Category: Uncategorized

I had a reader ask me for a quick seated stretch routine that she could do because she is getting stiff from sitting during this in-home quarantine.

Everyone (regardless of Parkinson’s or not) needs to take frequent stretch breaks. Too much computer, T.V., or seated projects put your body in a forward flexed position. It is important to take movement breaks every 20 minutes. Keep in mind that you don’t have to do all of these exercises each time; you can divide them up.

Be sure to get up every 30 minutes. Stand up and walk around. It’s surprising how fast the hours fly by when you are entranced in a seated activity. Sitting is the undoing of your body, and it makes your symptoms worse.

This quick seated stretch routine will help you combat the stiffness that comes with sitting too much:

Continue reading “I Need a Quick Seated Stretch Routine for Someone with Parkinson’s”

I have received several emails from people that are urgently writing me and asking, “I have Parkinson’s disease, and I need to work on my balance while I’m stuck at home, but how do I do this safely?”. I am going to answer the call for more balance exercises. This balance exercise is great for anyone, from a professional athlete to frailer individual in a wheelchair. I love this so much and incorporate it into my boxing bootcamp classes.

As discussed before, you are at higher risk for falling in your own home. We need to really work on balance to prevent falls now, especially because we are spending more time in our houses.

All you need for this exercise is a mat (or blanket) and maybe a chair.

Continue reading “I Have Parkinson’s Disease and Need to Work on My Balance While I’m Stuck at Home”

Did you know that 60-80% of all falls happen in your own home or yard? The two most common rooms where falls happen are in the kitchen and the bathroom. In the yard it’s usually the steps, a planter, or your own dog.

Since many people are staying at home more, now is the time to work on your balance so you don’t fall. But how do you work your balance when your balance is not good? I’ve put together a video showing you how to practice navigating different surfaces safely. In the video I will show you how to set up a safe balance station in your home.

Continue reading “Safely Improve Your Balance at Home!”

Due to the COVID-19 virus, many people find themselves at home with very few resources. But I don’t want you feeling alone and stressed. We are going to do this quarantine thing right, starting with breathing!

The video below is a great breathing exercise I used all the time when I worked in hospital pulmonary rehabilitation, and when I taught at Parkinson’s wellness retreats. If you are not breathing right or fully, a host of problems can arise (like pneumonia). This is why after you have a surgery, a therapist will come into your room and help you breathe deeply.

Do this exercise before your stress gets too bad, and before you get stiff from not going to your exercise class that you are unable to take deep breaths. I think it is fun, and you can do this anywhere with minimal or no equipment.

Continue reading “I Have Parkinson’s & Need Home Exercises for Stress & Breathing”

This week’s blog doesn’t have a lot to do with Parkinson’s disease, but my fighters wanted me to talk about it. It seems that everyone is worried about the spread of coronavirus, and they want to know what we can do to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Some people are especially worried because they are on immunosuppressant drugs for various conditions that put them at extra risk.

Kat Hill, a Nurse Midwife-Nurse Practitioner, joins me today to show you how to wash your hands thoroughly to protect yourself against Coronavirus and other nasty germs and viruses. 

Kat has young on-set Parkinson’s, and during her clinical career delivered nearly 800 babies! She knows her stuff! Check out the video below to watch:

Continue reading “Do You Know How to Thoroughly Wash Your Hands to Protect Against Coronavirus?”