THE FUNDAMENTALS

The ANSWER

Parkinson's Disease can quickly result in those diagnosed feeling they are losing control of their own body and life. Medication can help manage this, but YOU CAN CONTROL the following 6 CRITICAL ASPECTS OF YOUR LIFE.

Because these are things YOU CAN CONTROL and BE RESPONSIBLE FOR, it is CRITICALYOU DECIDE TO TAKE A FIRM HOLD ON THEM RIGHT NOW, as they can make a HUGE DIFFERENCE TO THE QUALITY OF YOUR LIFE.

The six aspects are easy to remember because the first letter of each spells the word

ANSWER

1. ATTITUDES Having a POSITIVE ATTITUDE IS VITAL. The more you can sustain this on a daily basis the better you will be.

Please go to the page on 'Attitudes' carefully. It will probably take more than one go to really absorb it but it is

worth the effort as it will change the quality of your life for the better.

2. NUTRITION This is a poorly understood area for PD and much more research is urgently needed. However there is strong

evidence that a parallel disease MS has been greatly helped by the right diet and NUTRITION. On the page

Nutrition News is a 17 minute video you should watch. It must be worth experimenting with this kind of diet

for Parkinson's, which is designed to provide the very best nutrition to the brain.

3. SPEECH You can control your voice, which often becomes quieter for those diagnosed with Parkinson's. There are Lee

Silverman Voice Workshops and Singing is a great help, so why not join a local singing group or Choir. It is also

great fun! How loud you speak remains entirely within your control.

4.WAKEFULNESS Being fully awake and aware of all that happens to you all the time is vital. Be conscious of those things that

HELP YOU and avoid those things that HARM YOU. Breathing can become very shallow when diagnosed with

Parkinson's. Be focused and aware so you ensure you breathe fully and deeply. The more aware you are the

more you will be in control

5. EXERCISE 'Use it or Lose it' is the mantra here. Without doubt the best form of exercise for PD is any form of DANCING.

Tai Chi is also known to be useful and all forms of exercise are valuable. Don't give up any form of exercise

you already do, as once you do, it is far harder to start again. Please look at all the pages on Exercise and

Dance and join a class if you can.

6. RELAXATION This is important for those diagnosed with PD as there is a tendency to overdo it when you are feeling your

best. It is important to pace yourself. There are many ways to accomplish this, but some key ones are

Meditation, Autogenic Training, and there will sometimes be local classes, or it will be part of a Yoga or Pilates

class.