All You Need To Know About World Parkinson's Day 2023
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With growing age, the risk of health problems only increases. Parkinson's disease is one such health problem that typically affects people who are above 60 years of age. As per the data published on Parkinson's Disease Statistics, it is found that almost 7-10 million people now have Parkinson’s disease. In India alone, there are almost 1 million cases of Parkinson’s disease. As Parkinson's disease poses a great risk, it is very important to spread awareness about it. Thus, every year, April 11th is celebrated as World Parkinson’s Day to educate more and more people about this critical illness. So, let us walk you through World Parkinson’s Day 2023.
What is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a type of central nervous system disorder that typically affects people from old age and results in difficulty in movement and tremors. This is because there is damage to nerve cells in the brain that leads to a drop in dopamine levels. The symptoms of Parkinson's disease gradually begin to start and do not develop all at once, so it is very important to keep a check on its symptoms. Although, there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, yet early treatment and medication can help in reducing its risks.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
Some of the common symptoms of Parkinson’s disease that you need to be aware of include:
- There is abnormal shaking in the hands
- Slurred speech
- Slowed and shorter movement which often results in dragging of feet
- Imbalanced posture
- Loss of automatic movement resulting in an inability to perform blinking, smile
- Inability to write properly
- Loss of coordination
World Parkinson’s Day 2023
Parkinson’s disease is named after Dr. James Parkinson who first described Parkinson's disease in his essay “An Essay on the Shaking Palsy”. It was in 1870 when this nervous disorder got its name and the first World Parkinson's Day was celebrated in the year 1997. This year marks the 26th anniversary of World Parkinson’s Day. World Parkinson’s Day was introduced through the collaboration between World Health Organisation and European Parkinson’s Disease Association. This day is thus basically to focus on the awareness and the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.
How Can You Observe World Parkinson's Day 2023?
To make this significant health event even more significant, you must take steps from your end. So, here is how you can observe World Parkinson’s Day 2023 and make it more meaningful:
- Join Parkinson’s Day Event: To spread awareness of Parkinson’s Day, many health organizations come up with health events. So, you can be a part of such events and learn as well as educate others about Parkinson’s Day.
- Meet a Patient with Parkinson's Disease: To make Parkinson’s Day 2023 more meaningful, you must meet a patient with Parkinson's disease. This will help make their lives better and reduce the stress that comes when you suffer from Parkinson’s disease.
- Make a Donation: Every donation counts, so this World Parkinson’s Day, donate to the patients of Parkinson’s disease. There are several organisations that raise funds for patients with Parkinson’s disease. In addition, you can also start your fundraising and work for a noble cause that will be helpful for Parkinson’s disease patients.
Is Parkinson’s Disease Covered in Health Insurance?
Yes, there are critical illness health insurance plans that provide coverage for critical illnesses like Parkinson’s disease. A health insurance plan that provides coverage for Parkinson’s disease is useful in getting financial assistance for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. All you have to do is raise a claim when diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
A health insurance plan that covers Parkinson’s disease includes cost of treatment, hospitalisation, room rent, doctor’s fee, ambulance charges, and others. Some of the critical illness health insurance plans that provide coverage for Parkinson’s disease include Care Mediclaim Health Insurance, Activ Secure Critical Illness Plan, Chola MS Critical Healthline Insurance, and others. Furthermore, in addition to providing coverage for Parkinson’s disease, such health insurance plans also provide tax benefits as specified under section 80D of the Income Tax Act of 1961.
Take Away
Thus, let’s celebrate World Parkinson’s Day 2023 in a meaningful way and spread awareness about the same. Also, it is advisable that senior citizens must buy health insurance plans that provide coverage for Parkinson’s disease as this health problem is more common among old people.
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