For many of us with Parkinson’s disease, traveling can trigger anxiety, but a successful trip is still possible. While extra planning, extra time, and good shoes are a great place to start, sometimes they are not enough. The method of travel that suits our needs may require asking for help, or as we…
Life, Lemons, and Lemonade
— Lori DePorter
Lori DePorter lives is Pennsylvania with her husband, Mike. She has three grown sons and a granddaughter. Diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease at 45, Lori became an advocate for Parkinson’s and others with disabilities through health and wellness, writing, public policy, and community outreach. She is a certified personal trainer, a Rock Steady Boxing coach, a PMD Alliance Global Ambassador, and a support group educator. “Life, Lemons, & Lemonade” shares her story and Lori hopes it will empower others to see that life with Parkinson’s is different, but it can still be good.
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There’s a time and a season for everything, as the familiar passage notes, but I didn’t appreciate that sentiment until now. Growing up in Pennsylvania allowed me to experience the changing seasons in all of their glory. Winter brought snow, spring brought new life with flowers, summer was for swimming,…
Last November, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Exablate Neuro to treat motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease patients, as reported by Parkinson’s News Today‘s Patricia Inacio, PhD. Created by medical device company Insightec, Exablate Neuro is a magnetic resonance, image-guided, focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) system that can treat tremors…
My mom says, “You only get one set of teeth. Take care of them.” This is especially important with Parkinson’s disease. Regular dental visits are a vital part of your care plan. However, it’s much easier said than done, especially when your dentist retires. After months of procrastinating, you’ll…
Managing medications is a common responsibility for those with Parkinson’s disease and many other conditions. According to Georgetown University’s Health Policy Institute, more than 131 million people — 66% of U.S. adults — use prescription drugs. With Parkinson’s disease, managing medications is a balancing act required for us to…
If you’re a Parkinson’s veteran, what would you tell a rookie? If you’re a rookie, what Parkinson’s lessons would you like to learn? I was diagnosed in late 2014 with young-onset Parkinson’s disease at the age of 45. At 53, I feel like both a rookie and a veteran.
After a Parkinson’s diagnosis, life can become a stream of “what ifs” and “I can’ts.” While it’s true that life changes with the disease, there are still many things we can do, including exercising, practicing mindfulness, and eating a healthy diet. Many ring in the new year by promising…
Educating future members of Parkinson’s care teams is a way to contribute to the Parkinson’s community. Like others with the disease, I have participated in clinical trials, research studies, and classroom visits. And over the last two years, I’ve been inspired as part of my participation in…
There have been abundant changes in the virtual realm over the last two years. It’s a new world with new realities that have altered and influenced many aspects of our lives — from how we communicate with each other to how we attend doctor appointments. And…
According to a 2013 article in The New York Times, the average American knows about 600 people. Since the debut of “Life, Lemons, and Lemonade” over two years ago, I have met many doctors, community educators, foundation directors, researchers, and people with Parkinson’s disease. Between fundraisers, Zoom support…
Can those of us with Parkinson’s disease blame the condition for all of our trials and tribulations? The quick answer often is “Yes. Absolutely.” However, it’s not always so black and white. While it’s true that Parkinson’s complicates things, it’s not responsible for every calamity in life. Various circumstances can…
Along with my fellow columnists at Parkinson’s News Today, I have previously written about the benefits of music and dance for those with Parkinson’s disease or other neurological conditions. Research has shown that dancing to music may slow the progression of both motor and non-motor symptoms by affecting gait,…
We have become a screen society. Our days are often spent looking at screens rather than each other. I am no exception. There are digital versions of just about everything nowadays, including traditional board games. While apps can be convenient and beneficial, the feeling isn’t the same — using…
As Parkinson’s disease progresses, it can become harder for someone to find physical activities they can do with others, which can affect their social life. However, a few years ago, my husband, Mike, and I discovered something we could do together: kayaking. Like other paddle sports, kayaking incorporates many…
Research suggests a genetic connection between Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and Lewy body dementia. So, when my father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, I became an advocate for dementia awareness. I may or may not face dementia as my Parkinson’s progresses, but my dad is facing it now. Together,…
The first thought that popped into my head when I realized August is Medical Alert Awareness Month was, “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up.” While that famous line from commercials in the 1980s and early ’90s became part of pop culture, it also represented a serious concern that continues…
The decision to start traveling again is personal, and it may not be for everyone. However, after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine and continuing to abide by U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, some have cautiously been making travel plans. My preferred method of travel is usually…
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