Welcome to the May edition of our newsletter, we're excited to feature the joys and benefits of getting outdoors and gardening!🌸 Gardening is not only a delightful way to enjoy the spring weather, but it also offers health benefits for those living with Parkinson's disease. According to the Brian Grant Foundation, gardening can improve motor skills, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being.
Thank you for joining us at the annual Spring PD Patient Symposium!
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of this year's Spring Parkinson's Patient Symposium on April 25th. Your presence and participation made the event truly special.
A big thanks to our incredible partners, the Parkinson's Foundation and the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA), for their unwavering support and collaboration. Together, we are making strides towards a brighter future for the Parkinson's community.
In future issues of this newsletter, we'll feature videos of M Health Fairview practitioner Dr. Natalie Heinrich, who talked about medications and things to consider, Dr. Mike Howell, who gave a fascinating presentation on sleep!
Welcome Becky Southwick, MSN, RN, Our New Deep Brain Stimulation Program Manager!
Many of you have had the pleasure of working with our DBS program manager, nurse Susan Vold, at the M Health Fairview Clinics and Surgery Center before her retirement earlier this year. Susan found and trained a wonderful replacement before she left; Becky Southwick, MSN, RN, brings a wealth of experience from the University of Minnesota Medical Center, where she specialized in Neurological/Surgical Critical Care, serving in roles that spanned bedside nursing, clinical education, and management.
Becky is deeply passionate about neurological disorders and is dedicated to advancing awareness of innovative treatments and cutting-edge research in the field.
Outside of work, Becky loves to travel and spend time with her family. She has an adventurous spirit—with a goal of visiting all 50 states and every continent!
Please join us in welcoming Becky to the team!
*Free* PD Events in May
Moving Day
At Moving Day Twin Cities, Parkinson's patients can participate in energizing movement sessions and connect with local resources to support their journey. Come find us at our booth to say hello and get a prize! When: Saturday, May 3. Registration opens at 9am, event is from 10am-11:15am. Where: Hilde Performance Center - 3500 Plymouth Blvd, Plymouth, MN 55447 Note: More information here.
Parkinson's IQ + You
In-person educational event designed for people with Parkinson’s and their loved ones. Features sessions on navigating Parkinson's, managing care and research participation. The accompanying Partner Expo includes information on treatment options and local resources for the Parkinson’s community. We'll have a booth at this event as well, come say hi! When: Saturday, May 17, 9am-2pm Registration and Partner Expo open at 9am; programming begins at 10am. Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Bloomington - Minneapolis South - 7800 Normandale Blvd, Minneapolis, MN 55439 Note: Find out more on the MJ Fox website, here.
This newsletter is a service of the MnDRIVE DBS Core at the University of Minnesota. If you would like to support Parkinson's Disease Research at the University of Minnesota, you can make donations here!
