Line Gold

May 2005 - Tower - Page 2

Page 1 T.O.C. Index Page 3
Lines Double

nurse2.giff Notes From the

Bette C. Jones, RN

PARKINSON'S DISEASE is a slowly progressive, neurodegenerative disease caused when a small group of brain cells die that control body movement It affects more than 500,000 people in the United States. Parkinson's disease can begin at any age, but usually people experience the first signs when they are 40 or older. The disease progresses slowly over a 20 to 30 year period, but progressing much faster for others.

The four major symptoms are:

  1. Rigidity - stiffness when the arm, leg, or neck is moved.
  2. Resting tremor - tremor most prominent at rest, when sitting quietly.
  3. Bradykinesia - slowness in initiating movement that may contribute to decreased facial expression, change in speech pattern, shuffling gait, smaller - lettered handwriting, trouble with fine finger movements.
  4. Loss of postural reflexes - poor balance and coordination.

Secondary symptoms may include depression, emotional changes, memory and sleep problems, changes in speech patterns, urinary or bowel difficulties, low blood pressure upon standing or problems in chewing or swallowing. Many affected people never develop some of the previous mentioned symptoms.

Symptomatic treatment for Parkinson's Disease is usually successful, especially in the early years, although it does not stop its progress or cure the disease. A comprehensive approach to treatment is the most effective. This includes early diagnosis, exercise, good nutrition and medications that reduce the symptoms. Support groups are strongly encouraged.

Surgery can reduce specific symptoms for some patients. These surgeries are sill being evaluated for their effectiveness.

We can offer much support to a person with Parkinson's Disease and their families. Prayer is a powerful source of strength in their lives.



lines_triple.gif

Relay For Life - 2005

Myrna Young

Yes - it is almost time to get our walking shoes out of the closet! Our team is again planning for another successful year with your help. We will "Relay for Life" at Todd Stadium May 13-14 for the American Cancer society and we hope to see all of you there. The opening ceremony begins at 7:00 p.m. and the lighting of the luminaries will be at 9:00 p.m. Each year we see vast strides in counter-attacking this dread disease and we are confident that one day it will be obliterated.

Anyone on the team will be happy to take your donation to have a luminary placed around the track to honor or remember someone very special, or any donation you might wish to give. We also have an account set up in the church office and you may make donations to it at any time. In this way, it is especially easy to honor someone by donating anytime during the year, or donating just because you want to. If you wish to make a donation through the church, please make your check payable to the church but marked for "Relay for Life." Thank you for your continued support . We are:

Dana Atkins Larry Nicolai
Gerry Bowden Jane Preston
Martha Dodson Virginia Preston
Roy Dunkum Judy Talbert
Yvonne Edwards Margaret Warren
Teresa Harrell Myrna Young
Bette Jones Phil Young
Jeanette Leslie 


Page 2
Line Gold

Page 1T.O.C.IndexPage 3

Home | Calendar | Directory | History | Hot News | Location | Missions | Organizations | Preschool | Photographs | Programs | Recent Events | Staff | Towers | Worship

Line Gold

If you have any comments on any of these pages, please email me: Robert W.(Bob) Mckitrick, thanks.


Last update: May 7, 2005