Thursday, Octobr 12, 2017
SHARYN Elstob is Parkinson’s New Zealand’s new community educator for the Eastern Bay of Plenty. Photo Louis Klaassen D6041-12
PARKINSON’S NZ’s Bay of Plenty branch is hoping to reach more people suffering from the disease following the appointment of its new community educator for the Eastern Bay.
Sharyn Elstob has taken up the part-time role, and said the organisation provided support to people suffering from Parkinson’s, as well as their families. She said the role had been vacant for 18 months, and with her appointment last month, she would aim to reach more people.
“We have about 60 people on our books, but we believe there are a lot more people we could be reaching, said Ms Elstob, a retired nurse.
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurodegenerative condition which affects people’s movement. It is caused by a lack of dopamine – a chemical in the brain that enables quick, co-ordinated movement. The symptoms can be treated, but it cannot be cured.
“In my role, I will be providing support to people with Parkinson’s and their families.
“I will also be promoting awareness of the disease as we believe there are more people in the area who need the services. There hasn’t been anyone down here to service the area (Eastern Bay).”
Ms Elstob said Parkinson’s Bay of Plenty was a charity and all its funding came through donations and fundraising. She said the organisation also organised activities, including exercise groups, for people who were suffering from Parkinson’s.
“We will also be setting up a choir.”
Ms Elstob explained that singing was very beneficial for people with Parkinson’s as it strengthened facial muscles. Difficulty swallowing and speaking are symptoms of the illness.
“Parkinson’s affects the alimentary canal, and singing, which exercises the facial muscles, helps with muscle control.”
Ms Elstob said exercise groups were essential to helping people with Parkinson’s to maximise their movement.
Parkinson’s Awareness Week takes place from November 1-7. Parkinson’s Bay of Plenty is seeking assistance and donations of goods for its fundraising raffles ahead of the awareness week.