MOVING DAY

A Day to Move — A Day that Will Move You –A Day to Move Others.
MOVING DAY is not just a WALK, it is also a MOVEMENT. The day will include all kinds of movements such as yoga and dance. Get your family and friends together to form a TEAM for the event, volunteer to be on the planning committee, or become a MOVING DAY sponsor.

Contact the NPFSD office for a TEAM PACKET, SPONSOR PACKET, or volunteer opportunities.

Call 605-271-6113 or email: info@npfsouthdakota.org.

NPFSD Raises Money to Improve the Quality of Life of Those Touched by Parkinson’s disease!

People who have Parkinson’s disease may respond very differently to medications. 1   Part of the proposed explanation for this variability is differences in genetic code which govern the way bodies function. 1   New research is examining the influence of specific genetic variations on how medications work.  This field of study is called pharmacogenetics. A patient’s unique genetics can cause an increase or decrease in the effectiveness of medications. 1   Knowing the genetic make-up of a patient with Parkinson’s disease will someday help physicians select the most effective medication regimen.

An understanding of pharmacogenetics can also be beneficial when deciding which medications to avoid.  Significant side effects may occur in patients with reduced drug metabolism. 1   Many patients with Parkinson’s disease suffer from motor fluctuations, which are periods of “on” and “off” where the medication’s effect varies from working well to not working at all.  One research group found patients with Parkinson’s disease to be at an increased risk for developing these motor fluctuations due to a genetic malfunction causing a decrease in drug metabolism.2

Whether medications improve outcomes, have limited effectiveness, or predispose patients to more side effects depends in part on the patient’s genetics.  With great promise, pharmacogenetics may someday guide health care providers to select patient-specific drug therapy to optimally reduce the reoccurring symptoms of Parkinson’s disease while minimizing the risk of side effects.

References:
1.    Kalinderi, K., Fidani, L., Katsarou, Z. and Bostantjopoulou, S. Pharmacological treatment and the prospect of pharmacogenetics in Parkinson’s disease. International Journal of Clinical Practice 2011;65:1289–94.
2.    Wang J, Liu ZL, Chen B. Association study of dopamine D2, D3 receptor gene polymorphisms with motor fluctuations in PD. Neurology 2001;56:1757-9.

When the feet of a person with Parkinson’s (PWP) become suddenly “glued to the ground” and they are unable to move them despite the fact that the top half of their body is still moving forward, they are experiencing “freezing of gait”.

Usually lasting several seconds or minutes, freezing episodes tend to happen more often when a PWP is in a crowded place, is attempting to turn around, and is in a small or narrow space such as a hallway.

Freezing, generally, does not respond  well to medication.  Making the effort to focus and think about each part of the movement engaged in when freezing occurs can help overcome the episode.  When feeling about to freeze, stop walking and calm yourself. Think through the movement you want to execute next. Plan each step of the movement and then perform it. It is also important to show caution when, as feet freeze, support is sought.  Make sure the support is close enough, otherwise you will likely fall.

Also when encountering a freezing episode, try to shift most of your weight to one leg. This shift of weight to your supporting leg will help you step forward with the opposite leg. Another suggestion is to try gently rocking your head and shoulders from side to side. Sometimes it might help to say something to yourself as you sway, like “move my weight to left leg, then step with my right”. Some people find it helpful to close their eyes and take a step. Be sure to open your eyes again to continue safely.

There are other techniques to try and if you deal with freezing frequently, try several of these techniques to see which one will prove most helpful to you.  For additional information regarding ways to deal with freezing episodes check with the National Parkinson Foundation HELPLINE at  1.800.4PD.INFO (473-4636).

In conversation with another person, we can choose to focus on the other’s disabilities or on their abilities.  For example, I have a speech impediment as a result of birth trauma.  A person could start a conversation with me with the intent of pointing out how they feel sorry that I have to cope with a speech impediment.   By the end of that conversation, I might well feel disabled and frustrated  with life altogether.

On the other hand, if the same person asked me to talk about a subject I enjoy like writing, I would light up and become eager to engage in the conversation.  At the end of that conversation, I would probably feel very able and valued.

As in the second example, when in conversation with a person who has Parkinson’s, make an effort to employ the empowering art of focusing on abilities or points of interest.

Additionally, whenever you encourage a person with Parkinson’s to appreciate their own abilities, allow them, in turn, to assist you in appreciating your own gifts.  Allow them to thank you for the time you spend with them and really absorb their appreciation.

Perhaps, as in any relationship, one the most important components is to allow the other to contribute to you and your life, as you are contributing to theirs.

*for more information about Jason go to www.HeroicYesProductions.com

I was asked, “How can Parish Nurse Ministry relate to those dealing with the complications of Parkinson’s disease?”   I think the best answer to this question lies in the similarities of the disease and this type of ministry.  They are both long term, progressive over time, and affect many different parts of a whole person.  Parish Nurse Ministry is specially designed to support people of faith on their life journey, wherever it may lead.  This definitely includes those who are dealing with the complications of Parkinson’s disease and the caregivers and family members involved.
For those of you who have never met a Parish Nurse, please allow me to introduce our unique profession of nurses………………….

A Parish Nurse is not a nurse you will meet one time to receive a shot or a pill.  A Parish Nurse is not a “hands on” nurse with procedures and medicine to offer.  This nurse brings you “hands” filled with prayer, presence and the love of God through caring.  The Parish Nurse will get to know you over time and develop a long-term, meaningful relationship with you and your family, if you so desire.  The Parish Nurse is there to support you (body, mind and spirit) during the highs and lows that life offers.

The Parish Nurse (also called a Faith Community Nurse) is a nurse who is specially trained to integrate faith and health in the community. Typically, in our area of the country the Parish Nurse ministers in a Christian congregation or a faith-based organization.   But the role can be developed in any faith tradition.

Other, official roles of the parish nurse include:

Health Education and Counseling — are knowledgeable about illness, healthy lifestyle choices, procedures and screenings such as blood pressure and the like

Resource/Referral Advisor — are experts in locating community resources available for home assistance, physicians, social services, transportation and the like.  Parish Nurses are very “linked in” to the community and if they don’t know something, they tap into their network to find the best resource for you
Health Advocate — offer guidance and support  through the maze of healthcare jargon, appointments, questions and systems;  can help you talk to your loved ones about your health directive and wishes

Support Groups – offer groups for specific conditions (i.e. depression or cancer), for caregivers, or for a healthy lifestyle change (i.e. the “Biggest Loser” group – a weight loss and exercise group)

Meet the Parish Nurse at your church if you have one.  If not and you are interested in learning more about such a ministry, contact:

Sanford Parish Nurse Institute    605-339-7295
Avera Parish Nurse Center        605-322-7705