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For those who do not know me, I am the Assistant Director of Parkinson Support and Wellness. The short version of my Parkinson story is that in early 2019, my dad was diagnosed with PD. I started to volunteer for the Steady Strides committee in 2020 and was then hired when they were looking for a third employee. Really though, it is a longer story than that.
Now, the story turns to you. Your travel experience will vary according to what type of traveling you are doing: flying to a single destination to visit family, touring on an itinerary you have planned, embarking on a group tour. And it will depend on your own particular Parkinson’s issues. Your goal is to become aware of common travel challenges and consider how best to prepare for them.
Nearly a year ago I wrote an article that appeared on this blog on the topic of sleep and PD. The basics are still true – the fact that sleep is essential to reset your system, that eight hours is the recommended amount of sleep for all adults, and that disturbances in healthy sleep patterns are one of the most common non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Another in our review of exercise opportunities in the Cincinnati area is Alpha Neuro Fitness (ANF) located at 800 E. Ross Ave. in St. Bernard (just off the Norwood Lateral). Owner and trainer Adam Magee began his work with PD patients in 2012 when, as an undergraduate majoring in Exercise Science at NKU, he worked as an intern with a research study at UC involving exercise for Parkinson’s and multitasking. He was so intrigued and wanted to do all he could to help the patients. Ten years later, he now has a Masters in Healthcare Administration and his own gym where he works with patients one-on-one.
In getting ready for my winter trip to Iceland, where temperatures range from 28-36 degrees Fahrenheit, I paid careful attention to the packing list provided by the tour company running my trip. As instructed, I brought plenty of layers of clothing. I could barely squeeze all layers on at once and I looked like a sausage bulging at the seams when fully suited up. I soon discovered that I couldn’t manage all those layers. Like many others with Parkinson’s, I have limited flexibility in my torso, shoulders, and arms.
February can be a gray and dreary month in Ohio with the holiday rush behind us and Spring still several weeks away. Valentine's Day offers an opportunity to celebrate and recognize loved ones. Many special people can be acknowledged with a valentine wish— from a parent, to a friend, to a co-worker, to a physical therapist. Traditionally we think of romantic relationships as the true celebrants on Valentine's Day. So I have been pondering romantic and intimate relationships when navigating life with PD.
As part of our ongoing review of exercise programs available in our area, we turn this week to foreverfitness. This exercise organization was founded by Sarah Palmer, and she has a staff of four, all of whom are highly trained. (Several are physical therapists, all have PWR! Moves training and Sarah has a master’s in exercise physiology.)
Parkinson’s-specific exercise is very important in the treatment of this disorder, and one clinic in our area that works hard to provide opportunities for such exercise is Kettering Health’s NeuroRehab and Balance Center. Located in Centerville, just outside Dayton, the NR&BC offers classes of varying intensity (medium, high and mixed) each twice a week.
Parkinson Support & Wellness entered 2022 hopeful for a better year than the previous two years of pandemic. We had watched our Parkinson community struggle with Covid-19 and the isolation that the virus imposed. We were determined throughout 2020 and 2021 to provide programs and platforms that pierced that isolation and allowed us all to connect whether through support groups and exercise programs that evolved to “virtual” options, or through continuing our educational programs via Zoom.
In the depths of the dark winter, we bring some light to our world when we celebrate the New Year. A traditional part of that celebration is the New Year’s resolution. Humans have been pledging to change their bad habits since the Babylonians vowed to pay off debts and return borrowed farm equipment some 4,000 years ago. (The custom of breaking those resolutions within several months is also an old one.) How can people living with Parkinson's disease make the most of New Year’s resolutions?
Happy Holidays to our Parkinson Support & Wellness community!
Whatever holiday you celebrate during this winter, we want to wish you a cheerful and lovely winter season! We are so grateful for you and love having you be a part of our community. Have an amazing and cozy time this December with your loved ones.
