10 Simple Exercise Tips for Parkinson's Patients

An integral aspect to maintaining a healthy body and mind while suffering from Parkinson's Disease is exercising. Follow the simple tips below to ensure that your weekly exercise routine is working to actively alleviate possible symptoms.

1. Make sure to ALWAYS warm up and cool down before and after exercising.

2. If you have trouble balancing, do not let this stop you from being active. Exercise near a pole or railing to reduce probability of falling.

3. To improve balance and stability, try practicing yoga.

4. Try practicing sports that require hand-eye coordination but do not require excess physical movement, like ping pong!

5. Like those who do not have Parkinson's Disease, Parkinson's patients should exercise 4-5 times per week for 30-40 minutes.

6. Make sure to know your body's limits. If an activity is too strenuous, or is painful, you will need to modify your exercise regime.

7. Remember to exercise both physically AND mentally. Try incorporating puzzles, crosswords, and brain games into your daily routine.

8. If possible, incorporate the three major types of exercise, cardiovascular activity, strength training, and stretching, into your weekly routine.

9. Exercise with a partner to stay motivated.

      10. Have Fun! The more you enjoy your exercise routines the easier it will be to stay                      consistently active and feeling your best.

Information taken from: 

www.davisphinneyfoundation.org

www.parkinson.org

www.healthline.com

Caring for Seniors with Parkinson's Disease

Caring for seniors with Parkinson's can be intimidating and often times can cause extreme stress for the caregiver. Below, find some helpful tips to alleviate Parkinson's symptoms.

1. Exercise is very important in helping a Parkinson's patient improve flexibility and decrease joint pain. Focus on exercises that do not require excellent balance, such as Aerobic exercises. Also remember to encourage facial exercises such as exaggerated chewing, or making faces in front of a mirror.

2. Healthy Eating is a key ingredient in keeping a Parkinson's patient feeling their best. High protein diets can help keep the digestive tract working at its prime. Staying hydrated is also an important part of a Parkinson's diet in which 8-10 glasses of water a day should be consumed.

3. Rest cannot and should not be overlooked. Resting before and after exercises or activities is key to helping a Parkinson's patient feel their best.

4. Lukewarm water is the best option for bathing, as hot water can cause fatigue.

5. Sleep, like for anyone, is an extremely important part of a Parkinson's patient's daily routine. Make sure to stay away from stimulants such as caffeine in the afternoon, and limit nighttime television time.