Parkinson’s Foundation Georgia Chapter

The Georgia Chapter is proud to have partnered with the Center for Movement Challenges (CFMC) to welcome Andrea Wiggins, Outreach Director for Senator Warnock, on Wednesday for a meaningful visit with our local boxing community.

CFMC works alongside top wellness, nutrition, and healthcare partners to provide resources that make a real difference in everyday life for people with movement challenges. Their exercise and wellness classes are thoughtfully designed around the unique needs of those living with Parkinson's, blending expertise with genuine compassion to help each person thrive.

It was the perfect setting to show Andrea firsthand how people living with PD are fighting back against the disease's progression through intentional, purposeful exercise. After witnessing some impressive boxing in action, Andrea took time to hear directly from our community, learning more about the Parkinson's Foundation and, most importantly, the personal stories of the boxers living with PD every day. We hope this visit marks the beginning of a lasting, meaningful relationship with our federal offices so that we can further our mission and continue to improve the lives of those living with PD.

Want to be part of the difference? Get involved in Parkinson's Policy and Advocacy efforts:
https://www.parkinson.org/how-to-help/policy-advocacy-priorities

Are you a woman living with Parkinson’s disease? This Women’s Health month, join our Women with Parkinson’s Community Network!

With more than 400,000 women living with PD in the U.S., this network creates a vital space for women with PD to connect, learn, share and collaborate:

Women with Parkinson’s Community Network There is a lot to know about Parkinson's disease. Learn about symptoms, how it is diagnosed and what treatment options are available.

This Military Appreciation Month, check out our YouTube channel to explore our webinars for veterans and their loved ones on topics including how to access key resources, planning for the future and much more:

Veteran Resources Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

When discussing mental health and Parkinson’s disease, an important part of the conversation is ensuring care partners are taking care of their own emotional well-being! When a care partner does not attend to their own needs or take time off from their caregiving role, they may experience burnout.

For Mental Health Awareness Month, explore our tips on caring for the care partner:

Caring for the Care Partner Find the balance between caring for a loved one with Parkinson's disease and caring for the care partner.

“Having an opportunity to open doors for others and helping with one’s daily needs is the greatest reward.”

Kylee is an Air Force veteran living with Parkinson’s disease. In her personal time, she assists other veterans with health benefits, care management, disability claims and questions.

Read Kylee’s PD Story for Military Appreciation Month:

Kylee Pagán In 2019 the diagnoses of Parkinson’s changed all my plans, along with driving my desire to help others in need. My health and functionality to sustain myself became my forefront.

Did you know that compared to men, women with Parkinson’s disease are more likely to experience medication-related dyskinesias, motor fluctuations, and “wearing off” of medication?

This Women’s Health Month, learn more about women and PD:

Women & Parkinson’s Further research studying women & Parkinson’s are needed to ensure that women are receiving equal treatment and care.

Psychosis can be a frightening word that many people simply don’t understand. But what does it really mean?

In Parkinson’s, what your doctor calls psychosis usually starts with mild symptoms, but these can have a big impact on quality of life. Psychosis can vary from severe confusion (disordered thinking) to seeing things that aren’t there (hallucinations) to believing things that are not true (delusions).

Learn about managing these symptoms for Mental Health Awareness Month: Parkinson.org/Hallucinations

“My journey with Parkinson’s disease started when I was a young combat Marine in the dense jungles of Vietnam.”

For Military Appreciation Month, read Daryl’s PD Story and how his exposure to Agent Orange during service has affected his life:

Daryl Eigen I started a regimen of alternative treatments: Tai Chi for balance, yoga and acupuncture for stiffness, and biking and walking for general health.

🎧 Today for Mental Health Awareness Month, listen to this short podcast episode on managing mental health challenges in PD:

Episode 118: Managing Mental Health Problems with Parkinson’s Disease People with Parkinson’s disease may experience mental health problems, such as depression, apathy, and anxiety more frequently than the general population.

Discussing a loved one’s mental health can feel uncomfortable or awkward. It’s normal to feel worried about invading their privacy or doing the wrong thing, but many times, a person may simply need to be shown support and love when they are struggling.

Here are signs that your loved one might need help:
📱 They stop answering your calls or messages
🧠 Their mood and behavior change
😞 They make comments about feeling hopeless
🧘 They stop doing things they have enjoyed in the past
💬 They ask for your help directly

If you notice these signs in a loved one, ask them about their mental health and encourage them to seek help. Support them in the process, share resources and let them know you’re there for them. Learn more for Mental Health Awareness Month:

How to Advocate for Your Mental Health with Parkinson’s It can be scary to address your mental health. There are many ways to share your story and find resources for your emotional well-being.