Wednesday this week, April 11, is World Parkinson’s Day.
‘Pause 4 Parkinson’s’ is the message behind the annual event. The aim is to raise funds for vital research, better treatments and ultimately, a cure.
Como’s Ruth Matthews, 78, was diagnosed with Parkinson's in her sixties.
She developed a love of painting as a child, and on World Parkinson's Day this year, she will present one of her abstract paintings to NSW governor-general, David Hurley, at Government House.
Her husband David says his wife has a special talent.
“Ruth has been painting since she was a little kid,” he said.
“She’s done hundreds of portraits, but we lost our house in the 1994 bushfire, so now we have another house full of beautiful paintings in every room.
“She sits out on the deck and just paints.
“She finds it more difficult to paint because her Parkinson’s is advanced, and her short term memory is not very good, but it’s a major thing for her.
“If you’ve been doing such as a fantastic job over many years it becomes part of who you are.”
Secretary of St George and Sutherland Shire Parkinson's Support Group, Jan Wiseman, says World Parkinson’s Day plays a vital role in the community.
“All serious health issues benefit from having a bit of light shining upon them,” she said.
“Parkinson’s NSW is promoting the day while highlighting that research shows exercise reduces symptoms, that 20 per cent of people with Parkinson’s are of working age, and that there are more than 80,000 people with Parkinson’s in Australia.
“My husband was 57 at the time of his diagnosis. He is now 76.
“The medical profession usually acknowledges that the patient may have had some indication of symptoms for up to seven years prior to diagnosis.
“When telling people with no knowledge of this particular neuro-degenerative problem, I tend to send blank looks in their direction when they respond ‘oh we’re just all getting old.’’’
St George occupational therapist, Tamsin Philipps, provides physical support for people living with neurological conditions, including Parkinson’s.
She has developed an exercise and wellness program at her business, Neu You Rehab at Oatley and Penshurst.
Activities include pilates to gain strength, stability and posture, cardiovascular exercise and Nordic walking –using poles for balance training.
“Exercise is really beneficial for people with Parkinson’s,” she said.
“It enables them to live well and independently.
“[My clients say] that World Parkinson’s Day is a great way to create more attention. They tell me that while it is often a hidden condition, they want people to know they are still human, and that this is a very common neurological condition.
“They say they need more funding, more clinical trials, and more services like this one in our area.”
Support through social media #UniteForParkinsons.
