by Michelle Haub

April is Parkinson's Disease Awareness month! Nearly 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) every single year, causing the number of Americans living with PD to reach over one million. With our population living longer, the rate of diagnosis will continue to grow as the risk for this progressive neurological disease increases with age. Men have a greater prevalence of PD than women, however this statistic is not always reflected in our community. The cause of PD is still being researched, however, the best evidence currently suggests that there is both a genetic and an environmental component involved. This means that an individual may have the genetic predisposition for the disease, but unless they are exposed to a toxin (i.e., pesticides) the disease will not become active. 

The hallmarks of the disease are rigidity (stiff muscles), postural instability, bradykinesia (slow movements) and resting tremor (although not present in the majority of individuals). Other common features present in PD includes depression, quiet voice and sleep disturbances.

One of the things many people do not understand about PD is that much can be done to help decrease the progression of the disease. With the right medications, therapy and exercise, individuals can regain some control and confidence in their daily living skills. This is where the Parkinson’s Program of Manhattan at Meadowlark Hills becomes so important for individuals affected by the disease in the Flint Hills region. The Program offers biweekly exercise classes, weekly voice classes, bimonthly caregiver support groups, monthly education group meetings, a lending library of books, CDs and equipment and other outreach and educational opportunities. All of these services are provided to individuals free of charge. 

Please join us on Thursday, April 24, at Cox Brothers BBQ for our Pig Out for Parkinson’s to help celebrate National Parkinson’s Disease Awareness month and raise awareness for PD. Coach Bill Snyder will be present at noon to sign autographs and take pictures. With a minimum donation of $10 to the Parkinson’s Program, you may have a bottle of Cox Brothers BBQ sauce signed by Coach Snyder! Prize drawings for an autographed K-State football and basketball will also take place. 

If you have questions about the Parkinson’s Program please contact Michelle Haub, Parkinson’s Program Leader, at 323-3899 or 317-0743. 

See you at Cox Brothers BBQ to…Pig Out for Parkinson’s!!