The Mega Cavern (located UNDER the Louisville Zoo) is offering a whole new way of viewing Christmas lights. They're taking the experience underground, featuring more than 35 holiday displays using nearly 1 million points of light. For the first time in the Cavern's history, you get to drive your own vehicle through the massive limestone quarry, which, even though underground, is actually the largest building in the state. AND a visit to the Mega Cavern offers a way to benefit PSCKY. Visit this link and print a flier. Fill out and turn in when you visit, and PSCKY will receive $3 for your visit. Information you'll need? Name of Organization: PSCKY; Contact: Jinn Fuller Renfro; Phone: 502.426.0888; Street Address: 4912 US Hwy 42 Ste 105, Louisville KY 40222. Have the experience of a lifetime while raising funds for PSCKY! Happy holidays!

We have had several requests for information about specialized clothing that helps people with Parkinson's. Both of these companies have clothes for men and women with Parkinson's:

• Buck & Buck
• Silvert's
  

A couple of clothing tips from people who have Parkinson's:

1. When you buy shirts, try to find shirts with no buttons.   When your hands are tremoring, cramped together, or you have dyskinesia, it can be difficult to button those buttons.
2. Buy a size larger than you usually wear when you buy shirts.  Tight fitting shirts are sometimes difficult for people with Parkinson's to get on.
3. Consider replacing buttons on shirts and pants with snaps or Velcro.
4. Look for pants that don't have a waistband with buttons or hooks.  Elastic waistbands make it easier to get dressed.
   

Thanks to friends at GuardiaCare for sending a basic information article on PD to their weekly e-news list on November 13th. If you know of a newsletter for an agency, church or neighborhood group that might run an information article on PD to help us raise awareness, please let Jinn know! Thanks for helping us reach everyone in our community who has PD.

Looking for another small way to help PSCKY in its mission? Please save your used ink-jet and laser toner cartridges and bring them to Open House, Lunch & Learn or your monthly support group meetings. We recycle these for a $3 credit toward office supplies, which helps us reduce overhead while contributing positively to the environment. Pretty cool!

PSCKY is now on Facebook! Please "become a fan." Thanks to everyone who's joined up so far!

For those who may be traveling to see family for Thanksgiving or the coming holidays, here are some timely tips on travel with PD, "Shake Your Way Around the World with Parkinsons."

Presentations from the 2009 HOPE Conference are available online. Offerings include:

• "Update on PD Research"
• "Beyond Prescriptions & Surgery: What Role Does Alternative Medicine Play?"
• "Second Chances"
• "Chicken Soup and the Role of Medications"
• "Sleep Disorders in PD"
  

People with Parkinson's move and walk less than others and often do not get outside to get the benefit of Vitamin D from the sun.  This decrease in movement and lack of exposure to sunlight may lead to bone loss which can increase the risk of falls, broken bones, and osteoporosis.

Dr. Lee Zuckerman, chief resident of orthopedic surgery at State University of New York's Downstate Medical Center, recommends patients check their bone mineral density and get treatment to reduce the risk of fracture.  He also recommends physical therapy, vitamin therapy, and medication to increase bone density and therapies to optimize gait and rigidity.

When you see your doctor at the next visit, you may want to talk to him/her about checking your bone density and your Vitamin D level.  It is always important to be proactive with your own health.

Our friends at the Division of Movement Disorders cordially invite you to the First Symposium on the Non-Motor Aspects of Parkinson's Disease. While motor aspects of PD are being better controlled pharmacologically and with deep brain stimulation, the cognitive, psychiatric and autonomic aspects are quite challenging to treat. Experts in the field will discuss each of the aspects and current management approaches.

The Symposium will be held at the Rudd Heart & Lung Building on Monday, December 7, 2009 from 12:30-5pm. The program is free, but you must RSVP. You can call the Division of Movement Disorders: 582-7654, or you may contact us and we'll be happy to mail you a flier for this event that includes a registration form.

A simple, nutritious and filling way to use up the leftover turkey!

Ingredients:
1 quart vegetable broth or stock (we recommend "Kitchen Basics" vegetable STOCK...it's low on sodium and high on taste)
1/2 quart water
1 to 1 1/2 pounds cooked turkey
1 large onion, cut into small pieces
2 large carrots, peeled, cut into chunks
1/4 to 1/2 head of cabbage, cut into small pieces
4 small red potatoes, cut into chunks
2 small turnips, cut into chunks
1/2 teaspoon thyme

Place all ingredients in large pot and bring to a boil. Lower heat, cover, and simmer for 1-2 hours.

Check out some useful "Kitchen Tips" for PD here!