Health & Fitness WELLNESS THE PARK LIVING Family Ties Jewish Family Service hosts Parkinson's support group. Robyn Gorell Special to the Jewish News B ob Berlow of West Bloomfield feels himself very fortunate — his Parkinson's disease symptoms haven't worsened and he stays active and productive. Berlow is 62 and an attorney, of coun- sel for Taubman, Nadis & Neuman PC, in Farmington Hills. He was diagnosed with the neurode- generative disease in 2001 after consulting Bob Berlow a doctor about what he thought was a pulled tendon. Several other symptoms also had bothered Berlow sporadically. The doctor suspected Parkinson's, ordered an MRI and made an appointment for Berlow with a local neurologist. The diagnosis was confirmed. Nowadays, Berlow receives regular treatment through the University of Michigan Health System. Helping Hands Recently, the Michigan Parkinson Foundation (MPF) started a new, monthly support group for individu- als with Parkinson's disease and their care partners. The meetings are held at 7 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month at Jewish Family Service (JFS) in West Bloomfield. Berlow, a member of the MPF Board of Directors, had recognized that a support group was needed in a Jewish environment. JFS donated the meeting room and the services of group facili- tator Erella Reichman, MSW, to help get things started. The response has been tremendous, says Berlow, and all are welcome. Attendees interact with peers and learn valuable information and skills from guest speakers, including physi- cians, speech and occupational thera- pists, or discuss topics of interest. Says Berlow, "MPF support groups play a vital role in connect- ing Parkinson's patients, families and other care partners. Many people in the public don't realize that Parkinson's affects not just the patients, but impacts their families as well. The West Bloomfield support group already is making a difference in attendees' quality of life." Parkinson's disease belongs to a group of conditions called motor system disorders. The basic problem in Parkinson's disease is loss of dopa- mine-producing nerve cells in the substantia nigra pars compacta area of the brain. Parkinson's patients lose more of these cells than other people. Parkinson's is recognized by the presence of at least three of four cardinal signs: tremor or trembling in hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face; rigidity or stiffness of the limbs and trunk; bradykinesia, or slowness of movement; and postural instability, or impaired balance and coordination. Worsening Symptoms As symptoms become more pro- nounced, patients may have difficulty walking, talking or completing simple tasks. Additional symptoms may include depression and other emo- tional changes; difficulty in swallow- ing, chewing and speaking; urinary problems or constipation; skin prob- Family Ties on page 30 Michigan Parkinson Foundation • 30400 Telegraph Road, Suite 150, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 (248) 433-1011, (800) 852-9781, www.parkinsonsmi.org • West Bloomfield Support Group, 7 p.m., first Wednesday of the month Jewish Family Service, 6555 W. Maple, West Bloomfield, MI 48322 • MPF services: living with Parkinson's disease orientation, information, education, referrals, access to community resources, support groups, training for health professionals, second-opinion clinics in areas of Michigan underrepresented by neurologists, social activities. "I JUST DECIDED THAT I DIDN'T WANT TO BE ALONE ANYMORE , Peaking new friends is one of life's greatest pleasures. Residents of The Park at Trowbridge often become re- energized with a whole new zest for life as they make new friends with people their own age, people they can relate to. See for yourself why seniors living at The Park at Trowbridge experience an invigorating sense of independence, freedom and optimism. I Your story continues here... A For more information or l/4 to visit, call today! at Trowbridge (248) 352-0208 24111 Civic Center Drive Southfield, MI 48033 I HORIZON BAY RETIREMENT HYING. I www.horizonbay.coxn 1551 10 OMPT SPECIALISTS offers caring, skilled therapy in state-of-the-art setting With HYDRO TRACK Hydro Track aquatic therapy where the water is heated to a perfect temperature supporting your body, reducing joint stress and the air jets provides resistance to legs adding the strength factor to your muscles. "Hydro Track is a truly wonderful & satisfying experience. I'm able to walk for long periods with absolutely no pain. After my appointments and even days later, I still feel the benefits of water therapy." -Robert Galin, D.D.S. -- Call for a FREE OMPT SPECIALISTS, INC., consultation 29255 Northwestern Hwy., Suite 300, Southfield, MI 248-353-1234 www.myompt.com 1547320 Keep your company top of mind with our readers. ADVERTISE WITH US! CALL 248.351.5107 Visit theJEWISHNEWS.com iN January 7 • 2010 IN 29