Welcome to the Parkinson’s Association
If you have Parkinson’s disease or someone you love has Parkinson’s, then your life will change. The Parkinson’s Association is the largest independent Parkinson’s services organization in the United States. We have offices throughout Southern California. Our programs are designed to help you understand Parkinson’s and what you can do to live the highest quality of life possible. The good news is that you can live a long life with PD, it will however change your life.
Our first recommendation is to build a team of support. Your doctor, your spouse or some one you care about, family members and friends all will be there if you are open to building a team of support. We are here to be part of your team. You should take advantage of the many free educational opportunities to help you understand PD. These will give you tools to minimize the affects and to live a long and healthy life.
You may have been newly diagnosed, or told you have young onset or have discovered that Parkinson’s is progressive and the symptoms are changing your life. As you research PD, you will learn that it comes in many forms and that no two people with Parkinson’s have the exact same symptoms. At some point, you will want to understand the tools your doctor has to help improve your life. Medications are available, over time you may receive advice that advanced surgical methods can help minimize the symptoms and new clinical trials are under constant evaluation for people with Parkinson’s. Make informed decisions.
Our second recommendation is to commit to your support structure. You will need to plan as you assess your new life. As Parkinson’s progresses, learn from others and soon you will be able to share your experiences with others who also have a new life with Parkinson’s. Preparing for life’s changes are more important than ever. We can help you with understand your legal rights, plan for retirement, and to understand the available public programs such as transportation, disability or medicare later in life. The important decision is to plan now and prepare for your future.
Parkinson’s disease symptoms are described as both motor symptoms and non motor symptoms.
Our third recommendation is to take advantage of our many educational opportunities open to you. The Parkinson’s Association has a wide range of programs that will help you understand these symptoms and to minimize the impact throughout your life. Classes and speakers are available on-line, during events or symposiums, and guest lectures frequently speak to support groups. Speakers range from neurologists, researchers, professional mental health care therapists, physical therapists, voice therapists and professional trainers. They will help you understand both the motor and nom motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Our fourth recommendation is to exercise your mind as well as your body. We have a comprehensive program called Minds and Motion Health Services. The Parkinson’s Association has professional therapists available to discuss the non-motor symptoms such as depression, anxiety, mood shifts, difficulties with family members, care partner support and many other issues that face us in life. Appointments can be made by simply calling our offices on a toll free line:877-737-7576 Help with motor symptoms are varied and vital to a long and healthy life. The Parkinson’s Association has a Minds and Motion Partner Program that consists of many fun and inclusive exercise programs that will keep you moving. Call for a complete program guide. Included in the guide are trained Parkinson’s professionals that teach yoga, dance, tai chi, regular exercise programs, weight training, endurance, balance, swimming aerobics and many more. Personal trainers from the Parkinson’s Association will be available in 2015 including physical therapists.
Our fifth recommendation is to decide what you want to do about PD. You need to come to terms with the fact that you have PD and that there are resources to help you live your life to its fullest. There is an active community that where you can grow and make a difference if you want to join our community. We have opportunities for you to be an advocate, you can volunteer, join a support group or donate to help fund services that change people’s lives who are living with PD’s or contribute to research. The decision to come public with your Parkinson’s is often difficult. Surprisingly, most people who have made the decision to become involved have told me that the decision to share your condition with those around you was therapeutic and life affirming. You will likely discover that people will be there to share your life and find ways to help us live a healthy and happier life with Parkinson’s.
The Parkinson’s Association community is active, supportive and understands what lies ahead. We are honored to be part of your life and want to share this journey with you. Call us today and let us send you a package welcoming you to our community.
Sincerely,
Jerry Henberger
Executive Director
