Note: Information in this document can be found found at http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/parkinsons_disease/parkinsons_disease.htm
Unfortunately, Parkinson's disease has no cure and cannot reverse in its course. Fortunately, there are things that the patient can do to dramatically increase their quality of life. By making practices such as those included below a habit, one may be able to remain healthy, active, happy, and safe for a very long time.
Visit Your Doctor Regularly
Parkinson's disease has a variety of interacting symptoms and affects that can make the effects of the disease vary as much as the weather. Often, it is difficult for the patient to determine what is happening, and they may have much health-related concern. Regular visits to the doctor means increased responsiveness to health conditions and improved state of mind. It will ensure that you will receive the best and most responsive health care possible. Remember that you and your doctor share a common goal: to improve your long-term health.
Exercise
Exercising muscles can keep one strong and flexible. Exercise can also make a person feel very good about themself and give them a sense of accomplishment. Sometimes, it is even fun. When designing a regular exercise program, it is important to keep a couple of things in mind. First of all, include exercises that will increase your cardiovascular fitness, such as walking, jogging, or swimming, depending on your capability. Secondly, choose activities that are enjoyable, so that you will keep up with it every day. Always stretch before you exercise. Breathing exercises are very helpful, as are exercises of the face and jaws. Do not over exert your muscles and rest when is needed. Exercise will usually lessen the debilitating motor symptoms of Parkinson's, such as tremor and muscle stiffness. It also improves one's health by contributing to a good body weight and improving sleep. It is important to consult with your doctor before starting an exercise program.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Excess body weight is often a secondary symptom of Parkinson's that contributes to the debilitating motor symptoms of Parkinson's. Lack of appetite caused by depression, digestive problems, and/or inactivity are factors that can cause one's body weight to change beyond healthy levels. Excess weight makes controlling one's body more difficult and energy-consuming. Exercise, coupled with a healthy diet, can make one healthier, happier, and more mobile. As with all people, it is important to consume adequate carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, while avoiding excess fat. If digestive problems are experienced, you may want to cut food into small portions or use a blender when possible. Sometimes, an excess of proteins may adversely affect absorption of medication. It is important to find out from your doctor how dietary considerations will affect you medication's effectiveness.
Physical therapy
Many patients with Parkinson's disease have improved their condition through physical therapy programs. A physical therapist can design the ideal exercise program and can provide the motivation needed to continue on this program. Usually, physical therapy sessions can either be scheduled at a medical insititution or in the home.
Therapy
Making Daily Activities Easier
Remember:
- Remember that you are on long-term therapy. Those afflicted with Parkinson's can continue to lead long, healthy, active lives by putting in the proper effort. This is a long-term commitment to your own happiness that can be maintained through dedication and resilience.
- Remember to maintain a positive attitude. You are still in control of your own destiny and it is you who determines your own happiness. You have a great deal to live for if you are willing to pursue it.
- Remember to Follow Your Doctor's Instructions. Your doctor is an expert who can help you maintain a high quality of life. Adhere to his advice; his best interests are also your own!
- Remember to Continually Be Aware of Yourself. If you remember what things you can do and which things you can't, and which things make you happy and which things do not, you can learn to make your life as full of happiness and as sparse with frustration as possible. Also, be responsive to what your body is telling you. Early awareness of a uncomfortability or inability caused by the disease or an adverse side effect of a medication means earlier and better treatment of it.
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Visit Your Doctor Regularly
Parkinson's disease has a variety of interacting symptoms and affects that can make the effects of the disease vary as much as the weather. Often, it is difficult for the patient to determine what is happening, and they may have much health-related concern. Regular visits to the doctor means increased responsiveness to health conditions and improved state of mind. It will ensure that you will receive the best and most responsive health care possible. Remember that you and your doctor share a common goal: to improve your long-term health.
Exercise
Exercising muscles can keep one strong and flexible. Exercise can also make a person feel very good about themself and give them a sense of accomplishment. Sometimes, it is even fun. When designing a regular exercise program, it is important to keep a couple of things in mind. First of all, include exercises that will increase your cardiovascular fitness, such as walking, jogging, or swimming, depending on your capability. Secondly, choose activities that are enjoyable, so that you will keep up with it every day. Always stretch before you exercise. Breathing exercises are very helpful, as are exercises of the face and jaws. Do not over exert your muscles and rest when is needed. Exercise will usually lessen the debilitating motor symptoms of Parkinson's, such as tremor and muscle stiffness. It also improves one's health by contributing to a good body weight and improving sleep. It is important to consult with your doctor before starting an exercise program.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Excess body weight is often a secondary symptom of Parkinson's that contributes to the debilitating motor symptoms of Parkinson's. Lack of appetite caused by depression, digestive problems, and/or inactivity are factors that can cause one's body weight to change beyond healthy levels. Excess weight makes controlling one's body more difficult and energy-consuming. Exercise, coupled with a healthy diet, can make one healthier, happier, and more mobile. As with all people, it is important to consume adequate carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, while avoiding excess fat. If digestive problems are experienced, you may want to cut food into small portions or use a blender when possible. Sometimes, an excess of proteins may adversely affect absorption of medication. It is important to find out from your doctor how dietary considerations will affect you medication's effectiveness.
Physical therapy
Many patients with Parkinson's disease have improved their condition through physical therapy programs. A physical therapist can design the ideal exercise program and can provide the motivation needed to continue on this program. Usually, physical therapy sessions can either be scheduled at a medical insititution or in the home.
Therapy
Making Daily Activities Easier
Remember:
- Remember that you are on long-term therapy. Those afflicted with Parkinson's can continue to lead long, healthy, active lives by putting in the proper effort. This is a long-term commitment to your own happiness that can be maintained through dedication and resilience.
- Remember to maintain a positive attitude. You are still in control of your own destiny and it is you who determines your own happiness. You have a great deal to live for if you are willing to pursue it.
- Remember to Follow Your Doctor's Instructions. Your doctor is an expert who can help you maintain a high quality of life. Adhere to his advice; his best interests are also your own!
- Remember to Continually Be Aware of Yourself. If you remember what things you can do and which things you can't, and which things make you happy and which things do not, you can learn to make your life as full of happiness and as sparse with frustration as possible. Also, be responsive to what your body is telling you. Early awareness of a uncomfortability or inability caused by the disease or an adverse side effect of a medication means earlier and better treatment of it.
Back to Home Page
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Exercise
Exercising muscles can keep one strong and flexible. Exercise can also make a person feel very good about themself and give them a sense of accomplishment. Sometimes, it is even fun. When designing a regular exercise program, it is important to keep a couple of things in mind. First of all, include exercises that will increase your cardiovascular fitness, such as walking, jogging, or swimming, depending on your capability. Secondly, choose activities that are enjoyable, so that you will keep up with it every day. Always stretch before you exercise. Breathing exercises are very helpful, as are exercises of the face and jaws. Do not over exert your muscles and rest when is needed. Exercise will usually lessen the debilitating motor symptoms of Parkinson's, such as tremor and muscle stiffness. It also improves one's health by contributing to a good body weight and improving sleep. It is important to consult with your doctor before starting an exercise program.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Excess body weight is often a secondary symptom of Parkinson's that contributes to the debilitating motor symptoms of Parkinson's. Lack of appetite caused by depression, digestive problems, and/or inactivity are factors that can cause one's body weight to change beyond healthy levels. Excess weight makes controlling one's body more difficult and energy-consuming. Exercise, coupled with a healthy diet, can make one healthier, happier, and more mobile. As with all people, it is important to consume adequate carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, while avoiding excess fat. If digestive problems are experienced, you may want to cut food into small portions or use a blender when possible. Sometimes, an excess of proteins may adversely affect absorption of medication. It is important to find out from your doctor how dietary considerations will affect you medication's effectiveness.
Physical therapy
Many patients with Parkinson's disease have improved their condition through physical therapy programs. A physical therapist can design the ideal exercise program and can provide the motivation needed to continue on this program. Usually, physical therapy sessions can either be scheduled at a medical insititution or in the home.
Therapy
Making Daily Activities Easier
Remember:
- Remember that you are on long-term therapy. Those afflicted with Parkinson's can continue to lead long, healthy, active lives by putting in the proper effort. This is a long-term commitment to your own happiness that can be maintained through dedication and resilience.
- Remember to maintain a positive attitude. You are still in control of your own destiny and it is you who determines your own happiness. You have a great deal to live for if you are willing to pursue it.
- Remember to Follow Your Doctor's Instructions. Your doctor is an expert who can help you maintain a high quality of life. Adhere to his advice; his best interests are also your own!
- Remember to Continually Be Aware of Yourself. If you remember what things you can do and which things you can't, and which things make you happy and which things do not, you can learn to make your life as full of happiness and as sparse with frustration as possible. Also, be responsive to what your body is telling you. Early awareness of a uncomfortability or inability caused by the disease or an adverse side effect of a medication means earlier and better treatment of it.
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Maintain a Healthy Diet
Excess body weight is often a secondary symptom of Parkinson's that contributes to the debilitating motor symptoms of Parkinson's. Lack of appetite caused by depression, digestive problems, and/or inactivity are factors that can cause one's body weight to change beyond healthy levels. Excess weight makes controlling one's body more difficult and energy-consuming. Exercise, coupled with a healthy diet, can make one healthier, happier, and more mobile. As with all people, it is important to consume adequate carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, while avoiding excess fat. If digestive problems are experienced, you may want to cut food into small portions or use a blender when possible. Sometimes, an excess of proteins may adversely affect absorption of medication. It is important to find out from your doctor how dietary considerations will affect you medication's effectiveness.
Physical therapy
Many patients with Parkinson's disease have improved their condition through physical therapy programs. A physical therapist can design the ideal exercise program and can provide the motivation needed to continue on this program. Usually, physical therapy sessions can either be scheduled at a medical insititution or in the home.
Therapy
Making Daily Activities Easier
Remember:
- Remember that you are on long-term therapy. Those afflicted with Parkinson's can continue to lead long, healthy, active lives by putting in the proper effort. This is a long-term commitment to your own happiness that can be maintained through dedication and resilience.
- Remember to maintain a positive attitude. You are still in control of your own destiny and it is you who determines your own happiness. You have a great deal to live for if you are willing to pursue it.
- Remember to Follow Your Doctor's Instructions. Your doctor is an expert who can help you maintain a high quality of life. Adhere to his advice; his best interests are also your own!
- Remember to Continually Be Aware of Yourself. If you remember what things you can do and which things you can't, and which things make you happy and which things do not, you can learn to make your life as full of happiness and as sparse with frustration as possible. Also, be responsive to what your body is telling you. Early awareness of a uncomfortability or inability caused by the disease or an adverse side effect of a medication means earlier and better treatment of it.
Back to Home Page
Back to Psychology
Physical therapy
Many patients with Parkinson's disease have improved their condition through physical therapy programs. A physical therapist can design the ideal exercise program and can provide the motivation needed to continue on this program. Usually, physical therapy sessions can either be scheduled at a medical insititution or in the home.
Therapy
Making Daily Activities Easier
Remember:
- Remember that you are on long-term therapy. Those afflicted with Parkinson's can continue to lead long, healthy, active lives by putting in the proper effort. This is a long-term commitment to your own happiness that can be maintained through dedication and resilience.
- Remember to maintain a positive attitude. You are still in control of your own destiny and it is you who determines your own happiness. You have a great deal to live for if you are willing to pursue it.
- Remember to Follow Your Doctor's Instructions. Your doctor is an expert who can help you maintain a high quality of life. Adhere to his advice; his best interests are also your own!
- Remember to Continually Be Aware of Yourself. If you remember what things you can do and which things you can't, and which things make you happy and which things do not, you can learn to make your life as full of happiness and as sparse with frustration as possible. Also, be responsive to what your body is telling you. Early awareness of a uncomfortability or inability caused by the disease or an adverse side effect of a medication means earlier and better treatment of it.
Back to Home Page
Back to Psychology
Therapy
Making Daily Activities Easier
Remember:
- Remember that you are on long-term therapy. Those afflicted with Parkinson's can continue to lead long, healthy, active lives by putting in the proper effort. This is a long-term commitment to your own happiness that can be maintained through dedication and resilience.
- Remember to maintain a positive attitude. You are still in control of your own destiny and it is you who determines your own happiness. You have a great deal to live for if you are willing to pursue it.
- Remember to Follow Your Doctor's Instructions. Your doctor is an expert who can help you maintain a high quality of life. Adhere to his advice; his best interests are also your own!
- Remember to Continually Be Aware of Yourself. If you remember what things you can do and which things you can't, and which things make you happy and which things do not, you can learn to make your life as full of happiness and as sparse with frustration as possible. Also, be responsive to what your body is telling you. Early awareness of a uncomfortability or inability caused by the disease or an adverse side effect of a medication means earlier and better treatment of it.
Back to Home Page
Back to Psychology
Remember:
- Remember that you are on long-term therapy. Those afflicted with Parkinson's can continue to lead long, healthy, active lives by putting in the proper effort. This is a long-term commitment to your own happiness that can be maintained through dedication and resilience.
- Remember to maintain a positive attitude. You are still in control of your own destiny and it is you who determines your own happiness. You have a great deal to live for if you are willing to pursue it.
- Remember to Follow Your Doctor's Instructions. Your doctor is an expert who can help you maintain a high quality of life. Adhere to his advice; his best interests are also your own!
- Remember to Continually Be Aware of Yourself. If you remember what things you can do and which things you can't, and which things make you happy and which things do not, you can learn to make your life as full of happiness and as sparse with frustration as possible. Also, be responsive to what your body is telling you. Early awareness of a uncomfortability or inability caused by the disease or an adverse side effect of a medication means earlier and better treatment of it.
Back to Home Page
Back to Psychology
Back to Psychology