Columns

The first thought that popped into my head when I realized August is Medical Alert Awareness Month was, “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up.” While that famous line from commercials in the 1980s and early ’90s became part of pop culture, it also represented a serious concern that continues…

What do you say to someone who is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD)? What words help and what words hinder? My sister Bev was diagnosed with stage 3 PD, and her caregivers, including me, have challenges in knowing what to say to her and how to say it in…

I would like to welcome back my dad, Craig Barbian. Since our discussion in a two-part series last June was so well received, I thought it would be a neat follow-up to have him share more of his perspective by writing today’s column. Take it away, Dad!…

Of 331 million Americans, a total of 600 Olympic athletes from the U.S. competed at the Tokyo Games this year. That makes an Olympian contender a rare breed with extraordinary talents, a special set of attributes, and a dedication to their skills. Of those, a few will take home…

As one of my sister Bev’s caregivers, I always try to spread awareness about Parkinson’s disease (PD) to family members and friends to increase their understanding and advocate for her and others with PD. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s at 78, five years later, Bev has stage 3 PD. But Parkinson’s…

“I think for me, any great art is art which communicates human emotion.” – Greg Lake Good art evokes emotion. This sculpture, by Simone Wojciechowski, titled “Tired Soul,” represents exactly how I feel: “Tired Soul” by Simone Wojciechowski. (Courtesy of Simone Wojciechowski Sculptures) Why am I tired? Lately, I…

The Parkinson’s thief has stolen something else: my enjoyment of video gaming. My writings are filled with uplifting possibilities, but the Parkinson’s thief strikes relentlessly. The loss of video gaming is gut-wrenching. Video games have been a tool for me, and I have been interviewed about the topic.

The decision to start traveling again is personal, and it may not be for everyone. However, after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine and continuing to abide by U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, some have cautiously been making travel plans. My preferred method of travel is usually…

When I was a kid, my dad was always in motion. If he wasn’t hard at work in the office, he was mowing our 10-acre lawn or cleaning the chicken coop. It was only in the evening that I’d finally see him at rest when he’d pop in a video…

Now and then, especially as I’ve gotten older, my gait can be a bit unsteady. I’ve been known to drift a little to the left while walking. As we age, our balance, steadiness, strength, and agility decrease, and our chances of falling increase. For people with Parkinson’s disease (PD), balance,…