April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month.

Parkinson’s Support Group Facilitator Natasha Nikkel with Hearthstone in Pella tells KNIA/KRLS News there are new methods to treat the illness, mainly through increased exercise. Nurse Marlene Bryan says there are key symptoms to look for when attempting to determine a Parkinson’s diagnosis. Hearthstone holds a monthly support group for those affected by the disease, whether they’ve been diagnosed or they are a caregiver.

The next session is with Lyle Gibson, a baseball player, tennis pro, Boston marathoner, and high school baseball and tennis coach, who will share his personal diagnosis of Parkinson’s, the changes in priorities and the life lessons he has learned from it. It’s at 1:30pm Thursday in the Pella Manor West Social Room, 608 E 2nd Street. Contact Natasha Nikkel, 641-620-4219 or nnikkel@wesleylife.org with questions.