My friend and PD fighter Jon Pawelkop just went to the World’s Parkinson’s Congress in Kyoto, Japan. He attended a seminar given by Tim Hague, author of Perseverance, and winner of The Amazing Race Canada. Tim spoke about activism, awareness, and the roles people with PD should play. I loved the message, and asked if I could share it with my readers. Here are Jon’s takeaways from the talk:
Fighters, you need to be engaged so that you can learn more about how to help yourself fight PD.
You have a choice… you can choose to become an Athlete! (This is like my blog on give 100% of whatever your 100% is that day).
Exercise IS medicine! Since exercise is medicine, and you plan to take your medication every day, then you MUST plan your exercise. Treat exercise just like your medications. You aren’t going to skip medications, so don’t skip exercise!
Wellness and Roles Involved to Fight PD?
- Physical – Choose to be an athlete. Good nutrition. Plan your exercise.
- Occupational – Maintain careers as possible. Make good transitions. Stay engaged.
- Intellectual – Acknowledge our creative side. Challenge the mind.
- Spiritual – Come to terms with: Why Me? Why am I here? Seek help.
- Social – Live life. We need each other. We can go further TOGETHER.
- Emotional – Acknowledge our emotions. Choose joy over sorrow.
All of these play into our mindset. Stay in your race. Work hard at wellness. It’s the only way to become an athlete. Live in the present and live your best.
Be the healthiest person that you can be when the day comes that they find a cure! Live well with the disease while you wait for that day. Set goals and develop good habits. Find and live your passion, and find others to join you.
Dare to dream the impossible. Dare to take that first small step to making the IMPOSSIBLE A REALITY!
We at Rebel Fit Club and Rock Steady Boxing Portland push our dreams to the limit! We want you to stay in the fight. If you’re not fighting with us, you should be!
💜 Coach Kimberly