Public awareness about Parkinson’s disease is very important.

While many people may have heard of Parkinson’s disease, many know little or nothing about the condition and how affects a person and their friends and family.

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative condition and after Alzheimer’s is the second most common disease. In the United States, 50 to 60 thousand new cases are diagnosed each year and 4 to 6 million people have this condition. Neurological degenerative disease is a term that refers to a progressive loss of nerve cells (neurons) and/or their function. Neuro-degeneration from Parkinson’s disease can give rise to a wide spectrum of symptoms, which can vary widely between people in terms of their type and the severity in which they present themselves.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can vary from person to person, and may include: difficulties with balance, swallowing, chewing, speaking, tremor, slowness, constipation, cognitive impairment, dementia, anxiety and depression. Skin problems and sleep difficulties can also occur. One of the most noticeable symptoms of Parkinson’s disease is involuntary quivering movements, known as tremors. As the disease progresses, symptoms can worsen. For example, over time a person may not be able to move, speak or swallow. Symptoms can often arise several years after the initial onset of Parkinson’s disease.

Diagnosis and treatment

Currently, there are no diagnostic tests or biological markers that confirm a diagnosis of Parkinson’s. Diagnosis is based on medical history and physical examination performed by an experienced practitioner. This is very important because symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can be mistaken for other conditions that can in turn delay treatment options. There are no known successful treatments that can delay, or stop, its progression. Treatment is directed to help treat symptoms. Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can be mistaken for another conditions this can in turn delay treatment options to delay its progression.

The association between body mass index and Parkinson’s disease has been studied in the past and studies have shown that body mass index is associated with a risk of Parkinson disease independent of other risk factors.

As Parkinson’s disease is so prevalent in society, Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month helps support those affected by the disease whilst encouraging further research into finding a cure or adequate treatment.


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OCC’s epidemiologist is closely monitoring the COVID-19 status and is actively issuing updates as they are available. The Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization are the most trusted sources online.  While the CDC has announced new mask protocols for vaccinated individuals, there will be no changes for our office protocols for patients, guests, and staff members as the announcement does not apply to hospitals or medical facilities. Masks are still a requirement for all patients, guests and staff at our facility.

As we reinitiate weight loss surgery, we are constantly adapting and installing new and updated safety measures.

Weight loss surgery is medically necessary.

Bariatric Surgery and the clash of two pandemics.   

Major metabolic and bariatric surgery Societies and colleges globally are now calling for the safe resumption of bariatric and metabolic surgery before the COVID-19 pandemic is declared over. 

The sooner bariatric surgery can be safely performed, the quicker obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other diseases can be reduced or resolved as they are not only chronic they are also progressive.  Obesity is also linked to more than 40 diseases including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, and at least 13 different types of cancer.

A recent statement from the ASMBS says “Before COVID-19 began, it was clear that patients with obesity were ‘safer through surgery.’ In the era of COVID-19, ‘safer through surgery’ for patients with obesity may prove to be even more important than before.” Obesity and Metabolic syndrome have been identified as an independent risk factor for adverse outcomes including death among COVID-19 patients.

See here for full COVID-19 update. 

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