Help Eli raise money

It's Eli. The Pittsburgh marathon is coming up soon this year. I would like to tell you all about the Parkinson Foundation of Western PA, but first I would like to tell you all about last year's fundraiser. I raised money for Casey's Clubhouse and raised over $1,000!      This year I chose to raise money for the Parkinson Foundation of Western PA. Let me tell you why I chose to raise money for this organization. I learned Muhammad Ali had Parkinson's. He had to carry around signatures in his bag because it took him so long to sign his name. Once I learned this I became interested in the disease and wanted to help find new treatments for the disease.          

Parkinson's disease is caused when the nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine become impaired or die. People also lose nerve endings that produce norepinephrine which controls many functions of the body like heart rate and blood pressure.          

The disease starts with slight tremors in the jaw and/or hand. This gradually grows into larger tremors and stiff muscles with trouble standing or dizziness that can even lead to falls. You could also have trouble sleeping with nightmares and restless sleep.

Parkinson's has no cure, but some medications can help with some of the effects. Some medications that help with the disease are carbidopa and benztopine. Carbidopa is a dopamine promoter that can counter the effects of nerve cell loss in the brain. Benztopine helps to control tremors which can help prevent falls and uncontrollable tremors.

 Parkinson's can also be treated without medications by exercising. Some of these forms of exercise are Aerobic activity at a moderate to vigorous intensity, strength training for major muscle groups, balance, agility, and multitasking such as yoga, tai chi, dance, and boxing. The last thing that can help is stretching and deep breathing. 

Would you please consider donating to the fight against Parkinson's. Thank you for your support in helping raise awareness and funds for the Parkinson Foundation of Western Pennsylvania!