Love and Other Drugs Screening/Fundraiser Sunday Nov 28th and Sunday Dec 5th at 1:30pm

LOS ANGELES CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN PARKINSON DISEASE ASSOCIATION
                             AND WEST COAST BOXING & KICKBOXING

INVITE YOU TO JOIN US FOR A SCREENING OF THE FILM

“LOVE AND OTHER DRUGS”

In the film "Love and Other Drugs," Anne Hathaway portrays Maggie, a young woman with Parkinson disease who becomes involved with a Pfizer pharmaceutical rep for Viagra, played by Jake Gyllenhaal. In preparation for her role, Ms. Hathaway spent several hours with Jennifer Parkinson, a Young Onset PD patient and advocate for PD research and wellness. As founder and president of West Coast Boxing and Kickboxing, a non-profit group that offers Neuroboxing classes for people with neurological disorders, Jennifer hopes you will attend this screening to raise awareness about the reality of young onset Parkinson disease.  Proceeds from ticket sales will go towards the Los Angeles Chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association and West Coast Boxing and Kickboxing, local organizations committed to promoting wellness for PD patients and their families. NOTE: This film is Rated R.  Adults only!

     FUNDRAISER TO BENEFIT PARKINSON WELLNESS PROGRAMS:

               SUNDAY NOVEMBER 28^TH AND SUNDAY DECEMBER 5^TH

                                                       AT 1:30 PM

                               MUVICO THEATERS at THE OAKS MALL

166 West Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

                                                    TICKETS = $15 EACH

                          THERE WILL BE A SHORT DISCUSSION AFTER FILM.

 YOU MAY RESERVE YOUR TICKETS BY CONTACTING: JENNIFER PARKINSON AT neuroboxing@yahoo.com  OR CALL 805-304-8527. TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE APDA INFORMATION TABLE INSIDE THE THEATER STARTING AT 12:00PM DAY OF SCREENING. THEY ARE AVAILABLE ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS.

NEUROBOXING CLASSES - STARTS MONDAY NOVEMBER 29TH AT NEU-WELLNESS INSTITUTE

                                    NeuroBoxing Program

NeuroBoxing is a non-contact, non-competitive boxing workout that helps improve balance, coordination and flexibility. We incorporate conditioning with boxing and kickboxing techniques designed to provide a total body workout. With a total mind, body, spirit connection, NeuroBoxing helps people with neurological conditions live the best quality of life possible.

My name is Jennifer Parkinson. I am 37 years old and a Registered Nurse. At age 32, I was diagnosed with Parkinson disease, a progressive neurological disease which causes tremor, muscle rigidity, and slowness of movement. I began boxing with my trainer, Dale Jacoby, about 2 years ago. My symptoms have significantly improved and I have decreased my medications as a result.

Dale Jacoby, Instructor for NeuroBoxing, is a 5-time World Kickboxing Champion and 6th Degree Black Belt Master Instructor. He has 35 years experience fighting, teaching and training. He teaches his students to  Finish What They Started" and most of all that "Pain is Temporary but Pride is Forever".

                      

                    Mondays & Fridays at 10:00 am

                                           AT

                                     
                           Neu-Wellness Institute

                   19730 Ventura Blvd, Suite 104

                      Woodland Hills, CA 91364

                                                    

                                    $15/Class                                             

                                                        
                                                              Limited Space, please RSVP: 

                                                          
                                     Jennifer Parkinson

                                   Phone: 805-304-8527

                           Email: neuroboxing@yahoo.com

THE ELEPHANT

This is a poem written by a very special lady. She was diagnosed with Parkinson disease and then 2 years later diagnosed with Cancer. She wrote this after going through chemotherapy. ~ Jen

THE ELEPHANT

I happened upon an elephant in my living room.
Although he didn't speak out loud, I heard his voice of doom.
From dulcet tones through booming drones, his words filled me with fright,
"There's something wrong, you must agree - your left side is just not right!"
 
It won't be right - it is my left, came forth my smart reply.
He merely sighed with air resigned and stared me in the eye.
"What fool you are, you should be checked to see about some mending."
There's nothing wrong, I'll just stay here and carry on pretending.
 
"Your time is up," my monster said, "I'm placing you on trial
For all that you have thrown away, while you've been in denial."
Buzz off, you nosey pachyderm, you're not invited here.
You have no right to spoil my life and thus to interfere.
 
Pursued by taunts relentlessly, I nearly lost my mind;
Until one day it dawned on me that he was being kind.
What could be worse than finding out and giving him a name?
The truth was there for all to share - my life was not the same.
 
So feeling scared and filled with dread, some help I duly sought.
There was a name for my disease - what peace of mind this brought.
It's chronic and progressive, but there is lots of hope;
I know I have the courage and I'll find the strength to cope.
 
I hurried home to tell my friend his words were not in vain;
It was only fear that held me back and caused me so much pain.
I was not prepared for what I found - no elephant was there;
He had not been there all along - it was just my old armchair!
 

Valerie M. Marshall, July 2008

10th Annual Caregiver Story Contest - Deadline November 30th

Announcing our 10th Annual Caregiver Story Contest

Share your story about “What Makes Caregiving Rewarding?” For a chance to WIN $1,000

 

Shield Healthcare recognizes the demanding roles and responsibilities of today's caregivers. Whether you are a family caregiver or a home health professional, we would like to hear your story about "What Makes Caregiving Rewarding?" Submit your story for a chance to win a prize!

ALL contest entrants will receive an I Care heart lapel pin!

Top 3 Story Winner Prizes

• $1,000 in American Express Gift Cheques
• One-year subscription to Today's Caregiver Magazine
• Commemorative Wall Plaque

Top 2 Runner-up Prizes

• $250 in American Express Gift Cheques
• One-year subscription to Today's Caregiver Magazine

Send us your story via one method only:

MAIL:	Shield Healthcare Attn: Caring Solutions 27911 Franklin Parkway Valencia, CA 91355
FAX:	661-294-4269
EMAIL:	caring@shieldhealthcare.com

For more info, please go to http://www.shieldhealthcare.com/services/caregivers/ 

Research Opportunity: For individuals with speech, language or cognitive changes due to PD

Carolyn Baylor, a speech pathologist at the University of Washington in Seattle is conducting a research study about the impact of PD on participation in daily communication activities. This study is for people who have experienced changes in their speech, language or cognitive functions as a result of PD. The study involves about an hour of filling out questionnaires online or on paper, and can be done at home.

Who can participate?
*       Must have speech, language or cognitive changes due to
Parkinson's Disease
*       Diagnosis of PD at least 3 months ago
*       Age 18 years or older who speak, read and write English.
*       We seek racial and ethnic diversity. Minorities are strongly
encouraged to participate
*       Must live at home or other community setting such as assisted
living (nursing home residents are not eligible)
*       Individuals must use speech as their primary communication
method. You may use writing or augmentative devices to help you
communicate at times. Individuals with a laryngectomy may use any speech
method (electrolarynx, TEP, esophageal speech)

What will I be asked to do?
*       Complete a set of questionnaires
*       You may fill out these questionnaires at home on your own schedule - online or paper forms that we will send you

What else should I know?
*       Receive $20 (check or Amazon.com gift card) for completing the
questionnaires
*       Allow about 1 hour for questionnaires - work at your own pace
 
How do I learn more or sign up to participate?


Phone: 206-221-3563 please leave a voice mail with your contact information and diagnosis (we are running the same study with people with other diagnoses so we need to know to send you the questionnaire for PD)

For more information, please visit our website:
http://staff.washington.edu/cbaylor

Email: commpart@u.washington.edu

Parkinson Webcast - APDA/NPF Young Onset PD Conference, Atlanta

Learn at Your Leisure: An Opportunity for People of All Ages

Visit our Web site and find archived presentations from our series of Young Onset Parkinson Conference Webcasts. Learn from experts in the field of Parkinson’s disease treatment and research.

Presentation topics include: Stem Cell and Gene Therapy, Partnering with Your Doctor, Medications, DBS, Anxiety & PD, Unique Exercise Programs & Research, Complementary Therapies And more…

Simply visit us online at:

 http://youngparkinsons.org/how-we-can-help/young-onset-events--2/webcasts 

Parkinson Disease: Promising Developments in Management Saturday October 16th 1-4 pm Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Registration

This conference is open to the public and is free. Complimentary refreshments and parking will be provided. To register, please call 1-800-CEDARS-1 (1-800-233-2771) or visit www. cedars-sinai.edu/calendar.

Please RSVP by Monday October 11. Space is limited.

Location

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Harvey Morse Auditorium

South Tower

8700  Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles

Parking

Validated self-parking at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center available at:

Parking Lot 1,2 and 4

Please note that we are unable to validate parking at Medical Office Towers (East and West)

Parking Structure

Conference Overview

The understanding of Parkinson’s disease (PD) management and treatment is constantly evolving and progressing. Ongoing research efforts continue to seek out better, more effective treatment and ultimately a cure.

This public conference will address new avenues of Parkinson’s disease research related to slowing disease
progression. It will also cover current and future treatments and physical therapy approaches aimed at improving

functioning and quality of life.

The conference will begin with a review of the latest research related to neuroprotection. Neuroprotection is defined as the prevention of further cellular damage to neurons in the brain of individuals with PD. Successful neuroprotection may slow or stop the progression of the disease. The search for neuroprotective agents has become a high priority among researchers, and there have been numerous studies in this area. This topic will be followed by a discussion of the currently available treatments for PD, as well as new treatments on the horizon.

The conference will conclude with a review of research into physical therapy interventions that have shown promise for the management of PD symptoms. Each presentation will be followed by a brief question-and-answer period.

If you or someone you know has Parkinson’s, please plan to attend by registering before October 11.

Michael J Fox on CNN with Dr Sanjay Gupta Tonight at 8pm

This article is posted in conjunction with an interview tonight at 8pm on CNN with Dr. Sanjay Gupta and Michael J. Fox.
http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2010/09/30/living-with-parkinson%E2%80%99s/

Living with early onset Parkinson’s

pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com

Five to 10 percent of the estimated 50,000 Americans living with Parkinson’s disease each year are under the age of 50. It’s called “early onset Parkinson’s." Two people suffering from “early onset Parkinson’s" shared their stories with CNN Radio’s Jim Roope

NEUROBOXING CLASSES - STARTS MONDAY NOVEMBER 29TH AT NEU-WELLNESS INSTITUTE

                                    NeuroBoxing Program

NeuroBoxing is a non-contact, non-competitive boxing workout that helps improve balance, coordination and flexibility. We incorporate conditioning with boxing and kickboxing techniques designed to provide a total body workout. With a total mind, body, spirit connection, NeuroBoxing helps people with neurological conditions live the best quality of life possible.

My name is Jennifer Parkinson. I am 37 years old and a Registered Nurse. At age 32, I was diagnosed with Parkinson disease, a progressive neurological disease which causes tremor, muscle rigidity, and slowness of movement. I began boxing with my trainer, Dale Jacoby, about 2 years ago. My symptoms have significantly improved and I have decreased my medications as a result.

Dale Jacoby, Instructor for NeuroBoxing, is a 5-time World Kickboxing Champion and 6th Degree Black Belt Master Instructor. He has 35 years experience fighting, teaching and training. He teaches his students to  Finish What They Started" and most of all that "Pain is Temporary but Pride is Forever".

                      

                    Mondays & Fridays at 10:00 am

                                           AT

                                     
                           Neu-Wellness Institute

                   19730 Ventura Blvd, Suite 104

                      Woodland Hills, CA 91364

                                                    

                                    $15/Class                                             

                                                        
                                             Limited Space, please RSVP: 

                                                          
                                     Jennifer Parkinson

                                   Phone: 805-304-8527

                           Email: neuroboxing@yahoo.com           

BOOK NOW - APDA Young Parkinson's Retreat at Sea - Feb 11, 2011 cruise details‏

APDA Young Parkinson's Retreat at Sea - Carnival Paradise - from Friday, February 11, 2011 to Monday, February 14, 2011. This retreat is designed for people who consider themselves to be “young onset”.  The retreat will provide participants an opportunity to connect with others, receive updates on the latest research and emerging therapies, and experience wellness strategies such as yoga, tai chi, exercise, music therapy, meditation and more – all in a fun and relaxing, social environment. Younger children will benefit from age appropriate sessions to develop cognitive and behavioral skills to help them cope with the reality of PD in their family.  A teens-only session will allow older kids a chance to “chill” and explore their own questions. In addition, Carnival is renowned for its kids and teen activities for ages 2-11, 12-14 and 15-17 each with their own space and cruise program.

Deposit and final payment: a deposit of $ 100 per person is due now to guarantee the rate and book a cabin. Final payment is due on December 14, 2010.

There are several forms that you will need. Please email me at jenyopd@yahoo.com if you are interested and I will forward them to you.

If you have questions regarding the retreat, please call Linda at 877-223-3277 or 310-423-3277 or Viviane at 866-499-2732 or 818-885-8623. We look forward to seeing you aboard the Carnival Paradise!

PD 101 Sat October 2nd 1-3pm Northridge Hospital

PD 101 class at Northridge Hospital

for newly diagnosed patients with Parkinson’s disease

The American Parkinson Disease Association Regional Information & Referral Center at the Center for Aging Research & Education is conducting its annual PD 101 class in the educational auditorium at Northridge Hospital Medical Center on Saturday, October 2 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. with Dr. Michael Marvi, Movement Disorders Specialist, speaking. The class is for newly diagnosed patients or anyone who needs a refresher. Family members and caregivers are invited to attend as well. There will be a Q & A session with Dr. Marvi after his talk so be prepared to ask questions and participate in an uplifting and informative seminar.

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic progressive neurological disorder usually associated with tremor, stiffness or rigidity, slowness of movement and postural instability. Although there is no cure (yet), medication management, exercise therapies, and surgeries can help with the symptoms. There are approximately 1.5 million people in the U.S. with Parkinson's disease and there are an estimated 60,000 new diagnosis per year.

The APDA is a nonprofit organization with a dual mission: “To ease the burden and to find a cure.” In addition to funding research to find a cure, the APDA has a network of 60 local Information & Referral Centers where a coordinator oversees support groups, information meetings and educational seminars to help patients and their families better understand the disease.

The PD 101 class is held in the educational auditorium (main entrance) of Northridge Hospital Medical Center at

18300 Roscoe Boulevard, Northridge, CA 91328

. The class is free but registration is required by calling 818-885-8623 or 866-499-2732 (outside 818 area code). You can also send an e-mail to valleyapda@yahoo.com to register. A complimentary luncheon is served from 12 noon to 1 p.m. Parking (entrance on Etiwanda) is validated for $1 or free with a disabled placard.

PAN: Parkinson’s Disease Work-Related Disability Assessment

Many people with Parkinson disease, at some point in their diagnosis, will apply for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration. This is such a difficult process especially when dealing with a progressive neurological disorder.

The link below is from the Parkinson's Action Network (PAN). PAN created this form as a supplement to the patient's medical record. It is not a Social Security Administration form. Please follow the link below to access the form. This may be a very useful tool for you and your doctor when you apply for Social Security Disability benefits.  

 

  http://www.parkinsonsaction.org/sites/default/files/pdforminteractive_07-07-10.pdf

MyParkinsonBlog

My name is Jennifer Parkinson. I am 37 years old, an RN and a divorced mom of 2 kids, ages 6 and 9. I was diagnosed with young onset parkinson disease 5 years ago at age 32. When I was  diagnosed, I had a tremor in my right hand, difficulty walking and dragging my right leg. I was extremely fatigued and my kids were 1 and 4. It was very challenging.  About 2 years ago, I started boxing and kickboxing, and I noticed over time my symptoms began to improve and I was able to reduce my medications.

I am starting this blog as a resource guide for those of us living with Parkinson disease in the San Fernando Valley region and surrounding areas. I would like this to be a one stop guide for all PD events and information to help you get access to the resources you need.

If you have a Parkinson related event or link that you would like to add to this blog, just email me at jenyopd@yahoo.com