Spring Newsletter

Administrator’s Note

April is Parkinson's Awareness Month - an opportunity to raise awareness about the disease, highlight the importance of continued research and to honor our community here on the East End.

On April 11, World Parkinson's Day, we joined Spark the Night, a global initiative to light 11.8 million blue lights to honor each of the 11.8 million people living with Parkinson's across the world. Many of you, along with neighbors, friends and family, sent in beautiful photos of blue lights. Southampton Village illuminated the Agawam World War Memorial, joining other landmarks such as Niagara Falls and Times Square in unwavering support of all affected by Parkinson's disease.

It is with such gratitude that I share our Spark the Night video below.

Spark the Night Across the East End Video

Thanks for all you do,

Sarah

Sarah Cohen, Administrator

Center for Parkinson's Disease

Stony Brook Southampton Hospital

Thank you Southampton Village for joining our efforts to light up the East End blue in honor of World Parkinson's Day by illuminating the Agawam World War Memorial.

Inter-professional Allied Healthcare Team Updates

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy (OT) is a form of individualized rehabilitation therapy that aims to help people live independently. OT can include self-care activities (like dressing, eating, bathing and toileting), home management activities (like cooking and driving) and leisure activities.

OT at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital:

At Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, our team provides individualized treatments to meet the unique needs of each patient. Shanice Allen, OT participates on the inter-professional allied healthcare team, specializing in working with people living with Parkinson’s disease.

“As an occupational therapist within the interdisciplinary team, my role is to help individuals prepare for and adapt to changes on this path ahead; there will be roadblocks and that’s okay. Together we either knock them or create new paths to lead to success.”

- Shanice Allen, OT

Learn more about the important role of the occupational therapist on your care team here.

Shanice Allen, OT and Lynn Bennett, COTA

Stony Brook Southampton Hospital

Upcoming Programs

Mindfulness Symposium

May 10, 1 - 3:30 pm

Charles B. Wang Center, Room 201

Stony Brook University

100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook

Join us for an in-person, skill-based workshop to learn about the benefits of meditation and mind-body practice for people living with Parkinson's disease. Sarah Mulukutla, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor, Yale School of Medicine will guide us through the research supporting mind-body practice for PD symptom management, with a focus on skill practice and integration into our daily lives. The event is free but registration is required.

Sarah Mulukutla, MD

Dance for Parkinson's

May 12 - June 23, 1 to 2 pm

This 6-week workshop incorporates movement and music to engage participants’ minds, body and creativity in a supportive, social and joyous class.

Hosted at the Parrish Art Museum.

In the Know ...

NewYork – Presbyterian 2025 Annual Parkinson’s Disease Symposium

April 28th 11:00 am -2:30 pm and April 29th 11:00 am - 2:30pm

This 2-day virtual conference is for patients, care partners, community partners, allied health professionals, and physicians in honor of Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month. The event is free but registration is required via Zoom. The full agenda and flyer for the event may be viewed here.

The Parkinson's Plan: A New Path to Prevention and Treatment

by Dr. Ray Dorsey and Dr. Michael Okun

In their second book, Dr. Dorsey and Dr. Okun review emerging Parkinson's research and suggest how we can prevent, slow and treat the disease. Visit their website to pre-order the book and learn more.

Care Corgi

A group of Harvard University students is looking to connect with care partners as they develop a software to assist the caregiving experience. If you are interested in participating, please contact Grace at: admin@carecorgi.com or via phone: (405) 633-3377.

Senior Planet Tech Support Hotline!

Need help getting into Zoom? Looking for advice about buying a new tablet or computer? Have a question about email or accessing information on-line? Senior Planet from AARP hosts a FREE tech hotline where an agent will answer your questions and if needed schedule a 1:1 personalized tech help session. Learn more HERE or call their toll-free hotline: 888-713-3495

Mind Body Scheduling

Scheduling classes can be done on your computer OR via the Mind Body App. As programs grow, pre registration is required and assure you have a space in class. Reach out to Ragan for assistance at: ragan.finalborgo@stonybrookmedicine.edu

Visit the APP HERE

All of our programs are offered at no charge, thanks to the generosity of this community. Please consider making a donation to the Center for Parkinson’s Disease. Donate here.

(631) 726-8600

Center for Parkinson's Disease

Stony Brook Southampton Hospital

240 Meeting House Lane

Southampton, NY 11968