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2 0 2 3 G O O D H E A L T H
Jane Williams speaks to the London Laurel County Chamber of Commerce about Parkinson ’ s Disease and the local group , Parkinson ’ s in Motion .
50 % increase from earlier statistics listing nearly 60,000 each year .
Tremors , loss of mobility , cognitive functions , even speech difficulty are symptoms of the disease . But while she learned some of the symptoms , she also learned about some misconceptions of the disease .
“ We ’ ve learned that Parkinson ’ s is not genetic ,” she said . “ It ’ s actually an environmental cause - chemicals in products we use . Paraquat and other chemicals cause Parkinson ’ s . Some countries make products with chemicals that they have outlawed , but they still ship them to the United States . They are still legal here .”
A prime contributor of Parkinson ’ s is the chemical TCE - Tricholorethylene . While TCE is a major component of fluid used for dry cleaning , many other household items contain the chemical as well . The Virginia Public Health website states that TCE can be found in typewriter correction fluids , paint removers , paint strippers , adhesives , spot removers , cleaning fluid for rugs and metal cleaners .
The Parkinson ’ s In Motion group continue to learn about the disease , spreading their knowledge to other groups and the public . She has spoken before numerous groups to inform and educate them on the knowledge she has gained and to continue the awareness of this debilitating disease . Later this year she is traveling to Barcelona , Spain , to speak at the World Parkinson ’ s Congress convention .
On the local level , the Parkinson ’ s In Motion group is hosting a 5K Walk on April 29 as a fundraiser to assist them in continuing their mission of education and information .
“ Our plans are to work with the University of Kentucky to educate the medical community , especially in the Appalachian region , on how to diagnose Parkinson ’ s ,” she said . “ Parkinson ’ s is a ‘ snowflake ’ - no two cases are alike .”
She continues to research , read and act on the things she ’ s learned , sharing her knowledge to as many who will listen - but always staying positive and alert .
“ You have to keep your body and brain active and stay socially active ,” she said . “ You can also do things with your diet . I ’ ve cut out meat and dairy because protein stops the medications from crossing over the nerves . I also take cold showers , like the Cold Plunge you hear about . The results are that my cell walls have improved . I feel stronger , and my thought processes are better .”
Her faith is a key factor in dealing with her disease , and Williams remains positive about the future . She continues to research and question , pray and act , educate and inform .
“ I ’ m okay with this . God has given me peace ,” she said . “ Our group has a mission to go across the state because as the cases of Parkinson ’ s rise , all communities need to have groups to help diagnose and treat Parkinson ’ s .”