We are fortunate to have Dr. Monique Giroux as our guest speaker at the Orcas Island Parkinson’s support group on Jan. 18 at 1 p.m. at the Orcas senior center.  Dr. Giroux is a Movement Disorder Specialist and Medical Director of the Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation.  She is a national leader in comprehensive patient-centered care for Parkinson’s and related movement  disorders.

Dr. Giroux has developed comprehensive care programs for people with Parkinson’s and focuses on positive wellness and attitude while living with this disease.  It is a baffling and chronic disease, for which there is no known cure; however, with a combination of physical therapy, diet and control of stress in addition to medication, symptoms can be controlled to varying degrees.  Regular exercise is absolutely essential!

We have two Parkinson’s support groups in the islands.  The Orcas group  was recently started by Ted Grossman and usually meets the 3rd Tuesday at 1 p.m.  The Lopez group has met informally for about two years, but now usually meets at 4:30 p.m. on the 3rd Monday of the month.  However, this month we are all going to Orcas to hear Dr. Giroux speak.  We will be sharing rides to that meeting.

Anyone interested in joining us can call Jackie Ashe at 468–2435.  This meeting is open to anyone interested in Parkinson’s Disease.