Stronger At Home Newsletter - Parkinson's

A message from our Clinical Director, Jillian

Therapist’s Corner

Here are some of our Therapists’ best tips & suggestions to help you or your family member navigate Parkinson’s Disease.

• Check out the Parkinson and Movement Disorder Alliance YouTube page for a wide variety of educational videos. “PMD Alliance connects those impacted by Parkinson's and other movement disorders (PMD+) with the resources, expert guidance, and community support they need to thrive RIGHT NOW.”

• If you are struggling with low blood pressure, try these tips:

  • STAY HYDRATED!

  • Eat smaller more frequent meals.

  • When you stand up, be sure you clear any dizziness before moving.

  • Compression socks may help (Consult your GP ).

  • Exercise to maintain optimal blood pressure (Consult your GP ).

• Try an ELLIPTICAL (standing or seated). This will help you get your arms & legs moving through an exaggerated range of motion. Practicing BIG movements can help maintain or increase coordination.

• Using Activator Poles (or walking poles) is a great way to improve your posture, provide some extra support and encourage reciprocal arm motion while walking.

• Get involved in a non-contact boxing program designed for Parkinson’s.

• Falling is a big risk for those with Parkinson’s. The stronger you are, the better you will be able to both prevent falls and recover from them if and when they do occur. Start a strength and mobility program designed just for you.

• Check out virtual exercise classes at: Parkinson Wellness Recovery | PWR! – Implementing research-based Parkinson specific exercise programs. PWR!Moves GET BETTER and STAY BETTER with Exercise.

• Get involved in local Parkinson's support groups. Parkinsons.ca has a local group finder here: Support Groups – Parkinson Canada | Parkinson Canada. “Support groups offer a safe environment for talking about your experiences, enhancing your ability to cope with the daily challenges of Parkinson’s…” 

Nutrition Tip

Michael J. Fox.org says this about nutrition for Parkinson’s: “There is no one recommended way to eat with Parkinson’s disease, but a balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables promotes health and well-being for everyone.”

They offer these great tips on how to adjust your diet to ease specific symptoms that occur with Parkinson’s: “For some Parkinson's symptoms, the first step in treatment is to adjust your diet.

• Constipation: Drinking more fluids and eating more fiber can help maintain regularity. Aim to drink six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day. Warm liquids, especially in the morning, can stimulate bowel movements. Dietary sources of fiber consist of fruits (with the peel), vegetables, legumes, whole grain breads and cereals. Most of these are high in antioxidants, as well.

• Low blood pressure: Increasing fluid and salt intake will boost blood pressure, but talk with your physician, especially if you have heart or kidney problems. Fluids might include water as well as those with more salt, such as Gatorade and V8 juice. Limit caffeine and alcohol as these can be dehydrating and lower blood pressure. Eating frequent, small meals also can smooth blood pressure fluctuations.

• Swallowing problems (coughing, choking or food feeling "stuck"): A speech therapist can recommend diet changes and other strategies to help. Diet changes might include softening food or adding foods that will stimulate swallowing (such as seasoned, sour or carbonated foods). Strategies might include taking smaller bites at a slower pace or tucking your chin to your chest when you swallow.

• Muscle cramping: Eating yellow mustard, which contains the spice turmeric, or drinking tonic water, which contains quinine, may help with muscle cramps. Others say salt, vinegar or pickle juice works for them. Staying hydrated may prevent or reduce cramping.”