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et cetera	pd orgs - site map - pdtulip.com - photo-tricks - pd tulip psa

Living well with Parkinson’s disease
Among the many challenges of living with Parkinson’s is coming to terms with the unpredictable course it takes and the fear and uncertainty this creates. It is known as a “designer disease” because the symptoms, rate of progression, and degree of disability vary from person to person. What one person considers a major problem, perhaps because it negatively impacts their job performance, another sees as a minor inconvenience.   As Parkinson’s progresses, it leaves an indelible mark on each of us, forever altering our sense of who we are. Some PWP never get past this, while others gain new strengths. What accounts for this difference? It’s all about how you approach living with a chronic, progressive illness.	Do's and don'ts Maintain a positive attitude. Don’t make Parkinson’s the focus of your life. Exercise daily to build strength, flexibility, balance, and mobility to better perform activities of daily living, retain independence. Remain as socially active and productive as you can, 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. 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). 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 Partner with your doctor to develop a treatment plan that best manages your Parkinson’s symptoms with the fewest negative side effects. Participate in clinical trials that may provide access to improved treatments long before they are available to the general public. Become a patient advocate. top   Contact us if you would like us to speak at your event.

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