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| "Life in Balance" - - - Free informative newsletter published for people and families living with Parkinson's disease is available from Teva Neuroscience Inc and Eisai Inc. For a no charge subscription, write to Teva Neuroscience Inc/Eisai Inc, PO Box 29425, Shawnee Mission KS 66201 - ask for "Life in Balance" newsletter. | ||||||||
| Assistive Mouse Adapter - - - If you have a tremor that affects your hand you’ll know how difficult it can be to operate a computer using a mouse. Simple tasks like opening an email or pressing a web button can be very difficult because of the erratic movements of the cursor on the screen and the problem of multiple clicking caused by a shaking finger. The Assistive Mouse Adapter was invented by IBM to address this problem. It works by filtering out the unintentional movements of the hand caused by a tremor. The effect of the adapter is much smoother movement of the cursor on the screen and greatly improved accuracy of mouse operation. The adapter works with most PCs and operating systems. No additional software is required; the device is simply plugged in between the computer and the mouse and can be switched on or off, and adjusted depending on the tremor severity. It can also be set to filter out unintended multiple clicking on the mouse. The adapter can be ordered on line at www.montrosesecam.com. | ||||||||
Practical Parkinson Tips
from Mary Clar
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