 |
 |
Walk Your Dog For A Cure By Jessica Anderson On Oct. 26, Marjorie R. Post Park in Massapequa will go to the dogs, literally, as the first Paws for Parkinson's charity walk, sponsored by the American Parkinson's Disease Association (APDA), will be held to raise money for critical research for the disease. "We think this is a perfect marriage of pets and people because pets do so much for us, and here they have the opportunity to do the ultimate - to help cure a disease," said Virginia Cravotta, president of the Suffolk County chapter of the APDA. In times of decreased funding for many health care organizations, Cravotta sees the walk as a way for people and pets to come together to support the search for a cure. Registration for the walk will begin at 9:30 a.m. at Marjorie Post Park. The event will feature informational tables, rescue dog and obedience training demonstrations, refreshments, and a grand prize for whoever brings in the most donations. The top fundraiser and canine companion will be treated to a stay at the pet-friendly Atlantic Hotel in Southampton. Parkinson's disease, a progressive neurological disorder, garnered public attention several years ago when actor Michael J. Fox announced he was diagnosed with it. The primary symptoms include tremor, rigidity or stiffness, slowness of movement, postural instability, and impaired balance and coordination. As the disease progresses, patients may have trouble walking, talking or completing simple tasks. It's a complex disorder, according to Dr. Mark Gudesblatt, medical director of the Parkinson's Association Suffolk County chapter, but major advances in the way doctors understand, diagnose and treat the disease have occurred over the past decade. "We now understand that this condition can affect many other functions, including mood, memory, anxiety level, and visual perception. People can have pain, fatigue and trouble sleeping." Gudesblatt says an experienced physician should recognize and address all the symptoms of Parkinson's with medication, nutrition, exercise, counseling and other strategies to improve quality of life. "Left untreated, this disease can ravage not only the patient, but family members, too. It's devastating because it can rob people of their ability to walk, to be independent, to function in the way they want to. It can zap their energy, it can make them age before your eyes," Gudesblatt said. But with proper diagnosis, medication, support and encouragement, people can live longer and happier lives, he says. Although no cure exists, promising new treatments have been developed over the past few years, and research is ongoing. Ten genes have been linked to Parkinson's. Scientists believe that these genes may increase susceptibility when combined with some other, as yet unknown, occurrence that triggers the disease. As doctors gain a better understanding of the genetic underpinnings of Parkinson's, they will be able to develop still better medications. Gudesblatt supports the upcoming charity walk and plans to participate with his own dog, a black Pomeranian named Parkie. Anyone who would like more information or to register is invited to call 626-6114 SOURCE: The Massapequan Observer, NY http://www.antonnews.com/massapequanobserver/2003/10/03/news/ * * * ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn