From: American Parkinson Disease Association
Sent: Monday, June 25, 2012 7:00 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: June Tip of the Month from American Parkinson Disease Association
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It’s summertime — the perfect season to better your health, mind and energy! In this Tip of the Month e-mail, we’ll share some healthy tips to ensure you take advantage of the warm weather!
a.. Make exercise part of your life. Exercise does not reverse or delay the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, but it does tremendously help you make full use of your potential and improve your quality of life. It also helps prevent complications, such as contractures of rigid, poorly moving limbs. Walking, swimming, range-of-motion exercises and simple stretching regimens offer opportunities to socialize and can do wonders for your energy level, strength and general feeling of well-being. Your doctor or physical therapist can suggest an exercise program that will help keep you active no matter what your physical limitations or energy level.
b.. Yoga and tai chi can help with balance, as well as provide a time for quiet meditation. Mindfulness classes can help you de-stress and focus on the most important things — your family and your life, rather than your illness.
c.. Look for ways to reduce your stress level and put yourself and your needs first. You must take care of yourself first! You are the authority regarding your own body. Make sure you rest when you're tired and be protective about how you spend your time and energy. Parkinson's disease uses a great deal of one's physical energy, and coping and adapting takes a great deal of emotional and mental energy. Do those things that are important to you and your family. Give yourself permission to say "No" and not feel guilty. When you're feeling better, then you can say "Yes."
d.. Using a cane can help with freezing during your exercise. If you use one with a small golf club-type protrusion at the bottom, it can make walking easier because it tricks your mind into thinking you're stepping over something. A collapsible cane is another helpful means of getting around. If you freeze when walking, assemble the cane and gently kick the end near the floor.
Would you like more information? Check out APDA's National Resource Center for Rehabilitation!
Do you have a tip that you would like to share with us? Click the button below to share your healthy tip!
Or e-mail your tip to [log in to unmask], and be sure to let us know if you'd like us to use your name and/or tip on our website or in one of our healthy Tip of the Month e-mails.
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Copyright © 2012 | 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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