Missing Dad’s Birthday Reminded Me of the Importance of Slowing Down
Last weekend, I was exploring a South Carolinian swamp when my phone buzzed. It was my dad. “Call me after 2,” the text glowed on my phone. “OK,” I responded. After I’d wiped the…
Shaking Things Up
— Mary Beth Skylis
Mary Beth Skylis (she/her) lives in Colorado, where she works as a full-time freelance writer. As a columnist for Backpacker Magazine and Women’s Health, she spends most of her time learning about the latest developments in the outdoor and health industries. When her dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2013, she began conducting research and looking for ways to share her journey. Joining Bionews was the result. Now she works as a forum moderator and continues to share monthly musings about life with Parkinson’s disease.
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How will future generations view DBS for Parkinson’s disease?
Sometimes I think about the odd medical practices that were used hundreds of years ago to treat illnesses and how those strategies compare with today’s practices. In the 19th century, milk transfusions were…
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Avoidable Stress Can Worsen Dad’s Parkinson’s Symptoms
While I was home last Christmas, I had an argument with a loved one that caused tensions in the household to rise. The disagreement wasn’t with my dad, who has Parkinson’s disease. But I…
Supporting My Dad as He Faces Unique Challenges With Parkinson’s
I don’t have Parkinson’s disease, but my dad does. And sometimes I wonder how lonely it can be. Even when we as loved ones try to understand the disease, experiencing the symptoms seems really…
My Dad’s Parkinson’s Progression Reminds Me of Benjamin Button
When we’re born into this world, it takes us about seven months to sit up for the first time. It takes about a year to learn how to walk. The learning process is long…
Saying Goodbye to Dad After a Visit Is Never Easy
The morning is crisp and the ground is frozen by the brutal Michigan winter temperatures. I pile my belongings into the back of my Subaru as I prepare to say my goodbyes, again.
Watching My Dad Lose Vocal Power Is Painful
“What?” I ask from across the room, closing the distance between my dad and me. I don’t want to ask him to repeat himself again. “Can you grab me a glass of water and…
Stitching Moments Together With My Dad
Every once in a while, the urge to crochet washes over me. It usually happens when the temperatures start to dip into the 30s when Christmas is just around the corner.
When Home Becomes a Labyrinth
A few nights ago, Dad and I were watching an episode of “Star Trek” when he decided it was time for a bowl of ice cream.
Counting My Blessings as the Seasons Change
I recently zigzagged across the country, preparing to make my new home on the Eastern Seaboard for the winter. While my dad, Jim, observed my journey from afar, he sent me a…
Finding a Community Through Forum Participation
The Parkinson’s News Today Forums are designed to create a safe environment for those impacted by the disease. Whether we are discussing our lifestyles or looking for ways to connect, technology offers new…
Podcasts Make It Easier to Stay Informed
Living with Parkinson’s disease is a daily battle. It can be difficult to navigate the disease on your own, but the right resources can make staying informed a little easier. Since many Parkinson’s patients…
Access to Knowledge, Treatment of Parkinson’s Still Lacking in Many Regions
Some parts of the world are only beginning to understand Parkinson’s disease. Often, the general public misidentifies symptoms of the disease, complicating an early diagnosis. While researchers are still attempting to understand the causes…
How to Participate in Parkinson’s Awareness Month
It’s April, and we’re halfway through Parkinson’s Awareness Month, an effort designed to focus on education about the disease. There are still regions of the world where Parkinson’s isn’t yet understood. And there…
Tips to Stay Fit During Coronavirus Isolation
If you’re in the same boat as my dad, chances are that your gym is on lockdown. Dad was disappointed to hear that Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) is pausing operations during the global…
How Your Smartphone Can Help You Manage Parkinson’s
My dad was a firm believer in his flip phone and knew it would survive if he dropped it from a considerable height. He counted on it to connect him with his…
Could CBD Help to Ease Parkinson’s Symptoms?
As a Colorado resident, I often wonder about the healing power of plants. We live in a time when the pharmaceutical industry is booming. Pills exist to tame nearly any symptom, but they often…
