Nash wrote the book after he observed a lack of literature about practical issues facing people with Parkinson's. Sensible Self-Help for Parkinson's Problems contains practical assistance with ever-present challenges many people with Parkinson's face. With the author's permission, we share a few excerpts from the book with you.
Attitude and Setting Goals
At the outset depression usually follows in lock step with the diagnosis of any serious movement disorder. Isn't depression the companion of despair? However, we know for a fact that despair can be replaced by hope when hope is generated by determination to maintain good health and mental attitude through the several avenues of well-being . . .
Walking and Getting Around
If your feet are "frozen" when you are standing close to a sturdy object you can use for support (kitchen counter, table, back of chair, etc.), smile, because you can make them walk by doing the following:Standing erect with head up and feet pointing ahead with one slightly to the back, place a hand on a sturdy object and relax for a moment. When tenseness passes, gently "push away" with the hand and you're off!
Laughter Therapy
Laughter is very important to our well-being and general health, for it can lessen pain while increasing pleasure and inducing a feeling of happiness.
Physical Therapy and Exercise
One's mind cannot function well if the body is not in good condition.
The many variations of PT will provide a very complete basis for your interesting workouts, and (with your willing participation) will promote better posture, balance and control of bodily movement, while reducing stiffness and rigidity (which can be reduced dramatically by specific stretching exercises). Now, that may sound like "too much," but you can make it all happen.
An Enthusiastic Legacy
We have a life span during which [our] legacy grows, is constituted and established.Even though we may be ill with a movement disorder, no matter its effect upon us, it's our call during life to share the good that comes to us, and be helpful and considerate to others.
Edgar Nash has written articles and books on a number of issues, including Parkinson's disease. His life experiences include growing up in Hawaii, serving on fighting ships in World War II, graduating from Yale University, and working in a number of positions in the business world. If you would like to order his book "Sensible Self-Help for Parkinson's Problems", visit his site by clicking here.
