Where have I been? Over the last few months I took a break from as many things Parkinson’s as I possibly could. I needed to recharge, refuel, and get my mojo back. I didn’t plan on staying away this long, but it has been a very good thing. I feel healthy, energized and raring to blog.
As you will see in upcoming posts, I haven’t been in a total vacuum during the last stretch. Among other things I had the pleasure of attending a stellar CME (continuing medical education) session for doctors where I heard what some of our top PD neurologists know, suspect, or don’t know about PD. I will summarize what they had to say in a post next week.
I am excited about a couple of innovative programs I have worked on or enjoyed over the last couple of months. At the Parkinson’s Association of the Rockies (PAR), in collaboration with Denver’s Jewish Family Services, we are developing a 1-on-1 mentoring program to help PWP through the early months after diagnosis, or with any struggles they encounter through the years. And last week PAR launched it arts and PD program with an evening of painting, rock music, and wine. As my room-mate in college always said when something was different and fun, “What a hoot!” I took up painting with acrylics after I was diagnosed, so this is a program close to my heart. When I paint I forget I have PD even if my brush shakes.
There’s more good stuff ahead! October 21 to 24 I am attending the Leading Age conference in Denver where I will visit The Idea House, which demonstrates the latest products, technology and design applications for people who have physical and/or cognitive problems., These innovations are important for PWP who reach the later stages of PD. (Of course we’re hoping researchers come up with something to stamp that out soon.) I”ll tell you all about it.
Coming up I will also review what the experts are saying about the Mirapex warning. (Mirapex is one of two drugs called agonists that are used to treat PD.) And I will write a little about why a hiatus can be good for your Parkinson’s. The news roundup will also start up again next week.
So please come back! And thanks for your patience. Betsy
PS: I’m reading a fun murder mystery, Dutch Island, in which a PWP plays a leading role. The book is by Curt Weeden. All royalties from the sale of print copies of Dutch Island go to the National Parkinson Foundation. We’ll review the book in a week or so. To learn more go to http://www.dutchislandnovel.com.
