Parkinson’s Disease Blogs

We vividly remember very few days in our lives, and the rest of our memories tend to blur together. I’m always amazed at how accurately I remember specific events from childhood, like witnessing my neighbor’s house burn to the ground when I was around 7 years old; I can still recall feeling the intensity of the fire’s heat and hearing ... read more

Self-care is about making your care a priority... #MotivationMonday ... read more

One of the most encouraging things Amy and I heard after learning she had cancer was that her outcome might be highly dependent upon her ability to take a punch. That meant there was something within our control.  ... read more

The most success I had helping those with brain injuries was when I had regular access to both the design and delivery of therapy. Inside a rehab center, there’s good access to both these elements. This would often change when the patient was sent home. My success in designing rehab would often sink like a stone when my clinical staff’s ... read more

Update on Exercise: Go For It! ******** A recent Washington Post article highlights the benefits for Parkies who exercise frequently and at a challenging pace. The secondary title says it all:  “A mix of high-intensity aerobics and balance, strengthening and stretching exercises may delay the disease’s onset or, ideally, prevent it altogether.” Wow!  And here’s the opening, attention-grabbing anecdote: ... read more

Parkinson’s disease is the gift that keeps on taking. But it truly has been a gift. Michael J Fox At year end, it seems that there is always something new and significant for People with Parkinson’s Disease. Here are some of the things I came across in the last few days. From Health Exec Digital … Continue reading Almost Year-end ... read more

“What you do today can improve all your tomorrows.” Ralph Marston “One who gains strength by overcoming obstacles possesses the only strength which can overcome adversity.” Albert Schweitzer Introduction: In 2015, I wrote a blog post entitled “Physicians in the Constellation of Care” (click here to read it). The topic was about the importance of your healthcare team in managing ... read more

Rarely, do we live in the moment. Either we reflect on our past or look to the future. Try to savor the present. #MotivationMonday ... read more

It’s important to remember these three inescapable aspects of life: ... read more

“The good thing about science is that it’s true whether or not you believe in it.” Neil deGrasse Tyson “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” Albert Einstein Introduction:  Taking something by mouth is a common and relatively easy way to administer a drug. By contrast, when you carefully consider the route, it is a more complex scenario than imagined. Think about ... read more

Every year the president of the United States gives a State of the Union address, telling citizens (and the world) how he thinks things are going. This is me telling readers how I’m doing. It’s been eight years since I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. After writing two books and more than 175 columns, it’s time for an update. When ... read more

“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” William Arthur Ward “No matter what our circumstance, we can find a reason to be thankful.” David Jeremiah Happy Thanksgiving: It is that time in the USA to give thanks and be grateful. Margaret Cousins said, “Appreciation can make a day, even ... read more

When my dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2013, I didn’t expect the disease to transform my worldview. But it did. Learning about the disease instilled a sense of fear and sadness in me. At first, I saw only the horror that Parkinson’s creates. How could a disease consume people this way? But as I kept learning and discovered there ... read more

I started to notice things I was grateful for and the way other people would respond to difficulty with gratitude.  I concluded that gratitude makes optimism sustainable Michael J Fox It is that time of year again. As we approach Thanksgiving, we think about the things that we are grateful for. We know that Parkinson’s … Continue reading Giving Thanks ... read more

  Repeat performance!  My rewrite of Poe’s “The Raven.” Just click here:  Poem Story – The Turkey The post “The Turkey”: Poe meets Orwell meets Shakespeare appeared first on Parking Suns. ... read more

Jonah Hill’s intimate, deep and powerful, insightful, and illuminating documentary film, Stutz, unleashes so many important topics for discussion and expression that can lead to healing and understanding! ... read more

What is the best way to let your family, friends, and colleagues know that you have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD)? Or any disease for that matter? When is the appropriate time? Should you wait until they start worrying about the changes they see and assume the worst? Or should you tell them immediately after your diagnosis? Every situation ... read more

Give thanks for today, yesterday, and for all those who helped make your days possible! Happy Thanksgiving! #MotivationMonday ... read more

“You swing your best when you have the fewest things to think about.” Bobby Jones “Through years of experience I have found that air offers less resistance than dirt.” Jack Nicklaus Introduction: If you have read this blog any time, you know how much I love the game of golf. It is a fun sport that requires your brain and ... read more

Sunday 20 November 2022There are few places in the world more wonderful than Venice on a sunny autumn afternoon. As I wander through the ancient streets and piazzas, across countless small bridges, I marvel at the timeless grandeur set against crisp azure skies. As I turn each corner, something unexpected greets me: an idyllic canal, a magnificent church, a crumbling palatial ... read more

Insomnia and Parkinson’s Disease ******** According to a research review published in 2020 (“Practical Evaluation and Management of Insomnia in Parkinson’s Disease:  A Review”), “there is little evidence supporting pharmacotherapy and nonpharmacologic treatments of insomnia in PD.”  How sad that there is no surefire fix for one of the most exasperating PD symptoms, affecting up to 80% of Parkies.  ... read more

There’s no place like home Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz After 3 weeks of travel we have finally returned home.  Mr. Twitchy and I have occasionally taken a 3 week trip before, and every time we swear that we won’t go away as long then next time.  After 3 weeks of living out of … Continue reading Back home! ... read more

I had plans for a day in paradise. Crisp fall weather beckoned me outside to the garden. It was also day three of my 10-day Parkinson’s week, which is usually a good day. I was eager to get into the day, but Parkinson’s disease had other plans. The night had been unusual with repetitive bursts of akathisia, the inability to ... read more

“The only thing you should feel entitled to is gratitude,” J.S. Mason “He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.” Epictetus Introduction: The blog post’s title is not meant to suggest one needs to be grateful for having a neurodegenerative disorder like Parkinson’s. To ... read more

What is an APP? Advanced practice providers are highly educated healthcare professionals with advanced degrees and rigorous clinical training. We know them primarily as physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs). As clinicians, they play a vital role in the ever-changing and evolving healthcare system. APPs may provide many patient care services, such as conducting examinations, ordering tests, prescribing medications, ... read more