For this month’s issue, we spoke with Dr. Jean Larson, the faculty lead for University of Minnesota’s Nature-Based Therapeutics Services, about the healing power of nature and ways to connect with it. “Gardening is not ‘one size fits all’ – start small and build on success." Dr. Larson recommends. "You don’t need a raised bed or a greenhouse to engage a green thumb. Something as simple as herbs in a windowsill picked as you’re cooking provides a caretaking experience as well as a sensory one, adding flavor to any dish.” (Here are Bachman's recommendations for growing herbs indoors.)  “There are four domains (five, if you count spiritual) of benefits [to gardening]: physical, psychological, cognitive and social,” explains Larson. On the physical front, the routine of working at something consistently can help you cultivate strength in muscles and develop muscle memory, which can help you get into a flow. This mental flow is great for cognition and can improve your mental health. Nature can also provide a neutral space for you to spend time with friends and family (social). And it seems so often what you grow instills a sense of pride which benefits the overall sense of wellbeing (psychological). However you choose to garden, Dr. Larson says it provides “something that is yours to take care of, which can be empowering, liberating, and satisfying.”

It was great to see everyone who came to this year's Moving Day at Hilde Park in Plymouth, MN!  This is always a fun community event (put on by Parkinson's Foundation), especially when the early-May weather cooperates, as it did this year. An unexpected surprise was seeing three members of the UMN dance team stop by our booth; you never know what will happen at Moving Day! (Does anyone remember when someone used to bring ponies??) Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth, and an extra thank you to those who signed up to get more information about research! We are grateful to have a long list this year, and are working on contacting everyone. See you next year! 

Parkinson’s Foundation Resource Fair 
When: Wednesday, June 11, 1:00pm-3:30pm
Where: Eden Prairie Community Center
1600 Valley View Road
Eden Prairie, MN 55346
Notes: More information here. (We'll have a booth at this event, come say hi!)

Driving Assessment & Exercise Education
When: Friday, June 27, 10:00AM
Where: Allina Health CKRI - Golden Valley
Notes: Register here, and for more info, contact Anthony Tolefree at atolefree@apdaparkinson.org

PD Dance Class Series
When: Mondays and Wednesdays, June 9 to August 13th, 2pm-3pm
Where: Midway YMCA, 1761 University Ave W, St. Paul 55104
Notes: This one is not actually free, it's $5 per class, but we had to include it because we love dancing!! No partner or dance experience required. For more info or to register, click here. 

MN Rural Health Conference
When: Monday and Tuesday, June 9 and 10
Where: The DECC, 350 Harbor Drive
Duluth, MN 55802
Notes: More information here.

Just a reminder that there are many free support group meetings all over the state! We always include the link to APDA's lists of support groups in the "Get Connected!" section of this newsletter. For example, did you know that Duluth has two support groups? Duluth folks have a support group meeting every third Monday, 2pm-3:30pm at the Essentia Wellness Center YMCA. Duluth also has a specialized support group for those experiencing or supporting young onset PD; every third Monday, 6pm-7:30pm, also at the Essentia Wellness Center YMCA. For more info about either of these meetings, you can contact Sally Rollins, salster612@gmail.com.

If you'd like your support group highlighted in this newsletter, email us! pdresearch@umn.edu.

Have a resource or upcoming event you would like to share in this newsletter? pdresearch@umn.edu

Want to participate in research? pdresearch@umn.edu