Submitted by Michelle Haub  

For the fourth consecutive year, the State of Kansas proclaimed April as National Parkinson’s Awareness month. Recognizing the growing number of individuals affected by Parkinson’s disease, the City of Manhattan made its inaugural proclamation for April as Parkinson’s Awareness Month.

It is estimated that 4 to 6 million people worldwide are living with Parkinson’s disease (PD). The number of Americans with PD is estimated to be one million; however this number is likely higher as many people are not accurately diagnosed. There are blood tests and brain images that can be done to rule out other disease processes, but there is not one specific test that results in a definitive diagnosis of PD. Although diagnosing PD is a complicated task, almost 60,000 Americans are diagnosed every single year. With our population living longer, the rate of diagnosis will continue to grow as the risk for this progressive neurological disease increases with age. Men have a greater prevalence of PD than women; however, this statistic is not always reflected in our community. The cause of PD is still being researched; however, the best evidence currently suggests that there is both a genetic and an environmental component involved.  This means that although an individual may have the genetic predisposition for the disease, unless they are exposed to a toxin (i.e. pesticides) the disease will not become active.

The hallmarks of the disease are rigidity (stiff muscles), postural instability, bradykinesia (slow movements) and resting tremor (although not present in the majority of individuals). A few other common features present in PD include: depression, quiet voice, constipation, vision changes and sleep disturbances. Although PD is a progressive neurological degenerative disease, it typically progresses slowly and people can live with the disease for many years. Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) are other diseases that are in the Parkinson’s family and are often referred to as “Parkinson-like” or “atypical Parkinson’s.” These diseases present with similar features but often progress more rapidly. 

Optimal medication management is imperative for individuals with PD and can help decrease the symptoms of the disease. With the right medications, therapy and exercise, individuals can regain some control and confidence in their daily living skills and improve their quality of life. This is where the Meadowlark Hills Parkinson’s Program becomes so important for individuals affected by the disease in the Flint Hills region.

The Program offers biweekly exercise classes, weekly voice classes, boxing classes three times per week, bimonthly caregiver support groups, monthly education group meetings, consultations, monthly Young Onset Parkinson’s group meetings, monthly PD Partners luncheons, a lending library of books (both at Meadowlark Hills & the Manhattan Public Library), CDs and equipment and other outreach and educational opportunities. All of these services are provided free of charge to anyone in Manhattan and the surrounding communities.

The celebration of Parkinson’s Awareness Month began Tuesday, April 5, at the Holiday Inn Campus Ballroom with the Mary Roberts Memorial Parkinson’s Party.

Although Mary did not have PD, her husband of 65 years, John, was diagnosed with PD at the age of 86. John and Mary were active beneficiaries of the PD resources proved by the Meadowlark Hills Parkinson’s Program.  Mrs. Roberts instructed that the memorial left in her name be directed to the Parkinson’s Program so that residents with PD could benefit even more from the program’s care and services.  More specifically, she wanted to support efforts to educate and assist those with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers.  Her fervent desire was that others be extended a hand just as she and John had been helped through the kindness of others.  

Then Thursday, April 28, the 6^th Annual Pig Out for Parkinson’s will take place at Cox Bros BBQ on McCall Rd. The primary purpose of this event is to raise awareness for PD.  Members of the Parkinson’s Core Team will be available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4:30 to 9 p.m. to educate those in the community about PD and the services the Parkinson’s Program offers. Cox Bros donates 10 percent  of the sales from this day to the Parkinson’s Program.

K-State Head Football Coach, Bill Snyder, will be present at lunch to sign autographs and take pictures. With a minimum donation of $10 to the Parkinson’s Program, you receive a bottle of Cox Brothers BBQ sauce signed by Coach Snyder. Prize drawings for an autographed K-State football and basketball, two one-day general admission tickets to Country Stampede and a hand-knitted shawl will take place. The tickets for the prize drawings are $1 for one ticket or $5 for six tickets and can be purchased at the Hospitality Desk until 12 p.m. Thursday, April 28, or at Cox Bros. BBQ. The drawings will take place at 8:30 p.m.

If you have questions about the Parkinson’s Program please contact Michelle Haub, Speech-Language Pathologist and Parkinson’s Program Leader, at 323-3899 or email michelle.haub@meadowlark.org

I look forward to seeing you Thursday, April, 28, at Cox Brothers BBQ to celebrate National Parkinson’s Awareness Month!