Learn about living with Parkinson's disease and existing resources

(STILLWATER, OKLAHOMA / July 22, 2019) –Oklahoma State University’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders is partnering with the Stillwater Public Library to offer an informational program about Parkinson’s disease on Saturday, Aug. 3. “Stillwater Parkinson’s Disease Annual Education Event” is an all-day program that will run from 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and will feature expert speakers on a wide variety of topics.

Dr. Sabiha Parveen, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, with the Oklahoma State University’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders founded the event last year and hopes to continue to offer it annually in the community. According to Parveen, the topic is of particular importance as Stillwater’s number of retirees continue to grow.

“Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurological disorder affecting people over the age of 65 years across the world,” Parveen said. “It’s a disorder that not only impacts a person’s mobility and communication but also their participation in the functional activities of daily living.”

Speakers will tackle subjects ranging from medical aspects of the disease, financial planning, how to thrive with Parkinson’s, health and well-being and even laughter yoga. Participants can stay all day or drop in to attend specific sessions. The schedule of topics include:

9 a.m.-9:30 a.m. – Introductions and light breakfast

9:30 a.m.-10:45 a.m. – Medical Aspects of Parkinson’s Disease, Dr. Aashoo Mentreddi, Movement Disorders Clinic, Dallas, TX

11 a.m.-12 p.m. – Thriving Anyway with Parkinson’s, Bruce McIntyre, Executive Director, Parkinson’s Foundation of Oklahoma

12 p.m. – 1 p.m. – Lunch – provided to those who register by July 29

1 p.m. – 2 p.m. – Legal Issues and Financial Planning, Richard Winblad, Attorney, Winblad Law

2 p.m. – 3 p.m. – Living Well with Parkinson’s: Diet, Exercise, Stress Reduction and Support, Stephanie Fry, Companion Health Care

3 p.m. – 4 p.m. – Laughter Yoga, Valerie Bloodgood

4 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Event feedback and raffle

“I’m extremely excited to be able to offer such a well-rounded day for attendees,” Parveen said. “While many of the topics are very specific to Parkinson’s disease, some of the information can be applicable to individuals dealing with any number of other disorders. Managing your finances while living with a long-term illness and thriving despite a difficult diagnosis are things that many people can relate to.”

“Stillwater Parkinson’s Disease Annual Education Event” is sponsored by a community grant from the Parkinson’s Foundation and is free and open to the public. Light breakfast and lunch will be provided to registrants who sign-up by July 29, 2019. To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/StillwaterPD, email askalibrarian@stillwater.org or call 405-372-3633 x8106.

The Stillwater Parkinson’s Disease Support Group meets every first Tuesday of the month at the Stillwater Public Library from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Learn more about the support group at https://stillwaterpdsupport.weebly.com.

Find information about Stillwater Public Library programs at http://library.stillwater.org.