Strategies and silver linings
I am finally sharing the recording of my keynote address from the University of Maryland Medical Center’s Within Our Reach virtual Parkinson’s Symposium.
In the video below, they introduce me at about 20:30 and my Q&A wraps up at about 1:04:00. The rest is presentations by neurologists – which you may find useful – and sponsor ads.
The four strategies I shared for living well with Parkinson’s:
Take great care of yourself. It’s often a challenge to overcome apathy and fatigue and be consistent with healthy habits. Ask: How do I want to feel? Then ask: What do I need to think and do to feel the way I want to feel?
Accept your reality. Make space for grief and anger. Then, find a way to move forward.
Be your own best advocate. No one knows what’s going on with your body and in your life better than you do.
Find your community. Research tells us a social life is as important as exercise in living well with Parkinson’s. Your community could include a support group, a choir, a book club, or family and friends.
Speaking of community: I’ve mentioned my experience with Day One: PD Superheroes. The leader of this program recently formed the non-profit Yes, And … eXercise. Get a taste of how improv can help manage Parkinson’s. I know, improv may sound intimidating, but trust me, I’m a total introvert and I found the environment completely safe and the activities fun. Free weekly Jam for Joy sessions are Tuesdays at 10 a.m. PT. Registration required. Donations appreciated.
