From: American Parkinson Disease Association
Sent: Monday, February 27, 2012 9:11 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: February's Tip of the Month from American Parkinson Disease Association
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Keep on Moving
As we head toward spring, the weather is becoming milder and we all have the itch to be out and about. Whether you have Parkinson’s disease and are concerned about mobility, or you are helping a loved one to maneuver around, keep these tips in mind as you embrace the great outdoors during the upcoming season.
When walking, bring your toes up with every step you take. If you tend to shuffle, follow these steps:
o Stop walking.
o Make sure your feet are about 8 inches apart.
o Stand up as straight as you can.
o Think about taking a large step.
o Take a step by bringing one foot up high, as if you are marching.
o Lift your toes up and place your heel down first.
o Roll onto the ball of your foot and toes.
o Repeat this process with the other foot.
o Swing your opposite arm forward when taking a step. This will improve the rhythm of your walking and your appearance. Swinging your arms freely while walking shifts body weight from your legs, lessens fatigue, and helps loosen your arms and shoulders.
When you can’t walk a step forward, take a small step back, then rock forward and go. When you can’t turn left, take a small step right, then rock to your left foot and go.
To help a person with PD walk, stand in front of him and hold his hands. As you walk backwards, gently guide him forward. Give verbal cues like “Let’s walk now.”
When assisting someone in walking up or down stairs, take one stair at a time. Let the person you are assisting hold onto a handrail, if one is available. Make sure she places each foot completely on each stair. When going up stairs, have the person lead with the stronger foot. When going down stairs, have the person lead with the weaker foot. Stand in front of the person when descending stairs, and behind the person when ascending the stairs.
Tips courtesy of Parkinson's Disease: 300 Tips for Making Life Easier.
Would you like more information? Check out APDA's National Resource Center for Rehabilitation!
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Copyright © 2011 | American Parkinson Disease Association | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy 135 Parkinson Avenue | Staten Island, NY 10305 | Tel. (800) 223-2732 | www.apdaparkinson.org If you prefer not to receive APDA e-mail correspondence, please unsubscribe here.
The American Parkinson Disease Association, Inc. was founded in 1961 to "Ease the Burden - Find the Cure" for Parkinson's disease. Headquartered in New York, the organization focuses its energies on research, patient support, education and raising public awareness of Parkinson's disease.
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