Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder caused by degeneration of nerve cells in the part of the brain that controls movement. The diagnosis of Parkinson's disease depends on the presence of one or more of the four most common motor symptoms of the disease, namely: resting tremor, slow movement, rigidity and postural instability. Secondary and non motor symptoms are increasingly recognized by doctors as important to treating Parkinson’s disease.
Through the words of the Holy Bible, the Greatest Book ever written in the world, you will find the answer to your greatest need, the miracle of healing in THE FIFTH WAY to beat Parkinson's disease.
"Easter Bunny"
From an original painted with the mouth by A. Sapinska
EXERCISE REGULARLY
" Train yourself for devotion, for, while physical training is of limited value, devotion is valuable in every respect, since it holds a promise of life both for the present and for the future. "
1 TIMOTHY 4: 7-8
Regular exercise in Parkinson’s Disease is recommended since it plays a key role in helping to manage many of the primary and secondary symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. It typically includes strength training, stretching, and aerobic activities. A rehabilitation medicine specialist can also recommend the exercise regimen suited for every PD patient.
You must have a consistent exercise program, based on your ability level. It should be incorporated into your treatment regimen in order to maintain flexibility, mobility, and general well-being. You can develop an exercise program on your own or with a physical therapist. Others find that attending general or PD-specific exercise classes is also helpful.
Regular exercise improves mood, raises your self-esteem, and gives you a better body image. It also elps lessen stress and improves general body function by increasing your muscle tone, strength, and endurance. It also provides better sleeping patterns as well as increased confidence and a more positive attitude to life.
Find an exercise activity or program that you can stick with, or visit your local gym and enrol in a class. This is your chance to take a dancing lessons or learn yoga. Commit to maintaining and improving your health so as to improve your quality of life and to slow down the progression your PD symptoms.
It is important that in every exercise regimen, you have the right breathing technique. Breathing is a body function that you do unconsciously at every moment but to be able to maximize the benefit of regular exercise, it should be done via a three-part breath or the diaphragmatic breathing.
In diaphragmatic breathing, you sit tall or lie comfortably on your back. You place one hand on your chest just below the collar bones and the other hand on your abdomen. Inhale through your nose and feel your hand on your abdomen rise first followed by the hand on your chest. On exhale, expel the air from your chest first, then your rib cage and finally your belly. If you feel light headed or dizzy at first, stop and breathe normally and then resume. Practice until you get used to this new way of breathing.
Through the words of the Holy Bible, the Greatest Book ever written in the world, you will find the answer to your greatest need, the miracle of healing in THE FOURTH WAY to beat Parkinson's disease.
"Fishermans Wharf" From an original painted with the mouth by S. Rigg
DELEGATE RESPONSIBILITY
"You are not acting wisely," his father-in-law replied. "You will surely wear yourself out, and not only yourself but also these people with you. The task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone. Now, listen to me, and I will give you some advice, that God may be with you..." Moses followed the advice of his father-in-law and did all that he suggested. He picked out able men... and put them in charge of the people as officers over groups of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens. They rendered decisions for the people in all ordinary cases. The more difficult cases they referred to Moses, but all the lesser cases they settled themselves.
EXODUS 18:17-19,24-26
Are you a jack of all trades? Do you want to be completely hands-on in everything? Do you trust only yourself to do the best job? Are you afraid to train a younger officemate or a junior executive thinking that he or she is out there to get your esteemed position in the company? Do you multi-task? When is it time to give up the keys to the car?
Now is the time for you to release the reins. Know to whom you must delegate the responsibility of taking care of your work while you are on on your way to recovery. Choose a person you can trust to carry out your job. You have to entrust even the menial tasks like paying the bills to someone else to relieve you of your stress and worry. It's the time for you to enjoy all the free time, away from your job and away from all activities that limit the time you spend with your family and loved one. It is the time to let go of activities that hamper your growth spiritually, mentally or even socially.
People with Parkinson's disease are usually expected to experience a decline in both motor skills and cognition. When these problems arise, it can make driving unsafe. It is to the best interest of the patient with PD to hand over the keys to a more competent driver and find other means of transportation through the help of well meaning family members and friends.
Through the words of the Holy Bible, the Greatest Book ever written in the world, you will find the answer to your greatest need, the miracle of healing in THE THIRD WAY to beat Parkinson's disease.
"The King"
From an original painted with the mouth by B. Peardon
BE COURAGEOUS
" Lively is the courage of those who fear the Lord, for they put their hope in their savior; He who fears the Lord is never alarmed, never afraid; for the Lord is his hope... The eyes of the Lord are upon those who love him; he is their mighty shield and strong support. A shelter from the heat, a shade from the noonday sun. a guard against stumbling, a help against falling. He bouys up the spirits, brings a sparkle to the eyes, gives health and life and blessing."
SIRACH 34: 13-14, 16-17
Michael J. Fox and Muhammad Ali are both courageour warriors in their fight to beat Parkinson's disease. Despite his size and youthful appearance, Fox has remained relentless and focused in his advocacy to find a cure for Parkinson's disease. He has faced a lot of odds and even censure from many American Republicans in his rally to use stem cells in the treatment of PD. You may not condone his principle but you can admire his tenacity in his pursuit for total healing. Ali is a well known boxer and even called himself "The Greatest". He has survived and continued to this day to support several causes for PD awareness. He has also joined forces with Fox in raising funds to help the cause of PD. They are both brave because they have not allowed their PD to hamper their abilities and capacity to make a difference in the world.
Mark Rutherford said that When we are afraid we ought not to occupy ourselves with endeavoring to prove that there is no danger, but in strengthening ourselves to go on in spite of the danger.
Parkinson's disease may be manifested as any one of the four cardinal symptoms, namely, resting tremors, postural instability, muscle rigidity and slow movement. If you are a person afflicted with PD, you must have the courage to move your fingers and be creative because the tremors disappear when your hands are busy. Be brave to stop and brace yourself despite getting stares from innocent bystanders so as not to fall when your posture stoops. Don't be afraid to lift your leg and march in place when your muscles freeze so that you can move forward. Don't be scared when you want to take time just to sit down so as to ensure that your bottom hit the seat right.
Courage is not the absence of fear but having the guts to try and overcome the problems involved in simple body movements and doing your best to circumvent the difficulty and hopefully delay the progression of your Parkinson's disease.
As Paul Green, 88, a former rower at Brown University who picked up rowing again when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 19 years ago, would say, “Nevah Surrendah”.
Through the words of the Holy Bible, the Greatest Book ever written in the world, you will find the answer to your greatest need, the miracle of healing in THE SECOND WAY to beat Parkinson's disease.
"Summer Sweets"
From an original painted with the foot by S. Subadri
EAT A BALANCED DIET
"Please test your servants for 10 days. Give us vegetables to eat and water to dringk. Then see how we look in comparison with the other young men who eat from the royal table, and treat your servants according to what you see." He acceded to this request, and tested them for ten days; after ten days they looked healthier and better fed than any of the young men who are from the royal table. So the steward continued to take away the food and wine they were to receive, and gave them vegetables.
DANIEL 1: 12-16
Is there a diet recommended for Parkinson’s disease?
Good nutrition is important for everyone and has a significant role in the management of Parkinson’s disease (PD). In general, a healthy diet can increase energy, optimize the effect of medications, and promote overall well-being, especially in a patient with PD.
Patients with PD may experience constipation, delayed stomach emptying,drug-nutrient interactions, and weight loss. Parkinson's disease affects the autonomic nervous system, resulting in slowed movement of the GI tract. An individual may experience constipation and/or delayed gastric emptying. Gastric emptying may delay or decrease effectiveness of medications. With adequate intake of fluids and fiber, constipation may be prevented. Signs and symptoms of delayed gastric emptying should be observed when determining the timing of meals and medications.
Some individuals, particularly those who experience fluctuations of PD symptoms with their medications, may be very sensitive to the amount of protein in their diets. For these individuals, the timing of medications and meals/snacks containing protein becomes important. With the right amount of protein consumed at the proper intervals throughout the day, that is 30-60 minutes after medications, both optimal absorption of medications and protein needs are met.
Parkinson’s disease symptoms such as tremor and the medication side-effect of dyskinesia may increase one’s caloric needs. When caloric needs are not met, the individual may experience unintentional weight loss and even malnutrition in instances of continuous low calorie intake. Adequate intake of vitamins and minerals is also important for many bodily functions. Each individual’s diet varies greatly, so you should first consult your doctor or dietitian before taking any supplements.
Eating a well-balanced, nutritious diet will greatly benefit a patient with Parkinson's disease so he can have more energy and his medications will work properly.
There are seven basic tips of having a proper diet in Parkinson's disease, namely:
1. Eat a variety of foods from each food category (carbohydrates, protein, fat) based on the food pyramid. It is recommended that 55 to 60 percent of the calories in your diet come from carbohydrates but moderate your intake of sugars. Fat intake should be no more than 30 percent of your total calories and should be low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
2. Include high-fiber foods such as vegetables, cooked dried peas and beans (legumes), whole-grain foods, bran, cereals, pasta, rice, and fresh fruit in your diet. Dietary fiber prevents constipation by adding bulk and softness to stools. To ensure adequate fiber intake, try to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day, and choose whole grains over refined foods.
3. Ask your doctor if there is a need for a daily vitamin supplement. Both Vitamin C and E are easily consumed in the diet in the recommended amounts per day so supplementation in mega doses is not warranted. Depending on your individual diet, a multi-vitamin formulation or supplement may be beneficial.
4. Ask your doctor about the need for mineral supplements. People with Parkinson’s disease have an increased risk of bone loss and should be sure their diet isn’t deficient in calcium. If you find it hard to get enough calcium in your diet, you may want to consider a supplement. Calcium carbonate is the most commonly used supplement but it reduces stomach acid, which can interfere with nutrient absorption and can also cause constipation for some people. Calcium citrate is a better choice because it doesn’t affect stomach acidity and isn’t constipating. Iron supplements can interfere with Levodopa absorption, so they should be taken separately but the small amount of iron in a standard multivitamin preparation won't be a problem.
5. Limit your salt intake and drink eight or more glasses of liquid each day. However, those PD patients with concommittant heart problems may need to limit their fluids so it is better to seek advice from your doctor.
6. Ask your doctor about your ideal body weight and how many calories you should consume each day. Weigh yourself once or twice a week, unless your doctor recommends weighing yourself more often. If you are taking diuretics or steroids, such as prednisone, you should weigh yourself daily.If you have an unexplained weight gain or loss (2 pounds in one day or 5 pounds in one week), contact your doctor. He or she may want to modify your food or fluid intake to help manage your condition.
7. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages since alcohol may interfere with some of your medications. Limit caffeine (contained in coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate) because it may also interfere with some of your medications and may actually make you more dehydrated.
Through the words of the Holy Bible, the Greatest Book ever written in the world, you will find the answer to your greatest need, the miracle of healing in THE FIRST OF 26 WAYS to BEAT Parkinson's disease.
ADOPT A POSITIVE ATTITUDE
"Natures Beauty"
From an original painted with the foot by S. Subadri
" Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat [or drink], or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span?... Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself."
MATTHEW 6: 22-27, 34
Michael J. Fox has Parkinson's disease but he did not allow his PD to affect his attitude in life. Aside from being a good and well loved actor, he also became a #1 bestselling author. He wrote his second book "Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist" as a testimony to his positive outlook. In this book, he writes about the personal philosophy that has helped him breakthrough his darkest hours. He also discussed his experiences with others who have emerged from difficult periods with the same shared optimism.
Fox has appeared in several shows and has been interviewed by big celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and even famous news broadcasters. He has explained that despite suffering from PD, he still makes TV appearances. Parkinson's disease did not stop him from living his life and fulfilling his advocacy. He also has been married to Tracy Pollen for most of his life fighting PD and she has been his rock. His wife said that when Fox was diagnosed with PD, it has changed him from being a workaholic to someone who has more time to spend with her and with their children and valued that time, too. Fox also pointed out how their relationship has grown stronger because of Parkinson’s disease.
Look at being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease or PD as a gift or a blessing. It will serve as an eyeopener. You will finally face the truth that you have been living your life for the past years or even decades without any real purpose. Find your passion. Before PD, your worries are all superficial and fleeting like what dress to wear or shoes to buy, when to get a new car or buy the latest gadget. You may have been planning for a great future for your family but you hardly spend time with them. You never enjoyed watching the sunrise or even the sunset. You've never had a real vacation because you always think that it is a waste of time. You've never slowed down and have joined the rat race so afraid that you would lose your esteemed position, power and even money at any moment that you slacken your pace. It has taken the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease to wake you up that you're taking on too much to handle and perhaps taking a lot of other things for granted, too. Now is the time to savor the tranquility of your surroundings, smell the flowers, walk the dog and spend more time with your family. Start to live for the moment rather than worry about tomorrow.
Healing of any illness like Parkinson's disease or PD is possible through G-MEN (GOD, MEDICINE, EXERCISE and NUTRITION).
"I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship. Do not conform yourself to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect...Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor. Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer."
ROMANS 12: 1-2, 9-12
1. ADOPT A POSITIVE ATTITUDE IN LIFE
" Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat [or drink], or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span?... Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself."
MATTHEW 6: 22-27, 34
Look at your illness as a gift or a blessing. It will open your eyes to the truth that you have been living your life for the past years without any real sense of direction. You're always worried about paying the bills, wondering what to wear, organizing an event or planning a great future for your family that you never really stopped and enjoyed the beauty of creation around you. You've always been busy and never slackened your pace even if your body has already shown signs of exhaustion. Perhaps, you might have had a near fatal accident but it didn't slow you down but only made you more careful. It has taken the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease to wake you up that you're taking on too much to handle and perhaps taking a lot of other things for granted, too. Now is the time to savor the tranquility of your surroundings, smell the flowers, walk the dog and spend more time with your family. Start to live for the moment rather than worry about tomorrow.
2. ACCEPT THE DOCTOR'S ROLE
"Hold the physician in honor, for he is essential to you, and God it was who established his profession. From God, the doctor has his wisdom...His knowledge makes the doctor distinguished...God makes the earth yield healing herbs which the prudent man should not neglect...He endows men with knowledge to glory in his mighty works, Through which the doctor eases pain and the druggists prepares his medicines;...My son when you are ill, delay not, but pray to God, who will heal you;...Then give the doctor his place, lest he leave, for you need him too. There are times that give him an advantage, and he too beseeches God That his diagnosis may be correct and his treatment bring about a cure."
SIRACH 38: 1-4, 6-7,9, 12-14
Parkinson’s Disease is a disease that mostly affects middle-aged and elderly people characterized by a hallmark of four cardinal symptoms, namely, resting tremors, postural instability, muscle rigidity and slow movement (RPMS). For those who developed the onset of PD between 21-40 years old, you have what is termed the Young-Onset Parkinson's Disease (YOPD).
You may have overlooked the early signs and symptoms because they are subtle and the progression of the disease is gradual or typically slow. PD is both chronic and progressive. It may persist over a long period of time and the symptoms grow worse over time. Its definite cause has not been identified. It is probably multifactorial but the following factors have been implicated like hereditary predisposition or genetics, environmental toxins, aging, infectious diseases (meningitis), head trauma (boxing)and drugs.
Your physician will give a diagnosis of PD based on several factors such as signs and symptoms, your medical history, physical examination, and a thorough neurological evaluation. He will refer you to a neurologist or movement disorder specialist who will perform a comprehensive overview of the major non-motor complications that are often associated with Parkinson's disease, which includes cognitive impairment, dementia, psychosis, depression, fatigue, sleep disturbances, constipation, sexual dysfunction and vision disturbances.
There is no definite cure for Parkinson’s at present. The first line of treatment of Parkinson's disease is still medical like intake of levodopa which provides the dopamine, the neurotransmitter lacking in PD. Surgical treatment of PD has been reserved only for patients with both severe motor impairment from PD and motor complications in the form of fluctuations and dyskinesias. Your physician will present the appropriate management for you and it will be up to you to choose. Aside from the standard treatments, there may be other treatment options available to you like the complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) that you can discuss with your neurologist which will be critical to better control your symptoms and preserve your overall functional capacity and quality of life.
April is the international month for Parkinson's Disease or PD. How do you deal with having an illness like PARKINSON'S DISEASE or PD, especially if you're still young and agile as Michael J. Fox, the famous star of the movie, "Back to the Future" series? It would not be easy having your life completely affected and altered by the disease that would hamper your movement, speech and even memory.
You may have gone through it in A.S.A.P2., not just as soon as possible, but through ANGER, SORROW, ACCEPTANCE, PEACE AND PRAYER.
ANGER
" My own utterance I will not restrain; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness Of my soul. Am I the sea, or a monster of the deep, that you place a watch over me? Why have you set me up as an object of attack; or why should I be a target for you? When I say, " My bed shall comfort me, my couch shall ease my complaint," Then you affright me with dreams and with visions terrrify me, so that I should prefer choking and death rather than pains."
JOB 7: 11-15
When was your revelation time? Did you just wake up one morning noticing that your right hand is shaking at rest? You could hardly hold a cup of coffee without worrying that the hot liquid will spill on your fingers and scald you. It was totally unexpected and shocking! You had to summon all your will power to act normal and unaffected as you went through your daily routine of driving from your house to your private office. You went through the day's tasks and attended every meeting and couldn't wait to go home and pondered on your discovery. Maybe your first thought was ANGER. You shed tears of frustration because you've got the feeling that the resting tremors were not just due to lack of sleep or exhaustion. Perhaps you asked God why it had to happen when you've just been getting close to Him. Or maybe you've also decided to serve in a ministry and finally adopted a healthy lifestyle by eating healthy and exercising.
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