Spring / Summer 2020 | Living with Parkinson’s
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2. Learn About Parkinson’s
Knowing the facts about Parkinson’s can
help you understand the disease and make
informed decisions about your care. But too
much information can be overwhelming and
even misleading. Ask your doctor and other
people with Parkinson’s for credible resources
to help you learn more about the disease and
your symptoms. For information about the
disease, visit michaeljfox.org/parkinsons.
5. Exercise Regularly
Exercise can lessen movement and nonmovement
symptoms, such as depression and
anxiety, which are common in Parkinson’s
and can increase around the time of diagnosis.
Any type of exercise is beneficial, so find
something you enjoy and will do regularly.
Your doctor or a physical therapist can help
you create the best plan for your interests and
needs. For ways to stay active with PD, watch
Ask the MD: Exercise and Parkinson’s at
michaeljfox.org/askmdexercise.
3. Build a Support System
Know that you’re not alone in Parkinson’s
and that there are many places to turn
for help. Support means different things
to different people and it often changes
throughout life with Parkinson’s. A lot of
people find support by talking with their
spouse or a close family member or friend.
And many also find it helpful to connect with
others through Parkinson’s support groups,
online forums or even exercise classes. For
ideas on how to find or start a support group,
visit michaeljfox.org/support.
4. Eat a Healthy, Balanced Diet
There’s no one specific diet for Parkinson’s.
But a nutritious diet that’s high in fruits,
vegetables and whole, unprocessed foods is
good for your body and brain. For more, read
The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s guide on diet
and Parkinson’s at michaeljfox.org/guides.
6. Participate in Research
Taking an active role in your care and in the
Parkinson’s community can be a way to take
control when you may feel like much is out
of your hands. There are many ways to get
involved. You can participate in research,
which urgently needs volunteers who are
recently diagnosed and may not yet be taking
medication. (In fact, many patients say
they feel regretful they missed the fleeting
window to participate in research during
those first, exceptionally valuable months
after diagnosis.) Or, you can raise research
funds, serve on patient advisory committees
or advocate for Parkinson’s policies. To learn
more, visit michaeljfox.org.
More resources for people newly diagnosed
with Parkinson’s are on the next page.