We had two very intersting speakers this month. Jana G. Williams MD, owner of Full Bloom Pediatrics and Thrive MD LC., spoke about the community of Dwell Yoga and the benefits of yoga for Parkinson’s Disease. She demonstrated how to use yoga fascia balls for targeted, therapeutic pressure that helps create more tissue mobility.

From Dr. Williams: Yoga for Parkinson’s YouTube sites (Go to YOUTUBE) The Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s,  Parkinson’s Foundation – Fitness Fridays, Outpace Parkinson’s

Our second speaker was Lindsey Lemieux, owner of Sonoma Stretch, who discussed how Fascial Stretch Therapy (an assisted stretch technique) helps with Parkinson’s and gave a demonstration on how it works. For more information see https://www.sonomastretch.com/

We had several excellent speakers Tuesday.

Richard Havey, Dance Instructor discussed free dance lessons and led a 20 minute exercise demonstration of gigong – he teaches a free 45 minute class at the Munson Center Wednesdays at 1:30. He also talked about starting a new group–Drumming for Parkinson’s.

Marlene Schauer, trainer for our Rock Steady Boxing group, discussed her background (she’s a physical trainer, body builder and has a Black belt in Karate!) and what is happening at the Dona Ana Boxing Club. We’re all invited to observe a lesson – lessons are Monday and Friday at 11am, open practice on Wednesday.

Audrey Valdez, Julie Stanton and Haili Emereson from Ambercare spoke to us about Hospice. That it is covered by Medicare part A. They also spoke about New Mexico Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment (MOST). The NM MOST form is a legal document that goes into effect only if you become incapacitated and are unable to speak for yourself. It helps others know what type of medical care you want.

Ambercare, Las Cruces
3870 Foothills Rd.
Las Cruces, NM 88011-4631
Personal Care Services: 575.523.8885
Home Health: 575.652.5766
Hospice: 575.556.8409

What a great meeting we had today! Jo Bidwell never disappoints us.  She spoke about Parkinson’s, the upcoming symposium in Lubbock and answered lots of questions.

Sarah has mentioned the Stronger Memory Workbook several times so here is the info. If you go to this link you can download the workbook.   StrongerMemory | Powered by Goodwin Living Foundation  https://goodwinliving.org/stronger-memory/packets/

Below is the flyer for the Southwest Parkinson’s Society symposium on May 5th. Several of our group will attend. It’s free. If you are going, Register as soon as possible and make your hotel reservation at the same time.

10 Helpful Hints for Decluttering

1. Get help. Recruit friends, family, neighbors
2. Make a 10-minute sweep. Do not look at a space larger than 2’x2.’ Assign your helper to a 2’x2’ area.
3. Unpack all bags and boxes as soon as you bring them into the house.
4. Every item in your house should have a home.
5. Sort into 4 piles: Keep, Sell, Donate, and Trash
6. Distribute legacy items now. If you have a grandfather clock you want to pass on to your child, give it now. Most likely, they won’t want it.
7. Avoid punting. Don’t guilt someone into taking something they don’t want. Sell it or donate it.
8. When you donate, give to a place where it will be given away instead of being sold.
9. Be realistic. Do not keep outdated food. Do not keep clothing that no longer fits.
10. Pare down on paper and photos. Shred old documents. Don’t keep anything more than 3 years.

All your stuff is tied to emotions and stories. Keep a few important photos but not all.

Advice from a conservator/guardian:

Never give your debit or credit card to your health care worker. Don’t give them a check or your checkbook. Go to the bank and get cash and dole it out as needed. When your person has to move out of their home, immediately change the locks on the doors. Secure the house. Remove valuables such as jewelry, art, and important documents. This prevents uninvited relatives from taking what they want. You will want to  sell the house and all the contents you can so the person has money to live on.

During our January support group meeting, we heard from MaryKay Brady and Mary McLaren representing End of Life Options New Mexico. We learned what options are available for end of life and the process. MaryKay mentioned forms that could be downloaded and has provided the links.

New Mexico Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment The NM MOST form is a legal document that goes into effect only if you become incapacitated and are unable to speak for yourself. It helps others know what type of medical care you want.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Form – 2013 DNR FORM (nmhealth.org)

Also for free wills, living wills, durable power of attorney for healthcare proxy – https://www.freewill.com/

MaryKay Brady, End of Life Options New Mexico jmranch@ymail.com 575 546 1931