What Awareness Month is April?

 by Diana McCollum

April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month. 

Every major disease has a special month. April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month. 

More people are aware of Parkinson’s especially because of Michael J. Fox who is a beloved movie star and a sufferer of Parkinson’s. He has a website that collects donations to fight this terrible disease. The research his foundation has done has advance the treatment of Parkinson’s.   

During this special month of April, people will pause and pay attention. Some will even walk, fund raise, wear a certain color or attend an event focusing on Parkinson’s. This is also the time to educate a broader audience about Parkinson’s. 

You can Google Parkinson’s Disease and read all about the horrible crippling effects of this deadly disease. Here is a brief description from Mayo Clinic:

“Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and the parts of the body controlled by the nerves. Symptoms start slowly. The first symptom may be a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand. Tremors are common, but the disorder may also cause stiffness or slowing of movement.” There is no cure and the disease can progress slow or fast.

I’m encouraging you to do one of the following:

• Register for a VIRTUAL Optimism Walks and help raise funds and awareness no matter where you live!
• Know someone who is a care partner? Call them or stop by and see how they’re doing.
• Make a donation to one of the many organizations supporting research and care for patients. The more funds raised, the more people that can be helped, and in these challenging times.
  
• Be part of the solution.

So instead of playing an April Fool’s trick today, do something constructive and help fight this deadly disease, even if it is just spreading the word about it.

Thanks for listening!

Parkinson sign by Hay Demitry

Man with Parkinson's  Hay Dmitry

Research team. Vitalik Radke

Students Igor Vetushko

ThAbout APDA

Funny or Not, Here I Come

Hi, I’m Judith Ashley, author of The Sacred Women’s Circle series, romantic women’s fiction with light paranormal elements. My stories show you what life could be like if you had a place like The Circle where you are unconditionally accepted, supported and loved. And where, with this support, you make choices to overcome the darkest nights and choose love and light.

To be honest I’m not 100% sure that April Fool’s Day is recognized around the world. It is in the USA by some. I will admit that it did play a part in choosing this month’s theme.

I’m fortunate that when I look back on my childhood, I’ve many memories of laughing with family, playing games, sing-a-longs, board games, tag and kick-the-can when outside. I even remember fun times as I grew older and one of my “truths” in the working world was if I wasn’t having fun, I didn’t stay in the job.

Why that was true for me became apparent when in my 30’s I became involved with Dr. William Glasser’sconcepts. I was so intrigued, so drawn to them that I made the time and found the funds to complete the Certification process and go on to become a member of the Senior Faculty.

Dr. Glasser believed that we all have an inherited need for fun. In some people that’s pretty apparent, perhaps less so in someone else. I’ve never seen South Park as funny. In fact I’ve never watched a full episode because I find it more offensive than anything else. I’ve had friends, who think it hilarious, attempt to explain why it’s funny, why they laugh - to no avail.

Why? Because we are all different. What one person loves to read, to watch, to do – something that lightens their day, brings a smile to their face and laughter burbling forth can darken a day, bring a frown to a face and no laughter at all.

You will have the opportunity this month to see what the word Laughter evokes from people around the world. Our Genre-istas come from Australia, Canada, United Kingdom and the United States. So many different countries, cultures and backgrounds. Our guests write romantic comedy. We invite you to stop by and see what they are up to in their writing and publishing lives.

While I do not write romantic comedy, I do have humor somewhere along the line in each of my books. As we continue to shift the tide of the pandemic, I invite you to take a look at where, when and with whom you laugh. And if there is a way, work to increase those moments. I’ve read in a couple of places that laughter supports our immune system and increases those feel good endorphins.

I publish a monthly newsletter. I’ve had the first book in The Sacred Women’s Circle available for free until now. I’ve created a new free offering that includes the novella Sarah’s Ankh along with the first chapter of Lily: The Dragon and The Great Horned Owl. I hope you enjoy them. If you are not yet on my mailing list, you can sign up for Choices here. If you are on my mailing list, you’ll get a separate email with a link to download Sarah’s Ankh within the next day or two.

Look for my next non-fiction Yes, You Can Create The Life You Love by late spring aka early summer. And if you need guidance on handling stress, Staying Sane in A Crazy World is available as are all of my books at your favorite e-book vendor. Be sure to ask your local library if you’d prefer to read my books through that resource.

Learn more about Judith's The Sacred Women’s Circle series at JudithAshley.net

Follow Judith on Twitter: JudithAshley19

Check out Judith’s Windtree Press author page.

You can also find Judith on FB! 

© 2021 Judith Ashley