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At the beginning of the New Year many people make resolutions. A common theme is taking care of your health by watching your diet, quitting smoking, drinking less alcohol and starting an exercise program. Sound familiar? "Take care of your health". What does that mean? In the Parkinson's community it is important to include exercise in your daily routine.

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This posting is a snippet of the Recently Diagnosed with PD blog, written by Betsy Vierck.

Almost three years ago I was also diagnosed with Parkinson's. Ginny and I became refuges for each other. We have been extremely tight, speaking in a language that non-PDers can never understand.

I learned so much from my friend. I did not realize it at the time that I was acquiring the knowledge. Her influence on me was subtle, which was her way.  I have dubbed  three of Ginny's lessons Ginny Fraser's Three Steps to Living Happily with PD. They exemplify her grace in adapting to her physical changes. ...

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Recent research shows that regular exercise can help people with PD stay more flexible, improve posture and make overall movement easier. Some studies even show that an exercise routine can slow or reverse some of the effects of the disease. Regardless of the disease, being fit and active makes everyone have more energy and improves overall health and well being. Everyday exercise, even if it is something simple, will help fight the effects of the disease and make you feel more in control of your condition. It’s recommended that a physical or occupational therapist design a fitness regimen specific to helping your needs, but here are some tips that everyone can use for everyday, at-home exercises:

1. Streeeeetch- Stretching  can be done several times during the day, even during the simplest of activities like while watching TV, riding in the car or when you wake up.  Regular stretching increases range of motion of joints, helps with posture, protects with muscle strains, improves circulation and releases muscle tension.
2. Strengthen- Strengthening exercises can help you stand up straighter, make certain everyday tasks easier and makes bones stronger. Visit here for 10 strength and balance exercises.
3. Aerobic conditioning exercise- Examples of aerobic exercises include walking, swimming, biking or dancing. Regular aerobic exercise performed 3 or more times a week can strengthen your heart and lungs, reduce stress and help prevent other health conditions like diabetes.

Come to our next exercise class and get in your daily aerobic exercise! Visit here for more information.

*Referenced from the National Parkinson Foundation booklet, "Fitness Counts". ...

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