Tipperary Parkinson's Association's activities have resumed and there's a busy year ahead

Firstly, I would like to wish a very Happy New Year to all our members and wishing them well for 2024

Our deepest sympathies to all who lost a loved one in 2023 especially to the families of Tony Ryan, Jim Dean, Denis Ryan, Denis O'Brien, Denis Butler, Eileen Cleary, Christopher Waller, Angela Mulcahy, Margaret Ann Hanley, Richard Campion, Martin Hayes, Michael Burke and Bernard Colclough dean trócaire ar a n-anamacha.

As we look forward to 2024 our activities have recommenced with Nenagh Monday Club every Monday from 2pm until 4pm in The Pastoral Centre, with Physio Alex and singing with Sheelagh and musicians Brendan and Pat.

Thurles resumes their meeting on February 1 in the Order of Malta Building Dublin Rd, Thurles at 2pm with Lisa Wynn Parkinson's Nurse Specialist at Parkinson's HQ Dublin; March 7 sees the popular return of Maria the Physiotherapist; April 4 Tipperary Branch AGM; May 2 we have Mags Richardson Specialist Parkinson's Nurse Specialist attached to University Hospital Limerick and meetings conclude on Thursday, June 6, with a Summer Party.

It is important for member and especially any newly diagnosed patients to attend these meetings and exercise classes where they make friends, get information on their diagnosis and especially to the Parkinson's Nurse Specialist who will answer any questions you may have, and don't forget the important cuppa and chat afterwards.

One of the most important things for people who have been diagnosed with Parkinson's is Exercise. Exercise is good for everyone and especially good if you have Parkinson's. Regular exercise will improve your strength, balance, posture and flexibility. It will keep your heart and lungs healthy. It can also help with sleep, tiredness, your mood and mental health.

Keeping your body fit will help you carry on doing the things that matter to you. Whether you have Parkinson's or live with someone who does, there is no one size fits all approach to exercise the best exercise to do depends on the way it affects you.

Diet with Parkinson's is important there is no specific diet that you should follow but certainly maintain a healthy one. Eat a varied dies and healthy portions of food. Eat regular meals and drink plenty of fluids. Eating a healthy and balanced diet will improve your health and may help ease various problems you may be experiencing, including constipation, low mood, reduced bone density and weight changes.

Stress can affect how you feel emotionally, mentally and physically. Stress can also affect how you behave. We can all sometimes feel overwhelmed, irritable and wound up when things are out of control stress can lead to racing thoughts, constant worrying or a feeling of low mood. Help is available and exercise is good to clear your head and feel well again.

If any of the above affects you please come along to our group meetings and discuss your problems with the Parkinson's nurse and talk to other members as well.