GO LIKE A FOX

Two Pesticides Linked to Parkinson’s Disease According to NIH Study

2011-02-17T08:44:00.000-08:00

Two Pesticides Linked to Parkinson’s Disease According to NIH Study
By L.J. Rogue, Feb 17th, 2011
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) released the findings of a study conducted by the National Institute of Environmental Health (NIEH), a part of the NIH, in conjunction with the Parkinson’s Institute and Clinical Center which is located in Sunnyvale, California. Announced in the press release of February 11, 2011, the findings show a link between the use of the pesticides paraquat and rotenone and the occurrence of Parkinson’s disease.
The study which implemented control data supplied by the Farming and Movement Evaluation (FAME), evaluated 110 people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The authors of the study were able to evaluate the relationship between the occurrence of Parkinson’s and the use of pesticides documented through FAME’s accumulated case-study information collected on 90,000 licensed pesticide users and their spouses.
The lead author of the study, Dr. Caroline Tanner of the Parkinson’s Institute and Clinical Center states that the findings of this research will assist researchers and doctors in understanding the “biologic changes underlying Parkinson’s disease” which will bring the medical community closer to preventing its occurrence. There are no currently registered uses for rotenone or paraquat in residential or home gardening applications. The use of paraquat is limited to professional and certified pesticide applicators and rotenone is solely for the use of killing one particular invasive species of fish.
The National Institute of Environmental Health is one of the 27 institutes of the NIH and is dedicated to researching the environmental factors effecting human health. The National Institutes of Health as a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is the U.S. federal agency responsible for spearheading the country’s research into the cures, causes and treatments for rare and common diseases.

via: Powersnetwork.com

Breaking News: 5 New Genes Identified in largest genetic Parkinson's Study

2011-02-02T06:49:00.000-08:00

Via: Parkinsons.org.uk

5 new genes identified in largest genetic Parkinson's study of its kind

2 February 2011

We hope the results from this new study will help us to move closer towards better treatments, or even a cure for Parkinson’s.

Dr Kieran Breen, Director of Research

The largest in-depth study to date of the role that genes may play in the development of Parkinson's has been published today in The Lancet.

We were a major funder of this vital research which has revealed 5 new genes involved in Parkinson's. This shows that genetic factors play a greater role in Parkinson's than previously believed.

The cause of Parkinson's is still unknown. But genetic susceptibility combined with lifestyle, environmental factors and ageing are all thought to be involved.

This exciting new breakthough has attracted widespread media coverage, including articles on BBC News online and in The Telegraph.

5 new genes linked to Parkinson's

Variations in a total of 11 genes were shown in this study to influence genetic susceptibility to Parkinson's - including 5 new genes that were confirmed as having a link to the condition.

Interestingly, the researchers also found that the more of these variations a person had, the greater their risk of Parkinson's.

A global collaboration

This is the most comprehensive study to date of the role that common genetic factors play in Parkinson’s.

Professor Nick Wood, led the team at UCL

Around 5% of people with Parkinson's inherit genes that directly cause the condition. But this new study investigated the role that genetic factors play in the 95% of people with Parkinson's who do not inherit the condition directly.

The international team of researchers from 6 countries included teams from the UK, US, Germany, Holland, Iceland and France.

Together they looked for differences across the entire genome between 12,000 people with Parkinson's and over 21,000 people without the condition.

New leads for Parkinson's research

Professor Nick Wood, who led the UK team at University College London, said:

"This is the largest and most comprehensive study to date of the role that common genetic factors play in Parkinson's.

"Discovering 5 new genes is an exciting step forward and will help us understand more about why and how nerve cells die.

"These findings significantly add to the knowledge base of the increasingly complex picture of the molecules that can cause Parkinson's. We hope that by studying them more closely new research avenues will open up."

Dr Kieran Breen, our Director of Research and Development, adds:

"While these common genetic variations don’t directly cause Parkinson's, they do make people more likely to develop the condition.

"In 2004 Parkinson's UK-funded researchers helped uncover changes in the LRRK2 gene. This is one of the most important genes involved in Parkinson's and studies are looking at whether this may be a target for new drugs.

"In the same way, we hope that the results from this new study will lead to similar advances and help us to move closer towards better treatments, or even a cure for Parkinson's."

Marathon 7 Mile Mark in Brooklyn

2010-11-08T06:06:00.000-08:00

The Marathon Blazed through the Five-Boroughs Nov. 7, 2010. Team Fox'ers and friends gathered at various locations throughout the city to cheer on the 185 Team Fox Runners. In Brooklyn at the 7 mile mark in front of Root Hill Cafe TeamFox member Miranda F. had an official Team Fox cheering section. See the highlights below.

Run Like a Fox at the NYC Marathon

2010-11-06T08:13:00.000-07:00

Let's Cheer!

The time has come for my favorite event of the year -Sunday, November 7th is the NYC Marathon. This weekend 185 Team Fox runners will be participating in the marathon raising money for theMichael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

Please join me at the Brooklyn Cheering section.

located in front of Root Hill Café (262 4th Ave) at the intersection of 4th Ave and Carroll Street.

When: 10am - 1pm

Directions: Closest subway is the R train (Bay Ridge bound side only). Please note we are only located on the Root Hill side of 4th Ave. Once the pack of runners comes through you CANNOT cross 4th Avenue right here. You can only cross over 4th Ave at the Atlantic Terminal or at the 4th & 9th Street subway stops.

Cheering Sections

- Mile 7 (Brooklyn) - Fourth Avenue and Carroll Street, Brooklyn bound side of the R train (the Gowanus side), right in front of Root Hill Café. Team Fox runners will be coming through from 10:20am – 1:00pm. Many thanks to Miranda for organizing this group.

- Mile 18 (Manhattan) – First Avenue between East 97th and 98th Street (west side of the street), Team Fox runners will be coming through from 11:40am – 3:20pm.

- Mile 23 (Manhattan) – Fifth Avenue and East 93rd Street (east side of the street), just before the runners enter Central Park. Team Fox runners will be coming through from 12:00pm – 5:00pm

Michael J. Fox on Letterman

2010-10-30T15:36:00.001-07:00

Darth Vader, Extra Terrestrial from the Planet Vulcan

2010-10-27T10:44:00.000-07:00

In honor of the Back to the Future's 25th anniversary, Jacob Borshar has created the comic cover for a classic moment in the beloved film.
Someone has to make this into a whole comic book series.

Via Nerdcore.de

Go Like A Fox for TeamFox.org

MJF remakes Back to the Future Trailer

2010-10-15T06:52:00.001-07:00

Goonies - A Free Movie Screening

2010-10-14T03:54:00.000-07:00

Be A Fox is showing another Free Silly Spooky Movie next week. Details below

Join Team Fox for the 2nd Annual Silly Spooky Movie Night at Pacific Standard in Brooklyn (82 Fourth Ave).

Get in the Halloween Spirit with a FREE Screening of The Goonies (1985)
Tuesday, October 19th - 7pm

Proceeds from snacks and raffle sales benefit the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research

Tuesday night drinks specials - $3 select pints, while it lasts.

Popcorn, sweets and cupcakes (generously donated by Robicelli's Cupcakes) will be available for purchase.

Great raffle prizes including a chance to win tickets to the Gotham Girls Roller Derby Championship Bout on October 30th!

Join us for a fun Tuesday night that benefits people living with Parkinson's Disease.

Special thanks to the Gotham Girls, Robicellis Cupcakes and The Skint for their support of this Team Fox Event!

Michael J. Fox on CNN tonight at 8:00pm ET.

2010-09-30T07:19:00.000-07:00

Michael J. Fox on CNN tonight at 8:00pm ET. Interview done by Dr Sanjay Gupta

Go Like A Fox
for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research

Free Movie Screening: Super Troopers

2010-09-06T08:41:00.000-07:00

We are having a Free Movie Screening of the hilarious comedy Super Troopers. Come hang out, grab some drink specials, and go for some raffle prizes. It's going to be fun crazy silly!

Remember to Go Like A Fox for Team Fox and the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

More Photos of The Army of Change on Mt Washington

2010-08-10T04:02:00.000-07:00

Go Like A Fox for Team Fox to find a cure for Parkinson's Disease

Round 2: Hiking!

2010-07-26T07:58:00.000-07:00

Recently, my partner and I have decided that it's time to say goodbye to the Big Apple and make a new life out west in Seattle. We've had a great run here in the city, and we're leaving on a high note. Therefore, I felt I needed to take one final trip into the Northeastern wilderness once more before I go. The Appalacians are uniquely breathtaking, and I will miss the hazy green Northeastern summers, the rolling hills, and the Hudson.

This Mount Washington hike and camping weekend is the perfect bookend to my life out east. I get to take a road trip with friends, raise money for Team Fox, hike, and spend time in the wilderness. If I'm lucky, I can even stop by the Tarrytown ice cream shop on my way home... in my opinion, the best ice cream around. I'm happy to combine so many of the things I've loved to do in one weekend. It will be a challenging hike, but few things worth doing are easy.

Let's Get Physical

2010-07-08T19:57:00.000-07:00

There is a flash of dread that goes through anyone's mind when they find out that a loved one is diagnosed with a disease. What can I do? How can I help? turns into a mantra until the desire to PHYSICALLY DO SOMETHING is almost unbearable (at least from my own experience).

While fundraising is inherently doing something, there are those who take this physical challenge to another level through marathons, long-distance bike rides and triathalons. And mind you most of these people are NOT athletes. Personally, I have always shied away from tests of physical endurance (What do I need to prove? And seriously, I'm just not the competitive type).

Despite my lack of motivation to join their ranks, I have been amazed by the incredible non-athletes who set physical goals. I'm in awe of their desire to beat their bodies into submission - to show that yes in fact, something has been done in defiance of this awful stroke of chance. I've cheered on the Team Fox athletes who are willing to do something, which I had no desire to pursue. I even had a motto of "those who don't run, cheer!"

But now I get it; I just hadn't found the right type of challenge to inspire me. Give me something to climb, and I just can't resist.

I'm joining the Army of Change hiking to the top of Mt. Washington on July 31st, and I'm taking Parkinson's Disease down!

-Miranda

We're Climbing a Mountain!!!

2010-07-04T05:33:00.000-07:00

Go Like A Fox is proud to join and support the Army of Change with Enzo Simone and The Regulars to climb Mt. Washington to help stop Alzheimers and Parkinson's Disease. This is apart of the Army of Change's 10 mountains and 10 years...check out the trailer for it.

From now until the end of August any funds raised by Go Like A Fox will contribute to the Army of Change's goal of 300,000. Click the contribute button to donate to the Army of Change!

Go Like A Fox for Team Fox and anyone fighting to Stop Parkinson's Disease.

Davis Phinney

2010-05-20T16:52:00.000-07:00

ABC recently did an article about Davis Phinney, first American to win a stage of the Tour de France, Olympic Bronze Medalist, and Parkinson's fighter.

Check out the article:
10 Years After PD Diagnosis, Phinney Living Well

Go Like A Fox for Team Fox and all who fight for a cure to Parkinson's disease.

Photos of the 5-boro ride

2010-05-09T09:32:00.000-07:00

Bikers line up early

Chris pondering how we left Brooklyn at 5:45am.
32,000 stand together next to their two wheel transports
A Good Luck plan to go on the front of Ben's bike, Captain Awesome
Just just before Staten Island Chris and Ben proudly hold the Team Fox sign.

Thanks again to everyone.

Go Like A Fox for Team Fox

Michael J. Fox interrupts Stephen Colbert Report

2010-05-05T04:23:00.000-07:00

The Colbert Report

Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

The Word - Flight Risk

www.colbertnation.com

Colbert Report Full Episodes

Political Humor

Fox News

Go Like A Fox at TeamFox.org

We Ride On

2010-05-03T03:35:00.000-07:00

Well the race is finally done, but we still 'Go' on. Thanks again to everyone for all the support and donations. Yesterday, it was an honor to meet other Team Fox riders out supporting the fight against Parkinson's; you're truly an inspiration.
Specially shout-out to the random running in central park who yelled out "Go Team Fox!" as we road by. We will have picture up later this week and news of up coming events.

Thank you all again.
And Remember to Go Like A Fox for Team Fox.

Sincerely,
GoLikeAFox Team

Race Day

2010-05-02T02:03:00.000-07:00

It's race day! Follow us on twitter and fb to see how we are doing.

Come Cheer Us on Sunday

2010-04-30T07:28:00.000-07:00

So Sunday...
Go Like A Fox will be on their bikes riding the 42 miles of the 5-boro. Our cheering Coordinator, Miranda, will be out and about shaking noise makers and yelling at us to "Go Like A Fox".

Approx. mile 5 (8am) - 59th Street on the West side of 6th Avenue.

Approx. mile 32 (10am) - Last Five Boro Bike rest area before Staten Island John Paul Jones/Cannonball Park in Bayridge, Brooklyn near where the bikers enter the park.

It’s also helpful to see the route map (http://www.bikenewyork.org/rides/fbbt/route_map.html) to have a better understanding of where she’ll be.

Look for Team Fox signs...and the Orange and Blue team colors.

If you miss her just check our Twitter and see where we are to catch us.

See you out there!

Cheers
-Go Like A Fox team

Weather-Watch!

2010-04-27T09:30:00.000-07:00

Now that the 5-boro is less than a week a way, we can keep an eye out for weather and prepare accordingly. Last year it was cold and drizzly and then rainy and I was not ready for that. This year, if it even looks like it might sprinkle a teeny bit, I am stocking up on weather-proof clothing and towels and hand warmers and anything else I can think of. I DO NOT want to go through that again!

Fortunately, all weather reports are looking positive for Sunday's ride, albeit a bit HOT. I'm just hoping it stays dry. I'll be keeping an eye on it all week. And I'll be heading to the sporting goods store if necessary.

-Amy

42 Miles to Go!!!

2010-04-23T11:27:00.000-07:00

The first Sunday in May we ride the 5-boro bike Tour...

Go Like A Fox

Hotdogs and Beer for a Cure

2010-04-21T13:29:00.000-07:00

This Sunday was the big Fund-raising day for our little group, and it couldn't have been better. A little warmer, perhaps, but no less fun. We had lots of support from friends and bar-goers, folks dropped by for a hot dog or veggie dog, and some people even won a few prizes! All in all, we consider it a success. Once the earnings from Sunday are dropped into the account, we will have smashed through our goal, and we can now focus on the big ride ahead.

Some pics:

Party time!

Chris mans the grill

John shows off his Team Fox sticker while Christian looks on

Miranda enjoys some beer and conversation

Ben announces a winner

Our lovely bartender

Rice krispy treats for all!

See more pics on our Facebook page

My Ride to Work

2010-04-15T11:30:00.000-07:00

I've been very busy these days, so I haven't been able to take the time to do long weekend rides as often as I did last year in preparation for the 5-Boro. So to remedy that, I decided I'd try to ride the bike to work at least once a week, if not more, these last 3 weeks before the big ride.

I would prefer to have ridden Fiona, because she's light and fast and could get me there in less time than it takes to ride my hybrid Ingrid, but she's also too expensive to lock up in the less-than-secure covered outdoor parking that my office building provides. So, I took Ingrid, the cheaper hybrid comfort bike. There are some advantages to that. First of all, Ingrid is more comfortable with her big cushiony seat and the upright posture. Secondly, since she's big and upright, it's easier to glance around at traffic. Still, everyone passed me and climbing hills was hard. Ugh.

There were a few things I had to consider before the ride today:

TIMING
Can I get to work on time? I did today. It took me an hour and a half. Sadly, that's twice as long as my usual commute takes. I've been on enough long rides with Ingrid that I was aware of how much time it would take to ride that distance, accounting for the stop-and-go of city riding.

SAFETY
Three bikers were hit by cars in New York yesterday. One of them was killed. What's more, he was killed about 3 or 4 blocks from my apartment. It's dangerous riding out there, but you can be as safe as possible if you are careful and aware of the best places to ride. My approach is to stick to as many designated bike lanes and greenways as possible. I was able to map out the safest route from my apartment to my workplace using the ride the city tool.

SECURITY
There's a bike (and bike component) theft epidemic in NYC; therefore it's important to keep your bike securely locked up if you plan on leaving it in one place for 8 hours or so, unsupervised. I have a three-prong approach to keeping my bike safe, and here's hoping it works. It's not perfect but it's pretty darn good:

1. Hose clamps for the quick-release levers on the wheels. A thief would have to have a screwdriver (or Leatherman) and some time to get these off, which they probably have, but the extra time commitment is likely and additional deterrent.

2. A nice heavy Kryptonite u-lock. Pretty standard stuff. About $60-70 for one of these things, and they are hearty.

3. Taking the seat with me. It's also quick-release so it would be easy to steal otherwise. Without the seat, no one can ride off with my bike, and it's so damn heavy they certainly aren't going to carry it. With this measure I only need to worry about parts being stolen, and I hope measures #1 and 2 care of that. I'll find out how well it did tonight when I go to ride home.

Anyway, so far so good. I had a wonderful, safe ride on a beautiful spring day. I came into work energized and happy instead of tired and cranky, and I was able to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise as well. I recommend bike commuting highly. Go try it for yourself!

-Amy

Party Time! Canal Bar April 18th 2pm. Go Like A FOX and have some hotdogs and brew to fight Parkinson's

2010-04-12T19:45:00.000-07:00

Hot Dogs and Beer for a Cure

Go Like A Fox, Team Fox's 5-Boro Bike team to support The Michael J. Fox Foundation invites you to eat hot dogs and drink beer to support the fight against Parkinson's Disease.

Join them at Canal Bar in Brooklyn on Sunday, April 18, 2010, from 2:00pm-5:00pm for quality beer, hot dogs from the grill, and kick ass raffle prizes. (Must be 21 or older)

Hot dogs and raffle tickets are available for purchase with 100% of proceeds going towards The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. As an added bonus, you can purchase a $25 wrist band and get all access to all beer on tap, a hot dog fresh off the grill, and a raffle ticket! Raffle prizes include:

$100 Visa Gift Card
Gift Card to Canal Bar
Sweet branded beer items
and more!

Go Like A Fox needs your support for their 42 mile ride in the TD Bank 5-Boro bike tour! They are going the distance to make people aware of Parkinson's, a debilitating neurological disease that affects the central nervous system. This disease can effect motor skills, speech, and other muscle functions. Parkinson’s affects 1 in 100 people over the age of 60, but has been know to affect those as young as 18. Over 5 million people worldwide have Parkinson's.

Join the fight against Parkinson’s at www.GoLikeAFox.com!
and visit TeamFox.org!

RSVP on Facebook.