Mary Beth Skylis

With COVID-19 still impacting the planet, it can be tough to safely get to a gym. Luckily, plenty of people are using the internet to stay healthy through these trying times. I recently suggested that my Dad (diagnosed in 2013) and I take a virtual boxing class together. Have you taken any virtual exercise classes? If so, which class is your favorite one?

My Dad (diagnosed in 2013) recently told me that he suffers from a periodic panic attack. When he spoke to a professional about the experience, he learned that the anxiety may be linked to his Parkinson’s diagnosis. Do you have panic attacks or anxiety? Have you learned how to manage them, if so? And do you know why they might occur?

2020 was a strange year for most people across the globe. Events took place that I never would’ve imagined. And even the holidays were strange for me. On Thanksgiving, I found myself eating Nepalese food with my roommate. On Christmas, our family wasn’t whole. But there were beautiful moments too. How did the holidays go for you? Were you able to…[Read more]

When it starts to get chilly, I tend to watch more movies. It can feel really nice to curl up on the couch with some hot chocolate to learn about historical figures or just to be entertained. Has anyone seen any good movies lately? Are there any Parkinsons-specific movies that you love? Who inspires you?

On some days, my Dad is a lot more fatigued than on others. I think sometimes it might relate to his inability to sleep. And sometimes it’s just a general sense of tiredness. Have you found any useful ways to manage fatigue? Do you rest when you’re feeling under the weather? Or do you push yourself through the tiredness?

I’ve heard a lot about the benefits of surrounding ourselves with music. But playing an instrument is also known to positively impact us in noticeable ways. For Parkies, singing can help you to maintain vocal strength. And playing the piano might impact your finger mobility. Do you play an instrument? Do you notice a difference in your…[Read more]

Everyone’s medication cycle seems to be unique to their Parkinson’s experience. But I know that my Dad experiences a lot of waves. Do you notice that your symptoms worsen at particular times? Is stress a significant component? Do you keep a journal to track changes?

My Dad recently told me that he has woken up in the middle of the night punching the air or battling a nemesis of some kind. The nightmares worry him because he doesn’t want to hurt my Mom. Why do you think Parkinsons patients have nightmares? Is this symptom possibly associated with medication? And have you learned how to manage this issue?

When COVID-19 hit Michigan, my Dad’s Rock Steady Boxing branch closed down permanently. With the loss of income, the business owner couldn’t afford rent any longer. We remain hopeful that we’ll find a new location to continue RSB locally, but we’re amidst some shocking changes. Have you seen permanent changes from COVID-19? Are any of them having…[Read more]

As Parkinsons progresses, it becomes more and more difficult to manage. My Dad is lucky enough to be surrounded by a team that takes turns helping with basic tasks. But I’ve wondered if outside help could make a difference in his life. Have you ever thought about hiring outside help? What are the pros and cons of relying on outside help?

I’ve been brainstorming what to get my Dad for Christmas. One of the things that I’ve been thinking about getting him is an Amazon Echo Dot. This little smart speaker can be linked up with compatible appliances and smart lightbulbs in order to give you a hands-free experience. All my Dad will have to do to operate this speaker is talk to it. As…[Read more]

My Mom works more than 40 hours a week, feeds my Dad and my siblings a few days per week. And she still manages to sneak in some Parkie appointments every once in a while. To me, she seems a little bit like a superhero. And I just wanted to take a few moments to acknowledge how much strength it takes to do what she does.

Are there any…[Read more]

This year has been a strange year across the globe. With COVID-19 levels spiking, once again, many people are choosing to celebrate the holidays in new ways. Has anything changed for you this year? Will you be participating in any socially-distant gatherings? And what are you looking forward to doing this season?