Welcome to the first edition of e-ParkinsonPost for 2012.

In this issue, the advocacy report introduces Joyce Barretto, the new Co-Chair of the National Advocacy Committee and offers a look at several briefs that have been presented recently to federal and provincial government policymakers.

We announce the progress of the Parkinson Research Alliance in developing Canada’s first set of guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson’s.

We provide links to web sites and blogs where people with Parkinson’s can share knowledge, information, ideas and experiences, as well as links to media stories on Parkinson’s research.

This issue also offers some dates to watch for – the deadline for nominations for Parkinson Society Canada’s National Volunteer Awards, a webinar on cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s coming in April, the 2012 Donald Calne Lecture and World Parkinson Congress 2013.

For the April Parkinson’s Awareness Month, watch for stories on the benefits of exercise in Parkinson’s and new physical activity guidelines for staying active.

We want to hear from you. Please leave a note in the Comments section to let us know what you think of the newsletter and articles. Your feedback will make this publication better. And if you really enjoy this publication, please pass along the link to someone you know so that they may enjoy it too.

Marjie Zacks
Editor