Cohabitation In commemoration of Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month during April, the Virginia branch of the American Parkinson Disease Association donated the content for the following commentary:
There are more than one million people in the U.S., including 24,000 in Virginia, who are living with Parkinson’s disease, a chronic neurological ailment. Now more than ever, it is vital to engage, enlighten and support the PD community and increase awareness about this disease. “Living Better Together,” this year’s theme, is a request to have everyone help in the fight against Parkinson’s so all of us can enjoy a better life.
“Every six minutes, there is a new diagnoses of PD,” adds Kathryn Weismann, APDA Virginia chapter coordinator, which means that during April alone, approximately 7,200 people in the United adds realized they had PD. “These people need to know that they are not alone, and that APDA is here for them.”
Often the first line of defense after a diagnosis, APDA assists persons with PD and their loved ones form a community and assemble the tools and support they need to make their journey more positive. APDA connects people to the knowledge they need to feel more in control; to the medical specialists who can help them manage their disease; and to the local support and resources that can help them feel less alone.
“Here in Virginia, we are the boots on the ground,” said Weismann. “We see time and time again that people with Parkinson’s feel more supported and optimistic when they have others in their corner. From support groups and fitness classes to educational seminars and access to PD experts, the APDA Virginia Chapter can assist link you to so many people and resources that can improve your PD experience.”
In order to ensure that you always have access to top-notch Parkinson’s disease information and programs and that you feel a part of the Parkinson’s disease community even when you’re not nearby, APDA provides a wide range of virtual programming outside of Virginia. There is something for everyone, including the well-liked webinar series like Dr. Gilbert Hosts and the ongoing Spanish-language Café with la doctoral program, as well as the extensive schedule of online movement and exercise programs.
The broader public’s support is essential. Raising awareness of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and/or contributing financially to APDA allows them to carry out vital work and finance research toward improved therapies and, eventually, a cure. Every effort counts.
The APDA is a grassroots, national organization that fights Parkinson’s disease and does a great deal to help individuals with the condition live as fully as possible. Since its founding in 1961, the APDA has raised and invested over $252 million to support research aimed at solving the puzzle of Parkinson’s disease and putting an end to it, as well as to offer exceptional patient services and educational initiatives. Go to www.apdaparkinson.org to learn more.
Call (757) 495-3062 or send an email to [email protected] to reach the APDA Virginia chapter for additional information about APDA programs, services, and support in Virginia.
Article Source the news-gazette
