Two very special sessions of Verde Valley Medical Center’s Parkinson’s disease support group will be held at VVMC, Thursday, Oct. 8, and Friday, Oct. 9, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

“Introducing PD - 101,” for those living with Parkinson’s disease, and their families, is being held in two parts. The two sessions will be taught by a team from Muhammad Ali Parkinson’s Center (MAPC) at Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI)/St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center. The Thursday, part one meeting, will be in Conference Room A; Friday’s part two, in Conference Room C.

There is no charge for the programs, but registration is necessary to guarantee space and materials. Please register by calling, 800-227-7691.

Kim Mills, VVMC/EntireCare speech language pathologist, said, “This is an amazing opportunity for our community. MAPC is an internationally-known organization, considered by many to be the premier Parkinson’s disease center.

The MAPC team will present information on: basic neurology, symptoms, medications and side effects, caregiving, disease management, exercise, nutrition and sleeping.

According to their website, “The MAPC at BNI is a National Parkinson Foundation Center of Excellence, serving as a resource for Parkinson's disease patients and their families.

“The MAPC has more than 5,000 visits a year, drawing patients from Arizona, all of the western and Midwestern states and internationally.”

Please note: Lunch will not be served at either session. VVMC’s Café Verde will be open from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., for those wishing to purchase lunch onsite. Attendees also are welcome to bring lunches from home.

VVMC is located at, 269 S. Candy Lane, Cottonwood.