Ally

As a caregiver, do you find it difficult to set boundaries (emotionally, physically or in other ways) with the person you’re providing care for? Why do you think that is?

If you are someone who has some skill at setting boundaries with loved with ones, do you have any advice for people who struggle with it?

How do you feel about asking for help?

Does asking for help hurt your pride, or are you past that now?

What is the most unusual or memorable thing you’ve ever had to ask for help with?

Life with a chronic illness is accompanied by many emotions, and one of the most prevalent for many people is grief.

After hearing your diagnosis, did you grieve the life you thought you’d live? Do you feel like you’re grieving now? Have you found any support groups, books, or other supports that have helped you process this difficult emotional…[Read more]

Do you ever struggle with feeling motivated to stretch or exercise? Do you have any tips for getting started when you just want to veg out and relax? What are some fun alternatives to a traditional workout that can get you moving when you’re in the mood for something different than your typical fitness routine?

In a recent column, Mary Beth Skylis wrote about visiting her parents for the first time in a few months and being taken aback by signs of ageing in both of them. Of particular concern is her mom’s declining health, because her mom is also the primary caregiver for Mary Beth’s dad who has Parkinson’s. You can listen to this column as a flash…[Read more]

How has going on vacation changed since you were diagnosed with Parkinson’s? Have you ventured out on any big adventures? How did you and your caregiver/family prepare beforehand to ensure it was an enjoyable experience? Do you have any tips for traveling with PD to share?

Happy Canada Day to our Canadian members!

Happy Independence Day/Fourth of July to our American members who will be celebrating this weekend!

How will you be spending this holiday long weekend? Do you go camping? BBQ? Set off fireworks?

Whatever you get up to, I hope it’s a happy, safe and fun time!

How often do you take breaks from caring for your loved one with Parkinson’s? Are you able to take time away for yourself on a regular schedule (for example, once a month or every quarter) or do you often go long stretches without a break? What do you need from a caregiving break to feel like it’s actually restful and restorative?

On a related…[Read more]

Many people with Parkinson’s report losing their sense of smell, but so do many people who aren’t diagnosed with the disease. Researchers are trying to differentiate between Parkinson’s-related loss of smell and other causes. Figuring this out could help people get a diagnosis – and treatment – years if not decades earlier than they currently…[Read more]

Samantha, or “Young’n” was diagnosed nine years ago, at age 21, with Parkinson’s disease. She graduated from college with a degree in education, and recently relocated to Florida from Wisconsin. She loves to travel and is obsessed with Disney. Fun fact: The person who owned her house last was part of the Disney family!

Samantha’s new column…[Read more]

Being in a caregiving relationship with someone can have its ups and downs. Caring for your loved one, or relying on a loved one for care, is an intimate, delicate and sometimes stressful situation.

Do you have any advice for improving communication  between a patient and their caregiver? How can someone on either side of the relationship…[Read more]

Is anxiety part of your life with Parkinson’s? Does your anxiety pre-date your PD diagnosis, or did it come after? If you had anxiety before your diagnosis, has Parkinson’s made it feel worse?

New research indicates that anxiety will look different for everyone. What tends to trigger yours? What helps to alleviate it?

Imagine being diagnosed with PD at age 21. That’s Samantha Felder’s story, and she’s writing about in a new column for Parkinson’s News Today. You can listen to her inaugural column as a flash briefing here.

Do you have young onset PD? At what age were you diagnosed? How did you find support and information at the beginning of your PD journey?

Do you use social media to connect with other folks in the Parkinson’s community? Do you listen to any Parkinson’s podcasts or subscribe to any Parkinson’s YouTube channels? If not, would you, if they were available? What kinds of content are you most interested in reading/watching/engaging with related to Parkinson’s? (E.g., research articles,…[Read more]

Another summer in a pandemic… can’t say I’m surprised but I’m also not super excited about it!

I’m curious to know what some of your favourite “pandemic friendly” summer activities are. What do you like to do in the summer that you can do at a safe distance from others or on your own?

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

Happy Pride Month and Happy Indigenous Peoples’ History Month!

Being an Indigenous person and/or LGBTQ+ can add layers to your experience as a person with Parkinson’s – both good and challenging. If this is true for you, and you feel comfortable sharing your experience, I would love to hear from you.

If you don’t feel safe to share,…[Read more]

Are you an active social media user? Which platforms do you prefer and what do you use them for? Are you part of any Facebook groups for people with Parkinson’s?

What about your life outside this disease? Are you connected to any other online groups based on your hobbies and interests?