April 24th, 2018

Good afternoon friends and followers! 

NATIONAL PARKINSON'S AWARENESS MONTH

It's National Parkinson's Awareness Month. Share your story with your community and raise awareness. 

2018 Theme: Start a Conversation

The theme is “Start a Conversation,” a call to action that urges people to talk about Parkinson’swith their friends, family, neighbors, healthcare team, local businesses and community. It alsoreflects the speech bubble in the foundation’s signature P logo.

How You Can Get Involved!

Around Your Community

• Petition your mayor or governor to declare April Parkinson’s Awareness Month. Use the Sample Proclamation provided and insert your local information in the placeholders to customize it for your town or state. Go online to find out how to contact your mayor orgovernor’s office, and/or call or email to inquire where to submit the proclamation. Afteryou’ve submitted the proclamation, follow up by email or phone to ensure it was received.

• Submit a Letter to the Editor to your local paper. Customize the Letter to the Editortemplate provided and submit it to a local paper. The purpose of this short letter is to encourage members of your community to raise awareness about PD in April forParkinson’s Awareness Month. Your letter might mention specific events taking placearound the community.

  Local Events

• Attending a programmatic or fundraising event? Show off your Parkinson’s P. Whenyou’re at an event, wear your temporary tattoo on your hand, your arm, your face oranywhere you’d like! Or, pick up a downloadable P (or print one at home and bring it with you).

• Share photos of the P. Take photos capturing you and your care team, fellow advocates, Champions, friends or family sporting the temporary tattoos or printed logos. Post them to social media using the #StartAConversation hashtag or contact us so we can share them online.

April 23th, 2018

Good morning hope you enjoyed your weekend and are having a happy Monday so far! It was great seeing all the support and comments posted by those who watched the KRON4 News broadcast.

Variations on Stem Cell Research

In the past several years, there have been several studies that have claimed to end the debate on stem cell research. In an effort to appease both proponents and opponents of human embryonic stem cell research, scientists have developed ways to create cells that appear embryonic, yet they claim, are not. 

The excitement over stem cell research is unprecedented, and this creates fertile ground for exaggeration. Researchers, patient advocates, and politicians promise stem cell remedies for nearly every major health problem in the United States. And the promises come from both supporters and opponents of embryonic stem cell research. Supporters stress the advances possible through embryonic stem cells, while opponents emphasize potential therapeutic benefits from adult stem cells and other alternative sources.

Ethical considerations sometimes justify setting limits on scientific innovation. For example, there is nearly universal agreement that people should not be forced to participate in research, even though a coercive research policy could generate extremely valuable knowledge. Some people believe there should also be severe limits on research involving early human embryos, while others disagree. These are not disputes that science can settle. They are instead value conflicts to be expected in a pluralistic society like ours. In struggling with these conflicts, we should maintain respect for those holding differing views, and we should look for policies that are consistent with as many of those views as possible.

Advocates often portray stem cell research as presenting a choice between ending human life and saving human life. But the choices are much more complicated than that. Many ethical considerations are relevant to policy choices about stem cell research, but they often go unmentioned. Instead, the sound bite approach to stem cell research has produced a shrill and divisive policy climate. Fewer sound bites and an expanded ethical conversation could produce more defensible policy decisions about stem cell research.

Please don't forget to donate today so I may receive much needed medication and stem cell treatments to keep living in this life and so I may hopefully help prove the research the next Parkinson's patients will need as well visit; www.gofundme.com/help-John-Clark

Thank you and God Bless!

References; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2941662/

Watch John Clark tonight at 9pm/SPT on KRON4 News! For more information and to support or follow John's journey to finding a cure and fighting Parkinson's Disease contact us!

April 17th, 2018

Getting deeper today with our communication to the public about the controversial STEM CELL treatment for Parkinson's disease.

STEM CELLS

There are many different types of stem-cells which can be implanted in patients to regenerate or replace the damaged or abnormal cells caused by not only diseases like Parkinson's but also Alzheimer's and spinal cord injuries. A specific example in relation to Parkinson's is the harvesting of embryonic stem cells. These human embryonic stem cells can be transplanted into the brain to replace and create dopamine neurons. The controversy is in how one can obtain these stem cells. During fertilization, in humans, the embryo is hollow and contains cells that eventually develop into a fetus. Researchers have discovered, as recently as 1998, that the cells in the embryo contain all the tissues types, therefore becoming any cell in the body. Thus the stem cells can be transplanted into patients with diseases dealing with cell abnormality. 

THE POLITICS

Many religious groups argue that stem cell research should be discontinued by the federal government, because the killing of the embryos is just as heinous as abortion. Stem-cells are extracted from a few different sources, either from surplus embryos created for infertile couples, umbilical cords, and from elective abortions. For pro-lifers the embryos used to extract the stem cells are equal to human lives being destroyed. The other side of the argument is that embryonic cells are not living- they do not have a soul. Much of this debate is rooted and overlaps with the debate over whether abortion, of any form should be lawful. Scientists have also argued that many of the embryos used would have been destroyed at some point anyway, so why not use them for furthering the good of the human race. Consequently, political debate over whether federal funds should be used to support the further research of stem cell transplantation continues to this day. An example of the relevance and immediacy of this issue is the speech President Bush gave in the summer of 2001, in which he approved funding from the government on research of 64 human embryonic cells. 

April 16th, 2018

Hoping you are having a great Monday so far!

Today we’d like you to review the new findings on WEARABLE LIGHT THERPY TECHNOLOGY, it’s very informative and sheds light on the subject “no pun intended!”

Thank you for your continued support and for following John’s posts, it truly means so much to know that there are others who suffer and because of the community and the continued support we all feel less alone in the battle against this debilitating disease.

Thank you and God Bless!

#StartAConversation #JohnWClarkparkinsonsfoundation

April 15th, 2018

While there is no prescription for a PD-specific diet, to maintain overall good health most people living with Parkinson’s disease should eat a variety of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, milk and dairy products, and protein-rich foods such as meat and beans. Also consider including nuts, olive oil, fish and eggs to your diet, for their beneficial fats.

Please don't forget to donate www.gofundme.com/help-John-Clark

Thank you and God Bless!

April 14th, 2018

Good afternoon we hope you are enjoying the weekend!

Today we will talk about Medications for Parkinson's Disease. There have been many remarkable changes in treatments for Parkinson's disease in recent years. Scientists have developed new drugs, and they have a better understanding of how to use older treatments. That has made a big difference in everyday life for people with the disease.

Most people can get relief from their Parkinson’s symptoms with medicines. But some may need surgery if their medications stop working well enough.

The medicines you take early on have a strong impact on how your condition will unfold over time. So it’s important to work with a neurologist or other Parkinson’s specialist who can guide you through those treatment decisions.

Common Drugs for Parkinson's Disease

Levodopa and carbidopa (Sinemet). Levodopa (also called L-dopa) is the most commonly prescribed medicine for Parkinson’s. It’s also the best at controlling the symptoms of the condition, particularly slow movements and stiff, rigid body parts. Levodopa works when your brain cells change it into dopamine. That’s a chemical the brain uses to send signals that help you move your body. People with Parkinson’s don’t have enough dopamine in their brains to control their movements.

Sinemet is a mix of levodopa and another drug called carbidopa. Carbidopa makes the levodopa work better, so you can take less of it. That prevents many common side effects of levodopa, such as nausea, vomiting, and irregular heart rhythms.

Sinemet has the fewest short-term side effects, compared with other Parkinson’s medications. But it does raise your odds for some long-term problems, such as involuntary movements. People who take levodopa for 3-5 years may eventually have restlessness, confusion, or unusual movements within a few hours of taking the medicine. Changes in the amount or timing of your dose will usually prevent these side effects.

Safinamide (Xadago) is an add-on medicine that may be prescribed when individuals taking levdopoa and carbidopa have a breakthrough of Parkinson’s symptoms that were previously under control. Studies show that adding this drug helps individuals experience longer times with reduced or no symptoms. The most common side effects are trouble falling or staying asleep, nausea, falls, and uncontrolled, involuntary movements.

For more information and to read about other medical treatments visit https://www.webmd.com/parkinsons-dis…/guide/drug-treatments…

Please don't forget to donate www.gofundme.com/help-John-Clark

Thank you and God Bless!

April 12th, 2018

State earns first royalty check after investing billions in stem cell research

By Joaquin Palomino

California, which has poured billions of public dollars into studying stem cells over the past decade, recently received its first royalty check for the investment — a development that will feed into a debate over whether to spend more taxpayer funds on such research in the coming years.

Arpana Arjun works in the Panagiotakis Lab at Eli and Edy the Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research at UCSF Parnassus Campus in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle

To read more:

Tonight at 8 p.m. ET, the Empire State Building in New York City will illuminate orange and white in honor of World Parkinson's Day. The lighting demonstrates the urgent need for a cure and our ongoing commitment to find one. Join us to end Parkinson's this April: https://www.gofundme.com/help-John-Clark
#johnwclarkparkinsonsfoundation 
#jwcparkinsonsfoundation
#johnwclarkorg
#johnwclark

April 11th, 2018

Good morning Facebook friends and family!

Today we’d like to discuss “Occupational Therapy” as it is a way to improve lifestyle and minimize suffering when coping with Parkinson’s disease (PD). There is relief in knowing there are non invasive therapies out there that you or your caregiver can learn for free!*

Across the Parkinson’s Disease Continuum is an online course designed by Parkinson’s Occupational Therapy specialists to help other occupational therapists ensure best practice care for people living with PD. The course was designed by the Parkinson’s Foundation in collaboration with the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) in 2015.

This four-module course provides practical, evidence-based knowledge across the continuum of Parkinson’s care (from diagnosis to advanced PD) to help occupational therapy practitioners evaluate and treat individuals in all settings — including in home care, community rehabilitation and long-term care practice settings.

The course is free. 

*Continuing education units are available on the American Occupational Therapy Association Learning Library for a fee. Presenters: Role of the Care Partner, Marilyn Phillips; Overview of Parkinson’s. Sotirios Parashos, MD., PhD, and Role of Occupational Therapy in Parkinson’s Care  
Erin Foster, OTD, MSCI, OTR/L. This course was designed and created in collaboration with the Parkinson's Foundation.

If you or someone you know would like to preview the course overview please let us know! You may also visit www.myaota.aota.org

Thank you and God Bless!

#StartAConversation #JohnWClarkparkinsonsfoundation

Visit GoFundMe.com/help-John-Clark

April 10th, 2018

Good morning friends, 

As some of you already know this month is April and is Parkinson’s Awareness month. We are in search for the cure and also very proactive with the importance of education on the disease. Be sure to donate today as well as take the time to #StartAConversation#JohnWClarkparkinsonsfoundation

The more we communicate and share our stories the less in the dark we are. 

Here are the five most common stages:

Stage One

During this initial stage, the person has mild symptoms that generally do not interfere with daily activities. Tremor and other movement symptoms occur on one side of the body only. Changes in posture, walking and facial expressions occur.

Stage Two

Symptoms start getting worse. Tremor, rigidity and other movement symptoms affect both sides of the body. Walking problems and poor posture may be apparent. The person is still able to live alone, but daily tasks are more difficult and lengthy.

Stage Three

Considered mid-stage, loss of balance and slowness of movements are hallmarks. Falls are more common. The person is still fully independent, but symptoms significantly impair activities such as dressing and eating.

Stage Four

At this point, symptoms are severe and limiting. It’s possible to stand without assistance, but movement may require a walker. The person needs help with activities of daily living and is unable to live alone.

Stage Five

This is the most advanced and debilitating stage. Stiffness in the legs may make it impossible to stand or walk. The person requires a wheelchair or is bedridden. Around-the-clock nursing care is required for all activities. The person may experience hallucinations and delusions. The Parkinson’s community acknowledges that there are many important non-motor symptoms as well as motor symptoms.

Visit gofundme.com/help-John-Clark

Thank you and God Bless! 

April 9th, 2018

#StartAConversation #JohnWClarkparkinsonfoundation

Good morning on this beautiful Monday! 

This week we are going to touch on a few heavy topics in hopes that we may get a conversation started. It’s important to know that PD effects each person a little differently so if you or a loved one does not experience these symptoms that is fantastic... we just want you to be aware and hopefully feel comfort in starting conversations to better understand what will, can, and might happen during the course of Parkinson’s.

HOW TO GET HELP

Getting help starts with having a conversation.

Whether you’re a caregiver or a person living with Parkinson’s, getting help starts with having these open conversation.

• What is happening to the body?
• What will you need to do to prepare for this?
• How to cope with these life changes?
• tremors
• speech
• thought process
• health
• motor skills
• mobility
• hygiene
• hallucinations
• delusions
• sleep

Let’s discuss the latter... hallucinations and delusions. Yes, it is very likely that as Parkinson’s progresses you can experience hallucinations and delusions related to Parkinson’s. Although it can be difficult, talking to a Parkinson’s specialist—and each other—about what you’re experiencing is an important first step.

TALKING TO YOUR LOVED ONE

If you are a caregiver for someone with Parkinson’s, it’s important to talk about what you are observing. Your loved one may find it difficult to share these experiences—or you might find that in these discussions with the person with Parkinson’s doesn’t realize these experiences aren’t real. Once you can come to terms with this it’s time to talk with a specialist.

TALKING TO A PARKINSON’S SPECIALIST

A Parkinson’s specialist can help you determine if there are treatment options, such as counseling and/or medication, that are right for you or your loved one. But they may be waiting for you to start the conversation.

For more info visit www.moretoparkinsons.com and to find a specialist near you visit www.partnersinparkinsons.org

Please also visit gofundme.com/Help-John-Clark anything you donate will provide John with further medical treatments and stem cell treatments. 

Thank you and God Bless!

April 8th, 2018

More information you should know about The Parkinson Pandemic. THE PARKINSON PANDEMIC - A Call to Action

#StartAConversation #JohnWClarkparkinsonfoundation

Visit gofundme.com/help-John-Clark

April 7th, 2018

#StartAConversation #JohnWClarkparkinsonsfoundation

Just as the right diet and medications are key to living well with Parkinson’s Disease (PD), maintaining emotional health is essential to physical health. A person diagnosed with Parkinson’s often feel a flood of emotions, as do their loved ones.

Accepting and successfully navigating those feelings, whether anger, sadness, grief or even denial, is important. Stress can make PD symptoms worse. By focusing on your strengths, nurturing caring relationships, sharing your concerns, embracing healthy behaviors and your spirituality, you can better cope with the potential challenges of PD.

Working Through Feelings

PD symptoms and treatments can affect your mood. Depression and anxiety affect up to 50 percent of people living with PD. These mood changes can bring on worsening function, leading to a decreased quality of life. Tending to your emotional health keeps this cycle at bay. Be sure to meet with and speak with your doctor, who can recommend the right medical treatments. But also consider counseling, for you, and your loved ones if necessary, and a local or online PD support group.

Counseling sessions — alone, as a couple, family or in a group — can provide support, understanding and education. A PD support group can offer a venue to share your experience with those on a similar journey. This can lift stress, foster new friendships and prevent isolation.

The way I have been managing stress is by taking trips outside and enjoying the sun on my face, the birds singing and the smell of the wind. Enjoying the laughter of Clark and friends, family... 

Nature can be a inexpensive way to calm the soul. Take time this weekend and take a deep breath. 

Thank you for your continued support! 

💙😇🙏🏻

Visit gofundme.com/Help-John-Clark

April 6th, 2018

Good afternoon friends today is Friday and for those of you suffering with loved ones battling the Parkinson’s disease we found that discovering the right medications, complementary therapies, support and ways to stay independent can enhance the quality of life for anyone with Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Diet & Nutrition: The choices we make about food – what you eat, how much and when – impact your health and comfort. Cut down on all red meat and processed foods. Less impact on your immune system. Natural, organic and non GMO. Eating whole grains, vegetables, fruits, milk and dairy products, and protein-rich foods such as white meat and beans. Also consider including nuts, olive oil, fish, and eggs to your diet, for their beneficial fats.

Emotional Well-Being: Emotional strength is vital to physical health. Learning ways to successfully navigate the many feelings associated with a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. Life now is about laughter and patience. Each day is a struggle however with love and laughter smiles and bright cheer can improve the mindset of anyone with PD.

Daily Living Activities: There are many ways to maintain a good quality of life when living with Parkinson’s. Physical activity and therapy like stretching, massage, and walking can help the blood flow and keep your organs functioning.

Dental Health: Dental care can change with PD, but there are many strategies that can help avoid and treat dental issues. Parkinson’s can alter face and tongue muscle function, affecting speech and chewing. More visits to the dentist to avoid cavities and gum disease is recommended.

Sexual Health: Men and women with PD often face challenges with sexual dysfunction, but there are various therapies and treatments that can help you and your loved one work through them.

Advice for the Newly Diagnosed: If you've been recently diagnosed with PD, send a message and we would be happy to provide advice on how to cope with the early stages of PD.

Living Alone: Prepare for caregivers and forging a path forward. To find one in your area, contact the Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (473-4636).

Talking to Children: Children can understand what PD is with simple answers to basic questions. Use simple terms to explain your diagnosis, including the symptoms and what behaviors to expect. 

Better Lives. Together.
Support our mission to make life better for people with Parkinson's. Your gift will helps improve my care and advances research toward a cure.

#TGIF #StartAConversation #JohnWClarkparkinsonsfoundation Please visit www.gofundme.com/help-john-clark

April 5th, 2018

#StartAConversation #JohnWClarkparkinsonsfoundation

Good afternoon friends, 

Today is Thursday and a beautiful day in California. Please take the time to learn a bit about the signs of this disease. The more you learn and know the sooner you can get the help you need. Here are 10 Early Signs of Parkinson's Disease:

1. Tremor
2. Small Handwriting
3. Loss of Smell
4. Trouble Moving or Walking
5. Constipation
6. A Soft or Low Voice
7. Masked Face
8. Dizziness & Fainting
9. Stooping
10. Hunching Over

However, did you know that each patient has symptoms and signs that will be unique and individual. Some severe and some not too difficult to live with as long as you are getting proper nutrition and treatments.

Please help me continue treatments and visit GoFundMe.com/help-John-Clark

Thank you and God Bless!

April 3rd, 2018

#StartAConversation #whatisparkinsons

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative brain disorder. There is currently no cure, but there are many treatment options to manage symptoms.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects predominately dopamine-producing (“dopaminergic”) neurons in a specific area of the brain called substantia nigra.

Symptoms generally develop slowly over years. The progression of symptoms is often a bit different from one person to another due to the diversity of the disease. People with PD may experience:

• Tremor, mainly at rest and described as pill rolling tremor in hands. Other forms of tremor are possible
• Slowness of movements (bradykinesia)
• Limb rigidity
• Gait and balance problems

Please visit www.gofundme.com/help-john-clark

Good morning friends, family, and social followers! 

Today is Monday April 2nd, 2018 and I hope that you all have had a wonderful Easter Weekend. 

Today is the first business day of April and as April is a huge month for me and the Parkinson's Foundation we ask that you pay special attention to us this month. Support our mission to make life better for people with Parkinson's. Your gift will help us improve care and advance research toward a cure.

This month we will be posting information so you can better learn about the disease, signs, treatment options, care, and ways you can get involved.

Please also visit my gofundme.com/help-john-clark page so that I am able to continue with stem cell treatments. 

Thank you and God Bless!

#StartAConversation #JohnWClarkparkinsonsfoundation

Parkinson’s Foundation engages the global Parkinson’s community to support Parkinson’s Awareness Month - April, 2018. When we raise awareness about Parkinson’s and how the Foundation helps make lives better for people with PD, we can do more together to improve care and advance research toward a cure. This year, our theme is “Start a Conversation,” a call to action that urges people to talk about Parkinson’s with their loved ones, friends, neighbors, care team and community. Get Involved! #StartAConversation