By Adam McGee
Picture this if you will; its 2008 and I’m fresh out of the Navy. No idea what my next step is and little direction past going to school for some unknown degree. Fast forward to 2021; LOTS of stress, two educational degrees, TONS of experience working under a UC neurologist, my own exercise facility and I’m about to enter my 10th year working with the Parkinson’s community in the greater Cincinnati area. I would’ve laughed if you told me that’s where I’d be today. I was blessed, and lucky enough to have found my passion in the health field. Just like in the military, you’re helping people, albeit my impact may have been minimal I still did my part to help others and that’s what I’m good at!
In the Navy we had an acronym that was thrown around pretty commonly; K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Stupid). Now let me start by saying I do not say this to my clientele but, I do use the same basis for my training and advice outside of my facility. “Keep it simple, Keep it safe” are words that come out of my mouth MANY times a day. I get to see first-hand how Parkinson’s Disease (PD) can impact the cognitive function in every day life. Clients newly diagnosed and those diagnosed 20 years ago live with the same constant stress of how PD is going to affect them and their loved ones down the road. I sometimes consider myself a counselor because I get to listen to worries, thoughts, ideas, what ifs, and my actual favorite -- stories! These people want me to help them and in return they welcome me into their families, invite me over for pizza, and in a way, they adopt me. I care for these people and want them to live healthy lives and be here for a long time. That being said, I hear the same question arise all too often: Can I keep doing (insert activity/hobby)? My response is typically the same for everyone: Does it make you happy? Their response to that question is important, because if the activity or hobby makes them happy and its enjoyable, DO IT!! There are many unknowns living with PD and if you can find enjoyment in life, something to make you smile, laugh, or relax and just escape PD for an hour, the struggle will be eased. Once that question is asked, my job is to assess the risk versus reward aspect of the activity. Just like any other person in this world, we look at the risk versus reward of any decision we make; buying a home, flying to Europe, driving a sportscar all have their risks. Living with PD sometimes we have to manipulate or modify the activity to make it safer, or determine if the activity is too dangerous and may cause more harm than good. For example: downhill skiing, probably not a good idea for people diagnosed with PD. Even the simple task of picking up a new grandkid from the floor can be a challenge, and put both the child and the PWP at risk for serious injuries. On a side note; riding a bull is definitely on my bucket list, so anyone reading this with the same item, call me so we can “assess the risk” (insert wink emoji).
In closing, I want everyone in the PD community to be happy, healthy and safe. Everyone in the greater Cincinnati area has access to the best care, opportunities and educational resources in the country. You have no excuse (even PD) to not take advantage. Now get out there and enjoy life, just don’t be too risky!
Adam Magee operates Alpha Neuro Fitness at 800 E Ross Avenue in Cincinnati. He offers one-on-one training for those with PD or other neurological disorders. He also makes his facility available for speech therapy, support groups, and other offering services to those with PD.