Your Health: Raising Awareness Of Parkinson's Disease

It was two years ago that Norman Hunneyman first realized something was wrong. 

He was tiring easily and was unsteady. 

The diagnosis was Parkinson's disease, a progressive disorder of the central nervous system with symptoms which can include tremors, difficulty with speech and swallowing and memory loss. 

Norman, a retired Jefferson Community College teacher and librarian, has since educated himself about this disease.

He was surprised to learn just how many people in the north country have Parkinson's.

"There's probably anywhere from one to three people in every community that probably has had the diagnosis," said Norman.

With his wife, Janet, as his caregiver, Norman says he lives one day at a time.

He stays active and is involved with a support group in Chaumont. 

This outreach is important to Norman and Janet.

"You can talk with people who understand and will share their stories and you know that you really aren't alone," said Janet.

Norman has community support as well.  

There is a walk to benefit the National Parkison Foundation this Saturday in Sackets Harbor and it has been declared Parkinson's Disease Awareness Day in the village.

For more information on Saturday's walk, you can call the Sackets Harbor Visitors Center at 646-2321. 

Norm and Janet will be at the walk and they hope many others will join them in the cause.