Parkinson's Empowerment

Join our conversation with Brooke and Rafael as they recount their journey from the first signs of dementia to finding the right medical care. Their story is a testament to the power of early intervention and the importance of understanding complex symptoms, such as REM sleep disorder. Through honest dialogue, Brooke and Rafael offer a wealth of insights into navigating the challenges of Lewy body dementia, from initial tests like the Montreal cognitive assessment to treatment options such as Aricept. Hear how they worked closely with their neurologist to reach an official diagnosis, and how they've managed to slow Rafael's cognitive decline. Whether you're a caregiver, family member, or someone living with dementia, this episode promises to illuminate the path forward with hope and understanding. Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREE Check out our website www.safeathompt.com give us a call at (585)398-6050 or send us an email at robin@safeathomept.com Thanks for listening!

When Janet Kearns first faced the reality of Parkinson's, it wasn't just a diagnosis—it was a shadow of her mother's own struggle with the same disease. On the Parkinson's Empowerment Podcast, Janet's profound story unfolds, revealing how denial morphed into determination. Through the echoes of the past and the challenges of a global pandemic, Janet shares how exercise and the solidarity of a community became her cornerstones in the battle against Parkinson's. In a candid exchange, we discuss challenges that can arise when mobility challenges are not apparent to those around you. We illuminate the early signals of Parkinson's and Janet's personal tactics for maximizing her medication's potency. Then, pulling on the gloves, we celebrate the lighter side of living with Parkinson's. From 'fighter names' to friendships, Janet and I punch through the notion that this journey is a solitary one. The laughter in a boxing class is just as essential as the jabs and hooks—it's about fighting back with joy. Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREE Check out our website www.safeathompt.com give us a call at (585)398-6050 or send us an email at robin@safeathomept.com Thanks for listening!

Val Muse is back, and her story is nothing short of empowering. When we last spoke with her, Val was navigating the early stages of Parkinson's disease, harnessing the power of the LSVT Big physical therapy program to manage her symptoms. Fast forward to today, and Val's journey has led her to the high-energy punches and uppercuts of Rock Steady Boxing. In this intimate conversation, she's here to share how this program has not only ramped up her physical strength but also instilled a mental resilience that's redefining her approach to life with Parkinson's. Imagine stepping into a community that fights not just with gloves, but with unwavering support and shared determination. That's the reality Val found in Rock Steady Boxing in Victor, NY, where each jab and hook carry the weight of her indomitable spirit. Val's experience is a powerful testament to the idea that engaging in the activities you're passionate about is a potent prescription for enhancing one's quality of life. She's discovered a newfound vigor and a morning routine that starts with purpose and promise. Join us as Val's infectious enthusiasm punches through the perceived limits of Parkinson's, Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREE Check out our website www.safeathompt.com give us a call at (585)398-6050 or send us an email at robin@safeathomept.com Thanks for listening!

Ever wondered how a tool as simple as walking poles could transform the lives of those battling Parkinson's disease? Brace yourself for an enlightening conversation with Joy Cochran, a clinical evidence specialist for urban polling. Discover the fascinating history of urban polling and the unique features of activator poles that have become game-changers in our clinical practice. Hear heartening stories of improved posture and relief from joint pain, testaments to the power of these tools. Switch gears as we delve into the remarkable benefits of the activator poles for Parkinson's patients. Our experience as physical therapists comes to life through success stories of exercise, balance, and Nordic walking. Learn about the safety features that make these poles a boon for those with tremors or weak grip strength. More than physical aid, these poles are catalysts for improved quality of life and community involvement. Wrap up with us as we advocate for spreading the word on these life-altering resources, and leave feeling inspired by the positive impact of urban polling on those with Parkinson's. Tune in and join us on this journey of discovery and transformation. Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREE Check out our website www.safeathompt.com give us a call at (585)398-6050 or send us an email at robin@safeathomept.com Thanks for listening!

You've heard of smartwatches tracking your steps, but what about tracking Parkinson's symptoms? That's the reality with StrivePD, an incredible app developed by the team at Rune Labs. In a unique conversation, Brianna unveils how this free app, compatible with the Apple ecosystem, enables Parkinson's patients to closely monitor their symptoms, including tremors and dyskinesia. Originally created by Aura Oslapas, a PD patient herself, StrivePD was acquired by Rune Labs in 2018. Brianna shares how StrivePD can revolutionize the way patients and clinicians communicate, leading to a more informed health journey. It's time to get savvy about your health, and this conversation is a great start. The chat takes a futuristic turn as we plunge into the fascinating world of Rune Labs' brain sense technology. Imagine a world where Parkinson's patients can track symptoms more effectively and clinicians can adjust programming and medications based on the tracking with the StrivePD App ! Well, it's happening. With the integration of fall detection technology and an activity logging system, Brianna highlights how StrivePD provides users with an in-depth understanding of their health. But that's not all; there are exciting developments on the horizon, including the integration of heart rate metrics into the clinician portal. Tune in to learn how technology like StrivePD is not just changing, but truly revolutionizing care and treatment for Parkinson's. Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREE Check out our website www.safeathompt.com give us a call at (585)398-6050 or send us an email at robin@safeathomept.com Thanks for listening!

Join us on a fascinating journey with Speech Language Pathologist, Brittany Peck, as we unravel the complexities of swallowing and what people with Parkinson's may be experiencing. Brittany's expertise illuminates how the reduction of dopamine, can lead to a slow-down in the oral musculature, causing difficulties in swallowing. Yet, as we learn, there's a beacon of hope with retraining and awareness. We discuss the clinical swallow evaluation process, potential treatments, and even share some handy tricks for taking medication. If you're in a remote location, fret not! Brittany enlightens us about her home-based practice in the Finger Lakes region of New York, and how she's leveraging technology to deliver speech-language pathology services to those in rural and remote areas. Finally, we list some key indicators that could signal swallowing difficulties. So, come aboard and learn how to manage and improve swallowing issues related to Parkinson's. Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREE Check out our website www.safeathompt.com give us a call at (585)398-6050 or send us an email at robin@safeathomept.com Thanks for listening!

On today's podcast Dr. Gillum and I discuss the gut brain connection and Parkinson's, constipation and the steps you can take to ameliorate your symptoms and the connection between diabetes and Parkinson disease. Dr. Gillim received his medical degree from Stanford University School of Medicine And studied internal medicine and gastroenterology at Cornell University in NYC. Thank you taking the time to be on the podcast Dr. Gillim! Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREE Check out our website www.safeathompt.com give us a call at (585)398-6050 or send us an email at robin@safeathomept.com Thanks for listening!

Val had heard about boxing and Parkinson's and had been meaning to look into the program. She saw the Rock Steady Boxing Victor Magnet on a car at one of her medical appointments, and knew it was a sign. She took a picture of it and gave us a call. The trip to our clinic/gym was her first time meeting other people with Parkinson's. Listen to this episode and learn more about how Parkinson's presented initially and what she is doing about it now. Check out our website www.safeathompt.com give us a call at (585)398-6050 or send us an email at robin@safeathomept.com Thanks for listening!

Valerie Hall, a Medicare Advisor, has some great information on things to consider with open enrollment. Valerie's Medicare Corner (585)490-9491 vhall052@gmail.com There is great information in this podcast for people with and without Parkinson Disease. In network, out out of network.... what does that mean for you? Important information you should know before choosing a plan. Check out our website www.safeathompt.com give us a call at (585)398-6050 or send us an email at robin@safeathomept.com Thanks for listening!

See what has changed for Ivana since completing high frequency physical therapy and beginning PD exercise classes at Safe at Home Physical Therapy. Check out our website www.safeathompt.com give us a call at (585)398-6050 or send us an email at robin@safeathomept.com Thanks for listening!

Boxing exercises include training for agility, speed, reaction time, endurance, focus, hand-eye coordination, footwork and strength. Exercise to help slow progression and reduce symptoms must push the participants beyond what they perceive they are capable of performing. Our Rock Steady Classes in Victor, NY, are offered at two different levels so that participants get the most out of them, and those that need to can work up to being able to get to the level of working out with intensity. We also offer PWR! Moves classes which are more moderately paced and focus on functional movements (getting up off the floor, in and out of car) , stretching, balance, focus and fine motor. Our Cardio Cognitive class helps people build up their aerobic endurance using various cardio equipment with an added cognitive challenge each class. Thank you for your service Terry! Check out our website www.safeathompt.com give us a call at (585)398-6050 or send us an email at robin@safeathomept.com Thanks for listening!

Ivana, a retired kindergarten /4th grade teacher, and I talk about the improvements she saw in her balance and posture and overall mobility soon after starting the LSVT BIG program. She talks about her Urban Poling Stability poles and the benefits she has had since starting to walk with them. We talk about knee replacements, one last year and another scheduled for the end of this summer, and which class to begin after she graduates from this round of physical therapy. Ivana mentions that she does not have tremors. According to the Parkinson's Foundation about 70% of people with PD experience tremors. https://www.parkinson.org/sites/default/files/2021-12/106%20-%20Tremors%20-%20Coping%20%26%20Treatment%20Options.pdf We mention Anita O'Brien helping businesses in the area becoming accessible to those with physical challenges. I should have said Rochester Accessible Adventures (not access Rochester) here is a link to the site https://rochesteraccessibleadventures.org/ We also talk a little about medication. It is always best to consult with your pharmacist about how to take your medication to optimize its effect. Check out our website www.safeathompt.com give us a call at (585)398-6050 or send us an email at robin@safeathomept.com Thanks for listening!

After being diagnosed 6 years ago, John shares what he is doing now to reduce the symptoms and progression of Parkinson disease, getting over the anger of having Parkinson's and how joining a group exercise class has helped him. We talk about making things automatic again other classes we offer in addition to Rock Steady Boxing Victor. Check out our website www.safeathompt.com give us a call at (585)398-6050 or send us an email at robin@safeathomept.com Thanks for listening!

Jerry brings up the effect of PD on care partners, importance of exercise and support for them as well as for people with PD. Getting back to guitar and singing - practice, practice , practice. We talk about him sticking with exercise classes even though exercise is not his favorite ,and the importance of finding an exercise /activity you enjoy because if you want to keep doing the things you enjoy and be independent exercise is not a choice when you have a PD diagnosis. Check out our website www.safeathompt.com give us a call at (585)398-6050 or send us an email at robin@safeathomept.com Thanks for listening!

Thank you for your service Bob! We talk about what led to his diagnosis, services he receives from the VA, Walkers, why he thinks Parkinson's Disease is not the worst to be diagnosed with, and his busy lifestyle. Check out our website www.safeathompt.com give us a call at (585)398-6050 or send us an email at robin@safeathomept.com Thanks for listening!

Diagnosed ~ 7 years ago after observations made at a board meeting, Ron talks about his current struggles and what has helped him. He brought his list and we go through it all. From anxiety to bed sheets?!!! You definitely want to listen to this podcast. Check out our website www.safeathompt.com give us a call at (585)398-6050 or send us an email at robin@safeathomept.com Thanks for listening!

Suzanne, Owner of Speech and Communication Services in Brighton, NY talks about how speech therapists can help people with Parkinson's. She is a certified Speak Out therapist. We talk about Facial expression, cognition, posture, breathing, swallowing, eating out and the balancing act of Meds as well as why you should sing everyday. Does this sound familiar?.... I am speaking loud and clear.... you have a hearing problem. hmmm .... I hear this one a lot too. She is located at 95 Allens Creek Road, Bldg 1, Suite 252, Rochester, NY You can reach her at 585.314.1807 speechandcommunicationservices.com Check out our website www.safeathompt.com give us a call at (585)398-6050 or send us an email at robin@safeathomept.com Thanks for listening!

Nancy Nealon, LMSW Community Program Manager Parkinson's Foundation NY NJ, shares so many resources provided through the Parkinson's Foundation. If you have PD, are a caregiver or know someone with PD you will want to listen to this one! Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline: 1.800.4PD.INFO (473-4636) or helpline@parkinson.org PD Health@Home – Mindfulness Mondays, Wellness Wednesdays, Fitness Fridays: PD Health @ Home | Parkinson's Foundation Mental Health for Parkinson's Care Partners | Parkinson's Foundation The New York New Jersey chapter page is: Parkinson’s Foundation New York and New Jersey | Parkinson's Foundation Call Nancy Nealon at 585-743-166 or email nnealon@parkinson.org for any follow up information. PSGFL Parkinson Support Group of the Finger Lakes (Canandaigua, NY) Site and Email www.parkinsonsupportgroupofthefingerlakes.com ​ psgfl2002@gmail.com ​Parkinson's Foundation New York and New Jersey (Rochester) 585-234-5355 www.parkinson.org/NYNJ Support for Caregiver of a Veteran or a Veteran who is a Caregiver https://www.caregiver.va.gov/Care_Caregivers.asp Check out our website www.safeathompt.com give us a call at (585)398-6050 or send us an email at robin@safeathomept.com Thanks for listening!

Dr. Mooney, (AKA DOC or is it ACE ?) talks about his initial symptoms, meds, current symptoms, how he IMPROVED his golf game, and his current travel plans. Check out our website www.safeathompt.com give us a call at (585)398-6050 or send us an email at robin@safeathomept.com Thanks for listening!

Marilyn, diagnosed more than 20 years ago talks about what led to her diagnosis of Parkinson Disease. She enjoys hiking, boxing, attends sporting events and has an amazing blame no one, expect nothing philosophy. Listen to her advice to people newly diagnosed with Parkinson's and learn how she got her fighter name, ToughAsTeel, (we like to add an extra S in there). At 84 years old she is not stopping! Check out our website www.safeathompt.com give us a call at (585)398-6050 or send us an email at robin@safeathomept.com Thanks for listening!