Parkinson’s Disease: Self-Care Offers Hope

Medication can help control the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease as they develop. But lifestyle strategies can go a long way toward helping people with Parkinson’s, too.

Physical activity is one such healthy habit. Exercise keeps muscles strong and can improve posture, mobility, flexibility, and range of motion, recent studies show. Exercise also may improve balance, which could reduce the odds of falling. Another benefit: Keeping active can help women ward off the depression that may accompany Parkinson’s.

If you have Parkinson’s, your symptoms, fitness level, and overall health will dictate what type of exercise is best. Before starting a workout, be sure to talk with your doctor.

Here are some tips to help you keep active once you’ve gotten the go-ahead:

• Start slowly. Plan activity for times when your medication is working well.
• Find an exercise group or class or buy fitness videotapes or DVDs.
• Sing or read aloud with exaggerated lip movements to work facial muscles, jaw muscles, and your voice.
• Stay in reach of a grab bar if you have trouble balancing.
• Include stretching, strengthening exercises, and aerobic activities in your workout.
• Exercise in bed if standing or getting up is difficult.

Occupational, speech, and physical therapy also may help you control symptoms in order to make daily life easier. Plus, therapists can give you practical advice on how to remain independent. Consider the following pointers that therapists, doctors, and other health professionals often recommend for women with Parkinson’s:

• Use handrails on bathtubs and showers. A shower chair in combination with a handheld showerhead may work best for bathing.
• Sit down while dressing and doing grooming tasks—such as brushing your teeth and shaving—to conserve energy. Consider using an electric razor and toothbrush, too.
• Choose loose-fitting clothing with fewer buttons, zippers, and other difficult-to-use closures.
• Wear lightweight, flat- or low-heeled supportive shoes with Velcro closures or elastic shoelaces.
• Cut food into small, bite-sized pieces to make it easier to chew and swallow.