Parkinson’s It is often said that education is power. That adage is true for those who have been diagnosed with a progressive, uncurable condition such as Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s disease impacts thousands of people in the Las <strong>Vegas</strong> area. It is best described as a progressive disease of the nervous system marked by nerve cell damage in the brain that causes dopamine levels to drop leading to symptoms such as tremor, muscular rigidity and slow imprecise movements. Rigidity and slowness can lead to aching and pain in some people with the disease. Although the disease mainly affects movement of the body, other problems - including dementia, may occur. The condition mainly impacts those who are middle aged or elderly. Given the growth in the retirement aged population in Las <strong>Vegas</strong>, the quality of life for people with Parkinson’s is relevant to all of us. Helping those suffering from this complex and often cruel disease is one of our top priorities at Friends of Parkinson’s. We are a nonprofit organization that offers no-cost support groups, innovative therapeutic programs, such as art and dance, medical symposiums and other forums designed to promote education for Parkinsonians, their families and caregivers. We also support researchers developing treatments and ultimately a cure for the disease. All of the money we raise stays here in our community. Recently we brought together the top doctors, physical therapists, social workers, art therapists and more to discuss the benefits of a holistic approach to Parkinson’s. We are proud to be leading the discussion and championing help and hope for people with Parkinson’s in our community. We have found that by understanding their disease, treatment options and ways to manage their symptoms, Parkinson’s patients feel empowered and make better decisions about their care. Our motto is never stop teaching and learning. To learn more about our programs and services, or to volunteer, please visit our website at www.friendsofparkinsons.org or call 702/381- 4141. 16 What We Do By: Jamillah Ali-Rahman / Friends of Jamillah Ali-Rahman is the Founder/CEO of the Friends of Parkinson’s Inc, a Nevada 501(c)3 nonprofit. www. friendsofparkinsons.org. September 20<strong>19</strong> Goals of Healthy <strong>Voice</strong> By: Aaron Phillips / Healthy <strong>Voice</strong> Have you ever heard the phrase “Choices, Decisions, Consequences?” Of course, you have. We have been living this way since the day we were born. Nap? Clothing? Colleges? Career? Get out of bed? To go or not to go? However, there is one “Choice, Decisions, Consequences” category that I left out, Food Choices & Nutrition. Here are some of the things we think about when it comes to our food and nutrition: What to eat? Skip breakfast? When to eat? Should I “clean” my plate? And so on… Some of the things we think about are: Calories, Proteins, Sugar, Sodium, etc. Our bodies are as different to each other just as each day is different when we wake up. My articles will be a combination of sharing my experience when my maximum weight was at 354 pounds in 2015 to my current 215 pounds today. I will share my thoughts and some information that could help if you “choose” to put this knowledge to use in your life. I promise I will not preach to do one thing or another. Ultimately it is up you, to make the “decision” as to what to do with it and then deal with the resulting “consequences.” Let me set the stage. Type 2 Diabetes has been in my family for 4 generations. I felt that it was only a matter of time before I get it. I did the Glucose Tolerance tests and blood work over the years to monitor it. Each time, I was told “you are BORDERLINE Diabetic.” I’m here to tell you there is no such thing as “borderline.” You either are or not diabetic. It’s like being borderline pregnant? Sure, it is… I will leave you with this thought, “August 26 th , 2013 is the day that will live in infamy” in my life. Until next time… Aaron Phillips is a member of The LV Entertainers Hall of Fame, podcaster, producer, author, emcee, broadcaster, and talk show host on <strong>Vegas</strong> The Network. Feel free to contact him Aaronphillipslv2018@ gmail.com We’re on the Air! The <strong>Vegas</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> now has its own monthly video podcasts. Entertainment editor Evan Davis hosts our “Celebrity Corner” and publisher Dan Roberts has the same duties for “Our <strong>Vegas</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Family” and “Senior Business” segments. To watch all our <strong>Vegas</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> podcasts visit our website: thevegasvoice.net. Pictured: Evan with Singer Chase Brown
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