Columns

A man walks into a store and asks for a map. The storekeeper responds, “We have lots of maps. Where are you going?” The man snaps, “Anywhere but here.” The shopkeeper says, “Sorry. We don’t have a map to ‘anywhere but here.’” When I was first hit with a sudden…

My 2-year-old grandson runs back toward the fence that shields him from entering a dark, muddy pond. I am sure there are water monsters that live deep in that 3-foot shallow, but ever-so murky, pond. They lie in wait beneath the scum and the sludge and the slime and all…

“It doesn’t matter what cards you’re dealt. It’s what you do with those cards. Never complain. Just keep pushing forward. Find a positive in anything and just fight for it.” — Baker Mayfield (American football player) A mantra of the Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) program is to fight…

Dad’s dyskinesia is worsening at a startling pace. When he doesn’t take his medications, he’s nearly immobile. And when he does, dyskinesia wreaks havoc on him. At a loss for options, we’ve been searching for alternative solutions to assist in the management of his PD symptoms. A procedure called…

I have Parkinson’s disease, but unless you have a good eye and a good listening ear, most days you won’t notice. On most days, my symptoms are internal. Occasionally, such as when I have forgotten to take my medications, I will have breakthrough tremors. And when my deep…

I wrote a column recently about the things you shouldn’t have in your house if you have Parkinson’s. In this column, I take the opposite approach and suggest things you might consider having in your home that may be of benefit. 1. Laughter We’ve all heard the adage that…

Wellness is the map of actions and thoughts that we use to guide us toward a higher quality of life — one with more well-being moments. Our wellness map is tailored to meet our individual needs and must be flexible and adaptable. Life throws out frequent curveballs, and human…

Just when I was going to have a pity party, I received this question from a reader: “What’s your secret for dealing with the everyday?” Her question was in response to an article I wrote. Her frustration had to do with her not being able to embrace the “gift” that…

Participate or compete? Prior to being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, I used to participate in 5K walks and duathlons for fun. Now, I am competing in the race of my life, which is fighting back against the debilitating effects and progression of Parkinson’s. Some days, I stagger and fall, and…

One thing that many people might not associate with experiencing Parkinson’s disease is grief. Experiencing grief with this disease is real. It can be felt deep down in your soul, whether you are the one who actually has the disease or you are the caregiver. You mourn for…