One of my fighters with Parkinson’s said she caught herself saying, “back when I was healthy…” She asked me, “Am I healthy? I feel healthy, but I have Parkinson’s, does that make me unhealthy?”
What a great question. It started an important conversation about who are we after PD. Here is Merriam-Webster’s definition of healthy: free from disease or pain : enjoying health and vigor of body, mind, or spirit : well.
So according to this definition, no one is healthy, as humans we are always fighting an infection, disease or pain at different times in our lives. But then it goes on to say “enjoying health and vigor of body, mind, or spirit.”
If you have health concerns like heart disease, or diabetes etc., but are managing them with diet, exercise, medication and maintaining a proper weight, then you can be healthy. Depression and anxiety are common with PD. If you feel like depression or anxiety are robbing you of your enjoyment of life, remember this is treatable and seek out help.
Because people with PD feel so much better when they work out vigorously, stretch, eat healthy, manage their energy, they tend to be in better shape than many people who do not have PD.
Most people without PD have unhealthy habits, like a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, and obesity without care of the consequences. The people I know with PD are constantly looking for the healthiest route to feeling optimal. There is an immediate reward when you exercise with Parkinson’s. Many people in my PD exercise classes say they’re in better shape, stronger, have more friends and appreciate the little things far more than before their diagnosis.
One spouse said her husband is less stressed and laughs more now. I think healthy is a frame of mind. Do you see yourself as healthy, do you feel loved and supported? Do you enjoy life in spite of the unpredictable curve balls PD throws at you? Do these curve balls make you stronger?
So to answer my fighter’s question, you are as healthy as you think you are. Health is a state of mind and with implementing healthy habits you can live a healthy life with PD. Parkinson’s cannot take away the wonderful person you are. It does not define you; only your thoughts can do that. Speak of yourself as a healthy, vibrant person. Go forth and live healthy.