Summer is finally here! And, we have the dried up lawns and wells to prove it. In all seriousness, summer is a fun season but we need to take care not to burn our skin, dehydrate our body, or get lazy sitting in front of the air conditioner. Presbyterian Homes and Services have a solution for all of that. During the heat of the day, come visit us, we have a lot to offer you!

Did you know that aquatic classes are offered at the Presbyterian Rehabilitation Center? Come join our 6 week program that meets 2 times a week in a 4’ deep therapeutic pool that offers exercise, strengthening, and therapy sessions. For more information, call Betty at 315-272-2288.

Parkinson’s and Exercise: An exercise program can improve the symptoms of Parkinson’s. You should start exercising as soon after the diagnosis as possible. Remember your worst course of action is to do nothing. Exercise can help you anticipate, prevent and delay symptoms. Exercise can help with stiffness, tremors, difficulty in balance and walking as well as difficulty speaking. A well designed exercise program can address all these symptoms.

Your workouts should be done daily if possible or every other day if you choose another physical activity on alternate days. Remember to start slowly, always warm-up and cool-down, pace yourself and do not be hard on yourself. (Maurine Farruggia -Wellness Center Trainer).

What a great way to train for our upcoming Parkinson's Awareness Walk on September 8, 2007.

Did you know that we have a wellness center on campus that can promote your good health, keep you in shape, is a great place to meet old and new friends, and it just plain makes you feel good? We will be celebrating our 3 year anniversary in November and we would love for you to stop by and visit us. The Wellness Center is located in the back of the Presbyterian Residential Community (PRC) and is open 7 days a week, 5 am – 3 pm. Membership is easy – just a written clearance from your doctor and $25.00 per month is all you need. A personal trainer is available as well as additional exercise and educational program classes. For information, call 315-797-7500.

During the month of July, we will be launching a new program in conjunction with the University of Rochester that will further utilize the concept of telemedicine as a community resource. Research and actual cyber technology will take place by enlisting the participation and cooperation of 20-30 individuals with Parkinson's (our residents and the community population) as our control group. This project, entitled "group medical appointment" will further develop our telemedicine technology that will not only continue to be administered in our Parkinson’s Residence, but branch out to the community as well as to our Meadows apartments and the Presbyterian Residential Community.

Telemedicine can best be described as the use of communication equipment to link patients and healthcare practitioners in different locations. The advantage of using this technology by providers includes increased cost efficiency, reduced transportation costs, improved patient access to specialists, improved quality of care and better communication among providers.

Have a safe, healthy, and wonderful summer!

Catherine J. Hardy

Director of Development & Community Relations

Presbyterian Homes & Services, Inc.

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