In this Post:
Understanding PD, Yoga, Pedaling for PD, Another TV Appearance
Special Thanks
Thank
you for reading this blog. I do not mention often enough how much I
appreciate those of you that take the time to read my posts. This post
is mostly about my appearance on Disabilities Redefined and Julia
Greenberg's epic trip to raise money for the Michael J Fox Foundation.
April is Parkinson's Awareness Month!
Parkinson's Disease can be difficult to understand. People often indirectly ask me (or hint around at), "Do you have cognitive impairment?" The answer is no, but the most important thing to understand is that no two people with Parkinson's disease have the same exact symptoms. The video below is the best one that I have ever seen when it comes to defining the disease and its symptoms.
Yoga
Okay, I have known for quite some time that yoga is extremely beneficial for those of us with PD. An article by Beth Spindler on the Yoga International Web Site really spells it out.
According to the American Parkinson Disease Association (ADPA), yoga therapy has been shown to visibly reduce tremors and improve the steadiness of an individual's gait.
Yoga is one of the most beneficial complementary therapies for
Parkinson’s disease (PD), helping to increase flexibility; improve
posture; loosen tight, painful muscles; build (or rebuild) confidence;
and, through these benefits, enhance quality of life.
What type of Yoga?
Practices that involve sound (chanting, playing, listening, and moving
to music, singing, drumming, and kirtan). Music therapies can be
effective in gait training by providing a steady rhythm for gait and
stride. Simple rhythmic movements around a room, or shifting from one
foot to the other and alternating arm swings while sitting in a chair
are staples of PD yoga classes. Movement with music has also been shown
to improve endurance, range of motion, strength, and hand coordination.
These effects are enhanced when the movements cross the midline of the
body (think eagle arms or self-hugging, touching opposite ear, or
crossing hand to opposite knee in a seated twist) due to the brain
hemisphere coordination required in these action...
Now all I have to do is find some time to spend with my beautiful wife, Kate Lynch, a wonderful yoga instructor, working on my practice!
Racing Heart Rate
A few weeks back, my heart rate went up over 100 bpm. At this point, my GP and Movement Disorder Specialist believe that it is mostly due to stress. I have an appointment with the cardiologist on April 18 and if it is anything serious, details will be in my next blog post.
Disabilities Redefined With Dr Truitt Vaigneur
It was my pleasure to be a guest on Disability Redefined with Dr Truitt Vaigneur.
Truitt is a great host and wonderful person. This show is truly representing people with disabilities in a new light. Please watch.
52 Days, 3838 miles, one mission; raise funds for the Michael J. Fox Foundation! Julia needs your help to raise funds to cover the cost of this trip. My helmet is off to her for taking this journey for all of us with PD!
From Her Website:
Over five million people worldwide are living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) — a chronic degenerative neurological disorder whose symptoms typically progress from mild tremors to complete physical incapacitation. In the United States, 60,000 new cases of PD will be diagnosed this year alone. While the average age of onset is 60, an estimated five to 10 percent of people with PD experience onset at age 40 or younger.
The scientific findings regarding the neuroprotective effects of exercise are certainly remarkable, but I encourage you to place even greater weight on the first-hand accounts of individuals living with Parkinson's Disease - it is these personal experiences that bridge the gap between the nitty-gritty, objective scientific facts and the mind-boggling - I dare to say miraculous - power of movement.
Ride Julia Ride!
Thank You For Reading!
