INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Healthcare professionals and those affected by essential tremor, family members, and friends are all welcome to attend the second annual Essential Tremor Awareness Conference, which will be held on Feb. 19 from 2-5 p.m. at The Moorings in Vero Beach.
The conference is free, but reservations are required. Please RSVP by calling the Alzheimer & Parkinson Association at 772-563-0505.
Speakers will present current research and address topics related to essential tremor, a debilitating movement disorder which affects up to 10 million people in the US.
Essential tremor contributes to social anxiety and frustration because of the inability to perform everyday tasks that require fine motor skills such as holding a glass, eating, or writing. ET may affect the head, hands and voice, occurring during movement, unlike Parkinson-related tremor which occurs at rest.
This year’s conference presenters include Dr. David Vaillancourt, PhD, from University of Florida; a representative from local Congressman Bill Posey’s office; and Joan Marie Barringer, MEd, an Essential Tremor Support Group Leader at the Alzheimer & Parkinson Association and Board Member of HopeNET.
Dr. Vaillancourt is Professor of Applied Physiology, Neurology, and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Florida, currently directing the Laboratory for Rehabilitation Neuroscience.
Congressman Posey and his staff are actively involved with increasing awareness for essential tremor on Capitol Hill and supporting essential tremor research.
Barringer is a professional counselor who has had essential tremor since childhood. She started the first essential tremor support group in Washington, DC. She is also an accomplished motivational speaker who enthusiastically educates groups through a holistic approach, encouraging individual participation and personal growth.
For more information or to register for the conference call 772-563-0505.