parkinsons awareness week

Parkinson's Awareness Week 2020

What is Parkinson’s?

Parkinson’s is the most common type of Parkinsonism, which is an umbrella term for nervous system disorders. The nervous system is made up of cells and nerves around the body and is used for the transmission of signals. Signals tell muscles and the body to behave in a certain way. When damage or nerve cell loss occurs, the transmissions are disrupted, leading to slow and abnormal movements.

It is unknown what causes the loss of nerve cells. Parkinson’s gradually develops and the first sign is often tremoring in the hands. Other symptoms follow and include slow movement, rigid muscles and impaired posture or balance.

What is Parkinson’s Awareness Week?

Parkinson’s Awareness Week will take place from the 5^thto the 11^th of April. It is not just about spreading awareness but educating people on the effect that Parkinson’s can have as it is a daily struggle and affects people’s quality of life. It affects one in every five-hundred people in the UK, which amounts to 145,000 people. Every hour in the UK, two people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s. A big part of the awareness week is the charity and fundraising side as this aids finding a cure.

Parkinson’s Aids and Discount Code

Discount-Code

In addition to raising awareness, Tenura have released a discount code. The code (PAW20) can be used to redeem a 10% discount on selected daily living aids from the Tenura range that we believe can improve the quality of life for a person living with Parkinson’s disease. We have chosen the following products.

Tenura Cutlery Grips

Tenura cutlery grips are a great kitchen aid. They allow a person with impairments to strength or grip, hold utensils with ease. The increased surface area of the handle enables a person with Parkinson’s disease to grasp cutlery and live a more independent life. A larger handle means less movement and mobility is required. A sign of Parkinson’s is that your writing style changes; it reduces in size due to it becoming uncomfortable to write and the reduction in mobility. Our cutlery grips offer comfort and aid in writing and eating.

Tenura Anti slip floor mat

Tenura Anti slip mats can be a great help to someone with Parkinson’s tremors. The tremors can make movement difficult. Having an anti slip mat on the floor when standing can be of help as it provides a level of confidence as well as a surface that allows them to have a firm foothold when standing.

Tenura CupCaps

Having hands that tremor uncontrollably can lead to spillages when drinking. Applying a CupCap to any can, glass or mug helps to keep the contents contained. By design, they are easy to use and perfect for the job. CupCaps are antimicrobial, thus helping to reduce the spread of germs.

Tenura Cup Holder

A Tenura cup holder used in unison with a CupCap, gives a person with Parkinson’s the best chance at avoiding spillages and breakages. The Tenura cup holder provides an increased surface area to the base of any drink, making it stable and catches any drips. Tenura cup holders are easy to use and dishwasher safe (withstanding temperatures up to 250°).

Tenura Jar Opener and Bottle Opener

Your mobility is affected by Parkinson’s disease which makes simple tasks, difficult. It also affects your muscles, making them rigid (stiff). These symptoms can make opening twist-off lids fatiguing. Tenura silicone jar opener allows the user to twist off lids on large containers effortlessly. The Tenura silicone bottle openers work for smaller containers but also aid with turning taps, doorknobs and opening pill bottles, as they are versatile.

Parkinson’s Symptoms

Parkinson’s has the following symptoms (There are over 40 in total)

Tremor (In hands, feet or legs)
Slowed movement (Throughout the body and even affects facial expressions)
Rigid muscles (Stiffness that leads to a lack of mobility)
Impaired posture or balance (Affected by the latter symptom. Occurring in the late stages of Parkinson’s)
Loss of automatic movements (Like blinking or smiling)
Speech changes (The muscles in the face are affected which can make speaking tricky)
Writing changes (The size of the writing decreases as the movement becomes increasingly uncomfortable)

If you believe yourself or a family member has Parkinson’s disease, talk to them and seek advice from a doctor or the NHS website. Daily living aids can be of help to those close to you and aid them in achieving an independent lifestyle.