How is everyone today? If you’re like me, shaking, hurting, stiff all over!
When I was in school I was a body builder and a health nut. I took martial arts. I was a woodsman who loved hunting, fishing, trapping and living off of the land. I'm more Apache than Cherokee and German. I drove coal trucks off-road at mine sites until I turned 21. I then began driving commercial trucks to all 48 continental states and Canada. I have been through many blizzards, hurricanes and tornados on the road. That was my previous life.
Today, I have Parkinson’s. After I was diagnosed I couldn’t hide it and had to leave the job I loved. That was eight and a half years ago. My life has since changed. I depend on others now. My Parkinson’s never does what I want it to do, and it prohibits me from what I am used to doing.
I have some tips I’d like to share that have gotten me through:
- Get outside and enjoy the sunlight
- Kick a ball like you’re playing soccer
- Stretch
- Use a cane to walk, if needed
- Talk on the phone to friends, family, previous co-workers and church members
- Eat veggies, especially leafy greens
- Bounce a tennis ball and pass it from hand to hand
- Learn sign language
- Get in a pool
- Exercise like Tai Chi
- Play computer games (I stay in trouble with this one!)
- Most importantly, STAY POSITIVE! Don't give up. Stay away from all negativity. LAUGH! Enjoy life.
