Greenville Hospital System (GHS) is teaming with the Parkinson's Support Group of the Upstate and the Greater Carolinas Chapter of the National MS Society to host the event.
The keynote speaker is Zoe Koplowitz, an author, motivational speaker and marathoner with MS. Lunch is included, and exhibitors will be present throughout the event. Registration is required. Call 1-877-447-4636 or visit ghs.org/360healthed.
The symposium also features a concurrent continuing medication education session for healthcare professionals such as neurologists, primary care physicians, nurses and allied health professionals. Visit ghs.org/CME-Conferences and click on the Parkinson’s Disease/Multiple Sclerosis Symposium listed within the calendar for April. Call 455-3546 for more information.
Koplowitz, who has to date completed 22 marathons, will speak on the topic “The Winning Spirit: Life Lessons Learned in Last Place.” Presenters also include Dr. Monique L. Giroux, medical director of Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation and Virtual Wellness Center, and Patricia M. Kennedy, a nurse educator and programs advisor for Can Do Multiple Sclerosis, a national nonprofit organization that provides innovative lifestyle empowerment programs for people living with MS and their support partners.
Dr. Mary Hughes, chair of GHS’ neurology division, will serve as moderator. The sessions will be concurrent so that each group can attend a disease-specific track and then re-join for the keynote speaker.
“This is a great opportunity for patients and their families to hear the latest research updates and get the practical information and encouragement to help them lead a full life with a challenging condition,” said Hughes, who is also director of GHS Neuroscience Associates. “Knowledge is empowering.”
While the diseases are quite different, there is some overlap of management strategies and coping tactics – including a growing body of research that shows that intensive exercise can significantly slow the progress of each disease. A research study is now underway at GHS through the neurology division and Acceleration Sports Institute.