A Holistic Approach to Managing Parkinson’s Symptoms

As I have mentioned many times in the CAP Newsletter, my wife Michelle was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at the age of 40, almost twelve years ago.  As you can imagine, we were both devastated.  After absorbing her new reality for a couple of weeks, she was determined to take a Holistic approach managing her symptoms. I know this approach has given Michelle the tools to help manage her symptoms. As we found out ourselves, at some point in a person’s disease diagnosis, everyone will have to take medication. I think this inevitable, but including a holistic approach to managing Parkinson’s, one that thinks about the big picture and includes your physical, mental, and emotional health, will be very helpful. Holistic medicine looks at the whole person for answers, not just at physical symptoms. There are many things that you can do to help lessen your symptoms, but please try some of the following:   

• Develop a positive attitude
• Reduce Stress (Try yoga or meditation)
• Keep doing the things you love
• Develop a healthy diet
• Try dietary supplements
• Exercise, Exercise, Exercise 
• Try an alternative medicine (i.e. Acupuncture)
• Live in the Present Moment

If you have Parkinson’s, you will need a good attitude and a healthy amount of discipline, but I’m certain that if you try some of the aforementioned, you will be able to better manage your Parkinson’s symptoms.  I encourage you to keep a positive attitude and never give up hope.  You can do it!  I urge you to read “The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne.  It contains wisdom from modern-day teachers about overcoming obstacles and achieving what many would regard as impossible.  

Please know that you are not alone in fighting this disease. CAP has its roots as a Support Group. As always, we are here to serve you. If we can help you in any way, please give us a call.  We really want to hear from you. 

Special Note:  I would like to welcome Robin Downey as our newest Board Member.  She brings a wealth of executive leadership experience from Aetna.  I know she will make valuable contributions to CAP as a member of the Board.

Warm Regards,

Karl C. Hespeler
Chairman 
860-490-0251
Karl@Parkinsonsct.org