Beyond Medication Wellness Series

APDA Northwest is proud to present a series of free virtual workshops designed to give you practical tools and techniques to help you improve your quality of life with PD.


Next Session: SERIES #5

Power Up Your Voice

Wednesdays
10:30am – 11:30am Pacific Time
October 30 – November 20

On Zoom

Description

Take control of your voice and fight back against the changes Parkinson’s can bring. In this 4-week series you’ll learn techniques and tools to keep your voice strong, clear, and confident.  With expert guidance and practical exercises, you’ll gain the skills to maintain your vocal strength and communication abilities for the long haul. Don’t wait for changes – be proactive in preserving your voice! 

Week 1: Understanding the Why

Sometimes my voice and volume are perfectly clear and other times, it’s just not.

The Pyramidal vs Extrapyramidal neurologic tracks will be explained

Week 2: What can you do about it?  

Learn about evidence-based Voice Programs LSVT or SPEAK OUT!

Where to find resources, free online groups, what will be expected

Week 3:  Creating External Motivation

Dopamine changes in the brain decrease a person’s internal motivation to exercise.

Have a plan to get support from external sources so that you can stay strong.

Week 4:  Extra Tools that help with Volume

Respiratory Muscle Strength Training

Review of different available products on the market and how they work

The Value of Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training

The Value of Expiratory Muscle Strength Training

Presenter

Jessica Aubin, MS CCC-SLP

Jessica is a 2005 Graduate from the University of Washington. Her work experience covers a broad range of settings from in-patient rehabilitation, long-term care, and rehabilitation facilities to the public-school setting. She started Aubin Speech & Language Center in 2010 to help improve needed access to services on Bainbridge Island.

Apart from being a Washington State licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, she holds multiple specialty certifications including certifications specifically for Parkinson’s treatment including Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT), Speak Out! and Loud Crowd.

“I believe in making a functional difference in people’s lives. I rely on researched based practices to provide the best services possible, and if I need to be creative with my treatment approach or reach out to the community to connect people with what they love to do, then I explore those options as well. My goal is to help others obtain the best quality of life possible.”


Previous Classes

SERIES #1

4 Weeks to PD-PRO: Optimizing Your Diet with Parkinson’s Disease

Description:
In this four-week course, you will learn about the PD-PRO diet and its connection improved quality of life with Parkinson’s disease, how to manage common Parkinson’s symptoms, transitioning to a plant-based diet, and the role of diet in reducing inflammation and supporting brain health. Acquire the knowledge and tools to integrate brain-protective foods into your daily meals, all while optimizing nutrition and flavor.

Facilitated by Kelly Morrow, MS, RDN, FAND
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Seattle Integrative Medicine


Held in Jan-Feb 2024


SERIES #2

Hand On Helpful Caregiving

Description

Throughout these workshops you will learn how to help the one you care for help themselves, using a variety of techniques including adaptive tools, simple modifications to the environment, and adjusting positioning / using proper ergonomics. You will come away with the tools needed to put these techniques into action and the understanding of how big changes can result from even little adjustments. This will allow you and those you care for to work as a team throughout the day.

Facilitated By Heidi Huynh, OTR, CTRS
Occupational Therapist
Ascend Therapy Services

Held in March of 2024


SERIES #3

Finessing Fine Motor Skills

Description

We use our hands and our fine motor skills throughout many tasks on a daily basis. During this workshop series you will not only learn about tools and techniques to maximize your fine motor skills at home, but also participate in exercises and activities as a group together. Work alongside each other as we strengthen, stretch, and coordinate these precise muscles to maximize independence and accuracy throughout daily activity.

Facilitated By Heidi Huynh, OTR, CTRS
Occupational Therapist
Ascend Therapy Services

Held in May of 2024


SERIES #4

Beat the Freeze

Description

Freezing of gait can cause people with Parkinson’s Disease to feel stuck in their tracks.  During this workshop series, we will discuss the complexities of why freezing occurs.  You will learn practical tools that physical therapists utilize to help manage freezing episodes.

Facilitated by Dr. Jennie Allex & Dr. Nate Coomer
Physical Therapists
Parkinson’s Fitness Project

Held in August of 2024