Students learn about debilitating disease firsthand

Students in Cedar Grove-Belgium High School’s anatomy and physiology class last week got a more realistic and personal look at Parkinson’s disease than what a textbook can provide. High School administrative assistant Barb Skutka (photo in article) who was diagnosed with the disease a few years ago and started a local well-attended Parkinson’s support group, spoke to the class about the disease’s symptoms and progression. Two activities helped show the difficulties of daily life with Parkinson’s. Korbin Brem (Above left) worked to undo and redo a chain of safety pins while wearing gloves, and Hannah Peterson (Above right) joined classmates in a yoga pose. “Being able to interact with a real person helps the students to develop understanding and empathy for others. The students really enjoyed having Barb come in and speak. They like that she’s a familiar face from the school community and that she includes the activities in her presentation, so that they get an understanding of what it’s physically like to live with Parkinson’s,” science teacher Leanna Jackan said.