Neuroscience Institute holds events to promote Parkinson’s Disease Awareness
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative brain disorder that occurs when a person’s brain slowly stops producing a neurotransmitter called dopamine. With less dopamine, a person has less ability to regulate his or her movements, body and emotions.
Throughout April, the Movement Disorders and Parkinson’s Program at the UF Health Neuroscience Institute – Jacksonville partnered with community members to educate and promote awareness of the disease. The Institute hosted a Parkinson’s Disease Symposium on April 2 and sponsored the First Coast Parkinson’s Run on April 23.
In addition to these special events, Parkinson’s patients and their family members receive group counseling led by licensed therapists at a monthly support group. Patients may also participate in yoga and tai chi classes that aid in relaxation, flexibility, stress reduction and balance improvement.
The Institute remains committed to outreach and education about the disease that affects nearly 10 million people worldwide. Read about Stan Harris’ journey below and see how our efforts at UF Health Jacksonville make a difference in the lives of those with Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinson’s patient is a true hero to those throughout the community
A slight but repetitive tremor moved through Stan Harris’ left hand for the first time in 1985. Happily married with three children and his whole life ahead of him, he neither his doctor thought too much of the movement. But 15 years passed and the frequency of the tremor increased. This time though, slowness, rigidity and balance issues quickly followed. Harris was then diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2000.
“I was in denial as to how serious it was,” Harris said. “I didn’t think of the impact of the disease over the course of a lifetime. When I went to the symposium at UF Health Jacksonville and saw all the patients at different stages, it was a real shocking eye-opener.”
Since then, Harris has used medication and deep brain stimulation to treat his condition, but believes exercising and staying active has helped him effectively manage his disease. He continues to teach at Grove Park Elementary School in Orange Park and, along with his students, planted a vegetable garden. He also enjoys riding his bike, teaching piano lessons and leading the largest Parkinson’s disease support group in his area. He was motivated to begin this group closer to home because of the support and connections he initially made through UF Health Jacksonville.
Harris was named a “Super Hero” at the third annual First Coast Parkinson’s Run on April 23 for his dedicated and outstanding work throughout the community. Even though he shies away from the term, that’s exactly what he is to many in the community. Without his efforts to start and maintain a support network, one would not exist.
“Support groups are a tremendous resource in the community, particularly for Parkinson’s patients,” said Karen Perrin, the Parkinson’s and Neuropathy Program coordinator at UF Health Jacksonville. “Because Parkinson’s is a slow, but comprehensive and progressive disease, it’s good to be involved with one early on in the diagnosis.”
Many Parkinson’s patients have an improved outlook when they have the opportunity to bond and share strategies with others facing the same challenges. This is why Harris’ hard work and dedication to Parkinson’s support groups is recognized and celebrated throughout the community.
“Stan was selected as our Super Hero because he is not only dedicated to supporting the Parkinson’s community, but he also exemplifies how one with Parkinson’s disease may optimize their quality of life,” Perrin said. “He does not allow Parkinson’s to define who he is, but remains proactive, with his own health and in the community.”
As many as 1 million Americans live with Parkinson’s disease, and approximately 60,000 Americans are diagnosed each year. The UF Health Neuroscience Institute continues to partner with other community resources, such as First Coast Parkinson’s 5K Team, in the hopes to bring awareness, funding and support for research, education and patient care.