Be Active in Whatever Way Works for You
February 4, 2021
By Dave Ciacco, Parkinson’s Nebraska Board Chair
Many of you have probably heard of the Parkinson’s Foundation’s ‘5 Steps to Living Well with Parkinson’s’. These are five succinct recommendations which I have found quite beneficial. I have not implemented all five, but have it as a goal to do so. The 5 Steps for your reference are:
- Be active in whatever way works best for you.
- Determine your personal goals and priorities.
- Find someone you can talk to and stay connected.
- Create healthy habits.
- Find a doctor who is an expert in Parkinson’s disease.
In my next five blog posts for this newsletter, I thought I’d provide you with my thoughts on those I have implemented so far. I’ll start with “be active in whatever way works best for you”.
When I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s nearly five years ago, I found that Parkinson’s provided me with an opportunity to remain more active. I’ve always been a person who has had to ‘be doing something’ as my wife and kids always tell me, but now it’s a more purposeful busy. Exercise is my ‘offense’ against PD, while taking my meds is my ‘defense’. Parkinson’s has given me new opportunities in life that I wouldn’t have thought possible. I’ve run a mini-marathon, taken up Rock Steady Boxing and Pickle Ball. I’ve walked the dog so many times he now hides when I get his leash. But this is me. You are only limited by your imagination in ways you too can be active. It can be simple. Do some simple stretches while you have your cup of morning coffee. Get up and walk around during TV commercials. Take two short walks a day instead of one. Less is sometimes better than more. Staying active in body, mind and spirit is key to ‘Living Well with Parkinson’s’. So I’ll close with the simple statement:
‘Be Active in Whatever Way Works for You’!