Virtual Opportunities with Real Benefits
We are here for you this week and every week with new opportunities to help you live well with PD. While staying safe and healthy at home can be isolating and challenging, the staff and volunteers at The Parkinson Association of Southwest Florida are here for you. The office remains open for information, crisis counseling, and personal connections via phone. To help you stay active and engaged during this time, we are offering fun and supportive online classes, support groups, and educational opportunities through Zoom. (All in-person activities are temporarily suspended for your safety.) Activity descriptions and links to our classes are provided below.
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KEEPING YOU INFORMED WITH PD TALKS
PD Talks preregistration is required. Register through the links below .
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How Duopa can help you
with Dr. Carol Pappas
Wednesday, May 20, 11:00am
(Registrations accepted through 1pm ET May 20)
Join us online for this exciting opportunity to learn about current research on Duopa from neurologist, Dr. Carol Pappas and how it can help with PD.

About Dr. Pappas: At the helm of innovative research and treatment for nearly 40 years, Dr. Carol Pappas is known for her advancements in the treatment of PD. She has spent nearly 40 years pushing treatment research into new frontiers, conducting surgery and deep brain stimulation, teaching students and residents, and treating her patients in private practice.
NEW EVENT
Planning & Advocating
in a Pandemic
w/ Lance McKinney, Elder Law Atty.
Osterhout & McKinney
Wednesday, May 27, 11:00am
(Please register by May 26)

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.

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MOVEMENT CLASSES
Regular exercise is essential for people with PD to maintain balance and mobility, and it may help slow the progression of the disease. Zoom movement classes are held Monday through Friday and you can connect through the links provided below.
Gentle Movement
Mondays-Fridays 1:00 pm
While accommodating limited mobility, this class is a seated exercise program with an emphasis on stretching, building endurance, and some strengthening. While accommodating limitations because of pain or low endurance, this class will challenge participants to increase their activity level with the expectation of feeling and functioning better. Click to join
'Advanced' Movement
Mondays-Fridays 2:00 pm

The 'Advanced' class uses large, whole body movement. Activities will challenge high level balance, coordination, agility endurance and strength movement patterns involve rocking, turning, reaching, and stepping. Click to join
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SPEECH CLASSES
Speech Classes
See dates and times below
Parkinson’s disease affects muscles in the face, mouth and throat that are used to speak. This may cause a person’s voice to change, resulting in difficulty in speaking or difficulty in swallowing. Speech therapy and exercise can strengthen the voice and has been shown to provide lasting changes in vocal behavior.
Speech Practice with Sandy
Mondays 9:15am
Speech Exercise led by Sandy Broadman, retired school teacher.
Speech Therapy
with Judy
Tuesdays 9:15am
Speech Therapy led by Judy Jenner, certified Speech Therapist.

Speech Therapy with Judy
Thurs. 10:00am
Speech Therapy led by Judy Jenner, certified Speech Therapist.
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SUPPORT GROUPS
Support Groups
See dates and times below
Support groups provide an opportunity for individuals, Parkinson’s Disease patients, spouses/care partners, family members, and friends in the PD community to meet regularly for mutual support and to exchange coping skills with one another in matters relating to PD.
Women with PD
with Sandy
Mondays 10:30am
Led by Sandy Hoagland

Couples Group
with Sandy
Tuesdays 11:30am
Led by Sandy Hoagland
General Support
with Margot Escott, LCSW
Tuesdays 10:15am
Led by Margot Escott, Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Therapist
Care Partners Support Group
with Barb
Wednesday 9:30am
Led by Barb Johnson

Support Group
with Val and Barry
Thursday 11:00am
Led by Valerie Hayri and Barry Russello
Men's Care Partners
Support Group
Thursdays 1:00pm
Led by Bill Morgan
General Support Group
with Ann Fisher, LCSW
Friday 9:30am
Led by Ann Fisher, Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Therapist
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JUST FOR FUN
Meditation on Facebook
Friday 9:00am
The benefits of meditation are plentiful for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease and their care partners. Meditation can boost feelings of control and resilience, reduce anxiety and depression, improve sleep and prevent mental decline. Join the virtual session led by Cynthia Sharpe, Certified Biofeedback Specialist. Click to join
Drumming
Fridays 11:00am
Current research has verified the therapeutic effects of ancient rhythm techniques. Drumming has been found to reduce tension, anxiety, and stress, accelerates physical healing, helps control chronic pain, boost the immune system, and release negative feelings.

Join our 45-minute online virtual drumming circle sessions led by Ken Straub, board-certified Music Therapist. All you need is a household item that resembles a drum and drumsticks: a wooden spoon and a pot or a pen and a wastebasket! Feel free to use your imagination! Click to join
Improv for PD
with Margot Escott
Saturdays 11:30am
Join Margot Escott, LCSW, virtually to learn improvisational theatre exercises that benefit emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing. Click to join
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If you would like to call in for one of these events, or if you need assistance connecting to a class on Zoom, please contact our office at 239-417-3465.
NEWLY DIAGNOSED? WE ARE HERE FOR YOU
Your gift makes all the difference
For over 20 years, the Parkinson Association of Southwest Florida has created positive change in the daily lives of those impacted by Parkinson Disease. Your support of our programming is an investment in our local community. A gift of any size makes an impact on the services and programs we provide.
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