---

It’s been a busy fall at Parkinson Society Canada and we’ve got a packed issue for you with news on the latest education resources, research funding and advocacy initiatives, as well as tips on eating well, recognition of our national volunteer award recipients and an inspiring story on keeping active – the equine way.

Parkinson Society Canada’s first online learning module for family physicians was recently accredited by the College of Family Physicians of Canada. The program is available at no cost charge and we encourage you to pass along the information to the members of your health care team.

And for all the days between visits to your doctor, we’ve got some great tips on eating well with Parkinson’s disease, including what to eat to help alleviate certain symptoms, like constipation.

On the research front at Laval University, neuro-biologist Francesca Cicchetti is investigating the way damaged alpha-synuclein travels from cell to cell, spreading Parkinson’s disease, with funding from Parkinson Society Canada’s National Research Program. This is the first in a series of profiles of the 2014-2016 funded researchers.

PSC is working in a number of areas to achieve positive change for people living with Parkinson’s disease, including those with dementia. We’ve participated in recent initiatives to raise awareness among parliamentarians, global policy makers and the general public about the complex impact of dementia on the Parkinson’s community. Lend your voice and consider becoming a Parkinson’s Ambassador in your riding as we prepare for the 2015 federal election.

Advocating for policy change is just one way our volunteers across the country make a difference. Read about how our National Volunteer Award recipients have improved life, increased awareness and raised funds for the Parkinson’s community.

We invite you to inspire other eParkinsonPost readers and share your personal story. In this issue, Natasha McCarthy, a 37-year-old mother of two young daughters, relates her journey with young onset Parkinson’s disease and her joyous re-connection with horses, the health benefits of riding.

We encourage you to share this newsletter with friends, family and your Parkinson’s health care team. And let your voice be heard by providing comments to the articles in this issue. If you have an idea for a future story, send it to editor@parkinson.ca. Happy holidays and we will connect once again in 2015.