Some people who suffer from Parkinson’s disease have found that the best medicine isn’t a drug, but rather, staying as active as possible.
In the two decades that PD sufferer Debby Wityk of Iowa has had the disease, she has found that staying physically active really can make a difference. She stated in a media interview recently that she went to massage school after she was diagnosed, and the active nature of that profession helped to keep her strong and many PD symptoms at bay.
Staying as active as possible was the focus of the recent Iowa Parkinson’s Disease Conference in Des Moines, which was called ‘Ya Gotta Move It!’ Several sessions at the conference discussed the importance of regular exercise programs.
According to Dr. Lynn Struck, who started the Iowa conference 25 years ago, research has indicated that regular exercise is the best way to slow down the disease. She noted that early on during the disease, if you stay fit, it is clear that motor skills are kept at a higher level for a longer time period.
People who have a mild form of the disease at least early on really can benefit by exercising as much as they are able – walking, swimming, biking or jogging, if possible. Of course, balance issues can come into play when the disease gets worse, so your exercise program must take safety into account. Using certain types of adaptive exercise equipment can help this proccess.
Wityk, who had early PD symptoms that included tremors and loss of the sense of smell, said at the conference that her regular exercise routine included aquatic therapy and a Delay the Disease aerobics class at the local YMCA. Both of the programs have helped her to stay strong and flexible. She knows other PD patients who have been able to stay physically active through boxing, dancing, biking and physical therapy.
She has found that while she still takes medication, she does not need to do so as often.
Another participant at the Iowa conference, John Krumbholz travels throughout the state and shares insights about the disease. He began to have tremors in his hands about 10 years ago. He also has found that staying active has, according to his neurologist, helped to keep the disease at bay longer.
By continuing to exercise after you are diagnosed, you can enjoy many benefits:
- Better quality of life
- Easier mobility
- Better muscle flexibility
- Less stiffness
- Improved posture
- Faster movement
After a workout, give some of these Parkinson’s and arthritis products a try:
Medibeads Compress Wrap
Medibeads Joint Wrap
By staying active and using helpful workout products such as the above, you should be able to keep your PD symptoms more in check so you can live a more active life.
