Many of you have expressed an interest in Walking Poles. Walking poles are similar to cross-country skiing poles. Walking poles provide balance, confidence and relief for painful joints. They also help build upper body muscles. Click here for a good article about what the poles are and how to use them or visit this blog which highlights Nordic Walking and PD.

There are several different companies that offer walking poles. Here are links to two:

• Exerstrider
• Keenfit
  

There was an inspiring article on Tuesday, July 28th about an incredible woman from Louisville named Sandy McWilliams. (Click here to see a similar story on WAVE 3.) Sandy just completed a 700-mile walk to her mother's home in New Jersey in order to raise awareness about Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). PSP is a brain disorder that is sometimes misdiagnosed as Parkinson's. PSP affects nerve cells that control balance, walking, mobility, vision, speech and swallowing. The most distinguishing symptom of PSP (which is NOT present in PD) is the inability to move one's eyes. To learn more about PSP, click here.

Our research on CoQ10 continues as we try to make an informed decision about how to best structure a buying club. Here's a bit more info for those of you who've asked....

Some consider Vitaline to be a superior CoQ10 product; (to read Vitaline's promotional info about why you should choose them: click here.) Vitaline was the CoQ10 product used in the NIH study. There has been significant testing of Vitaline and it has proven not only to be safe at high doses but is free of a chemical called propylene glycol. Propylene glycol is used in many supplements (as well as many everyday products). Propylene glycol can be problematic in very high doses. You can get a 30% discount on certain Vitaline products.

Two other companies we've discovered that offer CoQ10 are Puritan's Pride and Pure Prescriptions. Puritan is currently having a "buy two get four free" sale on Q-Sorb CoQ10. Pure Prescriptions is also offering its product on sale with free shipping.

If your eyes haven't begun to cross yet, you might want to read what our friend Sheryl Jedlinski at PD Plan 4 Life has to say about her experience with the CoQ10 clinical trial.

As always, we recommend that you consult your doctor before starting any new medication (including any herb, vitamin or dietary supplement).

PD Plan 4 Life is this week's "Cool Place on the Web." Some of you may have heard Sheryl and Jean speak at our 2009 Living Well with Parkinson's Symposium. Their web site is worth (more than) a look. We especially like their 10 Tips for the Newly Diagnosed, and we've been inspired by their pursuasive powers about why we should ALL get involved in clinical trials. Plus, their site is CHOCK FULL of positive Parkinson MOTIVATION and ENCOURAGEMENT, particularly when it comes to the role exercise plays in maintaining a high quality of life while living with PD. Do pay them a visit! And, by the way, Jean Burns will be honored at this year's Parkinson's Action Network Udall Dinner; she will receive
The Milly Award for Outstanding Advocacy. Way to go, Jean!

Monday, August 3rd, 6:30pm: Shelbyville "Moving On" Exercise Group (Jewish Hospital Shelbyville Community Room (rear of hospital))

Tuesday, August 4th, 2:00pm and 6 pm: Brownsboro Road Support Groups. Therapists newly trained in the LSVT BIG program will be attending both groups. (Frazier Rehab Bldg; 4912 US Hwy 42 Ste 101. Call 502.426.0888 for more info).

Tuesday, August 4th, 7pm: Floyd Memorial Hospital Support Group (Floyd Memorial Hospital; Paris Health Education Center, 1st floor across from cafeteria. Call 812.941.0237 for more info).

Monday, August 10th, 5:30pm: Sure Steps for Care Partners. This month meeting at Tumbleweed. Please RSVP to Debbie by calling 599-9461 or 618-0658 or email her: dzbuckler@hotmail.com