by Ted Grossman

Special to the Sounder

This much is known about Parkinson’s disease: it’s chronic, and yet to be discovered in terms of what it causes and cures to the millions of men and women, young and old, who are Parkinson’s patients.

Parkinson’s usually brings these symptoms: shaking or tremors, slowness of movement, rigidity of a person’s arm, leg and trunk, and trouble with balance.

But the news isn’t all bad. Extensive  research  by doctors throughout the world is resulting in the creation of medications that can reduce the symptoms, for some.

Many other tools can help Parkinson’s patients. Support groups can play a vital role by connecting patients through valuable activities such as physical therapy, water aerobics, diet, dancing, tai chi, and yoga. All are available locally.

I am now getting physical therapy weekly and water aerobics three times a week. I am also taking three prescribed pills a day, paying attention to my diet, and taking tai chi.

My biggest concern is limiting stress. Doctors say that if don’t keep calm, my problem will worsen. I’ve got to keep cool, no matter where I leave my keys, glasses, etc.

The Orcas support group will kick off on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 1 p.m., at the Orcas senior center. Everyone is invited to attend our monthly meetings (on the third Tuesday of every month), not just those with the disease.

On Jan. 25 we’ll have a visitor from the Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation and a Parkinson’s specialist.

Thanks to Linda Tretheway, senior services coordinator, who has been of enormous help getting the local Parkinson’s support group off the ground.

Thanks also to Jackie Ashe, coordinator of the Lopez Island support group. I will be coordinator here on Orcas. It will put me in a very different role from that of newspaper editor, which I performed for more than 20 years here on the island. Bear with me, and I’ll see you there on Dec. 20.