For Hometown News
VERO BEACH - A new essential tremor support group is forming at 2 p.m. on Nov. 7 at the Alzheimer & Parkinson Association of Indian River County activities center, 2300 5th Ave., suite 150, Vero Beach.
The support group is co-sponsored by HopeNET, an organization dedicated to researching and finding a cure for essential tremor.
Bi-monthly discussions will be led by Joan Marie Barringer, a professional counselor who has essential tremor herself and started a support group in Washington, D.C., at Georgetown University Hospital.
Discussions will include self-care, social situations, proper nutrition, healthy habits, medications, doctors who specialize in essential tremor and other topics of interest. Friends and family are welcome.
Essential tremor, a condition that affects more than 10 million people in the U.S., is also referred to as "family tremor" because it often runs in families. Unlike Parkinson-related tremor that occurs at rest, essential tremor occurs during movement making it difficult to perform everyday tasks such as holding a glass, eating soup and writing.
Alzheimer & Parkinson Association of Indian River County is not an affiliate of a national organization. It is an independent, nonprofit organization that is 100 percent supported through donations derived from grants, events, individuals and businesses.
Programs are designed for those challenged by disorders affecting memory and movement, such as essential tremors, stroke, autism, lewy bodies and others. Services provided to area residents include support groups, a lending library resource center, monthly program meetings, caregiver training, Project Lifesaver tracking bracelets, respite program, an activity center, weekly exercise and movement classes, and free memory screening.
Nearly 4,100 caregivers, clients and professionals participated in the organization's programs in 2011.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities, making a donation or about other programs available in Indian River County, visit www.alspark.org or call (772)563-0505.