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Thursday, September 1, 2016

Shake things up and break out of doldrums

Sept. 1, 2016




There I was at the dog park with my two little rascals, when a Boston bull came to the fence from the big dog's side of the park to sniff and wag. Her owner stopped to chat, and before I knew it, Gayle was telling me about a program for seniors over 60, www.SeniorCenterWtihoutWalls.com. Drop in and see what they have to offer. It sounds like a fun program to get us out of the doldrums.
I often refer to exercise as the Parkinson’s patient’s four-letter word. It is not enticing to try to move with pain and stiffness, and the thought of going to the gym in less than great shape is intimidating — at least, it is to me. I have discovered a program where you can exercise without leaving your chair!
This program is found on your computer at www.SparkPeople.com Chair exercises of about 15 minutes are illustrated, and you can go at your own pace. You will know that you have done something good for yourself with this program, and it is best to try it a couple of times a day. Before long, it will be easier and you will not only feel good physically, but like yourself better. I am going to start it today — or tomorrow.
The following is from the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation notice I received recently regarding creative activities.
Do you find that creative activities — such as painting, drawing, dancing, singing, making jewelry or playing an instrument — actually ease your Parkinson's disease (PD) symptoms? You are not alone in your experience. Many people with PD report that creative endeavors temporarily relieve their symptoms.
The Creativity and Parkinson's Project exists to explore, support and encourage the therapeutic value of creativity in Parkinson's. The Parkinson's Disease Foundation is a leading national presence in Parkinson's disease research, education and public advocacy. In addition to our print publications, PDF is pleased to offer other educational resources for people with Parkinson's, care partners and loved ones, and health care professionals.
PDF National HelpLine is available toll-free at 800-457-6676, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. This line is staffed by our Information specialists who can answer questions about Parkinson's disease and its treatments, and can help you to find local support groups and Parkinson's specialists, where available. PDF also offers online seminars, or PD Expert Briefings, which cover the latest in research and care. They are available for you to view 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at www.pdf.org/parkinsononline.
This week I received a large packet of information, upon request, about some phases of PD and also for caregivers. I will pass these out at the next PD support group meeting Sept. 8, at Sterling Inn on Ridgecrest and Tamarisk in Victorville, California  from 10 a.m. to noon.
The presentation on Lewy Body Dementia will feature Stephanie Brynjolfson, Consultant, Education and Advocacy for Alzheimer's Association, California Southland Chapter. Brynjolfson is also a member of the Theater Arts Guild as an accomplished actress and director, having just finished a successful three-week run as both in the local production of Steel Magnolias. You will be glad you came!
Maybe this will also help with the doldrums — or not: Q. Why can’t a bicycle stand on its own? A. Because it is too tired. Q. Where do bugs go shopping? A. At the Flea Market. Q.How can you tell a worm’s head from its tail? A. Tickle its belly and see which end smiles.
And that, my friends, is a wrap. Be good to each other and keep looking up.
Ann Miner is a freelance writer and author of books for children and adults. Contact: eannminer@yahoo.com. She likes to hear from readers.

http://www.vvdailypress.com/article/20160901/ENTERTAINMENTLIFE/160909989

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