SPS offers support for Parkinson’s patients and families
SIBU: For those suffering from Parkinson’s disease, their goal in life should not be limited to just surviving but to include leading a better quality life.
In this matter, Sibu Parkinson’s Society (SPS) is ready to help.
SPS president Wong Meng Chuo said SPS is not just a society for members to get together, but an organisation to encourage and support members to lead a better life.
“We do exercises together and that is very encouraging. We learn to encourage one another, listen to one another and help each other out. We hold talks to give them a better understanding of the disease,” he told reporters during a water therapy session for patients at Delta Swimming Pool here yesterday.
According to him, help from society and the support of family members have encouraged patients tremendously.
SPS has over 100 members but only about 30 of them are suffering from Parkinson’s disease. The remainder consists of family members and volunteers.
Wong said the disease itself will not cause death, but other factors related to the disease may, such as problems swallowing and keeping balance.
SPS conducts physiotherapy every week aimed at getting participants’ motor systems going, improving balance, strengthening muscles and so on.
“Without balance, you have a tendency to fall and if you cannot swallow properly, you tend not to eat and you may die of malnutrition,” he explained.
“That is why an organisation
We do exercises together and that is very encouraging. We learn to encourage one another, listen to one another and help each other out. We hold talks to give them a better understanding of the disease. Wong Meng Chuo, SPS president
like SPS is important for patients to come together and interact with one another and to support one another.
“Isolation is not good. In fact, isolation is pretty bad for people with Parkinson’s disease. Socialising is important.
“Parkinson’s disease affects one’s ability to speak,” Wong said.
SPS members also have the opportunity to attend conferences and symposiums where they can learn more about the disease.
“I went to the World Parkinson Congress in Portland, Oregon, USA last year. It is a conference they hold every three years to discuss the latest findings of the disease,” Wong said.
He added he is looking forward to the next conference which will be held in Japan in 2019.
He also said he is now looking at Chinese medicine and acupuncture to slow down the progress of the disease.
Meanwhile, some of the members are currently practising to walk using hiking sticks in their preparation for the Borneo Post Run to be held on Aug 31.
“Yes, we are joining again this year. It is good for our bodies and it is good for our spirits,” Wong pointed out.
Senior physical therapist Song Hua Hung said the disease may also affect a patient’s brain.
He said exercises are very important to improve balance and to give relief for body stiffness.
“What we can do now is to slow down the process,” he said.
Patients and their family members have their therapy at Delta Swimming Pool every Monday and Friday from 7am until 8.30am.
Song encouraged family members to join to let patients feel they are supported.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, patients have their weekly physiotherapy and sometimes they make use of the outdoor gym at Sibu Town Square Phase 2.
Meanwhile a volunteer for the Love Run 2.0 to be held on April 29, next year, Loh Yu Yee, said she is very touched with the fighting spirit of the patients.
She said Love Run 2.0 aims to raise RM150,000 for SPS.
“SPS is in need of its own centre to carry out physiotherapy every week,” she said.
Loh added: “Parkinson’s disease is no longer only affecting the aged. Some patients these days are as young as 17.”
She hoped that the Love Run will encourage young people to love and care for their aged parents.
“We are in the process of gathering volunteers. While preparing for the event, we are bringing the volunteers to meet those with Parkinson’s disease in order to better understand the disease and the needs of SPS,” she said.