Join us on March 17 at 1:30 p.m. in the SaddleBrooke One Arts and Craft Center, Room 3, for a presentation by Dr. Michaela Gaither, PT, DPT, OCS, CMPT, CSI.
Fear Factor!
The amygdala in our brain is the area that is searching for danger, often without conscious awareness on our part. Once there has been a challenge, accident, near accident, diagnosis, or scare, the amygdala will keep searching for similar situations to try to protect one from subsequent repeats. One needs to carefully assess the situation with supportive information to get a realistic cognitive view. This fear can create maladaptive restrictions of actions that can actually make one more vulnerable to injury. Especially with Parkinson’s, the reduction in dopamine production deceives the perception by the brain. Actions that can help:
1.) Recounting with an appropriate professional is the first step in reducing fear and negative feelings.
2.) Extinguish fears by replacing them with new experiences that are positive. Learn a new way to feel with solid evidence, balancing the positive association to diminish the original cause, not to erase it. Having the attitude that in spite of it, I will make a good life for myself!
3.) Social connections are an important part in our classes, sharing new ways of learning and sharing what works with each other. Many members of the class have been very creative in how difficulties were solved and the understanding between one another. Social isolation may exacerbate the fear factor. Breathing techniques are part of the relief factor.
4.) We do troubleshooting sessions to help one another.
Our class is Tuesday and Thursday at 1:30 p.m. in the SaddleBrooke One Arts and Crafts Center, Room 3, two days a week, which is really not enough. The members would benefit greatly from participating in two more sessions a week. Exercise, with the medication for Parkinson’s, is the most effective way to delay the progression of the disease, and it helps with a better quality of life!
Go to www.silversneakers.com to check if you have coverage in your health policy, or you can call the number on the back of your insurance card. It is not provided by Medicare.
For AARP, United Healthcare, and other insurance plans, go to uhcrenewactive.com/home.
For Blue Cross and other insurance plans, go to www.silverandfit.com.
Club Vice President Hans Von Michaelis can be reached at 303-549-4480.
Annual club dues are $10.
We are listed in SaddleBrooke One under exercise and support. We have quarterly support and educational meetings on the third Thursday of the month from 1:30 to 3 p.m. in the SaddleBrooke Arts and Crafts Center, Room 3, next to the gift shop. Free assessments! All are welcome!
Go to www.pmdalliance.org for Parkinson’s info and support.
BIG/PWR! Certified Trainer Vera Shury can be reached at 520-275-8755 or [email protected]. She is now a Health and Wellness Coach (W54776).