South Central Regional Medical Center Hosts Parkinson’s Awareness Day Event

This press release comes from South Central Regional Medical Center

LAUREL, MISS. - Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects movement as certain nerve cells in the brain gradually break down or die. Many believe Parkinson's disease is a death sentence, but if treated, the disease is manageable for those who have been diagnosed. South Central Regional Medical Center is hosting a Parkinson's Awareness Day on Monday, April 30th to educate and demonstrate how to manage the disease.

The event will include Parkinson's disease exercise sessions with certified therapists and education sessions from local healthcare providers on overall health needs. Parkinson's disease patients and their caregivers are invited to attend. A light lunch will be provided. The event is free, however a reservation is required. Please reserve by calling Kourtney Murphy at 601-399-0534.

There are a lot of productive years of life ahead for a person diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The symptoms of Parkinson's disease are not always noticeable, but some of the most visible symptoms are tremors, stiffness and speech changes. Parkinson's disease can be very painful and disabling for patients before treatment. Once a patient receives treatment, there is a major difference in their quality of life. They are able to return to work with less difficulties, enjoy life and participate in family activities.

South Central Regional Medical Center hosts a therapy treatment program called PWR! Moves, which stands for Parkinson's Wellness Recovery. The program is based around movement which assists people diagnosed with Parkinson's because mobility is one of the senses that is lost. Simple, daily tasks such as being able to get in and out of a car or being able to walk is very difficult. The PWR! Moves program teaches Parkinson's disease patients how to regain control and become more functional.

Kourtney Murphy, DPT at SCRMC, received her certification to instruct the PWR! Moves program to patients locally. Murphy explains the program, "The program integrates a research-based exercise approach in community and rehabilitation settings. The system allow those who live with Parkinson's to develop individual successes through a lifelong exercise routine."

Together with community representative, Mrs. Meg Moore, the rehabilitation team created a support group for those with Parkinson's disease to engage themselves in the PWR! Moves. This support group is an educational and active group that will learn more about Parkinson's and work with Murphy to complete the exercises of the PWR! Moves curriculum.

"This group is very important because every person who has Parkinson's feels as if they are alone in their journey. Some may feel embarrassed or feel like a victim, but together we can encourage each other and progress as a group," states Mrs. Moore.