[Ally]

Hi Ruthie,

Wow, that sounds like a really difficult situation and I’m really sorry your husband isn’t handling things well/is taking out his negative feelings on you. Have you thought about seeing a counsellor, either together or on your own?

 

[Ally]

This is very interesting. Jean, I hope you’ll check back with an update after you’ve had a chance to try them out!

[Ally]

Thanks for posting, Abhishek, I’m not familiar with this topic at all but eager to learn more. Is this a therapy you are considering for yourself?

[Ally]

Thank you for sharing. Could you provide a little more context about this app to our forum members here?

[Ally]

Thanks for sharing, Jean. What does focusing on the present moment look like for you? Do you practice mindfulness? I would love some tips to help me do the same!

[Ally]

Thanks for responding, Ruthie. I agree – God is good! I love your outlook and I’m glad to hear you have some support around you, even if  it’s not found in your spouse. Thanks for being a member of this community. We’re looking forward to hearing more from you!

[Ally]

I love that you get your eggs from ‘happy chickens’. 🙂 I think in general the more ‘real’ food we can eat (vs. processed crap that we can’t even pronounce) the better of we will be long-term, regardless of whether it’s meat or produce. Have you read Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer?

[Ally]

That’s such a neat idea!

[Ally]

Couldn’t agree more! I have insurance that covers a limited # of massages per year. I used up all my benefits due to some unforeseen circumstances earlier in the spring, and my body has been really feeling the loss of that wellness practice. January 1st my benefits re-set and I can’t wait!

[Ally]

That makes sense, Jean. I’m sure having the Rock Steady folks in your life helps fight against the loneliness that accompanies being chronically ill. Are you folks doing anything fun together this holiday season?

[Ally]

Jean, how long have you been vegetarian? I was vegetarian in high school and again between 2012 – 2016. Unlike most people, I did not notice a real difference in my overall health/wellness without meat protein in my diet, but do you think (or have people tried to tell you?) that this contributed to you being diagnosed with PD? I know there is a link between gut health + risk of PD … just wondering if this factors too.

[Ally]

I couldn’t agree more, Jean. I really struggle to make it to yoga sometimes — I often feel like it isn’t enough of a workout but I’m always glad when I go. Even if my body doesn’t feel as “worked out” as after a typical strength training session, my mind always feels 100% clearer and calmer. Sometimes I’ve even fallen asleep at the end of a class because I’m so relaxed!

[Ally]

Thank you for sharing all of this information, keihanna. Are you a researcher/physician working on PD research?

[Ally]

Thanks for responding, Robert. Do you have a caregiver or do you provide care to someone else?

[Ally]

Hi Jean, I try to do the same in snowy and cold Toronto. I am contemplating adding vitamin D tablets to my diet. I wake up early to work out before work and it’s a bummer to leave the house and come home in the dark. Maybe a vacation somewhere sunny is in order in the New Year….

[Ally]

Hi Crystal, I just wanted to check in and see how you’re doing and if you’re liking the forums. It’s been a little while since we chatted. 🙂

By the way, there’s a new topic I thought you might be interested in jumping in on. It’s called “What inspires you?” Check it out here: https://parkinsonsnewstoday.com/forums/forums/topic/who-inspires-you/#post-12821

Who inspires you?

[Ally]

Wow, those are incredible stories, Jean! How did you meet these women?

[Ally]

LOL I can totally relate to your high school experience, Jean! That stuff is dangerous if you’re trying to watch your weight, which as I get older I need to do more.

I have read that alcohol is more harmful than marijuana to the body/brain/society, which I totally believe, but I agree — a lot needs to be done to raise awareness about the risks of driving while impaired by marijuana. I think, though, that as long as you know your limits and don’t do anything dumb that can put your safety or others at risk, it’s fine for recreational use. (Just like with alcohol.)

In terms of its medicinal properties, I know cannabis has helped a lot of my friends who have PF, MS and even lupus. I think there is a lot of potential, we just need to do more research to fully understand how it can be used.

[Ally]

Thanks for sharing, Jean. I think that you sharing your experience online is also a huge source of support for many people with PD. I really enjoy your columns, too. 🙂

[Ally]

Thanks, Inès!

[Ally]

Thank you for sharing, Franko. Sharing with close family and friends is great. I’m glad your mother is a source of support to you. Are you able to access any formal mental health supports as well?

[Ally]

Thanks for sharing your recommendations, Jean!

[Ally]

Natalie, thank you for sharing. My faith has also been a source of comfort to me in challenging times. Is there a particular prayer or scripture verse that you would like to share with others as an encouragement? Thank you again for being a member of our community.

[Ally]

Hmm I wonder if there is a test that can help you tell the difference?