- Develop a positive outlook and a proactive approach to living with Parkinson’s. Research reveals that optimists fare better than pessimists when faced with a health challenge.
- Adopt a daily exercise regimen to improve strength, balance, flexibility, range of motion, and mobility so that you can continue performing activities of daily living and retain your independence.
- Do as much as possible for yourself, accepting help only when you truly need it.
- Don’t set yourself up to fail by placing unrealistic expectations on yourself (e.g. remaining in a job you know you can no longer do).
- Remain socially active and productive for as long as you can, even if you have to make adaptations.
- Don’t allow the potential for embarrassment or making others uncomfortable keep you from participating in activities you enjoy.
- Focus on the things you can do, not on those you can’t.
- Continue to pursue your goals. Don’t make Parkinson’s the focus of your life.
- Keep your sense of humor.
- Make the most of every day. Don’t project about how much worse you may be down the road.
- Build a support network by helping family and friends understand what living with Parkinson’s is like, and what you need from them. Don’t expect them to read your mind.
|
- Take control of your disease — don’t let it control you.
- Learn all you can about Parkinson’s so you can partner with your doctor to develop a treatment plan that best manages your Parkinson’s symptoms with the fewest negative side effects.
- Develop regular sleeping and eating patterns.
- Take medications on time, and as prescribed.
- Be open to alternative/complementary medicine (e.g. acupuncture, yoga, massage).
- Seek out clinical trials for which you may be eligible, that can provide you with early access to promising Parkinson's treatments and drugs not yet on the market. (www.pdtrials.org)
- Never lose hope for finding a cure.
top
Contact us if you
would like us to speak at your event. |
|
-