Tipperary Parkinson's Association highlights importance of resuming classes after break

Tipperary Parkinson's Branch has resumed its classes after the summer break and we welcome back all our members and look forward to meeting new ones in the coming weeks.

Why is it so important to attend these classes?

Firstly you meet other members with same condition you get information from the specialized speakers like dietician, physiotherapist, Parkinson's nurse specialist and speech therapists.

It is important that help is sought as early as possible in the progression of Parkinson's. Parkinson's can be a difficult condition to diagnose as it can present itself in many ways and in the early stages signs and symptoms can be subtle.

In addition not everyone with Parkinson's displays the same symptoms and they don't happen in a particular order.

Everyone's Parkinson's is different and symptoms can change from day to day as well as over a longer period.

Diagnosis is usually made by a neurologist who may prescribe medication and it is most important that patients continue to see their neurologists on a regular basis and get theirs medication sorted.

Remember that you can talk to your healthcare team to get help with any concerns re your Parkinson's.

Communication with your doctor and nurse is key to the management of your well being.

Rigidity and stiffness can happen as a result of the muscles being unable to stretch or relax and this can make it more difficult to do every day things.

It can also make movement more painful. It can become harder to make movements and it may take longer to complete actions such as getting dressed or putting items away.

Keeping active is good for your physical well being and you mental health too. Moving regularly is important in managing symptoms and keeping muscles moving.

At times it may take a little more effort for you to exercise especially if you feel muscle stiffness or feel tired. it is worth making the effort though because otherwise you may fall into a vicious circle of not exercising and this can lead to further mobility problems as muscles and joints become stiffer and weaker.

It is important to find an activity or exercise that you enjoy and which you can fit easily into your day.

There are many benefits to taking regular exercise. It works wonders for the whole body, all of the organs, muscles and bones benefit from regular activity and it also helps your posture, flexibility and your central nervous system.

So come along and participate in some of our activities here in Tipperary.

In Thurles at the Order of Malta Centre on the first Thursday of every month we have qualified speakers who will give a short talk and then have a question and answer session and on Thursday, October 5, we have Maria the physio followed by a cuppa. Please contact our Secretary Mary Carey on 086 3916726.

Nenagh Monday Club continues its exercise class every Monday at 2 pm in The Pastoral Centre, Church Rd, Nenagh with a qualified Physio followed by singing exercises with Sheelagh Chadwick and musicians Brendan and Pat which are good for our vocal chords. Enjoy a cuppa chat and a bun after all this exercise. Contact Marion on 087 2967296.

Contact Mary Finnegan 086-1224283 for information on Clonmel classes.