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Pole Walking for Parkinson’s: How this Nordic Workout Improves Mobility

pole walking blog

Exercise is a vital component to living well with Parkinson’s disease (PD). According to Parkinson’s Foundation research, exercise can improve many PD symptoms and delay disease progression. Walking is great exercise, yet people with Parkinson’s may experience trouble with balance or gait and fear falling.

A new solution for people with PD to comfortably and effectively utilize walking as an exercise option is gaining traction across North America: pole walking, also known as Nordic walking.

Pole walking utilizes specially designed poles in an activity that mimics the motion of cross-country skiing. The walker’s arms as well as legs are engaged as the poles ‘propel’ the body. Walking poles may help users walk faster, more upright, and more steadily. When properly used, the poles take the weight off the walker’s knees and lower body joints, which can create the feeling of being light on one’s feet.

Pole walking can be particularly helpful for people with Parkinson’s, as the poles ensure better posture, and naturally keep the walker more upright. At the same time, taking longer strides can gently stretch limbs and keep the body rotated, which can help loosen up and improve coordination.

While the progression of PD often leads to slow walking with smaller steps, pole walking creates a steady beat to improve pace and encourage the walker to make bigger motions.

One Canadian-based company, Urban Poling Inc, has developed a unique set of walking poles with features that promote physical and neurological rehabilitation goals. Their Activator® Poles have been found by experts to be beneficial to people with compromised gait and balance.

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Urban Poling founder, Mandy Shintani, is an occupational therapist and gerontologist. She discovered pole walking after seeing Swedish neighbors engaged in the activity and realized that there was a significant opportunity to utilize it both for rehabilitation and fitness in North America. As a result of her therapist background, she was able to quickly bring innovation to the market by tailoring the poles to the needs of people with conditions like PD. The poles were designed to be ergonomic, light, easy to adjust and safe in any terrain thanks to specialized rubber tips or botties that absorb shock and improve stability.

“We are focused on increasing mobility and function for every age, ability and fitness level,” said Mandy. “Through our educational programs and uniquely designed poles, our mission is to help people realize that their full potential is not only achievable but also sustainable, by doing exactly what their body was designed to do — move.”

Pole walking, according to Mandy, has the added benefit of substantial improvements in mood, confidence and mental health.

“Obviously there's quite a bit happening physically, but also mentally,” said Mandy. “Neurologically, there are so many things that have to happen when 90% of your body's muscles are triggering simultaneously. It is stimulating so many areas of our neural pathways. Also, when you are out walking, there is a huge component of spirituality and connectedness to our environment.”

Parkinson’s care partner, advocate and physical therapist Shelley Friedland found urban poling to be beneficial in helping her husband Rick, who lives with PD, maintain his fitness goals.

“People with Parkinson’s want to be able to do things that they love: going to the beach, going on a trail. But Parkinson’s can make walking difficult,” said Shelley. “Urban poling allows people with Parkinson’s to keep doing those things they love. It gets them up and moving.”

Shelley, who also took a certification class in the Activator® Pole techniques for Parkinson’s, has helped establish an Urban Poling fitness group in her West Palm Beach community.

She finds that the poles not only provide a beneficial workout to people of all fitness levels, but also helps create connections and community.

“Using the poles becomes a social thing — people stop and ask you what you are doing, and it starts a conversation. Most importantly, it is an activity that Rick, my high school sweetheart, and I can do together,” said Shelley.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not an endorsement of any product or program mentioned herein.

The Parkinson’s Foundation can help you find the exercise resources you need. Join us for PD Health@Home Fitness Fridays for a workout delivered straight to your living room!

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Spanish Parkinson’s Program Builds Bonds Through Food and Tango

tango blog

For Debbie Polisky, bilingual nutritionist and wellness consultant, the recipe for successful Parkinson’s disease (PD) management is food, fun and fitness with a healthy dash of mindfulness.

Together with Barrow Neurological Institute, a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence, Debbie was awarded a 2021 Parkinson’s Foundation community grant to bring nutrition, mindfulness and lessons in Argentine Tango to Spanish-speaking people with PD in Phoenix, AZ in a safe, virtual environment.

The program, ¡Únete a la fiesta de TU autocuidado!, is a 12 month virtual Spanish-language series that provides Hispanic people with PD and their care partners with a safe community to express themselves weekly in ways that feel culturally familiar and reassuring. In 2022, two live events have been added (with COVID protocol) at two parks, in February and April, where participants dress up (as if going to a party), socialize and share several activities related to the program, including games related to mindfulness, nutrition (food bingo and food label reading) and Argentine Tango.

The use of Argentine Tango is a relatively new tool for engaging the PD community. Research has proven that it facilitates improvement of gait, tremors, flexibility, socialization, musicality and self-confidence for people with PD. Decreases in stress and anxiety and even better sleep outcomes have been reported.

“I started to learn Argentine Tango in 2019, in Argentina, when I visited my parents. My intensive Argentina Tango studies led me to professors who were experts in tango therapy and the use of social tango (vs. ballroom choreography) for health,” said Debbie.

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The program starts with a “Positive Mindset Message” breath and movement practice and an Argentine Tango lesson, followed by a demonstration in preparing a simple, healthy recipe and a ‘cheers’ with a healthy drink.

Participants are encouraged to dress as if they were going to a party to contribute to the festive virtual atmosphere. “Hispanic people are used to socializing and place high importance on hugs, love, music, dance and food,” said Debbie. “When PD participants can share and realize they are not alone, both mind and body improve. Further, Argentine Tango creates a sense of feeling safe and loved in a tango embrace.”

There is a strong social media component as well, which is ongoing and connects participants daily. “We have created a close-knit virtual community, with 24/7 resources available to the PD participant and their care partner throughout the whole year,” said Debbie. “Participants inspire each other, share their daily stories, meals, exercises, thoughts and emotions, family photos, happy and sad moments, etc. That has made a real difference in their lives.”

Fostering strong social connections to combat the isolation and depression experienced by many people in response to the COVID-19 pandemic is central to the program’s goals. “The events of the last two years have increased levels of isolation, anxiety, depression, stress, and created reduced access to medical care and loss of self in the PD community,” said Debbie. “So much fear and negativity have been feeding our world. I wanted to use positivity and socialization to combat these issues, and to reach diverse PD communities.”

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Debbie further drew inspiration from her late grandfather’s long journey with PD (he lived until 92) and her multicultural upbringing. “As a bilingual healthcare professional raised in Argentine-American culture, I was able to pull together both of my parent’s influences,” said Debbie. “My American Mom instilled in me a love of cooking, music and dance. My Argentine Dad was a cardiologist and a strong believer in stress management. Combining both science and creativity in this engaging program, and educating through entertainment, helps the PD participants make long-term lifestyle changes.”

“I feel this program has allowed us to live longer,” a program participant said. Another said, “Daily advice allows us to reflect and be conscious of our lifestyle actions. It allows us to express ourselves freely.”

Debbie is thankful for the Foundation’s community grant support. “The Parkinson’s Foundation has allowed for a very positive impact on participants; they join in even when they are feeling sad or worried,” said Debbie. “I want to thank the Foundation’s supporters for giving us a chance to share this program.”

Learn more about health and wellness programs virtually and in your area through your Parkinson’s Foundation chapter. For more Spanish-language resources, visit Parkinson.org/Espanol.

Raise Awareness

Can We Put the Brakes on Parkinson’s Progression?

put breaks pd progression blog

Researchers are lasered in on slowing and someday stopping Parkinson's disease (PD) in its tracks. Explore what they've discovered, see what the future might hold and learn how some of the strongest weapons in the fight against Parkinson's progression are practices you can put in place today.

This article is based on Can We Put the Brakes on PD Progression, a Parkinson’s Foundation Expert Briefing webinar presented by Joash Lazarus, MD, Multiple Sclerosis Center of Atlanta.

PD symptoms stem from a protein, called alpha-synuclein, that clumps and accumulates in certain areas of the brain. This process depletes dopamine, which is critical to many body processes, including smooth, coordinated movements. Though dopamine declines for everyone who lives with Parkinson's, each person experiences disease symptoms differently.

Parkinson's symptoms can impact your life in numerous ways. Using a range of therapies and supports as needed can make all the difference. Personalized medicinessocial support groupsmental health care and participation in clinical trials have all shown benefit to people with Parkinson's.

But is there a way to slow Parkinson's progression? While scientists are evaluating everything from medications to mindfulness practice for clues, they've discovered some of the biggest benefits start at home.

Healthy Eating and Regular Exercise: A Powerful Combo

Making nutritious food the mainstay of your meals and enjoying regular exercise has countless proven benefits. Studies show targeted nutrition may slow Parkinson's advancement. Eating a whole-food, plant-based, Mediterranean-style diet — including fresh vegetables, fruit and berries, nuts, seeds, fish, olive and coconut oils and more — may be linked to slower PD progression.

When you live with PD, exercise is also critical to optimal health. In fact, the Parkinson’s Outcomes Project shows at least 2.5 hours a week of physical activity can slow PD symptom progression. Research reveals regular exercise also shows neuroprotective effects in animal models with Parkinson's.

Exercise benefits people of all ages. As people get older, their risk for falls increase. For people with PD, the chance of falls is two to three times higher. Up to half of these falls can result in major injury. Exercise is the only thing to notably minimize a person’s risk of falling. Regular physical activity can also boost balance, improve heart and lung function, increase memory, thinking and problem solving, minimize depression and more.

Here's how to make exercise work for you:

  • Maximize benefits by exercising moderately to vigorously 150 minutes a week.
  • Plan a weekly routine that includes aerobic activity, strength training, balance and stretching exercises.
  • Visit a physical therapist with Parkinson’s expertise for a functional evaluation and exercise recommendations.
  • Reference this Parkinson’s Exercise Recommendations PDF in English or Spanish to help guide your physical activity plan.

Specialized Parkinson's movement and speech therapies, such as the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) BIG and LOUD programs, have also shown potential to lessen symptoms and slow PD progression.

Exploring Therapy Advances

People with Parkinson's take a variety of medications to manage symptoms. PD researchers have spent decades working to discover therapies powerful enough to slow or stop Parkinson's. Some of these include:

Rasagiline

The 2009 ADAGIO study looked at whether rasagiline — a monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) inhibitor (these can minimize the enzyme MAO-B's breakdown of dopamine and ease movement symptoms) — could put the brakes on disease progression for people in early-stage Parkinson's. The results suggested the possibility that a 1 mg daily dose of rasagiline might hold disease-modifying potential, but a 2mg daily dose did not.

Despite the study's uncertainties, it still showed ample evidence that rasagiline better controlled symptoms for people with PD, which is why it's used in concert with levodopa, currently the most powerful medication for Parkinson's and a treatment mainstay since its discovery in the 1960s.

Levodopa

Levodopa is a proven effective therapy throughout the Parkinson's journey. In the past, people often delayed starting levodopa therapy based on the myth that it would stop working after a few years. A 2019 study looked at whether starting levodopa earlier or later could change the course of Parkinson's. While research showed levodopa didn't slow PD, it proved starting the medication early on in Parkinson's is safe.

Deep Brain Stimulation

When people who live with PD begin to experience severe motor fluctuations, tremors and dyskinesia, involuntary muscle movements that can't be controlled by optimal medication doses, a surgically implanted deep brain stimulation (DBS) device can deliver electrical pulses to the brain, easing symptoms and boosting quality of life.

Results of a 2020 study proved people with Parkinson's disease can also get long-term symptom relief with DBS. The research shows people who have DBS therapy early on — coupled with optimal medication — generally do better with dyskinesia control. Despite the profound benefits of DBS, it's not proven to delay disease progression.

As researchers work to solve the Parkinson's puzzle, empower yourself by prioritizing your well-being. Wholesome food paired with regular exercise habits and comprehensive team-based treatment are the building blocks of a better life with PD.

Additional Information

My PD Story

Molly Donelan climbing rock wall
Health Professionals

Molly Donelan

I first met Jon Lessin in October of 2012. Jon is an accomplished doctor, published author, father, husband, cyclist, yogi, jokester and now, addicted climber. Jon also has Parkinson's disease (PD).

When Jon started taking lessons with me, I knew very little about PD other than a couple of generalized symptoms. Working with Jon was a huge learning experience and he seemed eager to answer every little question I asked.

With the help of Sportrock and Jon, we started a free climbing session for people with Parkinson’s disease and have grown the group tremendously. Sportrock Climbing Centers has even partnered with the capital area’s PFNCA to undertake the first-ever study in the U.S. on Parkinson’s and climbing with George Washington University. You can read the results of that study here: Impact of Rock Climbing on Complex Tasks in Persons with Parkinson’s Disease.

I have devoted much of my time to learning the ins and outs of this disease and the Parkinson’s Foundation website is where I started my online educational journey.

I believe that rock climbing is an amazing activity for those living with PD. While there is no cure for this neurodegenerative disease, unquestionably helps slow the progress, gives relief to some of the symptoms and creates a social network. There is much debate as to which exercise is the absolute best for Parkinson’s but working at a high level of intensity is fairly universal in its importance.

Molly Donelan teaching climbing

According to Lisa Ebb, a movement disorder Physical Therapist who has joined in climbing with a couple of the climbers, “Challenge and variation are the two most important principles of exercise in Parkinson’s disease.

Not only does climbing force you to work at a high level, but it also challenges participants with varied movements, repetitive movements, big dynamic movements, small, controlled movements as well as flexibility, balance and stability. Perhaps most importantly though, are the cognitive skills acquired through climbing and neuroplasticity changes that can occur.

While I do not have PD myself, I have learned through many of my friends at Sportrock that being proactive in your treatment is paramount. I have seen firsthand what exercising regularly, eating the right foods, eliminating stress and keeping a good support system can do for you over the years. I am a firm believer in whatever exercise program you can stick with is the best one for you.

For anyone newly diagnosed, let the beautiful words of Ijeoma Umebinyuo be your mantra.

Start now. Start where you are. Start with fear. Start with pain. Start with doubt. Start with hands shaking. Start with voice trembling but start. Start and don’t stop. Start where you are, with what you have. Just...start.

 

Find a Parkinson’s-tailored exercise class near you at Parkinson.org/InYourArea or call the Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (473-4636).

My PD Story

william krechowski
People with PD

William Krechowski

“Moving Day for me is an opportunity to contribute to the cause of finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease (PD) and to help support and educate the Parkinson’s community and the larger communities we live in,” William Krechowski said.

When William was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s, he did not know the life-changing affects this disease has on one million Americans each year and the affects it would soon have on him. He turned to the Parkinson’s Foundation to educate himself on this disease that was new to him, now that it entered his life. William gives great thanks to the Foundation, which has provided him so much insight during a difficult time.

Kelly, a physician assistant at the University of South Florida Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center, a Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence,  encouraged William and his family to get involved in Moving Day Tampa Bay as a way to help bring awareness to Parkinson’s. William was also excited to raise money for Parkinson’s research that leads to better treatments and ultimately, a cure for the Parkinson’s community.

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William admits that he did not have much experience in events like this, but because the cause meant so much to him, he soon made Moving Day his passion project. With friends and family by his side supporting him in every possible way, he created his team "Bill’s Best Adventures."

“I am walking for myself and for a cure for Parkinson's,” said William.

"Bill’s Best Adventures" is the moniker William used to describe the annual adventure trips he's taken since 2001. "Participants on these trips have numbered from three to seven per trip and have been cousins, Air Force buddies, high school and college friends," William said. From hiking Machu Picchu to river rafting the Colorado River to sailing the San Francisco Bay, William does not let Parkinson’s get in the way of his adventures. William lives every day to the fullest and continues to plan exciting trips each year. Next on his list: The Great Smokey Mountains.

Although William’s adventures are incredible, he still faces the symptoms of Parkinson’s daily ― fatigue being most prevalent. He has learned that exercise is crucial in lessening the symptoms of Parkinson’s and has fully integrated daily in his life. From going to the gym two to three times a week to boxing at Rock Steady Boxing to hiking worldly known trails, “I think I’m doing pretty well for being 72 and living with Parkinson’s,” William said.

Find your nearest Moving Day and register today

My PD Story

larry_khan
People with PD

Larry Khan

Due to the overwhelming success of the Parkinson Foundation’s first-ever Moving Day Atlanta in 2013, a grassroots fundraising and awareness walk, more than $49,000 will be invested locally in programs to help people living with Parkinson’s in the metro Atlanta area improve quality of life for the Parkinson's community.

“The Parkinson's Foundation community grants enable us to partner with local organizations that provide life-changing services to the Parkinson’s community and display our mission in action."

One such local organization is the PD Gladiators, an Atlanta-based nonprofit organization devoted to combating Parkinson’s with vigorous exercise. Like Moving Day, their mission is to focus on the role of exercise in slowing the progression of the disease and to make community-based exercise programs available to people living with Parkinson's and their care partners.

Larry Kahn, Chief executive officer of PD Gladiators, is personally motivated to see this program succeed — he is living with Parkinson’s and is a true believer in the medicinal value of vigorous exercise.

"Vigorous exercise has most definitely improved my gait and given me an overall feeling of taking back control over my life. My main goal is to get the attention of the doctors who are delivering a diagnosis of Parkinson's and encourage them to prescribe exercise to their patients," Kahn said. 

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Kahn’s wife, Ellie, facilitates a local support group for people with Parkinson's and their caregivers and she also attends boxing, Zumba and Tai Chi classes with him. “We’re in this together,” she said. Both Ellie and Larry encourage caregivers to attend PD Gladiators group exercise programs with their spouse or loved one.

PD Gladiators was the recipient of a $15,000 grant this year to subsidize group exercise classes throughout metro Atlanta and to promote the PD Gladiators metro Atlanta Fitness Network to practicing neurologists, physical therapists, other healthcare providers and the PD community.

FIND YOUR NEAREST MOVING DAY

My PD Story

liz_muller
Family Members

Lizbeth Muller

My father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s close to his 80th birthday. It was a shock to my family.

To be honest even prior to his diagnosis, I had a feeling he might have Parkinson’s. He had a lot of shaking in his hands which I found out of the ordinary. He kept saying it was his nerves. I think he was in denial at first because he didn’t know much about the disease and how important it is to catch it in its early stages.

Then my dad went to his primary care physician. As soon as he saw my dad shuffling his feet, he said, “I think your father is suffering from Parkinson’s.”  He sent my father to a neurologist, who confirmed the diagnosis.

Since then, my mother has done an amazing job caring for my father. She was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, so being my father’s caregiver takes an added toll on her. She shaves him. She cooks. She tries to walk him around. She holds him up. Mind you, this woman is 92 pounds and 4’8”!

Watching both my parents be so brave has been an inspiration. They will soon be moving in with me, so I can help care for them with the help of my siblings. My sister lives nearby and my brother, who lives in another state, provides his support as much as possible.

I am fortunate to have my parents and I feel lucky that my family is very close. I think it’s important for families to work together in the face of Parkinson’s and create a solid support system.

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With Parkinson’s you have to be patient. Stay strong. Be aware. Research. Stay on your toes. Talk to your doctor. And if you feel your doctor isn’t equipped enough, find someone who is.

Before my father found out he had Parkinson’s, my parents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a party. My parents love to dance and they were out in full swing!

When they reach their 65th anniversary, we want to throw another big party with lots of dancing. My father loves to dance. Actually, that’s how we get him moving.

My sister and I visit my parents every Sunday. We put on music and we dance. My father also likes to play the bongos. He has been very musical all of his life.

Dancing is how we get him moving. I think that is how you can motivate people to get moving – by doing something they love to do. We love to get my father to dance with my mom. It’s very sweet to see. My goal is to take the best possible care of them so they are dancing when they celebrate their 65 years together.

My PD Story

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Health Professionals

Brian Lederman

My name is Brian Lederman and I am a personal trainer in a gated community in Fort Myers, Florida. I recently worked with someone who has Parkinson’s disease (PD) and discovered that he is the true example of a hero who will not led a diagnosis define him.

I had just taught a pilot class called "Punch Fit" at the gated community. It combined boxing, cardio and core emphasis, while improving balance and coordination. After the first class, an attendee named Tim, and his wife, Lynne, approached me. I noticed that Tim was walking leaning to his right, with bad posture and was shaking uncontrollably. He was quiet and somewhat meek. Tim told me he had Parkinson’s and that “The Morning Show” recently aired a segment about a boxing program that showed promise for Parkinson's symptoms. Tim, 69, asked me if I would give him private boxing lessons.

At that moment I knew Tim was special. They say God gives his toughest battles to his strongest warriors and I knew Tim was a warrior. I was confident that he was completely committed. So we began training twice a week.

Initially, I knew nothing about Parkinson's so I took the trainer’s perspective. Since Tim leaned towards his right and had bad posture I started him with a step/drag foot drill, which is the basic way a boxer moves around the ring. We then progressed to basic punches such as a jab, cross, hook and uppercut. From there, we added movement, defense and counter punching. It was a progressive approach that combined many of the neurological aspects affected by Parkinson's. Knowing him and the warrior he is, allowed me to push him to his potential.

Tim worked incredibly hard and was disciplined. I knew he was practicing his boxing in front of a mirror every day because his skill and conditioning increased very quickly. His posture, strength, balance and coordination improved to the point that his friends and family almost didn't recognize this new Tim.

I began asking Tim to demonstrate boxing techniques for the group class, which Tim was still attending in addition to our training. The class responded with a collective "wow!" I posted a video of Tim hitting the punch mitts with me and he became an instant celebrity at the gated community where he lives and I teach. In fact, Tim and his wife had inspired and championed for their community to host another boxing class for people with Parkinson's, stroke survivors and other health conditions. Tim and Lynne began attending this class, too.

I never gave Tim special treatment. He was a great pupil and diligent worker. He trained as hard, or harder than anyone I'd worked with. He never quit, never needed a rest during a session and worked until his technique was correct.

The way his body responded to the intense training and his overall improvement spoke for itself. After around six weeks of boxing sessions his shaking decreased immensely and his posture improved, as did his confidence and daily functions. All of these improvements that were once limitations were noticed by his friends and family who could not believe this was the same Tim.

It was at the great pleasure to work with Tim, but I take minimal credit. Tim has shown me that Parkinson's is a very serious issue for those who are living with it and that it affects their friends and family. With the heart and spirit of a warrior like Tim, it is a battle that he, and anyone who commits to, can win. He is not only an inspiration for those with Parkinson's, he is an inspiration for all.

I want to thank the National Parkinson Foundation for their time and for continuously encouraging Parkinson’s awareness and education.

My PD Story

janet_gilliam
People with PD

Janet Gilliam

It was dark. Very dark. And something was moving around the end of my bed making noises, both quick and quiet. It went on for several minutes, escalating in volume and then it headed straight for me. To my surprise, I felt a quick, tender kiss on the forehead and then my ghostly figure vanished. In the first few moments of conscious awareness, I began to remember where I was and why I was here.

It all started a few months back. I was enjoying a lovely rendition of the musical “Cinderella.” Suddenly the house lights came up and I turned toward my date for the evening – my younger daughter, Liz. Before I could begin to gush with accolades on the performance, she smiled and then blindsided me. “Mom, I have decided to give you your Christmas gift now!” “Now?” I asked. It was weeks before Christmas and we were sitting in a crowded theater. Something was awry. Liz was too excited and pleased with the “Gotcha!” moment she knew she was going to have. And then she told me…

She began to describe the Miami Marathon and Half Marathon on January 25, 2015, in Miami, FL. There would be runners from all over the world with different motives for running. Liz had contacted the Parkinson's Foundation Parkinson's Champions program and registered for the half marathon…in my honor. In that moment of high impact, I began to feel hot tears pour down my cheeks. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the unwelcome member of our family we do not like. He diminishes day-to-day events, interrupts vacations, disappoints on holidays and in general, wreaks havoc. Everyone in my family knows only too well that this illness has changed who we are. Life is more difficult for all of us. There have been many tears over the years, but the tears now came not because of the difficulty of the disease, but because I recognized great compassion.

As race day approached, we headed to Miami, FL, where a Parkinson's Foundation office is located. The day before the race, we were invited to tour their office. What we experienced was downright memorable! We met every staff member present that day. They seemed to understand that while we were only one of a million such families in this country, we were also unique in our own story. We were real. Their dedication and enthusiasm assured us that they were not losing sight of the vast importance of their work!

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It was race day. I rolled over to look at the clock. It was 4:48 am, which meant my daughter would be heading out for the start line. My start line had been marked as well: my job would be to get myself up, fed, bathed, dressed and down to the finish line – a tall order for someone diagnosed with Parkinson’s more than a decade ago. Respectable amounts of medication would be required to make this happen.

Traveling alone in an unknown city creates quite a few apprehensions for me. This is actually my daily race. It is slow, stiff and aggravating. Regrettably, it comes as no surprise. It is my normal. I managed to get to the Charity Village where the Parkinson's Foundation had a booth. I was only there a few minutes when Runner 17095 took her last steps, reaching the booth after more than 13 miles. She was wearing a shirt that announced “I RUN TO BEAT PARKINSON’S.” There were two short words beneath that header: “FOR MOM.” And suddenly the hot tears began to pour again, but this time it was from both of us.

I have had Parkinson’s for a long time now. It has been a huge adjustment that demands continuous readjustment. It is always difficult. I have been asked on countless occasions where my strength comes from. I may be very strong, but I’m also very afraid. It is indeed HOPE that keeps me going. I believe that the research is productive and our hope is real. The need for funding is urgent. The need for research is urgent. The need for treatment is now.

Become a Parkinson’s Champion at Parkinson.org/Champions

My PD Story

Dave
People with PD

Dave

The doctor took a deep breath and said, “Dr. Ruedrich, you have Parkinson’s disease.”  Several heartbeats later I said, “I’m done.”

I said it again. I would never deliver another baby or become an auxiliary member of a family. It would be like telling a pilot, you can’t fly, or a surfer to stay dry. In my profession, my new diagnosis implied liability. A “bad baby” or surgical complication would eventually be attributed to my wobbly hand. I imagined hearing: “why is a doctor with Parkinson’s disease (PD) still working?”

I'm a high-risk obstetrician, so I take on the difficult pregnancies: the triplets or more, hypertension, diabetes, previous pregnancies with poor outcomes, pre-term delivery and stillbirths.

Now, I miss the exhilaration of hearing that first cry. No longer do I get to experience the adrenaline rush of an emergency Cesarean section, “saving” a baby. To be truthful, a part of me felt relief. I hadn’t been operating or delivering babies with confidence. Would I want me operating on me? Perhaps not.

So, do I go sit in the corner and pull my white coat over my head? I can’t take that path. I won’t take that path. I like challenge. Either I have control over my disease or it controls me.

I still see patients in the office and make rounds at the hospital. My wife says, “he doesn’t get to play with anything sharp or pointy.” The dividend is time, easier office days, no night or weekends “on-call.” I’m no longer burning the candle at all three ends and I’m taking better care of myself.

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I challenge myself with keeping fit. My PD research yields the sense that doing anything physical is beneficial. Boxing, tango, Tai Chi, balance, core strength. I work out twice a week with a trainer (using a PD-specific regimen, Delay the Disease) and run three times a week. Instead of running from one delivery room to another I now run around my neighborhood. Exercise is empowering!

I also look for opportunities to talk to people about Parkinson’s. When someone looks askance at my “broken wing,” I jump on the chance to educate my listener. It demystifies the elephant in the room and I’m amazed at how often I hear they have a relative or coworker with Parkinson’s.

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So, I run, jump, lift weights, plank, stretch, jump rope and climb, and try not to hurt myself, especially by falling. A workout friend admonishes me at the completion of every exercise session… “don’t fall,” he says. And I count my blessings. I understand that each day is an opportunity. My license plate tells the story: LIVTDAY. Worrying about tomorrow serves no purpose. I try to be in the moment.

I have served on the Parkinson’s Foundation Ohio Chapter board for the last three years. Every year I’m proud and excited to participate in Moving Day. Last year, my team “Rider, Ruedrich, Schoon” raised more than $93,000 to fund Parkinson’s research and local programs.

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