Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, causing tremors, stiffness and balance issues. More than 10 million people worldwide live with Parkinson’s but awareness about its symptoms, diagnosis and treatment are limited.
Margi McLeod-Conroy, Carl T. Feary, Gwen Taylor McCorkle and Martha Graham
April is marked as Parkinson Awareness month. It is important to know that diagnosis and understanding of early onset of symptoms can help to improve quality of life. Neurologists recommend paying attention to early warning signs such as smaller handwriting, loss of smell, sleep disturbances, and subtle hand tremors.
While there is no cure for Parkinson’s we do know that medications that replace the depleted dopamine, exercise programs and a positive mindset helps to improve the quality of life.
Irmo has a premiere Parkinson’s exercise program called “Rock Steady Boxing” Irmo. It is in Athlete’s Arena on Dreher Shoals Road. The program offers multiple encouraging classes that help managing symptoms.
Artistic Aspirations, LLC is home to “Art Therapy for Parkinson’s: Where Art Meets Movement,” a creative space for artists with Parkinson’s so that they can nurture their creative side and continue to use their hands in- spite of their subtle tremors.
The Martha Graham Foundation: Healing through Creativity, promotes Parkinson’s Awareness by selling Parkinson’s Art, jams, and jewelry at local markets in Irmo. By increasing awareness, we can ensure that those affected receive the support and treatment they need.
Artistic Aspirations, LLC is a local, woman owned and operated, community art shop. We have a small gallery that allows local artists to display and sell their artwork or crafts. We host art classes, offer space rentals for private parties and welcome walk-in art opportunities for creative fellowship.
Artistic Aspirations is located at 7336 Woodrow St, Irmo, SC 29063803-206-7970
Feature photo courtesy of Artistic Aspirations: Art Therapy for Parkinson’s In order left to right :Martha Graham, Robin Walker, Barbara Sweatman, Octavia Callman
