Walking helps us fight Parkinson’s symptoms, enjoy nature
Warmer weather allows my husband to spend time outside safely
The weather isn’t typically on your side when you live in a place like Cleveland. But for me, having lived here most of my life, I love the climate and the change of seasons.
While I enjoy all four seasons for different reasons, I always look forward to the first snowfall, when my family and I cuddle up in front of the fireplace and watch the movie “Elf.” I also enjoy the end of winter when spring is near; you can feel warmth in the air, and tiny buds start to pop their heads up through the soil.
As winter slowly turns to spring, it feels like the entire world has opened up again. Like a bear after a long hibernation, Clevelanders emerge from their long winter nap, and our city becomes alive again.
Taking advantage of the warm weather
We love spring because we can finally enjoy walks outside without worrying about falling when ice and snow make it unsafe. My husband, Arman, who was diagnosed at age 38 with early-onset Parkinson’s disease, and I love to walk outside together. It’s a great activity that we both enjoy, and it gets us out of the house, which is important in preventing isolation.
In addition, exercise is one of the best tools we have in the fight against Parkinson’s. Moving your body daily is crucial to combating symptoms like stiffness and fatigue.
For many years, we used the walking paths around our old neighborhood. Now that we’ve moved into a smaller, more Parkinson’s-friendly home, we’re excited to live near a metropolitan park with a beautiful walking path. While there are many places to walk and enjoy nature in our area, we must be conscious about the safety of the path for Arman.
We’ve found so much joy in our daily strolls together. When walking among strangers, we find peace in our anonymity. We’re just a middle-aged couple enjoying our day, not the couple known around town as the ones burdened with an early-onset Parkinson’s diagnosis.
Every person we pass has a story of their own. While most park visitors don’t know each other, almost everyone makes a point to say hello, nod, or offer a kind smile. Some push strollers, and some ride bikes, but everyone is there to enjoy the warm sun and breathe in the fresh air.
If you’re looking for a place to walk in your area, you can start by checking TrailLink for nearby paths. You’ll likely be amazed at the number of options you may not know about. Happy walking!
Note: Parkinson’s News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Parkinson’s News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Parkinson’s disease.
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Comments
Beth T Browne
Yes. I live in Orange County of Southern California, not far from the ocean. It is usually beautiful and warm but May is often called May Gray, and June, called June Gloom, as those are the months NOt to visit. Ha, ha. Those months remind me of Washington state where my son lives and it rains a lot. But usually July, Aug, and Sept, it is warm and the sun shines.
Sevket Adayilmaz
I walk along the Bosporous channell sea in Istanbul .Turkey. I have the same feeling whıle I walk by the seaside.