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NEWS JUST FOR YOU!
If you have any news you want to report CONTACT US and we may include it on our website.
Visit US OFTEN - We Are Always Updating This Page With "New" NEWS JUST FOR YOU!
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PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO GET YOUR FLU SHOT
FLU SEASON IS HERE!
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Deep Brain Stimulation Lessens Parkinson’s Symptoms
By Rick Nauert PHD Senior News Editor
Northwest Parkinson's Foundation
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"Emerging research indicates that deep brain stimulation (DBS) can improve motor symptoms and enhance quality of life in patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease. The finding, reported in the online version of The Lancet Neurology journal is published by researchers at the University of Florida and 14 additional medical centers. In the study, sponsored by a manufacturer of DBS devices, researchers found a constant current device helped to manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s.
Emerging research indicates that deep brain stimulation (DBS) can improve motor symptoms and enhance quality of life in patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease. "From the Northwest Parkinson's Foundation website"
Click here to read more about Deep Brain Stimulation Lessens Parkinson’s Symptoms
Please note that the Northwest Parkinson's Foundation has excellent articles on their website. You can sign-up for their news letters just click on this link to subscribe.
SPECIAL NOTE: The Columbia Parkinson's Support Group Meeting on February 19, 2012 will have two distinguished, nationally and internationally known doctors (a Neurologist from the Movement Disorder Department who specializes in Parkinson's and a Neurosurgeon doctor who performs DBS surgery) from Georgia Health Sciences University (formally called MCG - Medical College of Georgia). They will be discussing the whole DBS process and procedures. From determining who is a DBS candidate - the evaluation process - the surgery/surgeries - and the on-going treatment after surgery.
Click here to learn more about this meeting.
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"The unified voice of the Parkinson’s community advocating for better treatments and a cure. In partnership with other Parkinson’s organizations and our powerful grassroots network, we educate the public and government leaders on better policies for research and an improved quality of life for people living with Parkinson’s."
"Today PAN serves as the voice of Parkinson's on numerous public policy issues affecting the Parkinson's community. In addition to continuing our work on NIH funding and research, the Parkinson's community is now a powerful voice on many crucial issues including Parkinson's-specific programs at the Departments of Defense and Veteran's Affairs, FDA drug approval issues, HHS programs (Medicare and Social Security), and our continuing struggle to achieve research freedom for stem cell research." Click here to learn more about the PAN organization
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Steve Jobs Stanford Commencement Speech
Drawing from some of the most pivotal points in his life, Steve Jobs, chief executive officer and co-founder of Apple Computer and of Pixar Animation Studios, urged graduates to pursue their dreams and see the opportunities in life's setbacks -- including death itself -- at the university's 114th Commencement on June 12, 2005. Click here to see / hear Steve Jobs speech.
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Steve Jobs
Image From
Stanford University
Mar 7, 2008
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Congratulations to the CSRA Parkinson’s Support Group (Augusta, GA)
Your
supporters raise awareness, money for Parkinson's research! |
Lisa Kaylor/Correspondent
Mary Moody walks with her brother, Bobby Anderson, at the Parkinson's Walk Saturday. Moody was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 1998.
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"Mary Moody doesn’t consider herself a typical Parkinson’s patient.
Strolling with her brothers around the Wilson Family Y’s walking track with hundreds of others during Saturday’s Parkinson’s Walk and stooping to hug two of her four grandchildren, she appeared quite able-bodied.
“I don’t have the usual symptoms,” she said. “I don’t shake because the medicine takes care of that.”
Parkinson’s Disease is degenerative and primarily affects movement. Symptoms start small, perhaps with a tremor in one hand, and progress until patients are unable to walk or perform small motor functions."
Article by Lisa Kaylor Correspondent for the Augusta Chronicle Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011
Click here to read more about this event and to see the complete article on the walk |
Fox: continuing to impress Marvin Berry, wherever he may be. (Mike Coppola - Getty Images for the Michael J. Fox Foundation)
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Michael J. Fox plays guitar at benefit, reaffirms his Marty McFly awesomeness
Posted at 09:01 AM ET, 11/14/2011 ~ Washington Post Entertainment By Jen Chaney |
"Michael J. Fox proved on Saturday night that he knows how to shred a guitar to an oldie but a goodie — or at least an oldie where he comes from."
"During Saturday’s annual A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Cure Parkinson’s benefit in New York, a fundraiser for the Michael J. Fox Foundation, the actor got onstage and played lead guitar to “Johnny B. Goode,” the same song that wowed the ’50s-era high-schoolers at the Enchantment Under the Sea dance in “Back to the Future.”
This article has a great video of showing Michael J. Fox playing “Johnny B. Goode".
Click here to read more about this event and to see the video of Michael J. Fox playing |
Common chemical linked to Parkinson's
Post by: Caitlin Hagan - CNN Medical Producer
Exposure to a man-made chemical known as trichloroethylene, or TCE, is associated with a sixfold increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease, according to a new study published Monday in the Annals of Neurology. TCE is a common organic contaminant that pollutes groundwater, soil, and air. The study also found that exposure to another man-made chemical similar to TCE, known as perchloroethylene or tetrachloroethylene, or PERC, is associated with a tenfold increased risk of Parkinson's. Both chemicals are found in metal degreasers, metal cleaners, paint, spot removers, and carpet-cleaning fluids.
"The fact that we were able to find a six-to-tenfold increased risk in exposure I think is very meaningful," says Dr. Samuel M. Goldman, an associate professor of clinical research at The Parkinson's Institute and the lead author of the study.
Click Here to read the rest of the article
Thanks to Giles Grady for submitting this to us.
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New scan can speed Parkinson's diagnosis
Doctors say patients who may have degenerative disease can cut down on wait for treatment
By Karen Schwartz, Special to the Chicago Tribune November 9, 2011
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Nuclear medicine technicians Roy George and Tess Gavilan set up the gamma camera at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield. After an injection of a radioisotope called DaTscan, this 91-year-old woman's brain will be scanned for Parkinson's disease.
(Photo Chuck Berman/Chicago Tribune) |
A new scan to help in difficult-to-diagnose cases of Parkinson's disease or other parkinsonian syndromes is available at more than 80 U.S. hospitals, including some in the Chicago area, since receiving federal approval earlier this year.
During the DaTscan test, an imaging drug is injected into a patient's bloodstream and the patient undergoes a single-photon emission computed tomography, or SPECT, scan. Patients with Parkinson's disease or other parkinsonian syndromes have scans that show low levels of dopamine, the neurotransmitter critical in controlling movement and other muscle functions.
In cases where a diagnosis isn't necessarily clear-cut, the DaTscan offers important advances in patient care and treatment, said Dr. Michael Rezak, director of the Movement Disorders Center at Central DuPage Hospital, where the scan is offered.
"DaTscan is used in difficult-to-diagnose cases and must be used in conjunction with a clinical evaluation and a patient's response to medications," Rezak said. "The earlier we get treatment started, the better. Before DaTscan we would watch and wait because there were no other objective tests to use. Now we can get a diagnosis sooner."
Click Here to read more of this article from the Chicago Tribune
Note: The Movement Disorders Program, Department of Neurology, Georgia Health Sciences University in Augusta Georgia is currently performing this test on "some" of their difficult-to-diagnose cases of Parkinson's disease or other parkinsonian syndromes. For more information please contact the Movement Disorders Clinic at Telephone: (706) 721-2798
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| Should I Get a Brain Scan to Confirm Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease? |
Photo obtained from
National Parkinson Foundation |
NPF's National Medical Director, Dr. Michael Okun, blogs about the recently FDA-approved brain scan for Parkinson's
in "What's Hot in PD?" Dr. Okun explains the pros and cons of brain imaging to confirm a diagnosis of Parkinson's.
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USB (Digital) Medical ID Bracelet - A new type of medical alert device
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The newest type of medical alert bracelet or necklace is a USB (Universal Serial Bus) Digital Medical ID Bracelet. This can be a useful choice for people with difficult medical conditions. Paramedics, doctors, nurses, emergency responders, and even police are trained to look for medical bracelets in case of emergencies. Some types of these medical alert bracelets allow for 6 short, simple pages of information, wherein you can enter your personal information, such as your medical history, allergies, surgical history, medications, and more - and others allow for storage of more information. Most come with a software wizard for your convenience in entering your medical data. Some of the USB drives feature being waterproof and shock-resistant, so that the Digital Medical ID Bracelet will retain all your information even in hostile situations/conditions.
Note that there are many different styles from necklaces, bracelets, etc. (i.e.,
made of stainless steel and features an expansion band for wearing comfort). Prices can range from $20 and up --- "some" places where you might find this type of medical id are - Walmart - Amazon - Target - Walgreens - and there are other places. We suggest you shop wisely by searching around on the internet - compare prices and capabilities.
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FOR ALL THE CAREGIVERS AND CARE PARTNERS IN THE WORLD
There are only four kinds of people in the world
those who have been caregivers
those who currently are caregivers
those who will be caregivers
and those who will need caregivers
by Rosalynn Carter
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Don’t flush
Don’t pour it down the drain
Don't throw it in your trash |
Do You Know The Proper Disposal of Unwanted Medicine? |
What’s the problem? Unwanted and expired medicine may be a risk to your health, others health, and the environment if disposed of improperly. Traditionally, expired or unwanted prescriptions or over-the-counter medicine from households were disposed of by flushing them down the toilet, pouring them down the drain, or throwing them in the trash. DO NOT FLUSH! This method of disposal is now discouraged.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC) has an excellent PDF document on how to dispose of all types of medications - including needles, syringes and lancets (or “sharps”).
We recommend reading this document and perhaps printing a copy for your home. Click here to read this PDF document
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TeachParentsTech.org
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Are you frustrated when you try to do things on your computer?
Do you wish there was a way to learn how to do things on your computer without having to take formal classes -or- ask someone to teach you? |
To quote the folks at Google "Every December, millions of tech-savvy young people descend on their homes only to arrive to a long list of tech support issues that their parents need help with. A few of us at Google thought there had to be a better way that would save us all a few hours each December...
The result of our brainstorm was TeachParentsTech.org, a site that allows you to select any number of simple tech support videos to send to mom, dad or uncle Vinnie."
You fill out their online form to email the videos to whoever you want - perhaps YOURSELF -- to learn how to do all sorts of operations with your computer. The site is not perfect and hardly covers all the tech support questions you may be asked, but hopefully it’s a start! Here is the link to TeachParentsTech.org home page.
Below are the main links to the different types of videos you can watch to learn how to do several different types of computer techniques, tips, tricks, etc.
Here is a sample video on "How to copy & paste" http://www.teachparentstech.org/copy-paste - pretty easy to follow - and you can play it over and over and over.
I hope you enjoy learn new information on how to use your computer in your pajamas at your leisure! -Dottie-
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NOVA "Secrets of the Mind"
New Videos To Watch |
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Welcome to the companion Web site originally broadcast on October 23, 2001. These film delves into the mind-tingling efforts of neuroscientist V.S. Ramachandran to discover how the brain works. Here's what you'll find online:
- Mind Games
Your mind sees the classic Necker cube either as pointing upward to the right or downward to the left—but not both at the same time, no matter how hard you try. Give the cube a peek, along with an intriguing series of other visual challenges.
- From Ramachandran's Notebook
One patient had gnawing sensations in his phantom arm until he discovered his discarded limb was being devoured by maggots. Another felt pleasant sensations in her phantom foot every time she had sexual intercourse. Hear these and other strange tales from the phantom world, as vividly described by Ramachandran.
- The Electric Brain
How does a three-pound mass of wet, gray tissue (the brain) succeed in representing the external world so beautifully? In this interview with neuroscientist Rodolfo Llinas, explore how his theory of the timing of electrical oscillations in the brain gives rise to consciousness, and how failures in this timing can lead to a variety of brain disorders.
- Probe the Brain (Hot Science)
Use an electric probe to map the motor cortex, the area of the brain responsible for controlling body movement.
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Electricity Power Outages -and- Special Medical Needs?
If you are a Mid-Carolina Electric Co-op residential member and you have a health problem requiring special medical needs - contact your MCEC office as soon as possible to obtain a "Special Needs Account Member Arrangement" form. This is to register with MCEC your medical problems and that you need high priority assistance when there are electrical power outages.
Residential member-owners with such conditions will be required to secure the signature of a licensed health care provider on the form and return it to the cooperative.
If you have questions, please call 1-803-749-6400 or 1-88-813-8000.
Note: If you are "not" a MCEC customer, you may want to check with your own electricity provider to see if they have a similar program.
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The Affordable Care Act - Helping To Solve The Puzzle - Neurology Now Article
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, signed into law in March of 2010, promised to address the needs of the uninsured and those who struggle to maintain insurance and manage the costs of chronic illnesses such as multiple sclerosis (MS), neuropathy, and Parkinson's disease. Because some of provisions won't roll out until 2014 and beyond, Neurology Now is providing ongoing coverage of the law - For the first article in the series - "How Does Health Care Reform Impact You?"
You can sign-up for a FREE subscription to the "Neurology Now" magazine in either print / paper or electronic form.
One of the most easily accessible tools available for people trying to understand the ins and outs of the Affordable Care Act -- including what goes into effect when -- can be found at healthcare.gov Many agencies, such as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services at cms.gov are adding information on health care reform to their Web sites. The government is also using social media tools such as Facebook at facebook.com/Healthcare.gov and Twitter at twitter.com/healthcaregov to help people get the latest information as it becomes available.
Information above is from the April/May 2011 issue of Neurology Now - www.neurologynow.com
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Did you know?
The number of neurons in the human brain = 100 Billion
The number of neurons needed to form a new memory = 1
The percentage of brain we use = 100% [10% is a myth]
From AARP magazine May/June 2011
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Get Some Sleep: When people act out their dreams
By Lisa Shives, M.D.
CNN Health - "The second time Charlie was awakened by his wife’s screams because he was slapping her in his sleep, he decided to move into the guest bedroom. The third time he hurled himself from his bed and put a big gash in his forehead, he decided to come to the sleep center.
Charlie has REM behavior disorder, or RBD. For each violent episode, he could recall the dream that he was having that prompted him to action. It is very common, and was true in this case, that when the person with RBD attacks his bed partner, usually he is dreaming that he is saving his spouse. In the dream, it is the bad guy he is hitting. "
To read more CLICK HERE
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BRAIN TISSUE RESEARCH at
Carroll A. Campbell Jr. Neuropathology Laboratory at MUSC
Images from the MUSC Neuropathology Laboratory website
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"Many of us are organ donors. Our driver's license conveniently notes this with a small heart symbol in the corner. This small act saves lives. But did you know that this designation does not cover all of your organs?"
"The Carroll A. Campbell Jr. Neuropathology Laboratory at MUSC is a state-wide research and service center dedicated to helping those combating Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and other related neurological disorders. Studying human brain tissue is essential for increasing our understanding of how the brain works and of the underlying mechanisms which cause these diseases. Researchers must study brain tissue from both deceased patients with these diseases as well as those without, in order to more clearly understand the causes of brain degeneration. Our hope is their findings will lead to improved treatment options and prevention strategies.""Named in memory of former South Carolina Governor Carroll A. Campbell, Jr., the Carroll A. Campbell Jr. Neuropathology Laboratory is committed to being the link between clinicians, scientists and pathologists involved in aging and dementia research throughout the state of South Carolina."
"Brain tissue research is a critical component to finding cures for such devastating diseases as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and Stroke."
NOTE: The Columbia Parkinson's Support Group encourages as appropriate, the Parkinson community (PD patients and their family members, as well as others who have an interest in Parkinson's) to consider including their brain tissue along with their organ donation at death. The links below will help to provide more information on how to make such a donation.
» Frequently Asked Questions
» How A Tissue Donation Is Made
» Neuropathology Lab Staff
For more information, please contact: Nicholas Gregory at gregoryn@musc.edu - Telephone (843) 792-7867
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Three Subjects People Avoid Talking About
Relationships -- Sex -- Intimacy |
Photo obtained from
Northwest Parkinson's Foundation |
Relationships, Sex and Intimacy
"Intimacy and sex are hard topics to talk about. Many times people are hesitant or embarrassed to talk about these problems. Often movement problems and medications become the focus during medical visits and intimacy and sexual function become a lower priority. In addition, some medical providers may be reluctant to discuss problems associated with intimacy and patients may feel there is little time left during their appointment and feel too rushed to engage their provider about their changing sexual function. However, sexual function and the importance of intimacy in one’s life is one of the more important priorities for many patients at all stages of PD." From the Northwest Parkinson's Foundation article
This informative article helps to provide information you need to talk about these issues rather than avoiding the problem.
CLICK HERE
Relationships and Intimacy
"Living and coping with Parkinson’s and the evolving role of the partner as caregiver can impact your relationship in both positive and negative ways. Understanding how Parkinson’s affects intimacy, sexual function and desire as well as relationships is the first step in discussing the complicated and many times avoided subject of sexual function and intimacy."
CLICK HERE
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Videos To Watch
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NOVA "How Does the Brain Work?"
This episode of NOVA Science NOW delves into some pretty "heady" stuff, examining magic and the brain, artificial intelligence, magnetic mind control, how humans learn how to speak, and the work of neuroscientist and researcher David Eagleman.
Can we really believe our own eyes? Will machines one day think like us? Can magnetic wands effectively control brain functions and treat depression? Explore this and more.
To see the companion videos "Secrets of the Mind"
Images Below Obtained From PBS Nova Website |
Investigate the psychology of magic tricks, magnetic wands that treat depression, artificial intelligence, and more. Neuroscientists join Penn and Teller to explore why humans are so easily fooled by magic tricks.
Magic and the Brain
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A neuroscientist finds inventive ways to study the brain—like sending test subjects into free-fall.
David Eagleman |
Using magnetic wands, researchers can control the brain functions of human subjects and treat depression.
Magnetic Mind Control
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Psycholinguist Jean Berko Gleason is a 70-something speed demon as well as an expert on how humans learn how to speak.
Jean Berko Gleason
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Parkinson's Disease Caregiver Commentary
This website was developed specifically for people who are current or future caregivers to patients with Parkinson's disease.
"We know it is not easy to accept the diagnosis of a chronic illness that relentlessly progresses. Questions flood your mind. Do you die of Parkinson's? What is the prognosis? How long can the patient continue to work? He has changed so much over the past year or two. What took us so long to recognize that something was wrong? Will changes in behavior continue to increase? Crowding these questions are silent pleas for help. The spectre of what lies ahead seems so frightening!"
"Exploring this site, you will find that there is an extensive support network available to you; that Parkinson's is most often an extremely manageable disease; and that with each passing day, the prospect for ever more effective and long-lasting treatments becomes more certain." http://www.myparkinsons.org/
Comment from Dottie - This would be a very good website for both Parkinson patients and caregivers - they have a lot of resources available.. There are a lot of personal stories, as well as practical information about Parkinson's disease. I also enjoyed reading some of the personal stories on the Caregiver Discussion Forum. This site also has a page with a GREAT list of Parkinson books for both the patient and the caregiver. Click Here
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Be Safe!
Be Careful!
Be Informed!
Be On Guard!
Many Parkinson patients and their caregivers utilize the internet for information, education, social networking and sending email. All too often identity theft can happen quickly.
Onguardonline.gov has practical information from the federal government and the technology industry to help you to be on guard against Internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information.
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| Are you looking for the perfect gift to give ... |
- Birthday
- Wedding Anniversary
- Mother's Day
- Father's Day
- Valentine's Day
- Christmas
- Kwanzaa
- Hanukkah/Chanukah
- or any holiday, celebration, or special occasion
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Gift Giving can sometimes be a stressful challenge. Often we purchase items without fully knowing whether the recipient will use them. Simplify your gift giving with a charitable gift of a donation to the Columbia Parkinson's Support Group in "Memory Of" or "In Honor Of" or "In Support Of" the Parkinson's community. We will send an appropriate gift card acknowledging your donation.
Your gift of a donation will allow us to continue with our mission of providing Support - Information - Education - and Awareness about Parkinson's disease for Parkinson's patients, their caregivers, and others who have an interest in Parkinson's.
How do I give a donation gift?
What do you use my donations for?
[Note: This page may be slow to load due to videos]
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| Please take a moment to remember our military troops overseas |
"LETS SAY THANKS IN SUPPORT OF OUR TROOPS"
You can send a FREE printed postcard to US Military Personnel in 5 minutes
"The LETS SAY THANKS IN SUPPORT OF OUR TROOPS Xerox web site gives you an opportunity to send a FREE printed postcard to US military personnel stationed overseas showing your support and appreciation for their service to our country. The cooperation and generosity of multiple organizations has made it possible to send the millions of postcard messages submitted through this web site. Xerox has partnered with Give2TheTroops, the Boys and Girls Clubs, print shops and corporations that have all greatly contributed to the success of Let’s Say Thanks."
There are three "easy" steps!
- Select one of the "amazing" postcards designed by children
- Personalize your card by selecting a message already available or you can create your own message
- Hit "Send" - How easy is that!
You can send more than one FREE postcard!
Click Here or Click on the image below to go to the web site
Information provided by "Lets Say Thanks In Support Of Our Troops"
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"GIVE 2 THE TROOPS"
You can send a Care Package to our military troops overseas
Click Here or Click on the image above to go to the web site
"Since December 2002, GIVE 2 THE TROOPS has supported approximately ONE MILLION deployed U.S. troops with loving care packages and letters from all over the nation. This was made possible only with the help of tens of thousands of generous and patriotic friends in the U.S. and abroad. To date, we've sent more than 115,000 enormous boxes (APPROXIMATELY 70 LBS EACH) and more than 30 million letters and cards from caring citizens. This is the least we can do to show our troops how much we care about them. Our troops need to know that we support and appreciate the sacrifices they make for us, our families, and our future. This is about giving back to those who give all™"
Information provided by "Give 2 The Troops"
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Do you have: Information, Books / Publications, Videos, or Web Sites you would like to recommend?
If so, please Contact Us and give us your recommendations, and we may include them on our website.
ODDS & ENDS - A place where we put anything that doesn't fit anywhere else on our website
BOOKS & PUBLICATIONS - What we are recommending for reading and where to find them
VIDEOS - What we are watching on the internet and where to find them
FAQS [Frequently Asked Questions] - Answers to some of the questions that people have sent us |
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