The things we don’t like talking about, part 1
First in a series. We were careening down our gravel road at breakneck speed. “Can you go any faster?” I yelled at my husband, John. Gravel flew out from under the car tires, squirrels…
Living My Best Life — Christine Scheer
Christine Scheer was diagnosed in 2015, at the age of 54, with Parkinson’s disease. She is a retired chef who lives on a farm with her husband, John, in London, Ontario, Canada. She firmly believes in the power of exercise to slow down the progression of Parkinson’s. Her hope for her column, “Living My Best Life,” is that she can get conversations started and raise awareness by engaging those in the PD community and beyond.
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The things we don’t like talking about, part 2
Last in a series. Read part one. Recently, I had terrible abdominal pain in the middle of the night. It was so bad that I was doubled over and couldn’t sleep. I thought…
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Is it normal aging or symptoms of Parkinson’s?
Getting older isn’t for sissies, my mom always said. She also said “Merry Christmas” to me in July one year and noted how everyone in her care home had gray hair (she had been…
My garden gave me fresh hope — and a freezer full of pesto
Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with probiotics. Not everyone will have the same response to treatment. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping a therapy or supplement. What I’m about…
Parkinson’s may slow me down, but the journey is still enjoyable
Even though I can still drive, I always welcome the offer of a drive somewhere by somebody else. It’s not just about the convenience but the companionship that comes with it. Usually, it’s my…
A sweet story with a crunchy ending
This spring was a soggy one in southwestern Ontario, and nobody loves the damp more than big, black carpenter ants. An army of them invaded our house, so I spent a couple weeks stepping,…
It’s almost summer, but thanks to Parkinson’s, I am freezing
“Squash the bug, Barry!” my friend Dave yelled across the boxing gym. Our other friend Barry had been on his way to get a drink of water and had frozen. When Dave shouted, Barry…
Protecting the babies inspires me to move like a ninja
Do you ever have moments when you forget you have Parkinson’s disease? Sometimes, in those first few sleepy moments when I wake up, I feel good. Then, of course, I start to…
A little family fun in the sun is just what I needed
My husband, John, and I recently embarked on a memorable trip to the Dominican Republic. We’ve been there before, but this year was special: We’d be babysitting our 6-month-old granddaughter for part of the…
My daily routines are getting a much-needed spring cleanup
I love a good routine. Every morning, I have a cup of tea and a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast, and I’ve been doing that for at least 10 years. It’s super satisfying, and…
My deep brain stimulator works overtime to keep symptoms at bay
Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with deep brain stimulation. Not everyone will have the same response to treatment. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping a therapy. When I was…
A new exercise class helps keep my Parkinson’s symptoms in check
This winter has been hard here in Ontario, Canada. It’s been cold, dark, and snowy. Plus, my Parkinson’s symptoms worsened, with freezing and dyskinesia happening more frequently, my balance being at an all-time low,…
