13th Annual Parkinson’s Holiday Party

December 2, 2009

At this year’s Hazel Hutchman Memorial Neuroscience Center Holiday Party people were excited to enjoy the visual beauty of some art created by a few of our Parkinson’s friends; such as wood carvings created in the shape of the National symbol for PD, the Tulip, and hand-detailed quilting. There was a catered luncheon, live music, guest speakers, door prizes and this year a new addition was added to the party...an entertaining musical show by the “Wonderelles”!  

 

Seizure Disorder Family Information Night

November 10, 2009

This was the first in a series of informational and interactive meetings for people and families with Seizure Disorders. In collaboration with the Rainbow Connection Family Resource Center, we were able to provide an “Epilepsy 101” lecture, including tips and tools giving some empowerment back to parents and family members living with these disorders. Discussion and friendship sparked quickly within the group itself and a new level of informational and social support was born. The next meeting will be held WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6 FROM 7-9 PM at the same location. 

 

Annual Senior & Caregiver Conference: Neurosearch guests of IHSS Public Authority

October 30, 2009

Located at the Ventura Adult Continuing Education Center. 5200 Valentine Rd., Ventura, CA 93003. 
At this annual seminar, Neurosearch provided information on Parkinson’s an Alzheimer’s Disease. It was a chance for listeners to learn about the pathology of the 2 disorders, what to look for if symptoms occur, tips and tools on how to better manage life with either, what to expect, as well as the newest options available in treatment and research options. Both English and Spanish presentations were provided. Attendees left with more knowledge in how to better improve quality of life for the people in their lives.

 

Latest PD Outreach and Free Screening Clinic a Success!

October 12, 2009

 

On September 26, 2009, in collaboration with Senior Concerns of Thousand Oaks, CA, the Hazel Hutchman Memorial Neuroscience Center provided a well-received outreach program to Ventura County residents and surrounding communities. A free Parkinson’s screening and numerous educational workshops were the order of the very busy day. And, there was an added touch when the Art of Parkinson’s was presented. Some very talented people with PD showcased their paintings, wood designs, handwork and even a quarter scale flying model of a World War I aircraft. “The PD Song” written and produced by Mark Solomon was performed to the delight of the attendees. Exhibitors were on hand to talk about research/clinical trials, therapies, exercise, and home support. By the end of the day, those attending learned how Parkinson’s is diagnosed, treated and what resources and support systems are available from the experts. In addition to the Hutchman Center and Senior Concerns, sponsorship for this program was provided by Neuroscearch, Teva Pharmaceuticals, and The Ventura County Star. Many learned that there is life with Parkinson’s...and how to live it!

 

Click on any image below to view it at full size!

 

 

Free Parkinson's Info and Screening Fair coming up on September 26, 2009 in Thousand Oaks!

September 8, 2009

 

 

The Hutchman Neuroscience Center & Neurosearch joined Team Parkinson's in this year's LA Marathon - Los Angeles, CA

June 9, 2009

The Hutchman Neuroscience Center joined Team Parkinson's in this year's LA Marathon once again! Members of Team Parkinson's included Carol Walton, Chief Executive Officer of Parkinson's Alliance, John and Edna Ball, Co-Founders of Team Parkinson's, and May May Ali, daughter of the greatest boxer of our time, Muhammad Ali. Members of Team Hutchman Center  raised $5,000. The entire foundation raised over $113,000 and counting for pure research money! If you would like more information on the LA Marathon, Team Parkinson's, or other marathons throughout the country, contact Susan Kline at skline@pdoutreach or the Parkinson's Alliance at http://www.parkinsonalliance.org/.

 

Click on an image below to view it full size!

 

 

Free Parkinson’s Information Fair and Screening Clinic - Cypress, CA

April 6, 2009

 

NeuroSearch and the Hazel Hutchman Memorial Neuroscience Center sponsored free early diagnosis and memory screenings for Parkinson’s Disease on Monday, April 6, 2009. At this one-of-a-kind event, there were 70 people who received a free appointment from either Dr. Robert M. Hutchman, MD, MDS, or Dr. Robert J. Shorr, MD. There were approximately 40 people who came in for the screening either for preventative measures or because they were showing some sign or symptom of the disease. Of the 67 people seen, over 40 left with the best news of their lives. They were able to return to their loved-ones happy and healthy with a clean bill of health from Parkinson's. This is the kind of news that makes it all worth it. To be able to provide a definitive answer of "No, you do not have Parkinson's Disease" is a rare thing and very exciting!

 

 

Free Parkinson’s Information Fair and Screening Clinic - Ventura, CA

November 5, 2008

 

Neurosearch and the Hutchman Neuroscience Center are proud to have joined forces with ONE Generation Senior Center to provide free screenings for PD at the Senior's Health Fair on November 5, 2008. At this event, there were a wide range of different resources for seniors. From flu shots to blood pressure and heart screenings, Dr. Robert J. Shorr, MD and Dr. Meril Platzer, MD graciously donated their day to provide free Parkinson's and memory screenings for seniors. People got to come enjoy a great day of health, food, and fun!

 

Free Parkinson’s Information Fair and Screening Clinic - Ventura, CA

Ventura Senior Recreation Center hosted a free Parkinson’s Info Fair and Free PD Screening Clinic on Friday September 26, 2008.

 

Ventura, CA: Neurosearch, a leading neurology-focused clinical research company located in Ventura, & the Hazel Hutchman Memorial Neuroscience Center, announced today that a highly successful Parkinson’s Information Fair and FREE Screening Clinic took place on Friday, September 26, 2008 at the Ventura Senior Recreation Center. The fair, co-sponsored by the Ventura County Star & Gold Coast Radio, served an estimated 300 local residents with information from featured exhibitors representing many aspects of Parkinson’s care including clinicians, community outreach representatives, research professionals, representatives from the Social Security Administration, and educational resource personnel, in addition to the actual free screening for Parkinson’s disease.

The screening process for Parkinson’s disease was a unique opportunity for Ventura county residents. Unlike other disorders where a simple test can be administered, Parkinson’s requires an assessment by a trained Neurologist who can distinguish Parkinson’s disease from other neurological issues. Dr. Robert Shorr and Dr. Robert Hutchman, two highly trained Neurologists, conducted the screenings. The physicians personally examined over 50 individuals during the course of the all day event in downtown Ventura. Many of those people received the happy news that they did not appear to have Parkinson’s disease. However, a significant number of participants screened with probable Parkinson’s disease. For those people, it was something of a good news bad news situation. Dr. Hutchman, a Mayo Clinic trained Parkinson’s specialist commented, “The bad news is that you may have Parkinson’s disease, but the good news is, now that we know, we can do something about it.”

The early detection of Parkinson’s disease is a key opportunity for the patient and physician to collaborate and be pro-active in the treatment of the disease. One of the motivations for staging this hugely successful event was the feeling that there were people in the community who were symptomatic but not being diagnosed. Both Dr. Shorr and Dr. Hutchman reported anecdotal evidence related by their patients where the patients had experienced up to several years of delays between the initial onset of symptoms and actual diagnosis and subsequent treatment for Parkinson’s disease. This delay was attributed to the fact that Parkinson’s is very challenging to diagnose in its early stages and many physicians who are not specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of movement disorders can miss the initial indications. Referral to a neurologist is critical to correctly identifying this disorder.

The National Parkinson’s Foundation estimates 60,000 new cases of Parkinson’s disease are diagnosed annually. On average, that means a new case of Parkinson’s is diagnosed every nine minutes. Nearly 1.5 million Americans have Parkinson’s and 15% of these cases are people under age 50. Parkinson’s is often associated with four specific motor manifestation or cardinal symptoms; tremor, slowness in movement, stiffness or rigidity, and balance issues. For those who attended the recent Screening Clinic, the work to manage this progressively debilitating disorder has begun. If you or someone you know is concerned about Parkinson’s, participation in a future clinical screening may be an option. Perhaps educational and supportive resources are needed. If you have already been diagnosed with PD or if you are just interested in learning more, please contact the Team that is putting a face to Parkinson’s.

The Hazel Hutchman Memorial Neuroscience Center Executive Director, Susan Kline, can answer any questions regarding plans for upcoming Parkinson’s Info Fairs and screening opportunities. Susan can be reached at (805) 482-2151.