Weekly News from PSCKY

Parkinson Support Center of Kentuckiana Newsletter

May 24-30

The mission of the Parkinson Support Center of Kentuckiana is to provide support services that improve the quality of life for the Parkinson's community, to promote public awareness; to contribute to the local and national efforts to raise funds for support, and to accelerate the research for a cure.

PSCKY

Executive Director: Jinn Fuller Renfro (jinn@pscky.org)

Director of Support Services: Katherine Autin (support@pscky.org)

Director of Outreach & Training: Adina Cook (training@pscky.org)

Call us!502.426.0888

Click here to visit the PSCKY web site

Dear Friends:

It was good to see so many folks at Open House on Friday; I enjoyed our time visiting. I'm also grateful to Madelyn, Jim, Pat, Ann, Beverly, Angie, Stephanie, Tricia and Sharon for their help in getting the June newsletters prepared to send in such short order! Thank you! If you'd like to volunteer with PSCKY, please drop me a note and let me know what your interests are, what days and times of day are best for you, and we'll add you to our growing volunteer list!

One of the people I met Friday was Mr. Denny Koch. Denny is interested in volunteering time to help folks who no longer drive with errands (such as trips to the grocery store, doctors' appointments, etc.). If you could use such assistance, please call Jinn at 502-426-0888, and I will put you in touch with Denny. Thank you!

Our Walking and Hiking group will meet this Tuesday morning (May 25) at the Falls of Ohio Interpretive Center. Please meet at the gazebo in the parking lot behind the Interpretive Center around 9:15; we will start walking promptly at 9:30am. There is a beautiful new paved trail following the river at the top of the flood wall. Please call Jinn at 426-0888 or 502-640-7141 (cell) to let her know you're attending.

While many people have expressed interest in the Walking and Hiking group, we're still having trouble with some of the logistics and volunteer coordination to make sure that walks happen and those who would like a ride can find someone to carpool with. If you are interested in the Walking group and can help us brainstorm how to make it work to serve more people, would you please try to come to a meeting at the PSCKY offices this Thursday, May 27th at 10:30am? Thanks!

Don't forget that we're having our May Lunch & Learn this Wednesday at noon at Meadowview Presbyterian Church. The speaker will be Karen deGraaf--person with Parkinson's disease and tremendous resource on clinical trials--speaking about participation in clinical trials and what you need to know! No RSVP required. Bring your lunch; we'll provide drinks and desserts!

If you're planning to attend our Denim & Diamonds Celebration (and fundraiser!) on June 4th from 6:30-11pm at Historic Locust Grove, please make your reservations NOW! Remember, if you're a person with Parkinson's disease involved with our groups or activities, we'd like to invite you and a guest to attend at a half-price rate of $100 for each ticket. Just mention "Support Group rate" when you make your reservation by phone (502-426-0888), online, or by returning your invitation card. It's a great time, and we'd really like to see you there!

PSCKY Louisville Slugger

We have FABULOUS auction items (more to come!). Among the goodies, how 'bout this full-sized Louisville Slugger bat, customized by our friends at Hillerich & Bradsby on behalf of Shelbyville PSCKY supporters Barbara & Jerry Key. WOW! This might go nicely with the donations of Louisville Bats home-game suites from either Humana or the Nugent Sand Company. We've got such great supporters! Thank you!

This is your FINAL chance to take the survey about a new fitness group for people with PD who want to radically address their fitness levels.

Please take this 7 question survey.

Wishing you well this week,

Jinn Fuller Renfro

Executive Director

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: PSCKY PICNIC! JULY 2nd!

Yes, it's a bit early, but we know holiday weekends fill up fact, so please mark your calendars NOW for the FIRST PSCKY PICNIC on Friday, July 2nd from 10am-2pm at George Rogers Clark Park in Louisville.

This is not an educational event. This is not a workshop. This is some good old-fashioned fun with a chance to go walking, play games and share a potluck meal. This is about fellowship and meeting new friends. We have reserved the lodge (which can hold 100), so the event will be held rain or shine! Friends and family members are VERY WELCOME! PSCKY supporters--including partner organizations and donors--are very welcome! It's going to be FUN!

When you RSVP, please let us know if you can give another person a ride; we will try to "match-make" carpooling for the event. We'll also send you a detailed map of how to find the lodge when you RSVP to 502-426-0888 or by e-mail.

MyMedSchedule: GREAT FREE TOOL!

This is a tremendous tool that is truly versatile--check out MyMedSchedule!

Among the many free features:

Print schedules that are easy to create, read & update
Receive reminders to take your meds by TEXT MESSAGE or EMAIL!
Set refill reminders--reorder your prescriptions before they run out
Keep track of your daily medications--strength, dosages and purpose
Bring your pill schedules to all your doctor appointments
Maintain medicine schedules for yourself and family members
Print your schedule in English or Spanish
Print a CONVENIENT WALLET-SIZED schedule to carry with you!

The web site also has some great medicine-related tips. We REALLY like this site. What do YOU think?

NEED TO LOSE A LITTLE?

There's still time to sign up for "Lose It, Louisville!" Join the community goal of losing 100,000 pounds by Labor Day! Mayor Abramson and Dr. Troutman are logging in their weight loss every week--and you can too! Just register here. You'll receive encouraging email with healthy tips, news about your fellow Lose It participants and a chance to win FREE PRIZES such as groceries and gift cards. The only thing you have to lose is a little extra weight!

FATIGUE, SLEEP DISORDERS & PD: JUNE 1st at 1pm

Learn the latest in PD research and care, straight from the experts. Mark you calendars now for the PD ExpertBriefing on Fatigue, Sleep Disorders and PD on Tuesday, June 1st at 1pm. The web-based seminar can be attended on line or by phone. Learn more about symptoms and how to cope. (Interesting, PSCKY's June Lunch & Learn will also be on this topic! Great minds think alike!)

TOP TIPS WHEN CHOOSING A NURSING HOME

The US National Institute on Aging offers these top tips for choosing a nursing home for a loved one.

Consider how close the home is to friends and family.
Talk to residents and their family members about their satisfaction with the quality of care provided.
Ask about and take note of specific resources that could help your loved one with his or her illness.
Take tours of all the homes, and ask the staff questions.
Check if the home is certified by Medicare and/or Medicaid.
Meet with the director and other high-level personnel, and ask about staff turnover.
Make sure you fully understand the contract and costs.
Stop by at a time when they are not expecting a visitor, and take a look around.

The National Institute on Aging also has a great on-line tool to help you find organizations that serve older people, as well as free publications.

ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB