An interview with Herb Lair: Finding Your Happy Place & PD Advocacy on November 20, 2024.
Biography
Founded a technology company in the Ozarks and took cable TV billing and management software system nationally and globally to over. 50 countries
Please tell me a little about your background.
I worked at a couple of large oil companies, until returning home. Our daughter was born with birth defects impacting decision. Started computer service bureau, and software development company.
Can you tell me more about your Advocacy?
I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2016, although tests in 2012 should have determined it.
I have neurological, non- motor Parkinson’s, including delusional actions. No tremors!
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
Since mine was lower body, I have been involved in several programs designed for balance and walking.
My passion now is my podcast to work on speaking with intent, and cognitive thinking in my interviews. Making people with Parkinson’s aware of the importance of staying active and involved. Taking action!
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when seeing your Advocacy?
Remain cognitive, speak effectively, and retain mobility. I relate to people with disabilities in my conversations. Staying away from technical language, and more entertaining, informative, and motivating.
What type of training and how long are the programs?
I participate in Rock Steady Boxing, art, music, and culinary all are ongoing. Many are provided by UAMS. University of Arkansas for medical sciences.
What effect can your Advocacy have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
I focus on education, entertainment, and motivation in my podcasts with focus on people suffering depression, anxiety, and delusional thinking.
What would you like to see as a future goal for your Advocacy?
Since the National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act officially rolls out January 2025; I would like to get sponsors and advertisers to ensure that my podcasts and messages get to a bigger market.
What events do you participate in?
Most are sponsored by UAMS, making public aware of programs for people with PD and the caregivers including art, music, and culinary
How does this also assist the caregivers?
Being involved with in-depth communications with people with PD. I have done a podcast with an experienced caregivers that explains how it must be done. Lot of personal attention. Not just checking boxes.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website
https://sites.google.com/site/cuoirent
YouTube https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfELO0S3YosaV7zKA7WUWxh8M7ZeRnWs_&si=IV1TmkuNP7mol-QX
And Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-your-happy-place-lair/id1756188198
How can others also become advocates for awareness?
Support of podcasts like mine to provide information. Subscribe, it’s free!
In your opinion, what is the key to effective advocacy?
Being diagnosed early and developing a plan to maintain your health. The longer you let it go, the worse condition you will be in when you start maintenance! There’s no cure!
How can we better fundraise to support a cure for Parkinson’s?
Get familiar with National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act. There will be many new ideas in 2025. Remember for many having better care, early can be a lifesaver. Lot of acts will be directed to research. Be involved!
What other activities do you undertake to help improve and support your daily living Eg exercise and alternative remedies?
Go and do things outside your comfort zone. Swimming is great
Why should people who don’t have Parkinson’s care about this?
People are touched by friends and family who have PD. Also finding out if you have PD early is your best way to fight it. Anyone may have it! Be prepared! You may be next!
Have you had any family members or relatives affected by Parkinson’s disease?
I have an uncle who was diagnosed. He had tremors, and I do not.
If you had one song that would tell us more about you or represent your life, which song would it be?
We didn’t start the fire by Billy Joel.