Friday, February 7, 2025
47.2 F
Roseville

Managing Parkinson’s Disease

Ruth Hess lives in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, not far from the Walton Sun, which publishes this column. In 1996, a doctor diagnosed her 74-year-old husband Gerald, who had served in the Air Force as a chief master sergeant, with Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson’s disease affects about one person in a hundred over age sixty. A National Institutes of Health website reports that this chronic, progressive disease is caused by a loss of dopamine-producing brain cells. It has four primary symptoms: tremor, rigidity, slowness of movement, and impaired balance and coordination. Other symptoms may include difficulty swallowing, speaking or chewing; constipation or urinary problems; sleep disruptions, and depression or other emotional changes.

“I noticed it right away when some of the symptoms started 13 years ago,” said Ruth in a telephone interview. “He had a slower walk, his steps were closer together, and he was leaning from the waist. I wasn’t scared because my brother-in-law had it, so I knew what it was and what was coming. I took him right to a neurologist.”

About six years ago, Gerald had to leave his job in financial services primarily because he wasn’t able to talk loud enough on the telephone to clients. The State of Florida had given him a special phone to increase his volume, but even that wasn’t enough.

“Now, he has trouble walking, and uses a walker for short distances and a power chair when leaving home,” said Hess. “He’s handled having Parkinson’s disease well. Part of that is because of his disciplined military background. He gets up in the morning, shaves, eats breakfast, and gets out and does things. He’s on the move all the time. We just came back from week on a Mediterranean cruise.”

The last eight years, Hess, and a friend, Beborra Rogers, have been leading a 60-member support group in Fort Walton Beach for people affected by Parkinson’s disease. Her particular group has a substantial library containing books and videos about the disease, and brings in doctors to explain new treatments and operations, such as deep brain stimulation.

She said, “Get to a support group so you can understand what’s happening, what you can do, and understand the medicine. It’s possible to keep the symptoms under control with proper medication and exercise. You handle it better when knowing what it is and what you can do about it.”



Brighter Side

Trending

Placer Conservation Authority takes step toward securing 4,245 acres of land easement acquisitions north of Lincoln

Auburn, Calif. - Approximately 4,245 acres of prime farmland, natural open space and environmental resources north of Lincoln is a step closer to being secured in perpetuity as part of the Placer County Conservation Program.

Boot Juice and Blü Egyptian in Auburn at Foothills Fillmore Feb 22

Auburn, Calif.- Keep Smilin' Promotions is bringing the much sought after Boot Juice to the Foothill Fillmore. The co-billed event also includes Blü Egyptian which has been described as "somewhere where Jimi Hendrix, Jerry Garcia, Joe Satriani & Buckethead are all infused in a Talking Heads state of mind."

Rocklin Unified and Rocklin Teachers Professional Association reach tentative agreement

Rocklin, Calif. - The Rocklin Unified School District (RUSD) and the California School Employees Association (CSEA), Chapter #773, are pleased to announce a tentative agreement for the 2024-25 academic year.

Placer County takes action to preserve Vista Ranch

Lincoln, Calif. - A 279-acre property of blue oak woodlands along the south shore of Camp Far West Reservoir and the Bear River north of Lincoln is a step closer to being added to the Placer County Conservation Program.

Wells Fargo Bank in Roseville on Douglas Blvd

Wells Fargo Bank on Douglas Blvd in Roseville. Lobby hours are Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Sat 9:00 AM-12:00 PM. Closed on Sundays.

Topics

Placer Conservation Authority takes step toward securing 4,245 acres of land easement acquisitions north of Lincoln

Auburn, Calif. - Approximately 4,245 acres of prime farmland, natural open space and environmental resources north of Lincoln is a step closer to being secured in perpetuity as part of the Placer County Conservation Program.

Boot Juice and Blü Egyptian in Auburn at Foothills Fillmore Feb 22

Auburn, Calif.- Keep Smilin' Promotions is bringing the much sought after Boot Juice to the Foothill Fillmore. The co-billed event also includes Blü Egyptian which has been described as "somewhere where Jimi Hendrix, Jerry Garcia, Joe Satriani & Buckethead are all infused in a Talking Heads state of mind."

Rocklin Unified and Rocklin Teachers Professional Association reach tentative agreement

Rocklin, Calif. - The Rocklin Unified School District (RUSD) and the California School Employees Association (CSEA), Chapter #773, are pleased to announce a tentative agreement for the 2024-25 academic year.

Placer County takes action to preserve Vista Ranch

Lincoln, Calif. - A 279-acre property of blue oak woodlands along the south shore of Camp Far West Reservoir and the Bear River north of Lincoln is a step closer to being added to the Placer County Conservation Program.

Wells Fargo Bank in Roseville on Douglas Blvd

Wells Fargo Bank on Douglas Blvd in Roseville. Lobby hours are Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Sat 9:00 AM-12:00 PM. Closed on Sundays.

Ultimate Staffing in Roseville

Ultimate Staffing in Roseville. Employment agency that places temporary, temp-to-hire and direct hire positions.

Sutter Imaging Roseville Parkway

Sutter Imaging Roseville Parkway. Offering a range of powerful diagnostic tools, including ultrasounds, MRIs and X-rays.

Automotive Service of Roseville on Douglas Blvd

Automotive Service of Roseville offers a full range of auto repair services as well as smog certification and our own car wash. Bring your car or truck in today!

Related Articles

Local Spotlight

Stanford Ranch Family Dentistry in Rocklin serving the local community since 2000

Rocklin, Calif.- For nearly 24 years, Jason and Heather have grown their successful Stanford Ranch Family Dentistry practice by faithfully serving patients throughout the Rocklin, Roseville, and greater South Placer County region. Their business has grown to now employ over a dozen employees which helps them meet the growing demands of a successful local business.

NorCal Solar and Gutter Cleaning in Roseville: Keeping Your Home Safe and Efficient

Roseville, Calif. - NorCal Solar and Gutter Cleaning, founded in 2019 by Brian Rykhlyuk shortly after graduating from Roseville High School, has quickly become a trusted name in the community for gutter cleaning and solar panel maintenance services.

Making a Splash in Roseville at Steve Wallen Swim School

Roseville, Calif. - Steve Wallen Swim School in Roseville teaches swim lessons and water safety for infants, kids, and adults of all skill levels.