Of fi ci al N ew sl et t e r of t h e Park i n son i s m S oci et y W ai ka t o In c
THE SUPPORTING HAND
Newsletter No 216
CC No 27397
October 2012
Research
.
Information
.
Support
.
Education
A word Margaret Nicholson—VP and UpBeat meeting organiser.
At the upbeat meeting, which was held in the communal area of 11 Somerset St - since the
booked Neurological speaker was ill, (she will be rescheduled.) we did some brain gym
stretches and exercises in gathering information on people in social occasions to look at our
communication skills. Lloyd taught the group how to do Sudoku - how to look at logical paths
in problem solving this puzzle. Fran and Tony spoke on their trip to Canada and shared
some photos. Margo demonstrated her new Nordic Walking sticks and showed us what an
improvement it has made in her ability to walk.
Next month is a combined Support Group Meeting and Upbeat Meeting with a BBQ lunch
starting at 1 o’clock. Bring a your own meat to BBQ and bring a plate of food to share such
as salad, boiled eggs, a sweet or whatever. This will be a social occasion and will be held
rain or shine.
Fundraising for Parkinson’s Waikato:
On Sale Now: 2013 feral Calendar at only $15 each.
Coming up:
Parkinson’s Awareness Week—1st—7th November.
This year we are holding a Golf Tournament, on 3rd November—more information on pg 2.
Garage Sale on 8th December, details on page 7.
We need your support and help to make these successful events. The money raised goes
toward supporting the Field Officer Service in the Waikato & Coromandel areas.
Kind Regards,
Margaret N.
From the Office:
This is the sort of email I love to receive!
Hi Gail,
I took one of my Parkinson's tulips to Garden Club today
and won the best 'bloom prize'. It's pink. I took this shot
and by chance the afternoon sun came out and lit up the
inside of the flower. Gorgeous!
Enjoy. Warm regards, Raewyn Thorburn
And for anyone wanting gift ideas we have
FOR SALE: Potted Tulips - $4.50—$6 per pot
2013 feral Calendar—$15 each
Take care—Gail
Please send in any articles or topics of interest and we will add it to the newsletter when we have the
space.
Parkinson’s Waikato
Charity Golf Day
Saturday 3rd November
Are you interested in a FUN GOLF DAY at Hukanui Golf Club? This day will feature:

Green fees $20 for non-members
Plus

9 & 18 hole completion

Entries will be accepted on the day
Quickfire

9 am tee-off - nearest pin—longest drive—haggles
Raffles
$2
Sponsorship opportunities are still available for the Golf Day—please contact Janice Diez if you
are interested Phone 07 847 5326 or office 07 839 9038—email [email protected]
Don’t miss out—please support this fun charity day in aid of people with Parkinsonism conditions.
Eileen Barker - Field Officer, Cambridge & Hamilton East
Hello, Thanks to the Waikato Parkinson Committee, the Field Officers were able to attend the annual Parkinson’s Field Officer conference in Wellington during September. We had a very interesting
two days and it was great to be able to share stories and ideas with others from all over New Zealand.
Sessions on LSTV-Big by Physiotherapist Tara Martin (who also spoke at the Upbeat weekend) and
Lorraine McDonald, Parkinson’s Nurse Specialist in Auckland, informing us of Parkinson’s medications plus Lizzie Kent, the Clinical Psychologist for the Psychology Clinic, Massey University were
very informative.
Tara Martin will be presenting at a Seminar organised by Rotorua Parkinson’s members in Rotorua
on November 8th. See Page 7 & 8 for flyer and registration form.
We have all our Parkinson’s Waikato Library books available for loan now. Your field officer can help
if you are interested. The Simpson family very kindly donated their collection of books to Parkinson
Waikato. Thank you.
Take care
Eileen
PARKINSON'S WAIKATO LIBRARY BOOKS
John C. Coleman ND
3/09/2012
STOP PARKIN' AND START LIVIN
(Reversing the symptoms of Parkinson's disease)
David L Cram,MD &
Understanding Parkinson's Disease
(A Self-Help Guide)
Michael J Fox
Always Looking Up
(The Adventures of an incurable optimist)
Michael J Fox
Lucky Man
(A memoir)
Abraham.N Lieberman Parkinson's Disease
(The complete Guide for Patients and Caregivers)
William J Weiner, MD & Parkinson's Disease
( A Comprehensive resource for coping with medical, emotional and practical challenges)
Page 2
2005
2009
2010
2002
1993
2001
PARKINSONISM SOCIETY WAIKATO INC
Five Stages of Accepting an Illness
Though symptoms of chronic illnesses differ, people with them are united by the denial, anger, fear, hope, and
acceptance and other feelings they bring. Below are the five stages that people typically go through when they
find out they have a chronic illness. Not everyone goes through these stages in the same order and it is common to go back and forth between stages as your physical health improves or worsens. No matter what stage
you are in, just accept that this is where you belong, go with it, and feel all the emotions you need to feel in order to move to the next stage. Don’t rush this process. Let it happen naturally. If you believe that you are stuck
in one of the first four stages permanently, you may want to consult with a therapist. We all have problems that
we need to cope with besides this illness, and they can sometimes prevent this process from occurring naturally.
1. Denial. Any change or loss in your life is likely to bring denial, and learning that you have a chronic disease
can bring large doses of it. Someone in denial may believe a disease can’t hurt them. They may ignore their
doctors’ advice that could help keep the disease under control. In the case of people with diabetes that may
mean refusing to take medications or eat a proper diet. On the other hand, some people quickly accept a disease and turn their attention toward healing. These people stay abreast of medical advances and work with
doctors to keep the disease in check.
2. Anger. What often fuels denial is anger--anger that an individual was the “one in 1,000” to get a disease. Anger may also be directed inward, with an individual blaming himself or herself for having the illness. The best
way to minimize anger is to find outlets for it. Writing in a journal, attending a support group or meeting with a
counsellor are constructive ways to express anger. Anger is normal and can take a long time to work through.
Sometimes a small part of anger stays with you throughout the entire illness.
3. Fear. Often underlying anger is the fear that comes with having a disease that can’t be cured. People with
chronic illnesses may start to view life through a “telephoto lens” instead of a “wide-angle lens”. They stop planning ahead or making life changes because they believe they won’t be around much longer. Fear is often enhanced when people know little about a disease, so combating it often begins with education. The more a person learns about a disease, the more they feel in control of it. Fear also occurs when you lose faith in your ability to fight and to believe in the plan of the universe. This is the most important stage to work through. Fear
does no good. It only causes toxins in your body that will make you sicker. Believe in the Master Plan and let
the fear go as soon as you can. It will come back, but don’t let it take over. Tell it that it is a useless feeling and
that you are stronger than it is.
4. Grief. Feelings of grief and loss are common because chronic diseases bring life restrictions that others don’t
have to face. These may include no longer being able to participate in activities once enjoyed, like eating a favourite meal or playing catch with a grandchild. Grief can cause feelings of inadequacy and lead to withdrawal
and isolation. Focusing on activities that remain unaffected by an illness can help people overcome these feelings. Those who refuse to think of themselves as ‘sick’ will have a more positive outlook. Joining a support
group can also help. Groups allow people to meet others with the same disease who are still active and accomplishing goals.
5. Acceptance. Though managing a long-term illness can bring emotional upheaval, it also brings the triumphant feelings and strength that come with overcoming obstacles. Success comes in a variety of forms, whether
it’s controlling a disease with positive thinking, biofeedback, or physical therapy so well that less medication is
needed or accepting that the illness has irrevocably changed your life and some of it is very, very good. With
each success comes the confidence that you’re able to live a full, rewarding life and maybe even a more meaningful life than if you hadn’t gotten the illness. If you are interested in learning more about these stages, look up
Elizabeth Kubler-Ross at the library or on any search engine. She is the pioneer in studying the stages of grief
and has written several books.
Strategies for Moving Through Grief
Illness brings loss, which takes some time to process. What can help you move through your time of grief?
Use problem-solving: Respond to the emotions of chronic illness by problem-solving, as indicated in the examples above. One way to move through grief is to use its emotions as the impetus to adopt self-management
strategies to remedy the situations that triggered the emotions. Keep structure in your life: Having a routine provides a sense of stability and familiarity, counteracting the feelings of disorientation and uncertainty brought by
loss. Writer Gail Cassidy suggests that routine also offers a distraction from loss. “Do not make any unnecessary major changes in your life during times of loss, as they can further add to the existing instability and anxiety.” Avoid stress: Having to adjust to the many changes brought by illness is traumatic. In a situation in which
you are already overloaded emotionally, it’s best to avoid people and situations that add more stress. Gail Cassidy suggests you “stay away from negative people and situations that trigger negative emotions.”
Continued…….pg4
PARKINSONISM SOCIETY WAIKATO INC
Page 3
Strategies for Moving Through Grief…..Continued
Acknowledge loss: Some people report they found it useful to make a public declaration of loss.
One person in our program wrote a Christmas letter to friends to explain why they hadn’t heard from him.
The letter said, in part: “I am sobered by the realization that it is highly unlikely that I will return to the level of
functioning that I had before becoming ill and so probably will have to adjust to living a life with greater limits
than before.” He reports writing the letter helped him accept his limits and, paradoxically, increased his resolve to improve.
Respond positively to self-pity: Almost everyone with chronic illness occasionally feels sorry for themselves. It’s not surprising that we would sometimes feel overwhelmed by emotions, given the losses and
stresses we experience. Here are four ideas about how to fight back.
1. Recognize self-pity is a part of serious illness:
Just as symptoms wax and wane, so do emotions. Acknowledging that self-pity is happening can take
some of its power away. You might say something like “Oh, there’s self-pity again” or “I’m feeling sorry for
myself.” Also, it can help to say consoling things like “I’ve felt this was before and it’s always blown over, so
probably it won’t last this time either.”
2. Rest: Strong emotions are sometimes triggered by fatigue and other symptoms. In those instances,
rest may help alleviate both physical symptoms and emotions.
3. Connect with others: Reach out via phone, email or in-person contact. Sometimes just being in touch
can change a mood. At other times it helps to have your mood acknowledged.
4. Help others: Shift your attention off yourself onto what you can do for your family, friends or others in your
life.
Source: http://www.cfidsselfhelp.org/library/grieving-your-losses
Message from Margaret Raddatz Field Officer, Thames/Coromandel and Hamilton West.
Hello from Margaret.
Here we are another month gone, they are flying by. Daylight savings has started, so more daylight
time for exercise and fun things. The management of Parkinson's medication on time is number 1
priority and number 2 is exercise, repetitive and something that alternates from left side to right
side is perfect, and if you puff and sweat this is even better! You don’t necessarily have to do 30
minutes at a time, so even a few minutes at a time and a few times a day, will be of benefit.
Everyone’s Tulips finished flowering? I have seen some lovely Tulips around on my travels, and
one person even got Best Bloom at their local garden club. Someone else said they never lift their
bulbs but when the leaves start dying off they give it a liquid fertiliser each week until the leaves
have died off completely and they have wonderful blooms each year,
this is with all their bulbs not just tulips.
Take care, Regards.
How many squares did you find?
The answer is:
8 x small squares
9 x double squares (2 x 2)
1 x quad squares (4 x 4)
Page 4
18 x single squares
4 x triple squares (3 x 3)
PARKINSONISM SOCIETY WAIKATO INC
A Huge THANK YOU to the team
of volunteers from Interactionz,
Dalmont Centre, who, each month,
cheerfully fold and envelope your
Supporting Hand —
Well Done Team!
Sudoku
Especially for our UpBeat Members—see if you
can remember all the techniques that Lloyd
showed you at your last meeting! Enjoy, and
please, can someone send me the solution!
Thanks.
Q. What did the spider email to the fly?
A. Visit my Web site!
Keep smiling!
The Top Ten Differences Between
Cats & Dogs:
“Have you got any kittens going
cheap?” Asked a customer in a pet
shop.
“No, sir,” replied the owner.
“All our kittens go “Meow.”
10. Dogs come when you call them. Cats take a
message and get back to you when they are
good and ready.
9. Dogs will let you give them a bath without taking out a contract on your life.
8. Dogs will bark to wake you up if the house is
on fire. Cats will quietly sneak out the back door.
7. Dogs will bring you your slippers or the evening newspaper. Cats might bring you a dead
mouse.
6. Dogs will play Frisbee with you all afternoon.
Cats will take a three-hour nap.
5. Dogs will sit on the car seat next to you. Cats
have to have their own private box or they will
not go at all.
4. Dogs will greet you and lick your face when
you come home from work. Cats will be mad
that you went to work at all.
3. Dogs will sit, lie down, and heel on command.
Cats will smirk and walk away.
2. Dogs will tilt their heads and listen whenever
you talk. Cats will yawn and close their eyes.
1. Dogs will give you unconditional love forever.
Cats will make you pay for every mistake you've
ever made since the day you were born.
CHANGING YOUR ADDRESS?
If you are moving—let us know your new address.
Phone the office 07 839 9038 or contact your Field Officer.
If you are moving area, please tell us and we can ensure you receive
the correct contact information for Parkinson’s in that area.
PARKINSONISM SOCIETY WAIKATO INC
Page 5
Thank you
to all advertisers in the Supporting Hand we appreciate your support and hope our readers will support you. If anyone would like to place an advertisement in The Supporting Hand, please
contact Gail at the Office.
Fundraiser
Parkinson’s Waikato Calendar
“2013 feral” a calendar of untamed NZ is now
available. Beautiful photography again—by
Fran Allcock—also a person with Parkinson’s.
Funds raised by sale of this calendar goes towards the Field Officer Service in your region—you can support this—not only by purchasing a copy but we also appreciate your
help with marketing this calendar. Tell your
family, friends, neighbours, bank, local dairy,
supermarket, taxi driver, schools, pharmacy,
doctor, gym, and other local businesses.
$15
Per Copy
Contact the office Phone 07 839 9038 or your Field Officer for futher information or
to order a copy.
We ask for $3 to cover postage (if needed) - an envelope will fit up to 4 calendars.
Email: [email protected]
Page 6
PARKINSONISM SOCIETY WAIKATO INC
Mind and Body—Parkinson’s Rotorua
A rehabilitation Seminar with speakers:
Wayne Froggatt on The Management & Prevention of Depression in Neurological Disorders and Tara Martin, who will discuss the rehabilitation of people with neurological conditions such as Stroke, MS, Parkinson’s, brain injury and spinal cord injury.
Tara is a physiotherapist and is the only Certified LSVT Big instructor in NZ.
Date: Thursday 8th November 2012
Time: 9.30 - 3.00pm
Venue: Holiday Inn Hotel, Tyron St, Rotorua
Cost: $35 per person—this includes morning tea and lunch.
RSVP registration 5th November.
Time to Spring Clean?
Time to clear out some items that you no longer need?
Please think of us…..Spread the word….Help us make this a successful fundraising event.
The Parkinson’s Society Waikato
will be holding a
Garage Sale on 8th December 8.30am.
We will accept your surplus items: Clean, useable working order—Large or small; collectables,
white elephant items, sewing and knitted articles, preserves, jams, and baking.
Small items can be delivered to the Office or larger items to the packhouse.
Or phone Margaret and Lloyd Nicholson for collection.
The Garage sale will be held at Nicholson’s Orchard, 3682 Cambridge Rd, which is the Cambridge, Te Awamutu road. Coming from the Cambridge end, go over the low level bridge, turn
right as if going to Te Awamutu, follow this road out of town, past the Kaipaki Road turn off that
goes to Mystery Creek and the Airport, (you’re still on the Cambridge, Te Awamutu road though)
and we are the 3rd property on the left, its a orchard covered in netting.
Please leave stuff on the steps around the back of the brick house if the Nicholson’s are not there,
or phone 07 827 3088 or the office 07 839 9038, to arrange collection.
SAVE A TREE: SAVE POSTAGE COSTS
Please let the office know if you are happy to receive your copy of
The Supporting Hand by email
PARKINSONISM SOCIETY WAIKATO INC
Page 7
Page 8
What’s On
NOTE: All entries are by
Calendar Dates
October 2012
Monday 8th October, 1.30pm, Carer’s meeting @ The Parkinson’s Office
Communal area, 11 Somerset St, Frankton.
Wednesday 10th October, 11.30am : Whitianga Shared lunch,
Andrew's Church, All welcome
St
Tuesday October 16th October, 1.00pm: Combined Hamilton Support
Group & Upbeat BBQ, At Parkinson’s Office, Communal area, 11
Somerset St, Frankton, Hamilton. Bring a small plate to share and your
meat to BBQ, Sausages supplied.
Tuesday October 23rd October, 1.30pm: Cambridge Support group meeting at Resthaven Quiet room, Vogel St, Cambridge.
Thursday 25th October, 10.30am: Thames Careers Meeting Resouce
Centre McKay St, shared morning tea
Friday 26th October, 10.30am: Whangamata All members Sands Cafe
UPBEAT MEETINGS
Thursday November 1st 10.00 am Morning Tea at Hilda Ross Retirement
Village Community room, 30 Ruakura Rd, Hamilton. All welcome
Hamilton
Tuesday 16th Oct
1.00 pm
Combined Hamilton
Support Group &
Upbeat BBQ.
At Parkinson’s Office,
Community area, 11
Somerset St, Frankton, Hamilton.
Bring a small plate to
share and your meat
to BBQ.
Sausages supplied.
ALL WELCOME:
Singing Group at Te Kauwhata, Community Hall, Aparangi Village every Thursday 10am. And a
shared morning tea (gold coin please), this is for anyone
with a neurological condition, so if you know of anyone
else that would like to come along they are most welcome.
EXERCISE
CLASS
FREE!
COMING UP
Combined Hamilton
Support Group &
UpBeat Group
Christmas Lunch
More info in next
month’s Supporting
Hand (should be in the
first week of December)
PARKINSONISM SOCIETY WAIKATO INC
EVERY Wednesday at the
Matamata Medical Centre,
Rawhiti Ave, Matamata,
10.00am—11.30am
Come along & enjoy a safe
exercise programme
COMING UP
IN NOVEMBER
Hilda Ross Retirement Village
Thursday November 1st 10.00 am
Morning Tea in Community room, 30
Ruakura Rd, Hamilton.
All welcome
Putaruru: Support Meeting
15th November at 1pm
Overdale Community House, Overdale
Road, Putaruru.
Contributions for afternoon tea appreciated.
Page 9
Condolences
The committee and Staff offer their condolences to the family and friends of those who have
recently passed away.
Parkinsonism Society Waikato Inc
(A division of Parkinsonism Society of NZ Incorporated)
Thank you for remembering Parkinson’s Waikato with your generous In Memory Donations.
11 Somerset Street, Frankton,
HAMILTON. 3204
Many families have requested that donations be made to
the Society in lieu of flowers.
We offer our thanks to all those who have made such
contributions as a symbol of their friendship and support.
Receipts and acknowledgement will be sent on request.
PO BOX 1235
Waikato Mail Centre
Hamilton. 3240
email: [email protected]
Phone: 07 839 9038
Website: www.parkinsons.org.nz
facebook: waikato parkinsons.
President:
Janice Diez
ForAll
All Medical
For
MedicalUpdates
Updates
and Health Information
andconsult
Healthyour
Information
please
Parkinsonian
Refer to the Parkinsonian Magazine
Vice President: Margaret Nicholson
Administration:
Co-Ordinator - Gail Tait

Office hours: 9:00 am to 2.00 pm
( Tuesday to Friday)
This is a quarterly magazine sent to you by the
If you have not received a copy, contact Gail
National Office, Wellington.
at the office—these are a quarterly magazines
If you have not received a copy, let your Field
sent by National Office, Wellington.
Officer know or contact Gail at the Hamilton office
Committee members:
Janice Diez Alain Harper
Margaret & Lloyd Nicholson
Kelvin Baxter Peter Theobald
Eileen Barker
HELP WANTED
Field Officers:
Hamilton City/Cambridge
Eileen Barker
027 288 2295
Hamilton West Waikato
Margaret Raddatz 07 862 8208
027 211 2295
Kaimai
Tui Priest
We need your help with various projects

Parkinson’s has a new moderator for Face Book.
Thank you Errol for your thorough attention to this urgent need.

We still need volunteers to help in the office—
Shredding paper, sorting files, preparing envelopes for
posting Newsletter, setting up for meetings and other
various projects.

Please contact Gail or your Field Officer, if you are willing to become a volunteer for Parkinson’s.
07 888 8488
027 211 2294
Thames /Coromandel
Margaret Raddatz 07 862 8208
027 211 2295
Disclaimer: Please do not interpret anything in this newsletter as medical advice—always discuss with your Doctor first.
Parkinson's New Zealand offers education, information and support to people living with Parkinsonism conditions, their caregivers, friends, families and
health professionals.
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PARKINSONISM SOCIETY WAIKATO INC