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STUDY SHOW EXERCISE BENEFITS WITH PD

8/5/2021

In March 2020, the Parkinson’s Foundation and the American College of Sports Medicine convened thought leaders in exercise, physical therapy, exercise research, medicine, and PD community-based exercise programs. The outcome of the meeting included new exercise recommendations to provide safe and effective guidance on physical activity to people with PD and to certified exercise professionals working with them.

The new exercise guidelines include recommended frequency, intensity, time, type, volume, and progression of exercises that are safe and effective for people with Parkinson’s across four domains: aerobic activity, strength training, balance/agility/multitasking, and stretching. For more information on the new exercise, guidelines CLICK HER

Announcing Mary C. Schoeffel Executive Director

1/22/2021

Please join me in welcoming our new Executive Director Mary C. Schoeffel
On behalf of the board of directors, I am thrilled to announce the appointment of Mary C, Schoeffel as the new Executive Director of the Parkinson’s Association of SWFL.

Mary brings with her a remarkably strong background as a Certified Professional Fundraising Executive, in addition to a wealth of knowledge and experience in successfully leading non-profit human services and arts organizations. We believe Mary will provide the leadership and direction to build on the enormous growth our organization has experienced over the past few years.

Be prepared for the next storm

7/22/2020

Be prepared for the next storm by attending the Hurricane Safety Drive Thru offered on Friday, July 31, 2020 from 10:00am-Noon at Lely Palms Retirement Community, 1000 Lely Palms Drive, Naples, FL 34113.

RSVP by July 28 to:
239-775-7661

Support us while you shop on Amazon

7/1/2020

SUPPORT US WHILE YOU SHOP AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU

Did you know that you can donate to The Parkinson's Association of SouthWest Florida every time you shop on Amazon?

It's easy to sign up and easy to use. It is the same as shopping through Amazon with the same products, prices, and shopping features, the difference is that when you shop on AmazonSmile, the Amazon Smile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to the charitable organization of your choice.

Click here to sign up and start supporting us every time you shop on Amazon.

Free Robotic Pet or MP3 Player

7/1/2020

Are you feeling isolated at home during social distancing? We want to share a great opportunity for you to receive a source of comfort and companionship free of charge from The Florida Department of Elder Affairs. You can choose either:

MP3 player loaded with music from different genres or
The JoyForAll robotic therapy pets.

If you are interested, please call the office at 239-417-3465 as there are only a limited number of these items available. We will be happy to assist you with the application process.

Members Living Well with PD

6/19/2020

Jack Andrews Member of the Parkinson Association of SWFL since 2014

"I have met people who relocated to the Naples area just to participate in programs offered by the Parkinson Association of SWFL."

Member Jack Andrews
Q: How did you become involved with the Parkinson's Association of SWFL?
Jack: I was first diagnosed with PD in February 2014. Two weeks later I read something about the Parkinson's Association of SWFL in the Naples Daily News and made an appointment for my wife and me to meet in their office.

The volunteer on duty spent a lot of time with us, explaining the various effects PD has on people, sharing brochures on PD, and also about the many activities the organization makes available.

Q: What activities did you get involved in and do you believe attending has affected your PD progression?

Click below to read more.

Fraud Alert - Be Aware

6/17/2020

Recently a packet of information has been randomly mailed out to persons covered by Medicare. The cover letter states that your Doctor (it does offer a suggested name - that one might think is in your physician group) has ordered a connection for "telemedicine " visits and includes a box making a decision on your behalf that you understand you are liable for charges in case of Medicare or your insurance does not cover.

It highlights where you are to sign, includes an additional page for HIPAA privacy notice and a prepaid addressed envelope. The letterhead says it comes from Henderson, NV and the envelope gets returned to a Boca Raton, FL address.

This form is fraudulent and would make you responsible for the invalid charges if you complete the form.

Please question any papers you are asked to sign regarding insurance, and verify any forms sent to you with your physician or call your local Social Security or SHINE OR SHIP office. There is a federal SMP (Senior Medicare Patrol) who investigates such problems.

Meet Bill Morgan, Chairman of the Board Parkinson Association of SWFL 2020

6/9/2020

First, let me introduce myself as your new Board Chair. I joined the Association in fall, 2018, needing access to one of our support groups, which helped me immensely. I was the care partner for my wife of 50 years, who died last September from MSA, one of the Parkinsonisms.

I was asked to join the Board of Directors last Spring and have been on the Development and Governance committees. I started and am facilitator for a Men’s Care Partner support group.

You can learn more about my background, and meet the rest of the board by clicking here.
My wife and I moved to Sanibel in 1996 and to Naples in 2008 and have been here full time since 2011. In addition to my involvement with the Association, I’m currently Past-President and Director of Friends of Artis—Naples.

"After my wife passed away in 2019, I considered what to do for the rest of my life — I decided that joining the board of the Parkinson Association of Southwest Florida was the most worthy work I could do."

I am looking forward to serving as your Board Chair particularly because of the great work that the administrative staff and volunteers have done during this Corona Virus outbreak.

New online classes and support groups

5/25/2020

The Parkinson Association of SWFL is still here for you. While these times may feel unpredictable, our commitment to helping our community live well with Parkinson Disease remains certain. Although staying safe and healthy at home can feel isolating and challenging, please know that our staff and volunteers are here for you. Our office remains open for information, crisis counseling and personal connections via phone. We've added even more opportunities for you to live well with PD through our new virtual classes.

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