News : Special Parkinson\'s meeting next Wednesday at Virginia Gay Hospital

Lyle Gibson, author, athlete, coach and diagnosed with Parkinson's

This month’s Parkinson’s support group meeting at Virginia Gay Hospital, Wednesday, March 23rd, at 1:00 in the board cafeteria, will feature author, accomplished tennis pro, marathon runner and coach Lyle Gibson who has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

Free valet parking and wheelchair assistance will be available.

A resident of Burlington, Iowa, Lyle was diagnosed two years ago with Parkinson’s just as he was finishing his book, “A Lifetime in Motion: Lesson’s Learned From a Student of the Game (s).” The last chapter of the book deals with his diagnosis of Parkinson’s, the resulting changes in his priorities and the new life lessons he has learned. In his presentation Lyle will discuss the dedication and determination necessary to continue leading a meaningful, productive life with Parkinson’s.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, this special Parkinson’s support group meeting will provide encouragement and information that can help improve well-being. Because space is limited, please register to attend by clicking this link or call 319-472-6372 to help the therapy department with planning. Please leave a message if no one answers.

Stacey Hodges, director of Virginia Gay Hospital’s therapy services, is excited to bring this special program to Vinton and hopes for a big turnout. “There isn’t a cure and Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological disease. So like the patients, we set goals, work toward them, and experience feelings of accomplishment when those goals are met. I worry as much for our patients’ emotional health as I do their physical health. Even the most positive and upbeat people report feelings associated with depression and there is a shortage of trained counselors available to work through those feelings. I also worry about the caregivers; they are so crucial to the health of their loved ones and their road isn’t an easy one. All the same, though some meetings are better than others, I always feel uplifted by the joy and laughter we share in our regular Parkinson’s support group meetings.”

“Like any health issue where therapy can help,” says Stacey, “it really is use-it-or-lose it. The key is to keep striving for every skill you have and to adapt when needed to maintain skills as the body changes. A positive outlook is an essential ingredient in reaching goals.”

The Virginia Gay Hospital Parkinson’s support group meets the fourth Wednesday of each month at Virginia Gay from 1:00-2:00. To learn more contact the Therapy Services Department at 319-472-6372 or email Stacey at shodges@vghinc.com.

Early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include tremors, trouble moving at your normal pace, stiff muscles limiting movement, a change in automatic movements like blinking or swinging your arms when you walk, changes in speech, writing that has become small and difficult to read. If you’re experiencing these symptoms please talk with your family health care provider.

To learn more about Parkinson ’s disease visit the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation.