When you get an illness like the flu, you know you will be feeling better and functioning normally within a week or so. Parkinson’s disease is different — it doesn’t go away and can change your life and lifestyle in many ways. You have many questions about the disease and the disease process, but may be afraid to ask. Ignorance really is bliss. But, there are steps you can take to help you cope with this chronic illness.
The most important step you can take is to seek help right from the beginning. Education and support will help you deal with challenges that lay ahead. Taking action early will enable you to understand and deal with the many effects of the disease. Your clinical care team can design a treatment plan to meet your specific needs. Strategies can be designed to help you regain a sense of control over your life and improve your quality of life.
In 2001, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) created six Parkinson’s disease Research, Education, and Clinical Centers (PADRECC) to improve care for veterans with Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders. McGuire VAMC in Richmond, VA is home to the Southeast PADRECC serving the southeastern region of the United States to care for veterans with movement disorders. Our speaker this month is Peggy Roberge, RN Clinical Coordinator for PADRECC.
Peggy will present on “Everything you ever wanted to know about Parkinson’s disease, but were afraid to ask” on Thursday, June 18, 2015 from 2:30-3:30pm in the Grand Hall. Please RSVP for this meeting to Kori Poplin by phone at 757-616-7937 or by e-mail at kpoplin@harborsedgenorfolk.com.