Rock Steady Fighter

 Oh, the weather outside is frightful…or maybe it’s not so frightful if you’re living in beautiful southern California.  The weather typically isn’t one of our worries this time of year, but this time of year can certainly bring its challenges for anyone, especially someone living with PD.  I don’t know if you’re like me, but I do best when I follow a strict routine.  Wake up early, take meds at designated times, eat food that is not only nutritious but is timed around taking those meds, go to exercise classes regularly, hang out with people that understand my limitations and aren’t offended when I need some down time, making sure I have that down time daily so my stress levels stay low.  Where in this routine am I going to fit family gatherings, holiday parties, shopping and more shopping, sending cards, decorating the house, and don’t forget baking dozens of cookies for the neighbors? Here’s a few tips to help you through the holidays with PD. Set an alarm for...

  Three years ago today I heard those words, "You have Parkinson's Disease."  If you had told me then that in three years I would be healthier, stronger, and more confident, I would not have believed you.  That day, I believed it was all going to be downhill from there.  There have definitely been some challenges but everyone has challenges and I have to remember that sometimes, life's challenges are just a normal part of life and getting older.  After all, I'm not 20 anymore. PD or Normal Life? If you have been diagnosed with something serious like PD, you may tend to blame everything on your disease.  I know that I do this on a regular basis. My stiff and achy joints must be a result of PD and not the fact that I just spent hours at the gym working really hard... and I'm not 20 anymore. My need to grab glasses to read on a regular basis must be PD affecting my eyes and not the fact that all my friends without PD are doing the same thing...and I'm not 20 ...

  It seems someone is always trying to sell you something online and the Big Brother of the Internet has your demographics down to a science. I am one of those people who never gives truthful personal information online in an effort to not let Big Brother know me too well.  I told Facebook that I am a 114 year old man and yet, I get bombarded with ads for hot flash treatments and hormone supplements. How do THEY know? You only need to put one word in a google search and you will get ads for days and days related to that one topic.   These days, numerous ads for products, supplements, treatments and devices related to Parkinson's shower my social media. I know this is because of my daily searches for something, anything, new that might help me and others with Parkinson's.  As much as I try not to pay attention to these ads,  I'm as human and as desperate as the next person and it is hard not to hope something will work.   Once in a while, I will try out some...

  Although I never wanted Parkinson's, I am thankful for some of the things it has taught me.   I have learned to enjoy everyday, mundane activities.   Those things in everyone's day that they don't think about, often stand out to me.    I am able to rise easily  from a chair,  do laundry and cook dinner.  I can drive to the grocery store when needed.  Although household chores are not fun, I find joy in the fact that I can do them.  I know all too well now that not everyone can do these things. I have learned to take advantage of the times when I feel my best.   Parkinson's can be so unpredictable throughout the day that there are times when simple tasks become hard.  You might find me chopping vegetables for dinner in the middle of the morning because I am feeling good in the morning and never know what the afternoon will bring.  (It often brings tremors and fatigue).  If it ends up being a good afternoon,...

  Currently, approximately 6 million people are living with Parkinson's disease (PD).  This is up from 2.5 million in 1990.  Scientists think that this number will increase to 12 million in the coming generation.  Although, treatments and medications are getting better, it looks like we are still quite a ways away from a cure.  So what can you do about it? It is a giant problem.  Is there some way you can help?  Whether you have PD or not, there are things you can do to improve the lives of those living now with PD. IF YOU ARE LIVING WITH PARKINSON'S: Fight back .  When that magic treatment or cure does come along, you need to be as healthy as possible so do what you need to do to fight your PD.  Exercise, take your meds if needed, eat right, stay educated and involved. Volunteer for clinical trials .  Clinical trials vary. Some require  a lot of effort.   Some don't take much effort at all and can be fun and educational. Some ...

  Every town has its own vibe, its own groove, its own"buzz" so to speak.  I am fortunate enough to live in Orange County, California where not only are the beaches outstanding, but it has so much going on.  It is definitely an area rich with resources for its residents.   Among these resources, are lots of activities for people with Parkinson's Disease.  When I was diagnosed with PD, I was not made aware of all that was available locally to help me.   I'm now 2 1/2 years post diagnosis and see the same thing happening to others recently diagnosed.  What a waste to have all this good stuff and not know about it! Well, we PD warriors are a hearty breed and when we see a problem, we like to fix it.  A small group of us got together and the result of our collaboration is  PDBuzz.com .  Our goal is to have one site that lists all the PD resources available in the county: support groups, exercise classes, rehab services like PT and speech, co...

  Several months back, I applied for disability.  It was a hard decision but I am not longer able to do the work I used to do.  In my previous life (pre-PD), I was a photographer and videographer.  The wonderful people at social security decided that I can still do this work "as normally performed in the national economy."  Really?  It is hard enough to admit that you can't do your job anymore, but to have to defend yourself and admit your frailties to a complete stranger is humiliating. I have Parkinson's.  I have tremors, rigidity, and  balance issues.  Stress makes all that worse.  How do you think I should advertise my services? Available for hire:  The PD Photo Gal! Got a wedding or other special event coming up next year?  The PD Photo Gal has got you covered.  If the shots of the first look, first kiss and father/daughter dance come out blurry due to shaking hands, she will be happy to retake them at another time. H...