Raising awareness of Parkinson’s Disease

The Griffith Parkinson’s Support Group will host an information table at Griffin Plaza commencing on World Parkinson’s Day, Sunday, April 11.

Group member Louisa Feltracco said that they were doing their part to raise awareness of the condition.

“World Parkinson’s Day is a day of informing people about Parkinson’s,” Mrs Feltracco said.

“There will be raffles and morning teas held around the world to raise money for Parkinson’s.

“Because it’s been a terrible year, we’ve decided to have an information table at Griffin Plaza from the 11th to the 16th of April.”

Secretary of the group, Jeanette McGillam said that there would be a donation box as well as pens and drink bottles to purchase.

April is World Parkinson’s Awareness Month which exists to raise awareness within communities about the progressive, degenerative condition of the central nervous system known as Parkinson’s Disease.

It is, as yet, unknown what causes the disease, but it is more prevalent than many common cancers.

Symptoms include tremors, slow movement, stiffness, and loss of balance, fatigue, apathy, depression, disturbed sleep, loss of smell, and issues with speech and swallowing.

Medication, exercise and other forms of therapy and support can help manage these symptoms.

The Griffith support group meets bi-monthly at the Coro Club on the first Wednesday of the month at 11 am.

Every other Wednesday they host exercises at the Seniors Hall on Canal Street, except for the third Wednesday of the month when they attend Fresh Gym at Driver. A carers’ meeting is held every off month, to offer support and encouragement. They usually meet at a cafe.

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