The Parkinson's Forecast for Anchorage and Environs

Heads up fellow PwPD. We will beat back the darkness Saturday, Dec 16 by potlucking like we don't care that it's too dim to tell what exactly is on our plates. Not that we can taste anything, anyway, given that our sense of smell is shot. We'll eat, watch the lights come on across the Anchorage bowl in the early winter gloaming, and all sing "Jingle Bells" if I have anything to say about it. I'll bring something main-dishy, scads of festive plastic utensils, and charming holiday-themed paper plates and cups (although the theme of the holiday may be Halloween, I'm not exactly sure what I have on hand.) You bring whatever you think goes well with light and heat deprivation. You could consider bringing something known to be particularly good for People Packing Parkinson's, blueberries, vegetables rich in color, leafy greens and, God bless 'em, tasty wild-caught Alaska salmon!

Those in need of more distraction from the bleak mid-winter (and that would be all of us) should consider going to voice pathologist Anne Ver Hoef's gathering for those who wish to practice speaking to strengthen their voices. If you didn't get the memo, here is the gist:

The second meeting of our PD  Conversation Group is planned for Monday, December 18th at 3:30 at Regional Hospital , Conference room 1.

Some activities we discussed doing at this meeting are:

Holiday singing

Script or play reading

Chinese auction  

read and discuss news articles

The goal is to develop and improve our speaking and conversation skills in a supportive group  of folks who all share the challenge of "Living well with Parkinson's"

And  we are setting up a special meeting JANUARY 4TH, on Care partnering for PD. The Presenter will be Connie Carpenter Phinney of the Davis Phinney Foundation. Connie won a gold Medal at the Los Angeles Olympics in bicycling and competed at the Olympics as a speed-skater, too. But what qualifies her as a speaker on care partnering is 17 years of experience garnered through her marriage to fellow Olympic cycling medalist Davis Phinney, who has PD. More details to follow.

That's about it! Hope to see you at some or all of these great moments in Northern Parkinson's.

Parkinson's in the Sub-Arctic (Things could be worse. Really)

I looked at the subject line I just wrote for this post,​ "Parkinsons in the Sub Arctic" and it hit me- sounds pretty damn grim. When you put it like that, what could be worse? That is just the sort of challenge I live for. Piling worst-case scenario on top of worst-case scenario in a high-stakes game of emotional Jack Straws. So here is what could be worse: Parkinson's in the Sub-Arctic, with no coping activities!
Sends a chill right down your spine... or was that just the freezing rain falling outside?

Never fear, here are at least two reasons to hang in there for the month of November. Monday, November 9, You are invited to attend the Parkinson’s Education TeleHealth Presentation -A PDTeleConnection at 1PM. In Anchorage, proceed with all deliberate speed to Providence Hospital oncology wing on Piper St. ( Go to the second floor, walk down the lonnnnnnnng hall that stretches South from the cafe and look for room 2401 pretty much at the end of the hall on your right. There you can participate in an interactive broadcast about Physical Vascular Therapy, which works to improve micro-circulation and promotes blood flow in the smallest blood vessels which may improve pain relief and promote healing.
 

Then, on Nov. 21 we'll have our normal Support group meeting. I plan a presentation on charting your meds to improve dosage and timing. It should be a hoot. See you then.

Your benevolent overlord,

Pete