Recently, the Parkinson’s Foundation partnered with the American College of Sports Medicine to provide new exercise recommendations for people with Parkinson’s and certified exercise professionals. The goals of this collaboration are admirable and long overdue. They seek to: Ensure standards of care for exercise professionals working with people…
Slow Is the New Fast
— Jean Mellano
When New Yorker Jean Mellano’s life partner, Steve, passed away in March 2015, she took solace in writing about him and found purpose in bringing more awareness to mental health by telling Steve’s story. At age 62, seven months after Steve died, Jean was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Several neurologists have told her the emotional trauma she suffered before and after Steve passed might have triggered the onset of her Parkinson’s. Jean hopes to be a voice for people afflicted with this disease. She also wants to help others understand the daily struggles of people with Parkinson’s.
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“I think for me, any great art is art which communicates human emotion.” – Greg Lake Good art evokes emotion. This sculpture, by Simone Wojciechowski, titled “Tired Soul,” represents exactly how I feel: “Tired Soul” by Simone Wojciechowski. (Courtesy of Simone Wojciechowski Sculptures) Why am I tired? Lately, I…
A few months ago, I was flabbergasted to be diagnosed with osteoporosis. In May 2020, I shattered the ulna in my left arm when I fell off my bike. While I suspected osteoporosis might have had a hand in such a bad fracture, I was still unprepared to receive…
“The camaraderie between the athletes is a joy to behold sometimes, because they all help each other along.” – William Regal Exercise is an effective way to slow Parkinson’s disease progression and provide symptom relief. In 2017, I began participating in the Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) program…
“It must be borne in mind that most Parkinsonian patients remain mentally alert even as their physical condition becomes severely impaired. At the same time, they are normally extraordinarily self-conscious about their infirmities. … Tremors, speech impediment, walking difficulties, all make one not only impatient with oneself, but also often…
Some days I just want to throw my arms up in the air and give up. We all have our crosses to bear, and I am no different. Lately, I have been challenged with some additional life stuff in addition to dealing with a progressive, incurable disease called Parkinson’s.
“I feel terrible, yet everyone thinks I look fine.” I’ve heard this sentiment expressed many times by folks with Parkinson’s disease. So, why do we feel so bad? I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2015, and I am still so frustrated with trying to find relief from my symptoms. Just…
“Dealing with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s is not easy and there is no one, single technique that will ease the pain and no magic pill that will miraculously enable you to cope with it.” — John Baxter Parkinson’s treatment is a lifelong commitment that involves much more than just…
Editor’s note: This column discusses suicide. Please find resources for help at the end of the column. November 21 is International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. Unlike when loved ones are left behind after a death caused by an illness, old age, or tragedy, those left behind after the…
I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2015, and luckily, thus far the symptoms are more of an annoying inconvenience. In the past few months, I have been struggling with disease progression and worsening symptoms. I believe this is because I haven’t been able to exercise like I have in…
Finding the right doctor who meets your needs as a person with Parkinson’s disease can be daunting. I have consulted with 11 neurologists, seven of whom were movement disorder specialists (MDS), in the five years since my initial diagnosis in 2015. Following are my top criteria in choosing what I…
Since being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2015, I have left no stone unturned in testing out the latest and greatest of nonprescription solutions to ease my symptoms. In my view, some have had good press and showed a lot of promise. Among the more popular supplements I tried without…
I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in November 2015. Since then, I have explored both allopathic and naturopathic solutions. From a naturopathic perspective, I immersed myself in Parkinson’s disease summer school, which dedicates a week to strategies to improve Parkinson’s outcomes. I also consult with a naturopathic doctor every few…
As a Parkinson’s disease patient, dismay and anxiety are all too common in my life. One day, though, these negative feelings threatened to overwhelm me. The bike crash My late husband always said there are two types of bikers: those who have crashed and those who…
“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” ― Anatole France Dogs can help as emotional and physical support animals for humans with various disabilities and chronic illnesses, including Parkinson’s. These animals help make life easier for their humans and improve their quality of…
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times …” —Charles Dickens The worst of times Currently, my retirement community is on lockdown and was one of the first places in my county in Long Island, New York, where COVID-19 cases were reported. Eight residents have since…
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