Alvin M. Keeling 
Activities for the Tipperary Parkinson branch have all resumed now except for Loreto House Kenyon Street, Nenagh which will return after Easter.
The branch urges all patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease to contact one of three county support groups: Nenagh, Marion Burke, 087-2967296; Mary Carey, Thurles Branch Secretary and Support Group, 086-3916726 and Mary Finnegan, Clonmel, 086-1224283.
Membership of the branch is 25 € and is essential to participate in the services provided.
On Thursday 7th April, Thurles Support Group has a very important meeting at the Order of Malta Center at 2pm with guest speaker Mags Richardson, a Parkinson’s disease nurse attached to Limerick University Hospital.
Any newly diagnosed patient is advised to attend this meeting to discuss their diagnosis and listen to their advice.
There will be a question and answer service after his speech.
Patients, caregivers and family members and anyone associated with Parkinson’s disease are welcome.
The weekly Monday club continues – excluding public holidays – at the Pastoral Centre, Church Road, Nenagh, at 2pm, with self-paced exercises with occupational therapist Marion Slattery.
From 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. there is the fun band and vocal exercises with well-known and accomplished singer Sheelagh Chadwick. Song lyrics are projected on a screen so you don’t have to worry about knowing the song lyrics. Volunteer Brendan Treacy accompanies on the keyboard.
Due to the long layoff with Covid 19, there are currently no fees; costs are covered by branch funds.
Full day or half day social gatherings and meetings for lunch etc. are being planned.
After the confinement of the last few years, the recent warm and sunny weather has created the atmosphere to plan and organize social activities, for example, a boat trip on the Shannon, visiting a place of interest, etc. all suggestions and ideas will be considered.
Remember, Parkinson’s Awareness Week begins April 4 and ends April 11.
Join us for a week of free online events of educational/fun activities. These events are hosted by Parkinson’s HQ and Zoom links for all events will be forwarded to members. Links are also available on the site www.parkinson.ie
On Monday, April 4, you can dance at home, chair exercises and a Young Parkinson lecture.
On Tuesdays there is the weekly therapy session with Dee Daly, psychotherapist, and seated exercises and conversation with Grainne McKeown.
Wednesday is the role of speech therapy and ask the dietitian.
Thursday’s lecture is given by nurse specialist Lisa Wynn at 11am.
All the details are on the site.
