Announcements
Must see… a NEW film, “Empowered by Parkinson's” – This film includes GAPS members and was filmed in Georgetown and Austin. The movie features Dr. Allan Cole from Austin, Lauren Lewis the instructor for Austin's Power for Parkinson’s, Dr Dan Stultz, Larry Vineyard and others.
This film will be released in April, as part of “Parkinson’s Awareness Month” to over 200 PBS stations. If you have friends or relatives with an interest in PD, please share this them. The film “Empowered by Parkinson’s” will be aired on Austin PBS station, KLRU and will be show the active Parkinson's community, boxing, and locals as they are “empowered by Parkinson’s”. You can watch the film here: https://cptv.org/empowered-by-parkinsons/
Urban Poling Anyone…that is hiking! – Our GAPS member Wayne Marr is an active hiker and is ready to start a GAPS Hiking group! Contact him at [email protected] Did you know that hiking increases mobility and function for every age, ability and fitness level? There is a company, UrbanPoling that provides educational programs and uniquely designed poles with the mission to help people realize that their full potential, especially designed to help the movement disorder limitations. GAPS has been offered coupons and even an online Urban Poling Instructor course, if you want to learn the techniques that are generally taught with using poles. If you are interested, email [email protected] Website: https://urbanpoling.com/home-us/ Mandy Shintani, Reg. OT (BC) & Gerontologist and Developer of the patented ACTIVATOR Poles
GAPS Volunteers - THANK YOU to our current volunteers and sponsors that help our GAPS Parkinson’s Community. THANK YOU for your help at our meetings and classes ~ for set-up/clean-up/greeting at the meetings and for administrative help, too! And thank you for your help with the GAPS Mobile Library!!! Please plan to join us this month … it is FUN to help! Please contact Patty Rooney-Lingo at [email protected] to volunteer!
GAPS Advisory Group
Our GAPS Advisory Group is encouraging volunteers to help with the many programs we are offering in the Georgetown Area Parkinson’s Support Group! We are all volunteers and have “NO” dues for 950+ membership! THANK YOU to our current volunteers and sponsors that help our Parkinson’s Community. Please contact Patty Rooney-Lingo at [email protected] to volunteer! We need your help for set up/clean up/greeting at the meetings and for administrative help, too!
Central Texas Advocates for Parkinson's (CTAP) - The CTAP mission is to provide outreach and education programs being specifically designed for those with Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders. Our goal is to establish, expand our reach, and continue to raise funds to provide free or reduced-cost wellness programs for Parkinson's patients and their caregivers in the Central Texas area that includes GAPS! This is our primary funding source. Our liaison is Ashley Hudson [email protected]
Thank you to CTAP for their support to GAPS and the Parkinson’s community!
NEW VIDEO - Power for Parkinson’s has announced the release of a new exercise videos on our YouTube channel! Join instructor Polly Caprio for this short but fun exercise routine that is meant to challenge your brain and body!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSAMz-quiNk&mc_cid=c3c33ff824&mc_eid=b0ea0c44fb
Plummer Movement Disorder Foundation:
https://www.bswhealth.com/specialties/neuroscience/Pages/plummer-movement-disorders-center.aspx
Davis Phinney Ambassador Leadership Program – Would you like to be an Ambassador? The ambassador’s supports local community leaders, volunteers and change-makers in their personal pursuits to help people with Parkinson’s live well today.
You might be an Ambassador if...
Do Both of you have Parkinson’s? – GAPS has members where both husband and wife have Parkinson’s …so, both are caregivers to ‘each other’. I want to set up an additional support group for you… please, contact Mary Jane [email protected]
Research has proven that couples with Parkinson Disease is a chance occurrence – it is neither transmitted from one partner to the other nor is it caused by shared environment. https://www.jneurology.com/articles/parkinsonism-in-both-members-of-married-couples.html
Painting with Parkinson’s:
Are you an artist or “artist wanna be”? Help me to get this group going! Call Mary Jane!
DATE: You schedule the date that works for you!
TIME: You select the time that works for you!
PLACE: 2534 Shell Road, Georgetown
CONTACT: Kimberly Keller at 512-635-7936 [email protected]
WEBSITE: www.paintwithmekeller.com
Liberty Pharmacy won “2019 Best of Georgetown Award” in the Pharmacy category by the Georgetown Award Program! Dr. Kunal Nagarsheth, PharmD, RPh with Liberty Pharmacy is a GAPS supporter! You can call him for your pharmacy questions, even if you are not his customer! Great resource! https://www.libertygeorgetown.com/
✔ Advil PM
✔ Benadryl
✔ Tylenol PM
✔ Unisom
✔ NyQuil
✔ Anything with diphenhydramine or doxylamine... Even though diphenhydramine can for some folks improve symptoms of PD and was historically frequently used in this population, it's long term use has shown to increase risk for dementia, urinary incontinence, and memory impairment. RECOMMEND: Alternative nonprescription options include melatonin,valerian (watch for drug interactions and avoid with liver disease), light therapy, and improving sleep hygiene. Feel free to call Dr.Kunal Nagarsheth, PharmD,RPh for any questions.
Liberty Pharmacy TIP for the Month of February:
“The role of Magnesium (Mg) in Parkinson’s disease”!
Davis Phinney Victory Summit in Austin - was an awesome symposium! Here is a link to the resources and tools presented at the symposium: https://www.davisphinneyfoundation.org/events/past-vs-austin/ If you did not attend this symposium/victory summit, click on the above link, for your path to living well.
The Sketchbook Project - The Sketchbook Project nurtures community and global engagement about sharing information via journaling, sketches, photos, messy notes and more about our theme, specifically “Parkinson’s: Living Well Today.” You will share information about 1) Parkinson’s in general, 2) living with and/or supporting someone with Parkinson’s, and 3) anything else about living well each and every day that you choose to share. For more info contact: Julie Fitzgerald, David Phinney Foundation Ambassador
[email protected] | www.dpf.org
Caregiver Respite – “You” may be eligible to receive assistance through the Lifespan Respite Care Program. Assistance based on funding available. Call or e-mail to Siena Lindemann, Assistant Director #512-916-6041 or 1-855-937-2372 [email protected] and Vivian Harris at [email protected] #512-916-6179 or call the ADRC toll-free at: 855-937-2372.
Free T-Shirts Made For GAPS!
FREE GAPS T-shirts with the quote “We Ain’t Givin’Up Hope…Nope!” Yes,we have more, now with our new logo on the back…thanks to a donation by CTAP. If you want a shirt, contact Mary Jane Berry! The quote on the T-shirt is from Robert Kamper’s song (he wrote the music and lyrics)! Thank you, Robert!
This film will be released in April, as part of “Parkinson’s Awareness Month” to over 200 PBS stations. If you have friends or relatives with an interest in PD, please share this them. The film “Empowered by Parkinson’s” will be aired on Austin PBS station, KLRU and will be show the active Parkinson's community, boxing, and locals as they are “empowered by Parkinson’s”. You can watch the film here: https://cptv.org/empowered-by-parkinsons/
Urban Poling Anyone…that is hiking! – Our GAPS member Wayne Marr is an active hiker and is ready to start a GAPS Hiking group! Contact him at [email protected] Did you know that hiking increases mobility and function for every age, ability and fitness level? There is a company, UrbanPoling that provides educational programs and uniquely designed poles with the mission to help people realize that their full potential, especially designed to help the movement disorder limitations. GAPS has been offered coupons and even an online Urban Poling Instructor course, if you want to learn the techniques that are generally taught with using poles. If you are interested, email [email protected] Website: https://urbanpoling.com/home-us/ Mandy Shintani, Reg. OT (BC) & Gerontologist and Developer of the patented ACTIVATOR Poles
GAPS Volunteers - THANK YOU to our current volunteers and sponsors that help our GAPS Parkinson’s Community. THANK YOU for your help at our meetings and classes ~ for set-up/clean-up/greeting at the meetings and for administrative help, too! And thank you for your help with the GAPS Mobile Library!!! Please plan to join us this month … it is FUN to help! Please contact Patty Rooney-Lingo at [email protected] to volunteer!
GAPS Advisory Group
Our GAPS Advisory Group is encouraging volunteers to help with the many programs we are offering in the Georgetown Area Parkinson’s Support Group! We are all volunteers and have “NO” dues for 950+ membership! THANK YOU to our current volunteers and sponsors that help our Parkinson’s Community. Please contact Patty Rooney-Lingo at [email protected] to volunteer! We need your help for set up/clean up/greeting at the meetings and for administrative help, too!
Central Texas Advocates for Parkinson's (CTAP) - The CTAP mission is to provide outreach and education programs being specifically designed for those with Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders. Our goal is to establish, expand our reach, and continue to raise funds to provide free or reduced-cost wellness programs for Parkinson's patients and their caregivers in the Central Texas area that includes GAPS! This is our primary funding source. Our liaison is Ashley Hudson [email protected]
Thank you to CTAP for their support to GAPS and the Parkinson’s community!
NEW VIDEO - Power for Parkinson’s has announced the release of a new exercise videos on our YouTube channel! Join instructor Polly Caprio for this short but fun exercise routine that is meant to challenge your brain and body!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSAMz-quiNk&mc_cid=c3c33ff824&mc_eid=b0ea0c44fb
Plummer Movement Disorder Foundation:
https://www.bswhealth.com/specialties/neuroscience/Pages/plummer-movement-disorders-center.aspx
- Temple-Belton Support Group Meeting - 1st Monday of the month at 1p at the Foundation United Methodist Church, 10751 W. Adams Ave, Temple, TX
- Parkinson’s 101 classes and Research Opportunities!
Davis Phinney Ambassador Leadership Program – Would you like to be an Ambassador? The ambassador’s supports local community leaders, volunteers and change-makers in their personal pursuits to help people with Parkinson’s live well today.
You might be an Ambassador if...
- You are a person living with Parkinson’s, care partner or wellness professional passionate about our mission to help people with Parkinson’s live well today
- You are active in your community and are drawn to do more
- You want to meet and engage with other like-minded individuals across the US and Canada
Do Both of you have Parkinson’s? – GAPS has members where both husband and wife have Parkinson’s …so, both are caregivers to ‘each other’. I want to set up an additional support group for you… please, contact Mary Jane [email protected]
Research has proven that couples with Parkinson Disease is a chance occurrence – it is neither transmitted from one partner to the other nor is it caused by shared environment. https://www.jneurology.com/articles/parkinsonism-in-both-members-of-married-couples.html
Painting with Parkinson’s:
Are you an artist or “artist wanna be”? Help me to get this group going! Call Mary Jane!
DATE: You schedule the date that works for you!
TIME: You select the time that works for you!
PLACE: 2534 Shell Road, Georgetown
CONTACT: Kimberly Keller at 512-635-7936 [email protected]
WEBSITE: www.paintwithmekeller.com
Liberty Pharmacy won “2019 Best of Georgetown Award” in the Pharmacy category by the Georgetown Award Program! Dr. Kunal Nagarsheth, PharmD, RPh with Liberty Pharmacy is a GAPS supporter! You can call him for your pharmacy questions, even if you are not his customer! Great resource! https://www.libertygeorgetown.com/
- How a Pharmacist Can Help Manage Parkinson’s – Michael J Fox Foundation has a great article on this topic. Click here to read more: how-pharmacist-can-help-manage-parkinsons
- Patient Assistance Program Center, RxAssist - learn about ways to use pharmaceutical company programs and other resources to help reduce your medication costs. Look at our database and frequently asked questions to get started. https://www.rxassist.org/patients
- Liberty Pharmacy Monthly Tip for January - Let’s talk “insomnia,”a common non-motor symptom of PD. I recommend to avoid these over the counter medications:
✔ Advil PM
✔ Benadryl
✔ Tylenol PM
✔ Unisom
✔ NyQuil
✔ Anything with diphenhydramine or doxylamine... Even though diphenhydramine can for some folks improve symptoms of PD and was historically frequently used in this population, it's long term use has shown to increase risk for dementia, urinary incontinence, and memory impairment. RECOMMEND: Alternative nonprescription options include melatonin,valerian (watch for drug interactions and avoid with liver disease), light therapy, and improving sleep hygiene. Feel free to call Dr.Kunal Nagarsheth, PharmD,RPh for any questions.
Liberty Pharmacy TIP for the Month of February:
“The role of Magnesium (Mg) in Parkinson’s disease”!
- Studies done on patients with PD have found low levels of Mg in the brain
- Mg is an essential mineral in the body that is involved in many cellular functions
- Signs of deficiency; insomnia, fatigue, leg cramps, restless leg syndrome, muscle spasms
- Foods rich in Mg; almonds, cashews, peanuts, avocados, bananas, spinach, cereals
- Mg oral supplements; must reach the brain for benefit in PD-Mg l-threonate is the form that has neuroprotective benefits
- Mg oil; helpful for symptom relief from cramping and muscle pain (applied topically)
- Many drug interactions/precautions for Mg supplementation; dialysis, co-administration with some antibiotics, levothyroxine, bisphosphonates (separate administration)
Davis Phinney Victory Summit in Austin - was an awesome symposium! Here is a link to the resources and tools presented at the symposium: https://www.davisphinneyfoundation.org/events/past-vs-austin/ If you did not attend this symposium/victory summit, click on the above link, for your path to living well.
The Sketchbook Project - The Sketchbook Project nurtures community and global engagement about sharing information via journaling, sketches, photos, messy notes and more about our theme, specifically “Parkinson’s: Living Well Today.” You will share information about 1) Parkinson’s in general, 2) living with and/or supporting someone with Parkinson’s, and 3) anything else about living well each and every day that you choose to share. For more info contact: Julie Fitzgerald, David Phinney Foundation Ambassador
[email protected] | www.dpf.org
Caregiver Respite – “You” may be eligible to receive assistance through the Lifespan Respite Care Program. Assistance based on funding available. Call or e-mail to Siena Lindemann, Assistant Director #512-916-6041 or 1-855-937-2372 [email protected] and Vivian Harris at [email protected] #512-916-6179 or call the ADRC toll-free at: 855-937-2372.
Free T-Shirts Made For GAPS!
FREE GAPS T-shirts with the quote “We Ain’t Givin’Up Hope…Nope!” Yes,we have more, now with our new logo on the back…thanks to a donation by CTAP. If you want a shirt, contact Mary Jane Berry! The quote on the T-shirt is from Robert Kamper’s song (he wrote the music and lyrics)! Thank you, Robert!