Dear colleagues,
It has been a while since I posted anything on this list but I have a couple of interesting stories to share with you. I am the Editor of the GOOD TIMES NEWSLETTER which is the mouthpiece for the Parkinson Support Group@Emerson Hospital in Concord Ma. This week we released Issue # 5 [of volume 1]and there were two very interesting stories. These stories show just how truly amazing PWP are and how just by using what was there they were able to achieve what I call the Parkinsonian's Guide to Better Health Today I'm going to briefly introduce you to Anita Gargas, a 50ish married mother of 3 adult sons. She is disabled with PD and her only previous writing experience was an article in last month's GOOD TIMES
In a day or so I'll introduce you to Tony Munroe but first Anita Gargas' story.
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ANITA ON THE ROCKS
A Parkinsonian's Guide to Better Health
by
NICOLETTA [ANITA] GARGAS
We all Know the importance of daily exercise in keeping our bodies
healthy and fit. We especially know how essential it is for Parkinsonians.We know but we don't practice because we are too old, we don't have enough time or we can't make it to a gym. Read on and believe me
when I say the answer may be as close as your own back yard.
Early last Spring I noticed a couple of huge sink holes in our back
yard. Several tree trunks and huge rocks, probably buried many years
ago by the builder of our house, had become visible. For several days
I kept looking at the mess, worrying out the enormous cost of repairing
and landscaping. Then slowly and somewhat timidly I decided to try
and make a difference. I would enjoy being outdoors,digging earth
and at the same time getting my daily exercise. I knew that I would
benefit by bending at the waist, stretching my arms,legs and neck.
With a small hand trowel I attacked this big dig, [not to be confused
with Boston's big dig]. I loosened the the soil to expose the rocks,
removing the smaller ones, and designated the larger ones for removal
by the excavators. I became so engrossed in my rocks that I stayed
outdoors for 3 or 4 hours every day. When I rested I envisaged how
I would beautify our property. I was extremely tired from the work,
but I noticed how much easier it was when exercising my muscles
to prevent stiffness. I sensed a special source of strength in an
almost mystical way.
I'd mentioned my rock activity to Dr. Butler. He was delighted with
my daily exercise and perseverance, and encouraged me to keep at
it.
In 5 months I exposed 40-50 large rocks and gathered about 400 smaller
ones which are sorted in piles according to size
When this Spring arrives I will begin a new project for I will prepare
and plant my flower beds. Of course I will place a few rocks here
and there for decorative effect! Most importantly, I will continue
my daily exercise routine. You haven't noticed any sink holes in your
back yard?
And by the way, about all those rocks I saved? My husband Steve plans
to build a stone wall as background for my garden!
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Rather good I would say both in the story and in the concept that you can make good of what ever is available to you and add your chapter to a Parkinsonian's Guide To Better Health. What ever feedback to Anita would be appreciated. You may reach her through my e-mail number
thanks
GEORGE
