Acting County Executive Adele B. Reiter Proclaims April As Parkinson’s Awareness Month

Posted April 3, 2019

Kingston, NY – Acting Ulster County Executive Adele B. Reiter proclaims the month of April as Parkinson’s Awareness Month in Ulster County.  Acting County Executive Reiter was joined by the Ulster County Commissioner of Health and Mental Health Dr. Carol Smith and representatives of the Parkinson’s Disease Support Group of the Mid-Hudson Valley and the Ready, Set, Go! Support Group in Kingston to highlight the month.  According to the Parkinson’s Action Network, the Parkinson’s Foundation, the American Parkinson’s Disease Association and the National Institutes of Health, there are over one million Americans diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.  Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease include: tremor (trembling) in hands, arms, legs, jaw or head; stiffness of the limbs and trunk; slowness of movement; and impaired balance and coordination.

Adele B. Reiter, Acting Ulster County Executive

“Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, progressive, neurological disease and an estimated 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease every year,” said Acting County Executive Adele B. Reiter. “So many individuals and families in our community are affected by Parkinson’s disease and it is important to remind them that they are not alone and that there are local support groups for patients and their caregivers. We are fortunate to have the Parkinson’s Disease Support Group of the Mid-Hudson Valley as well as the `Ready, Steady, Go!´ Parkinson’s Support Group and others in the area who provide assistance, resources and support for those affected by the disease.  The Parkinson’s Foundation’s theme for the month is #KeyToPD because awareness is key to a world without Parkinson Disease.” 

Dr. Carol Smith, Commissioner of Health and Mental Health

“Parkinson's disease is a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement, muscle control, and balance, as well as numerous other body functions,” said Dr. Carol Smith, Commissioner of Health and Mental Health.  “Parkinson's disease can significantly impair the quality of life, not only for the affected patients, but for their families and primary caregivers as well. It is therefore important for patients and their caregivers to educate themselves and become familiar with the course of Parkinson's disease. By understanding the progression of symptoms in Parkinson’s disease, patients can better communicate with health care providers and discuss their treatment options. The appropriate treatment can help control the symptoms of Parkinson’s and, thereby, preserve the quality of life. I commend Acting County Executive Adele Reiter for naming April, Parkinson’s Awareness Month.”

The Parkinson’s Foundation lists five keys to living a better life with Parkinson’s:

  1. Find a neurologist – regular care can save lives
  2. Get answers – have your questions answered at any stage of Parkinson’s
  3. Put together a care team – seeking expert care can have better outcomes
  4. Establish an exercise routine – increasing physical activity can slow decline in quality of life
  5. Get moving and socialize – meet others with PD and families living in your community or attend a Moving Day – a walk for Parkinson’s in your area

Parkinson’s Disease Support Groups:

Parkinson’s Disease Support Group of the Mid-Hudson Valley

Provides support and education to people with Parkinson’s Disease, their families and caregivers. Meets the 4th Friday of month, 10 am-12 pm, except for dates in Nov. and Dec.  Unitarian Fellowship, 67 South Randolph, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601.  Nancy Redkey, Chair of Steering Committee. Light refreshments served.  Info: 914-475-2793; http://www.midhudsonparkinsons.org/  (This group is very well attended with over 70 participants traveling from Ulster County and farther.

Parkinson’s Disease Support Group

Ready, Set, Go! - Free peer-led support Group with MHA. This group will be holding regular meetings beginning April 25th and will meet every Thursday, 2:30-3:30 pm at the Mental Health Association in Ulster County, 300 Aaron CT, Kingston. For information please contact Theresa Joseph at 845-339-9090, ext. 2206.

Parkinson’s Dance & Exercise Class

For people with PD & other neurological disorders. Led by Anne Olin. Groups are challenging, creative and fun! $12. Info: 845-679-6250  www.anneolin.com

  1. Meets every Thursday, 10am-11:30am. Location: St. John’s Episcopal Church, 207 Albany Ave., Kingston, NY.  10 am - 11:30 am.
  2. Meets every Friday (except for the 4th Friday of the month), 10 am - 11:30 am.  Location: Freedom Plains United Presbyterian Church, 1165 Route 55, Lagrangeville, NY 12540 (across from Arlington High School)

Online Resources:

National Institute on Aging: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/parkinsons-disease 1-800-222-2225

Parkinson’s Foundation:  https://parkinson.org/  1-800-473-4636

Michael J Fox Foundation: https://www.michaeljfox.org/  1-800-708-7644

American Parkinson Disease Association:  https://www.apdaparkinson.org/  800-223-2732 

Join the Parkinson's Awareness Walk on April 28th, 1:00pm - 3:00 pm at the Walkway over the Hudson https://walkway.org/event/parkinsons-awarness-walk-walk-over-water/ (walk will begin at the Walkway East - Poughkeepsie side - 61 Parker Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY)

 

Pictured Above (from left): Members of the Parkinson’s Disease Support Group of the Mid-Hudson Valley - Mary Carroll, Ellen Withall, and Anne Olin; Acting Ulster County Executive Adele B. Reiter; Ulster County Commissioner of Health & Mental Health Dr. Carol Smith; and Theresa Joseph, Facilitator of the Ready, Set, Go! Support Group.

 

Document: 
PDF icon Parkinson's Awareness Month Proclamation 2019.pdf