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Overcoming Parkinson’s: Nurse’s Calling to Support Others

Tincy Jose, a nurse diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, has turned her journey into a calling to support and encourage others with the condition.
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Tincy Jose, a junior sister working in urgent care at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn, Norfolk, was completely overwhelmed when she received a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. However, she has managed to turn her journey into a calling to support and encourage others with the condition. Tincy first noticed her symptoms while walking in the hospital corridors and later experienced a tremor in her hand while at church. After reading an article about Dr. Paul Sinha, who also has Parkinson's, Tincy began to realize that her symptoms were similar to his. When she received her diagnosis over the phone, she felt like she was in a different world and was initially unable to speak. However, her matron provided support and reassurance, reminding her that there is treatment available and that she can still progress in her career and spend time with her children.

It took Tincy nearly one and a half years to disclose her diagnosis to all of her colleagues, but she gradually realized that there was a purpose to it. She believes it was a calling to raise awareness about the importance of timely medication for those with Parkinson's in the hospital. Tincy is a member of an informal group of NHS professionals diagnosed with the disease, and they are working to raise awareness and ensure that patients receive their medication on time. According to Parkinson's UK, 58% of patients admitted to the hospital do not receive their medication on time. Tincy has also had the opportunity to meet with the minister for disabled people to discuss the importance of adding Parkinson's to the prescription exemption list and recruiting more specialists.

Tincy wants to show others that there is life after a Parkinson's diagnosis. Despite experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, stress, and slowed writing, she has been able to develop her career and progress to a higher position. Recently, she was awarded the Best Nurse of the Year from MalayalamUK. Tincy believes that to live well with Parkinson's, one must be positive, active, resilient, kind to oneself, insightful, nurturing, self-confident, and optimistic. She emphasizes the importance of seeking support and remaining determined to rise above the challenges that come with the disease. Tincy's son calls her a super mum because she continues to work and take care of her family despite her diagnosis, and she is grateful for their support.

In conclusion, Tincy Jose's journey with Parkinson's disease has led her to become an advocate for others with the condition. She has found purpose in raising awareness about the importance of timely medication and has shown that there is still a fulfilling life and career after a diagnosis. Tincy's story serves as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges and highlights the importance of support and determination in overcoming obstacles.

Original news source: Parkinson's disease: 'You can have a career after diagnosis' (BBC)

🎧 Listen:

πŸ“– Vocabulary:

1. overwhelmed
2. diagnosis
3. tremor
4. reassurance
5. disclose
6. purpose
7. awareness
8. medication
9. symptoms
10. fatigue
11. resilient
12. challenges
13. advocate
14. obstacles
15. determination

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Summary
Instructions:
1. Read the article individually or in pairs.
2. Write a summary of the article in your own words, focusing on the key points.
3. Share your summaries with the class and compare them.
– Opinion Poll
Instructions:
1. Divide the class into groups of 3-4.
2. Each group should discuss the following question: "Do you think it is important for hospitals to prioritize timely medication for patients with Parkinson's disease? Why or why not?"
3. After the discussion, each group should conduct a mini-opinion poll within the class, asking other students for their opinions and reasons.
4. Create a summary of the poll results and present them to the class.
– Pros and Cons
Instructions:
1. In pairs or small groups, discuss the pros and cons of disclosing a Parkinson's diagnosis to colleagues.
2. Write down your ideas on a piece of paper or on the board, separating them into two columns: pros and cons.
3. Share your ideas with the class and have a class discussion on the topic.
– Future Predictions
Instructions:
1. Individually, write down 3 predictions about the future of Parkinson's treatment and support based on the information in the article.
2. Pair up with a classmate and share your predictions.
3. Discuss your predictions with your partner and come up with one joint prediction.
4. Share your joint prediction with the class and have a class discussion on the topic.
– Sketch It
Instructions:
1. In pairs or small groups, choose a key scene or moment from the article and sketch it on a piece of paper.
2. Once everyone has finished sketching, take turns presenting your sketches to the class and explaining the scene or moment you chose.
3. After each presentation, the class can ask questions or make comments about the sketches.

πŸ€” Comprehension Questions:

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Jose, a junior sister working in urgent care at the Queen Elizabeth in King's Lynn, Norfolk, was completely overwhelmed when she received a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. However, she has managed to turn her journey into a calling to support and others with the condition. Tincy first noticed her symptoms while walking in the hospital corridors and later experienced a tremor in her hand while at church. After reading an article about Dr. Paul , who also has Parkinson's, Tincy began to realize that her symptoms were similar to his. When she received her diagnosis over the phone, she felt like she was in a different world and was initially unable to speak. However, her matron provided support and reassurance, reminding her that there is available and that she can still progress in her career and spend time with her children. It took Tincy nearly one and a half years to disclose her diagnosis to all of her , but she gradually realized that there was a purpose to it. She believes it was a calling to raise awareness about the importance of timely medication for those with Parkinson's in the hospital. Tincy is a member of an group of NHS professionals diagnosed with the , and they are working to raise awareness and ensure that patients receive their medication on time. According to Parkinson's UK, 58% of patients admitted to the hospital do not receive their medication on time. Tincy has also had the opportunity to meet with the minister for disabled people to discuss the importance of adding Parkinson's to the prescription exemption list and recruiting more specialists. Tincy wants to show others that there is life after a Parkinson's diagnosis. Despite experiencing such as fatigue, stress, and writing, she has been able to develop her career and to a higher position. Recently, she was awarded the Best Nurse of the Year from MalayalamUK. Tincy believes that to live well with Parkinson's, one must be positive, active, resilient, kind to oneself, insightful, nurturing, self-confident, and . She emphasizes the importance of and remaining determined to rise above the challenges that come with the disease. Tincy's son calls her a mum because she continues to work and take care of her family despite her diagnosis, and she is grateful for their support. In conclusion, Tincy Jose's journey with Parkinson's disease has led her to become an advocate for others with the . She has found purpose in raising awareness about the importance of timely medication and has shown that there is still a fulfilling life and career after a diagnosis. Tincy's story serves as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges and highlights the importance of support and determination in overcoming obstacles.

πŸ’¬ Discussion Questions:

1. Have you ever known someone with Parkinson's disease? How did it affect their life?
2. How do you think you would feel if you received a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease?
3. Do you think it's important for healthcare professionals with Parkinson's to raise awareness about the condition? Why or why not?
4. What do you think can be done to ensure that patients with Parkinson's receive their medication on time in hospitals?
5. How do you think Tincy's experience with Parkinson's has influenced her perspective on life and career?
6. Do you agree with Tincy's belief that there is still a fulfilling life and career after a Parkinson's diagnosis? Why or why not?
7. How do you think Tincy's advocacy work can help other people with Parkinson's disease?
8. What qualities do you think are important for someone living with Parkinson's to possess in order to live well with the condition?
9. How do you think Tincy's children feel about her continuing to work and take care of them despite her diagnosis?
10. Would you consider Tincy a role model? Why or why not?
11. Do you think it's important for people with Parkinson's to have a support system? Why or why not?
12. How do you think Tincy's experience with Parkinson's has affected her relationship with her colleagues?
13. How do you think Tincy's advocacy work can impact the healthcare system in regards to Parkinson's disease?
14. What do you think are some of the biggest challenges that people with Parkinson's face?
15. How do you think Tincy's positive attitude has helped her in living with Parkinson's disease?

Individual Activities

πŸ“–πŸ’­ Vocabulary Meanings:

Click a dot next to a word, then click the dot next to its meaning to draw a line connecting them.

Words

1. overwhelmed
2. diagnosis
3. tremor
4. reassurance
5. disclose
6. purpose
7. awareness
8. medication
9. symptoms
10. fatigue
11. resilient
12. challenges
13. advocate
14. obstacles
15. determination

Meanings

(A) A substance used to treat or cure a disease or medical condition
(B) Comfort or support given to someone to remove their doubts or fears
(C) To reveal or make known information or a secret
(D) The identification of a disease or condition through examination or testing
(E) Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions
(F) Firmness of purpose or resolve; the act of deciding definitely and firmly
(G) A small involuntary shaking movement, typically in the hands
(H) Knowledge or understanding of a particular situation or fact
(I) Feeling completely defeated or unable to cope
(J) The reason for which something is done or created
(K) Difficulties or problems that require effort to overcome
(L) Physical or mental features that indicate the presence of a disease or condition
(M) A person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy
(N) Extreme tiredness or exhaustion
(O) Something that blocks or hinders progress or achievement

πŸ”‘ Multiple Choice Questions:

1. How did Tincy first notice her symptoms of Parkinson's disease?
(a) While at church
(b) While walking in the hospital corridors
(c) After reading an article about Dr. Paul Sinha
(d) All of the above
2. Who provided support and reassurance to Tincy after her diagnosis?
(a) Her colleagues
(b) Her children
(c) Her matron
(d) Her doctor
3. What percentage of patients admitted to the hospital do not receive their medication on time, according to Parkinson's UK?
(a) 58%
(b) 75%
(c) 42%
(d) 90%
4. What is Tincy's goal in raising awareness about Parkinson's in the hospital?
(a) To recruit more specialists
(b) To add Parkinson's to the prescription exemption list
(c) All of the above
(d) To ensure patients receive their medication on time
5. What symptoms does Tincy experience as a result of Parkinson's?
(a) Fatigue, stress, and slowed writing
(b) Tremors and difficulty speaking
(c) Memory loss and confusion
(d) None of the above
6. What award was Tincy recently given?
(a) Advocate of the Year
(b) Parkinson's Awareness Award
(c) Best Nurse of the Year
(d) None of the above
7. How does Tincy's son describe her?
(a) An inspiration
(b) A super mum
(c) A role model
(d) None of the above
8. What is the main message of Tincy's story?
(a) Support and determination are important in overcoming obstacles
(b) Timely medication is crucial for those with Parkinson's
(c) All of the above
(d) There is life after a Parkinson's diagnosis

πŸ•΅οΈ True or False Questions:

Tincy emphasizes the importance of seeking support and remaining determined to rise above the challenges that come with Parkinson's disease.
Tincy gradually disclosed her diagnosis to her colleagues over a period of one and a half years.
Tincy's symptoms included experiencing a tremor in her hand and noticing similarities to another individual with Parkinson's.
Tincy is not a member of an informal group of NHS professionals diagnosed with Parkinson's, working to raise awareness and ensure patients receive their medication on time.
Tincy's matron provided no support and reassurance after her diagnosis, reminding her of no available treatment options and the inability to progress in her career and spend time with her children.
Tincy received a misdiagnosis of Parkinson's disease, which initially overwhelmed her.
Tincy Jose is a senior brother working in urgent care at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn, Norfolk.
Tincy believes that her diagnosis was a calling to raise awareness about the importance of timely medication for Parkinson's patients in the hospital.

πŸ“ Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
Check your writing now with the best free AI for English writing!

Writing Questions:

1. How did Tincy Jose first realize that she might have Parkinson's disease?
2. How did Tincy's matron provide support and reassurance after her diagnosis?
3. What is the main goal of the informal group of NHS professionals diagnosed with Parkinson's that Tincy is a part of?
4. According to Parkinson's UK, what percentage of patients admitted to the hospital do not receive their medication on time?
5. What advice does Tincy give for living well with Parkinson's disease?

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