Since a “strong interest” was shown at a recent meeting about forming a Parkinson’s Disease support group, St. Rose Ambulatory & Surgery Center has scheduled a follow-up gathering, said Mark Mingenback, director of business strategy and marketing.
The event, which is free and open to the public, is set for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27 at St. Rose in the basement-level St. Dominic Room.
“At the first meeting, Dr. Tom Bauer of our Great Bend Internists emphasized the importance of exercise for Parkinson’s patients,” Mingenback said. “Therefore, we will offer a demonstration on appropriate exercises at this next meeting.”
Pam Perry, St. Rose Rehab Services director, is collaborating with Dr. Bauer to organize the presentation.
“We encourage anyone with concerns about Parkinson’s Disease to get involved with this new group,” Mingenback said. “Part of St. Rose’s mission is to reach out into the community to offer these types of services and information. We encourage anyone with questions about Parkinson’s to get involved.”
Dr. Bauer is sending a letter to area primary care physicians, encouraging them to mention this meeting to Parkinson’s patients and their families.
Parkinson’s is a brain and nerve disease that is chronic and progressive. It affects nerve cells in the brain that normally produce dopamine, a chemical that transmits signals between areas in the brain.
It is a degenerative disorder of the nervous system and the common denominator is lack of dopamine. It manifests itself in tremors, imbalance and stiffness, Dr. Bauer summarized.
For more information, contact Mingenback by calling 620-786-6136.