ARTICLE
Nanticoke Health Services, in conjunction with CHEER and Care DE and the Manor House, will hold a Parkinson’s education and support group on Thursday, August 16 from 9:30 am to 11:00 am at the Manor House located at 1001 Middleford Road in Seaford, Delaware. This support group is FREE and open to the public. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disease that affects the part of the brain that controls muscle movement. Each individual may experience different symptoms, such as tremors, rigidity, poor balance, and a list of others. A PD diagnosis can bring out many difficult emotions—fear, anger, resentment, hopelessness, and more. It is a challenge to learn how to cope with these feelings along with the stress of diagnosis and treatment. Participating in support groups is essential for coping with an illness such as PD or other disorders that impair bodily movement. This support group is not only helpful for the individual diagnosed with PD, but also for caregivers, friends and family. Group members welcome guest speakers on a variety of subjects related to PD and provide support to each other through other small group discussions. Studies show that the information, training, and counseling that participants receive at support groups enhances the quality of life, help to alleviate stress, and may even boost the immune system. Tara Trout, LPN at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital, co-facilitates the group with Kathy Landis, Caregiver Resource Coordinator at CHEER in Sussex County, Delaware. For more information, contact Tara at 302-629-6611, extension 3838.