Every year from 1 to 7 November Parkinson’s New Zealand raises awareness and money during our national Parkinson’s Awareness Week. This year our theme was "Walk in My Shoes".We promoted awareness of Parkinson’s with our Parkinson’s New Zealand shoelaces in hopes of encouraging New Zealand to “Walk in My Shoes.” Central Plateau is one of the 20 areas of Parkinson's New Zealand. It includes Rotorua, Taupo and Turangi. This large area is covered by Fiona Leighton our Community Educator. Fiona is doing wonderful work. It is her job to support, educate and inform us to help us live our best lives with Parkinson's.We had collections on 8-9 and 15-16 November across Central Plateau. We express our gratitude to those who have already donated to this year's Awareness Week and to those volunteers who gave their time to assist us. All support in this campaign is greatfully appreciated. Locally collected donations will stay within this area.

Awareness WeekKaren Gibson, Central Plateau Parkinson's Action Group

TULIP TALKSParkinson's Central Plateau's Local

Newsletter

I S S U E 1 - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 8

D o y o u f o l l o w u s o n s o c i a l

m e d i a ? F i n d u s @ p a r k i n s o n s n z

o n F a c e b o o k , I n s t a g r a m &

T w i t t e r ! # P a r k i n s o n s N Z

The festive season, although a time for enjoyment, can bring extra pressure. Queues in shops, trouble parking, lots of visitors, and limited medical support can all increase stress. So we’ve put together a few tips for making the holiday season more enjoyablefor everyone.Forward planning It’s important to plan ahead to make the festive season an enjoyable time. Here are some handy hints for carers to keep in mind:• Make sure that you and the person you care for have enough medication to last over the holiday period.• Share any extra workload with family and friends.• Get your shopping done in advance to avoid extra stress and huge queues.Different gift ideas for people with Parkinson’s Finding the perfect gift can be challenging. If you or someone you know needs a suggestion about what to give to someone with Parkinson’s, here are a few gift ideas:• If someone loves playing cards, but it’s difficult to hold the cards, an automatic card shuffler and a hand-held or a freestanding card holder.• An electric shaver is a great idea for men and women. • An electric toothbrush makes brushing your teeth an easier task.• Thick terry towelling robes for drying off when we just don’t have the strength or balance to use a towel. • Satin pyjamas to make turning over in bed easier • For the person who loves to cook and back, how about an electric can opener or a stand mixer? Or, lighter baking pans and dishes, an electric wine bottle opener, or knives with rubber gripping on the handle.• If you know a gardener, look for ergonomic gardening tools that might feel better in the palm of the hand. You could give them some seeds, potting mix and pots along with a tool or set of tools.• Everyone loves a good gift card, but they can seem impersonal.  You can always make your own. How about a coupon book that entitles the recipient to a once a month treat? Looking forward to an event or outing once a month can be revitalising. Some ideas may include: a movie night or a game night, a picnic, or a walk in the park. • A gift membership for a Tai Chi or dance class, or buy an exercise DVD.• A Kindle or other e-Reader to make it easier to hold books.• A nightlight really can be a necessity, and there are many gorgeous options to choose from.• A gift certificate for a massage or for a pedicure and manicure.• Exercise equipment, such as an Exercycle or Nordic walking poles.• A guide or service dog may be worth considering. They can bring peace and safety to people with Parkinson’s and they are so cute. More advice and tips• Have realistic expectations of what you have the time and energy to do• Communicate with family and friends about how things may be different this year.• Ask for help.• Get family and friends to give you a break so that you can enjoy the festive season too.

Enjoying the Festive SeasonWe’ve put together a few tips on making the holiday season as easy as possible.

Gi�t Ideas for Carers If you or your loved one has a carer, you know just how much they do to make the lives of those living with Parkinson’s easier. It’s time to say thank you with these gift ideas for carers.Pampering Carers spend so much time looking after others that they rarely get time to look after themselves. Whether you want to treat them to a manicure, massage, or a spa day, treating them to some pampering time will help them feel refreshed and rejuvenated.Small gifts of pampering products like bubble bath and luxury lotions are just as good for relaxing at home.Help around the home If the carer you know is a family member, they might appreciate gifts that will help them and the person they care for around the home. A gift certificate for a cleaner or someone to mow the lawns could make all the difference.Time off The very best gift you can give a carer is some time off. Can you step in for a day or organise some extra help?  You can buy them a nice meal or tickets to an event, or simply let them decide how to spend their day off. It’s all about giving carers some much-needed time in which to relax.

Taken from The Parkinsonian, December 2017 ed.

A Word From Your EducatorFiona Leighton, Central Plateau

I am on annual leave fom 1 February 2019 - 17 February 2019. I will be back from 18 February.Community Educator contact over this time for general advice will be Mary Lythe 027 2165581 or mary.lythe@parkinsons.org.nz but you should contact your own General Practitioner for anything more urgent.

Media Coverage

Did you see our Community Educator with MP Todd McClay in the local Weekender?

Thank you to our recent supporters!

Shakers and Movers - singing for therapy Join us Tuesday mornings for an hour of singing and therapy. Singing is proven to be beneficial to vocal clarity, breathing. swallow, posture and mood. Join us for vocal exercises, a round of a few old favourites followed by morning tea. ALL WELCOME. - This is group is open to anyone with a neurological conditions not just Parkinson’s10am - Linton Park Community Centre 16 Kamahi Place. Entry by gold coin donation. Next meeting: December 5 and 12. ROTORUA Coffee Group Held approximately every 6 weeks at 10am on a Tuesday.Next: 13 December  Christmas get together at The Terrace Kitchen 1029 Tutanekei Street 10am ($13.00 per head and RSVP by 5 Dec)

ROTORUA Care Partners Group Hosted in people’s homes, Contact Fiona Leighton for details.Held Bi-monthly TAUPO Coffee group Held 4-8 weekly at Liston Heights Village Hall, 19 Liston Heights Avenue, 10:30am on a WednesdayNext: On a break over summer        TAUPO Support Group Taupo Cosmopolitan Club 5.00 - 6:00ish pm. Informal chat and get together with other’s in the district living with Parkinson’s. EVERYONE WELCOME Held First Thursday of every month (except January/February). For more info contact Fiona LeightonNext: 4th October, 1st November and 6th December includes Christmas Dinner (RSVP required by 27th November)

Central PlateauOffice Address:

1460A Hinemoa StreetRotorua 3010

Postal Address:1460A Hinemoa Street

Rotorua 3010 

Community Educator:Fiona Leighton

Phone:(07) 343 7986Mobile: 021 155 3365

educator.centralplateau@parkinsons.org.nz

Central Plateau Groups & Meetings

Contacts