World Parkinson's Day, observed on April 11th every year, is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about Parkinson's disease and the impact it has on the lives of millions of people worldwide. In honour of this day, Parkinson's UK has launched the ‘Light Up Blue’ campaign, which aims to raise funds for research towards a cure. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of World Parkinson's Day, the Light Up Blue campaign and our CPD-Accredited, Skills for Care endorsed Supporting People with Parkinson’s eLearning course for social care workers.
What is Parkinson's Disease?
Parkinson's disease is a chronic and progressive neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system. It is caused by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, leading to a variety of motor and non-motor symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with movement and coordination.1 in 37 people alive today in the UK will be diagnosed with Parkinson's in their lifetime.
World Parkinson's Day: Shining a Light on Parkinson's
World Parkinson's Day is a day of global solidarity in support of those living with Parkinson's disease. It aims to raise awareness about the condition and the challenges faced by those living with it. By shining a light on Parkinson's, we can start a conversation about the disease and its impact on individuals, families, and communities.
Raising awareness about Parkinson's disease is essential to promote early diagnosis, increase access to treatment, and improve the quality of life of those living with the condition. It also helps to reduce the stigma associated with Parkinson's and encourages people to seek help and support when needed.
For those living with Parkinson's Disease, support and community are essential. Local support groups, online forums, and advocacy organizations can all provide valuable resources and connections for those affected by it. By joining together, we can create a supportive community that empowers people with Parkinson's to live the way they choose with access to a wider range of opportunities.
The ‘Light Up Blue’ Campaign ?
The ‘Light Up Blue’ campaign is an initiative that encourages people to show their support for Parkinson's disease by lighting up their areas of residence or work in blue. Blue is the colour of hope and optimism, and it represents the fight against Parkinson's disease. The campaign is a powerful visual symbol of the Parkinson's community's solidarity and determination to find a cure for the disease.
Research is critical to improving our understanding of Parkinson's Disease and developing new treatments and therapies. On World Parkinson's Day, we can support the important work being done by scientists and researchers around the world by donating to Parkinson's research organizations, participating in clinical trials, and advocating for increased funding and support for Parkinson's research.
Participating in the Light Up Blue campaign is easy. You can show your support by lighting up your home, workplace, or landmark in blue. You can also participate in virtual events and share your support on social media using the hashtag #LightUpBlue. By participating in the campaign, you are not only raising awareness about Parkinson's disease but also showing your support for those affected by it.
CareTutor's Supporting People with Parkinson’s Course
To show our support World Parkinson’s Day, we’d like to remind you of CareTutor has a CPD Accredited and Skills for Care endorsed eLearning course for social care workers, Supporting People with Parkinson’s.
This interactive video-based course explains what Parkinson’s disease is and how to provide support for people with the disease.
By the end of this course, learners should be able to:
Explain what Parkinson’s disease is
Identify the known stages of Parkinson’s disease
Describe the common symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
Care correctly for those with Parkinson’s disease
Find out more here.
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BVS Training has a range of over 70+ video-based social care courses.
Talk to our team on 0345 644 2866 Email us on: info@bvs.co.uk