Parkinson's Disease - A Social Net
For Parkinson's disease patients, both updated information and social interactions are key factors in battling the disease. Though patients seek these through traditional means such as their doctors, families and friends, many are turning to the Internet.
Patients can compare notes on Parkinson's issues and stay in touch with others with the disease by subscribing to an Internet Parkinson's mailing list. Some of these lists deal with Parkinson's as one of a number of neurological disorders. Others focus on caregiving. One list that is an open forum just for Parkinson's patients is called "PARKINSN."
Maintained at the University of Toronto, PARKINSN gives patients a place to pose questions or just let off some steam. A recent scan of the list revealed messages about exercises that can relieve some Parkinson's discomfort, surgery success stories, reviews of books about the disease, poems, even some Parkinson's jokes. One list member announced that he is marrying his doctor, and he invited everyone on the list to his wedding.
To join PARKINSN, send an e-mail message to LISTSERV@LISTSERV.UTORONTO.CA. In the body of the note, write: subscribe PARKINSN (your first name) (your last name).
