Parkinson Post

Parkinson's Wellness Fund to Support San Diegans with Parkinson's

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 07:33:17 -0800

The Parkinson’s Wellness Fund is a program in its infancy stages whose mission is to alleviate the financial burden that accompanies living with Parkinson’s in order to improve the quality of life. The Fund, managed through a partnership between the MEYROW Foundation and the Parkinson’s Association of San Diego, will help to provide support for a variety of services and therapies for those living with Parkinson’s in San Diego County.

Applications are now available for those who may be interested in applying for a grant through the fund. To request an application, please contact the Parkinson’s Association at (858) 273-6763 or contactus@parkinsonsassociation.org

Parkinson’s Step By Step Strides Toward Record Number of Teams!

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 12:04:14 -0800

This year’s Step by Step 5K Walk/Fun Run is less than 2 months away - April 21st at NTC Park at Liberty Station in Point Loma. And, it’s shaping up to be a record breaking event!

With 85 teams registered so far, our numbers have doubled in 2012 over the same date last year. Meanwhile, fundraising goals have also exceded 2011 totals for the same date and are expected to set a record as well.

The Parkinson’s Association of San Diego (PASD) is stepping it up in 2012 and turning the Walk/Run into a truly unique experience by adding several vendors and resource outlets to the festival.

“This year’s Step by Step will offer something for everyone,” said Ron Hendrixd, PhD, Executive Director of PASD. “We’ll have live entertainment, fodd and resources for Parkinson’s patients and their families, including a Medical Expo and a Pet Festival.” Proceeds from the event will support programs and services for those living with Parkinson’s disease and promising research.

The Step by Step event is much more than just a Walk/Fun Run! The expanded Medical Expo, California’s largest Parkinson’s Medical Expo, will introduce the public to the latest in Parkinson’s medicine and research. Anonter key component is the Paws for Parkinsons (TM) Pet Festival where attendees can learn about the benefits of pet ownership, including service dogs, for people with Parkinson’s. In addition, attendees can discover ways to live better with Parkinson’s at the Health and Fitness Pavillion. More than 2,000 participants joined the fun last year and with an expanded festival, numbers are expected to surpass last year.

“We’re excited by the positive response so far and expect the momentum to continue right up until the day of the event” said Hendrix.

For more information on registering or becoming a sponsor for the 2012 Step by Step event, visit www.ParkinsonsStepbyStep.org or call (858) 273-6763.

Parkinson's Support Group for San Diego Veterans

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 15:20:50 -0800

As part of our further development of clinical services, the VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), in partnership with the Parkinsons’s Association of San Diego, will be starting a support group for Veterans with Parkinson’s disease.

The group will be lead by J. Vincent Filoteo, PhD, and Kathy Randall, LCSW, and will meet the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month from 4-5PM at the VA Hospital in La Jolla. Our first meeting will be Tuesday, February 28th, 2012 at 4:00PM. To participate, individuals will have to be registered, or eligible to register, as a VA patient. Participants must be formally registered as a group member to come to meetings.

There is limited space available for this group; if you are interested please contact Shannon Earl at (858) 552-8585 ext. 5593 to find out more about the group and if you are eligible to participate. We look forward to starting this group and continuing our development of clinical services at the VA for Veterans with Parkinson’s disease.

The Countdown is On - Step by Step

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:06:37 -0800

It’s hard to believe the Parkinson’s Step by Step 5K Walk & Fun Run is already coming up in 74 days! Join us on April 21st at Liberty Station for the Walk, Run, Paws for Parkinson’s Pet Festival, Medical Expo and Health & Fitness Pavillion. this year’s event promises to be even bigger and better than anything we’ve had in the past.

We are very lucky to have Richard Dreyfuss lend his voice to our public service announcement for our upcoming 5K Walk. Just another way we’re bringing the best to the Parkinson’s community!

Unleash Your Creativity!

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:38:11 -0700

Sometimes a Parkinson’s diagnosis can lead to something amazing. While the initial diagnosis can be shocking and devastating, many find the changes in their brain help them to discover a creative side they never knew they had.

Some find their inspiration in painting. They may no longer be able to write legibly, but they can hold a paint brush steady and paint beautifully. Some pick up a camera and focus on photography. Sculpting clay gives some people an outlet to create.

Writing can also be a powerful outlet. Authors have written their first novel, poem or blog after a Parkinson’s diagnosis.

Artistic endeavors provide an outlet for people with Parkinson’s to create what they may no longer be able to describe in words. It can release new energy and provide new purpose to a life changed. It brings since of pride.

Parkinson’s can be an opportunity to learn something new and try something you’ve never done before. Take a class, or write down the short story you’ve had in your head for the last few months. While living day to day with Parkinson’s is certainly a challenge, allow a new experience to be it’s gift.

Honor a Loved One

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 16:38:10 -0700

Are you looking for a way to honor or remember a loved one? Is there someone you know who has made a difference in the lives of people with Parkinson’s? Why not recognize them at our Spirit of Life Gala.

One opportunity is to place a Tribute in the program.

Personal Tributesin the printed program can include messages such as (space permitting):*

· A tribute in recognition of a loved one.

· A congratulatory message of your choice to Spirit of Life award recipients Michael Thorsnes, Rick Brydges or Ed Danenhauer

· A message of support to the Parkinson’s Association of San Diego.

Business Tributes in the printed program will include your company name and logo, a brief description of your company, as well as a congratulatory message of your choice (space permitting).*

The cost of placing a tribute is

· Full page in color $1,000

· Half page in color $500

· Quarter page in color $250

· Business card in color $100

Another beautiful way to honor, remember or recognize a special person is on the Ray of Light Tribute Tree. With your donation of $50 or more, a candle with an engraved votive will be placed in the Ray of Light tree. You and your honoree will also be acknowledged in the event program. Votives will be available to take home after the event.

· White candles symbolize any loved one or special person, business or organization.

· Blue candles symbolize a loved one connected to Parkinson’s disease.

The Spirit of Life will be October 9^th, 2011 at Paradise Point on beautiful Mission Bay. If you would like to place a tribute or a Ray of Light, or to purchase tickets, please visit www.ParkinsonsSpiritofLife.org. Deadline for tributes is September 30^th.

Living Single with Parkinson's

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 16:35:27 -0700

There are many people living alone with Parkinson’s disease in San Diego and doing quite well. Having a positive attitude will help you to deal with the daily challenges of PD, as will having a good sense of humor. Living independently, safely, for as long as possible is of paramount importance to you as a single person, as well as to your friends and family members who may be concerned about you.

One of the challenges for any person living single is to not isolate themselves. Staying active, including socializing and maintaining friendships, will help to alleviate some of the isolation you may feel, and may help to ward off or lessen depression (experienced by up to 50% of people with Parkinson’s). Look into social activities that are of interest to you, such as a ballroom dancing class, yoga or tai chi, or a photography or sculpture class; activities that keep you active and moving will serve multiple purposes and bring you joy.

Exercise is very important for people with Parkinson’s; not only are there physical benefits to being active, but exercise can also help to improve your mood. Keep your brain active as well by reading, challenging yourself with games like Sudoku, doing puzzles or any other mentally challenging activity you may enjoy. Another way to help lessen the feeling of isolation is to join one of the 18 Support Groups throughout San Diego County that are supported by the Parkinson’s Association of San Diego. Many people find a pet provides great companionship and comfort at times when they are alone, as well as a conversation topic with friends and acquaintances (just be careful not to trip over them).

A big concern for people living alone is the fear of falling. Simple alterations to the home may help to lessen these fears, and it is always better to be proactive rather than reactive. Some simple adjustments include the addition of night lights to brighten dark floors and hallways in case you need to get up in the middle of the night, securing throw rugs with double-sided tape, or removing them altogether, to prevent tripping, and installing grab bars in the shower to assist with balance on a slippery surface. Look into a personal alarm system that can be activated in the event of a fall or other emergency situation. Consider joining a Project CARE program, a community effort that enables older adults or adults with a disability to remain in their homes and feel safe by ensuring someone checks in with you on a regular basis to make sure you are okay; Project CARE programs can be found throughout San Diego County; more information can be obtained through San Diego County Aging and Independence Services by calling (800) 510-2020.

Create your own plan for living well with Parkinson’s. Set weekly exercise goals and celebrate when you meet them. Eat regular meals; when you are feeling well, make double recipes of your favorites and freeze food for future consumption. Vow to take your medications as prescribed, on time; look into alarms on watches or pill boxes that can help. Be prepared for and keep all medical appointments; make a list ahead of time of any questions you would like answered and any concerns you have with your current medication regime.

Parkinson’s disease is a challenge for anyone to deal with, but it does not necessarily mean you have to give up your independence. Follow your doctor’s advice and make adjustments where necessary. Ask for help when you need it. Keep yourself busy with activities you enjoy. Maintain relationships with your friends and family members. Laugh often. Live well.

Celebrating the 4th!

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 14:06:10 -0700

The Fourth of July is upon us and Summer has officially arrived in San Diego. It is expected to be a warm and sunny weekend, so make sure you are prepared!

People with Parkinson’s are particularly prone to skin cancers. If you will be outside at all this weekend, especially between the hours of 10 and 4, make sure you are wearing sunscreen with at least an SPF15 and that protects against UVA and UVB rays! Not sure if you have enough on? The average person should use about one shot glass of sunscreen to fully cover themselves. If you’re going to be in and out of the water, or just outside for a while, remember to reapply sunscreen often!

If you will be hanging out at the pool, use the opportunity to get some exercise. Walking or jogging in the water provides a great cardiovascular and strength workout and there is no possibility of falls. Have running races with friends and family members with a frozen fruit bar as the prize for the race winner.

Partaking in a barbeque? Balance your plate with sidedishes of fruit or vegetables instead of all potato salad and chips. And don’t forget to take you Parkinson’s medications as scheduled!

Finally, while enjoying the sun and time with family and friends, drink plenty of water. Keeping well hydrated and keep you feeling at your best, keeping you more alert. Aim for at least 6 glasses of water per day - more if you are spending lots of time in the sun or exercising. Water is the cheapest and easiest thing to do to stay healthy.

Have a very Happy 4th of July!

what is the name of the book about Honeybear and Cathleen Rodriquez

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 15:19:20 -0700

“The World According to Honey Bear” - now available through Amazon.com

Kicking off Summer the Healthy Way

Fri, 27 May 2011 15:17:47 -0700

Memorial Day is a time to remember those who have served our country, and paid the ultimate price. It is also a time to gather with friends and family and enjoy a barbeque, or watch the tradition that is the Indy 500. According to the calendar, Memorial Day is actually a Spring holiday, but most people consider it the start of the summer season.

Whatever you do this weekend, be sure to protect yourself if you are out in the sun. People with Parkinson’s have a higher risk of skin cancer and therefore should be vigilant about applying (and reapplying) sunscreen throughout the day. If you are trying to soak up just a little bit of sun (10 to 15 minutes a day) to increase your Vitamin D levels, limit your exposure to the morning hours before 10:00 AM or the late afternoon hours after 4:00 PM.

The longer days and warmer temperatures are also a great opportunity to sneak in a little extra exercise. Take a walk in the park or along the beach and deeply breathe in the fresh air. Ride your bike around the neighborhood. Have a water-jogging race with your grandchildren.

Stay safe and active this weekend. Kick summer off the right way!

What You're Missing...

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 11:11:05 -0700

…if you haven’t yet signed up to receive our newsletter electronically. Subscribers also receive our eNews, featuring articles unpublished elsewhere in our materials. To subscribe simply go to www.parkinsonsassociation.org and click on “News and Newsletters.” Here is a sample of what you may be missing:

Biomarkers and Parkinson’s Disease
By Stephanie Lessig, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor VAMC/UCSD Department of Neurosciences

A biomarker is defined as an “objectively measured indication of normal biologic process, pathogenic process, or drug response”. An example of a biomarker is following the hemoglobin A1C level to measure how well diabetes is controlled. In Parkinson’s Disease (PD), there are no biomarkers in use either to diagnose PD or to follow the disease over time. Currently, a diagnosis of PD is based on clinical features. This has been one of the difficulties in developing treatment, particularly to protect the brain.

Developing biomarkers is a leading area of research in PD at present. Some promising methods, and their current state of development, are described below.

DaT scans

On January 14, 2011, the FDA approved the use of DaT scans “for the detection of dopamine transporters (DaT) in the brains of adult patients with suspected Parkinsonian syndromes”. DaT (Dopamine transporters) scans use a radioactive dye (ioflupane, 123I) to detect the presence of dopamine transporters in the brain. Dopamine is the chemical in the brain known to be deficient in PD. In patients with PD, therefore, DaT are significantly reduced, causing a reduced signal in the brain compared to someone without PD.

Currently, DaT scans are not essential to diagnose PD, but can be used in cases where the diagnosis is questionable. The presence of DaT varies between individuals; therefore, what may appear as a reduction in DaT in one person may be normal for someone else. Research is ongoing regarding the usefulness of DaT scans in distinguishing PD from other parkinsonian syndromes (such as essential tremor or progressive supranuclear palsy), and in detecting progression of PD.

CSF markers

Cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) bathes the brain and spinal cord and can be sampled via a lumbar puncture (spinal tap). Because CSF flows around the brain it carries proteins made by the brain. Alpha-synuclein is one of these proteins; it is a normal protein, used and processed by the brain, and can be measured in the CSF of all people. In PD, alpha-synuclein is abnormally deposited in the brain. Abnormal aggregates (clumps) of alpha-synuclein lead to the pathology seen in the brains of PD patients. Because alpha-synuclein is deposited in the brain in PD, there is less in the CSF than in people without PD. Studies have found lower levels of CSF alpha-synuclein in PD compared to people without PD.

Genetic testing

While the risk of developing PD in people who have a family member with PD is difficult to define, over a dozen genes have been identified that correlate with the development of PD. These discoveries have enabled scientists to further study PD at the cellular level, in attempts to determine mechanisms of disease. While there is no single gene that positively diagnoses or causes PD, new discoveries in gene linkage (finding genes and proteins linked to PD patients) is an ongoing area of research. In order to perform such linkage analysis, DNA from multiple patients with PD, with diverse ethnic and geographic backgrounds, is needed.

While each of these tests has been explored independently, it is not known which will be the most reliable and useful to help to diagnose or track progression in PD, or if a combination of tests will be needed. To this end, the Michael J. Fox Foundation has initiated an international study involving both PD patients and patients of similar age without PD, in order to distinguish which tests most reliably distinguish PD patients from non-PD patients, and to see how these tests change over time in PD and non-PD. This study is called the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI), and its primary objective is to identify biomarkers for PD (http://www.ppmi-info.org/). The goal is to study patients in the earliest stage of diagnosis of PD, who do not yet require medication for PD. This study will examine the markers mentioned above, and will collect information about sleep, smell abilities and cognitive function at baseline and repeated during 3 years of follow-up. Currently 17 sites across the US are conducting this study, including UCSD. If you are newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s and interested in becoming involved in an upcoming study, please contact Deborah Fontaine at (858) 622-5806.

A Song in My Heart

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 13:46:20 -0700

Music is an important part of our lives. Most people can think of at least one song that always makes them smile or feel happy. Members of the Tremble Clefs therapeutic singing program find joy in singing together, as well as receiving therapeutic benefit that can ease some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

The Tremble Clefs was founded in Phoenix, Arizona in 1994 by speech therapist Karen Hesley. Here in San Diego, we are fortunate that Karen has relocated to our beautiful County and leads not one, but two Tremble Clefs groups. Groups meet weekly to practice breathing, posture and movement exercises, as well, of course, to sing!

Parkinson’s can make a voice quieter, lessen pitch and tone, and cause problems with swallowing. Regular voice exercise, including singing, can help to lessen some of these effects. Singing requires measured breathing and frequent changes in tone and pitch. The Tremble Clefs is a therapeutic program that requires regular participation and rehearsal.

In addition to the therapeutic benefits, the Tremble Clefs provide the opportunity for regular socialization, which can be both challenging and anxiety inducing for people with Parkinson’s who may be afraid of what others think. Singers are also great ambassadors for Parkinson’s as they perform at senior centers, retirement communities and public events throughout the County.

Tremble Clefs groups are open to anyone with Parkinson’s. Participants do not need to have a great singing voice, or any sort of musical background.

For more information on the programs here in San Diego, visit www.parkinsonsassociation.org

Service Dog to Lead Walk Team!

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 17:08:53 -0700

The annual Parkinson’s 5K Walk & Fun Run on Saturday, April 16 at NTC Park in Liberty Station will have a novel twist this year – a trained Yellow Lab / Great Pyrenees service dog named Honey Bear will be leading a Walk team of her own.

Honey Bear, the unofficial mascot of the Parkinson’s Association of San Diego, has been named Team Captain of her team (48members and counting) and has raised close to $8,200 with the help of her owner, Catherine Rodriguez. Dr, Rodriguez, immediate past president, has served on the Parkinson’s Association of San Diego (PASD) Board of Directors for more than six years. Last year, her team of 84 members raised $10,600.

“The only thing Honey Bear can’t do is write e-mails,” said Rodriguez. ““Honey Bear is more famous than me in the community, so it only made sense that she replace me as Team Captain this year.”

Loved by kids everywhere, Honey Bear accompanies Rodriguez to the library each week where they read books to the children in a special reading program. In fact, Honey Bear’s first book will be unveiled at this years Walk.

Not only is Honey Bear a friendly, loving dog who works to better the community, but she is invaluable to Rodriguez. Another first is that Honey Bear is the first dog trained in the newly developed Parkinson’s protocol for service dogs in San Diego. She also inspired the new “Paws for Parkinson’s” component of the Walk that will bring together non-profit dog adoption agencies, dog trainers, and “for-profit” pet suppliers. The Paws for Parkinson’s pavilion will also serve to bring focus to the need for service dogs to aid Parkinson’s patients. Parkinson’s service dogs benefit those with the disease in several ways: they help establish a measured gait rather than a shuffle, provide company for much-needed exercise, and help to alleviate depression.

“Honey Bear’s gait is what my gait should be,” said Rodriguez, “She helps me keep my balance and her company helps combat depression that is such a common component of the disease.”

The duo can be found at the Team Honey Bear booth at the walk, passing out juice and T-shirts for team members and signing or “paw-printing” copies of Honey Bear’s new book. To join the Walk, visit: http://www.ParkinsonsWalkSD.com/.

Is a Service Dog Right for You?

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 12:10:15 -0700

Have you been thinking that a service dog may be of use to you in your everyday life with Parkinson’s? Or are you not sure? And if you do want one, how do you go about getting one?

Service dogs can be quite helpful for people with Parkinson’s disease in many ways. One of the most important is animal companionship has long been shown to help lessen and combat depression, which is a very common sympotom of Parkinson’s. Dogs can also improve gait by maintaining a steady walking pace, and can be trained to bring a person out of a freeze. Additionally, dogs require regular exercise, forcing a person with Parkinson’s to have to get out of the house.

Making the decision to look into having a service dog is not an easy one. The benefits are many, but there are some things to consider. There are expenses associated with service dogs, including the training and upkeep (food, vaccinations, regular veterinary care, etc.) Additional training may be needed as your symptoms change. You will need to dedicate some of your time to the training of the dog, daily exercise, feeding and grooming.

If you’ve decided a service dog is right for you, getting one can prove a little difficult. The good news is there are many dog breeds that are suitable as a service dog for a person with Parkinson’s. In some cases, your own well behaved and easily trainable dog may be right for training as your service dog. To assist you in the process, the Parkinson’s Association of San Diego is compiling a list of local trainers who can assist in the process.

To find out more about service dogs for Parkinson’s disease, be sure to stop by the Paws for Parkinson’s Pet Festival at this year’s Walk on Saturday, April 16th. For more information, visit www.parkinsonswalksd.com

5k Walk Coming Up April 16, 2011!

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 13:05:43 -0700

Have you started your team yet? Over 100 teams have already registered for the Parkinson’s Association of San Diego’s annual Fighting Parkinson’s Step by Step 5K Walk and Fun Run on Saturday, April 16th at NTC Park at Liberty Station. Registration includes a t-shirt!

This year’s event is promising to be bigger and better than ever! New this year will be a Research Pavilion, featuring local neurology clinics and research organizations from around San Diego who are currently working with people with Parkinson’s disease.

Another new addition to this year’s event will be the Paws for Parkinson’s Pet Festival area, featuring pet adoptions, access to trainers and more! Don’t forget to register your dog for the walk as well to ensure Fido or Fifi receives a t-shirt as well!

Don’t be left out! If you haven’t already signed up do so NOW and save yourself the need to stand in line the morning of the Walk. www.parkinsonswalksd.com

Planning Ahead for Summer Vacation

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 17:26:32 -0700

Starting to think about your next vacation? Wondering if it will be “just too much” with Parkinson’s disease? With the proper planning, and with the proper expectations, vacations can be as enjoyable as ever.

Travelling by airplane can be stressful for anybody. Alleviate some of that stress by allowing plenty of time for connections, even if it costs you a little bit more; this will lessen the chance that you will need to race across two terminals to the farthest lying gate to make your flight. If there is even a chance that it may be difficult for you to get around because of your Parkinson’s, contact the airline regarding assistance at the gate. It is much better to have help when you may not really need it than to really need help and not have it.

Trips in the car may be easier as there are some variables that can be controlled. Limit the total number of hours spent driving from point A to point B to no more than 4 (or a number that is reasonable for your physical abilities.) Plan to make regular stops for restroom and stretch breaks (check the map ahead of time) and commit to getting out of the car for at least a few minutes at each stop to move around and get some fresh air.

Once you arrive at your destination, do not overschedule yourself. Plan to visit no more than one more attraction a day, allowing for a free day every few days. If you find your energy is high and you would like to do more, great! Just make sure to take advantage of some planned down time to relax and renew your energy.

A vacation is a great opportunity to visit family and friends or to see someplace new. A vacation should also leave you feeling refreshed and ready to return to the “real world” more relaxed than when you left. Plan ahead and plan to enjoy!

Be Prepared for Your Next ER or Hospital Visit

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 14:05:33 -0700

Unexpected visits to the Emergency Department or even a planned hospitalization can be stressful and trying for people with Parkinson’s and their care partners. Many times the staff is ill-informed on how to deal with Parkinson’s patients and does not understand the intricracies of medication timing. Create your won plan now and be prepared for your next visit.

Whenever possible, schedule any surgeries or procedures at a hospital where your neurologist has privelages. This will enable him or her to oversee your medication regiment and make reccomendations regarding your care, including when to restart meds after a surgery. If your procedure is at a different hospital, inform your surgeon about your needs regarding medications and ask him to consult with your neurologist.

The Emergency Department can be a unique challenge as you will probably find yourself there unexpectedly. Prepare before hand by having a Vial of Life on your refrigerator door; this form lists all medications, along with other medical and emergency information, and can easily be taken with you to the hospital. If you need to call paramedics, make sure you have the Vial of Life sticker on your door jam - the paramedics look for this and will know to go to the refrigerator to grab your vial. (Stickers and complete kits are available through your local Area Agency on Aging.) It is also a good idea to keep the current list of Medications to be Avoided with PD to take with you along with your up-to-date medication list.

Once you are in the Emergency Department, you or your care partner will need to act as your own advocate for those who are unfamiliar with Parkinson’s. If the visit is Parkinson’s-related, inform the doctors of any recent or unexpected changes in symptoms and any changes in medications. Regardless of the reason for the visit, state on all medical forms and reiterate to staff the importance of medication timing and what will happen if doses are missed (inability to move, prominent tremors, etc.) Include on forms information about medical implant devices, such as a Deep Brain Stimulator, which could prevent the use of an MRI.

Preparation is the key to any visit to the hospital, unexpected or planned. Be prepared to explain the ins and outs of Parkinson’s to unfamiliar staff and be firm in your requirements to have Parkinson’s medications distributed on a regular basis. Be prepared to have some flexibility, but be firm (without being rude) about the needs you have.

Visit our website for more information on Parkinson’s in the ER and Hospital.

Connecting Socially

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 17:34:00 -0700

Staying socially connected with new friends and old is difficult for anyone, and can be made even more difficult when living with Parkinson’s. It is easy to feel isolated and want to keep to yourself, but life is far more enjoyable when lived in the company of others.

Make it a point to get outside the home at least once a week. Even if it is just for a quick visit next door to talk to ask the neighbor how she was able to grow roses in difficult soil; the topic or length of the conversation is not as important as making the effort to connect to someone face to face. This is particularly true if you find people have difficulty understanding you over poor phone connections.

Contact friends and family through electronic avenues - email, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace. While electronic communication should not be used as a complete substitute for person to person communication, it is an easy way to keep up to date on the everyday lives of others, thus giving you conversation starters for your next visit or phone call.

Make the conscious decision every week to be more socially active. Make new friends, strengthen relationships with long-time friends and keep in contact with family. Talking to others, particularly when it is not focused purely on Parkinson’s, can help to brighten your mood and build your confidence. Don’t let Parkinson’s lessen the enjoyment you get from spending time with others.

Building Your Overall Health

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 11:56:00 -0700

It is natural when you or someone you love has a diagnosis of a chronic condition such as Parkinson’s disease to put all of your focus on that one element of your health. But the truth is that it is only a part of the health picture which can affect or be affected by other elements of your overall wellbeing.

Make sure to schedule and keep regular appointments with the rest of your care team. Your Primary Care Physician will check your general health issues, including among other things, your blood pressure and cholesterol, and, when necessary, refer you to other specialists. Your dentist will keep an eye on your teeth and your gums; problems here can affect your circulation and other elements of your health. Your cardiologist will make sure your heart is functioning properly and responding well to your exercise program. These are just a couple of examples among the many appointments you should conitinue to keep on a regular basis.

It is also important not to neglect mental health. Depression and anxiety, both common symptoms of Parkinson’s, can be treated through clinical interventions which may or may not include medical therapies. Good mental health can allow you to get outside and find activities you enjoy, improving how you feel overall.

Exercise is so important for overall health. We’ve talked before about the benefits of exercise on Parkinson’s, including making muscles more receptive to movement. Exercise can improve cardiovascular health, allowing both the heart and lungs to work closer to capacity. Mood can often be improved with exercise as well.

Don’t neglect your overall health to focus on just one aspect. While Parkinson’s may be with you throughout the remainder of your lifetime, so will your heart, lungs, arteries, eyes, mouth, gums, etc. Take care of the whole person.

Building Better Health - Stress Relief

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 17:31:34 -0800

Almost anyone with Parkinson’s disease is aware that stress and PD are not a good match. Stress can exacerbate Parkinson’s symptoms, causing a person to move even slower or cause an increase in tremors. Some people with Parkinson’s find they get easily confused during stressful events, making it more difficult to complete even simple tasks.

Yes, stress is a part of everyday life, and some level of stress is healthy and normal. But what can you do when it all gets to be too much? Here’s just a few suggestions you may find helpful.

1. Breathe deeply. Slowly raise your arms above your head, slowly taking in as much air as you can. Hold this pose for a few seconds, then slowly lower your arms while slowly exhaling. Do this a couple of times until you start to feel yourself relax.

2. Relieve the tension in your neck. Many people carry stress in their neck and upper body. Raise your shoulders up as closely to your ears as you are comfortably able to. Hold this stretch for 5 seconds and slowly release. Repeat 3 to 5 times until some or all of the tension is released. (Also great if you have been working in front of a computer or driving for several hours.)

3. Find a quiet corner. Noise can make situations even more stressful by adding an additional element of confusion. Peace and quiet can really help to diminish stress (even if you have to go in the bathroom to find it.)

4. Exercise can help both prevent and relieve stress. Take a few minutes and take a quick walk around the block, down the hall or wherever it is convenient. If you can, take a minute to stop and smell the roses.

5. Explore meditation techniques. To start, sit somewhere quiet, close your eyes and visualize yourself someplace you consider to be relaxing (the beach, the mountains the moon.) Take several deep breathes and imagine how that place feels, smells, looks. Realx and open your eyes.

These are just a few examples to give you some ideas of how simple things can help relieve stress. Please feel free to share any suggestions you may have as well.