Title: Living Safely & Comfortably with Parkinson’s Disease

For a Parkinson’s patient, the diagnosis process is quite erratic in nature as there are no defined set of symptoms to look for or any specialized diagnostics equipment for it. Right from the onset of your initial symptoms, the doctors will start monitoring them and keep evaluating your conditions. Your doctor will mostly give you an unambiguous answer about your condition, even though he/she has not officially declared it.

It's best to start preparing for your life as a Parkinson’s patient and start developing a pro-active sense of keeping healthy, right when you get your first hint. This is a life-long journey for you and your caregivers as well! So, make it as smooth and easy as you can by exercising healthy lifestyle habits right from the onset of any of the ‘closely associated’ symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. 

Here are a few closely-associated symptoms of Parkinson’s disease;

1. Slow movements: Taking a longer time to do simple tasks

2. Tremors: Your hands, legs, or lips are shaky, while you’re not using them 

3. Urinary problems

4. Balance problems while walking 

5. Muscle stiffness: arms or legs becoming stiff all the time

6. Constantly feeling, pain, fatigued or lethargic 

These symptoms are the most common symptoms across all Parkinson’s patients around the globe. Developing healthy lifestyle habits at an early stage can increase the longevity of a normal life that does not cause any severe difficulties, hamper the efficiency of your work or create major hindrances in your regular routines. 

That being said, leading a healthy life with Parkinson’s requires a very thoughtful decision behind every activity you do or every meal you eat. And this thoughtfulness shall be exhibited by your caregiver as well, who will be guiding you through your daily routines, helping you with your physical tasks and ensuring the best possible living experience for you. Below is a categorized list of do’s and don’ts to follow for Parkinson’s patients and their family members. 

Lifestyle guidelines- Heed the don’ts, follow the do’s

1. Food choices:

Parkinson’s disease is bound to inflict some bone damage and cause problems like dehydration and constipation. It’s best to follow a diet that gives your body the proper nutrients, enabling it to fight such problems rather than succumbing to them. 

Don’ts

1. Consume alcohol in large quantities

2. Eat saturated fats

3. High cholesterol foods like red meat

4. Eat dairy products 

5. Take supplements without consulting an expert

6. Eat foods high in sugar

Do’s

1. Eat a variety of whole grains

2. Drink plenty of water

3. Increase calcium intake 

4. Eat foods rich in antioxidants

5. Eat foods rich in omega-3

2. Physical activity or exercising:

Physical activity is important to keep your body strong, agile and active as the disease starts to take its toll on your motor skills. But it’s more important to follow certain rules while doing to make sure you don’t hurt yourself or cause any injury. 

Don’ts

1. Walk too fast 

2. Jump around

3. Get up or sit down very quickly

4. Take a bath or do grooming while standing

5. Walk in slippery areas

6. Adventure sports activities

7. Any risky handy work at home or outside

8. Spend too much energy on anything

Do’s 

1. Keep a cane when walking outside

2. Install grab bars at selected points in the house- Kitchen, bathrooms

3. Install an elevated toilet seat

4. Take as much rest as possible

3. Lifestyle choices:

Your lifestyle will definitely undergo a dramatic change. Rather than opposing the changes, it's best to just go with the flow by adopting simpler choices.

Don’ts 

1. Choose apparels that require time to wear

2. Wear any tight or unwanted accessories

3. Excessive outing or partying

4. Take up any effort-intensive hobbies

5. Make solo travel plans 

Do’s

1. Use computers for all your writing work

2. Wear loose clothes

3. Try booking wheelchairs at public places, like malls

4. Take regular massages (From certified masseuses only)

4. Work-related choices:

Your work will be your best distraction and your biggest motivator throughout your journey. But given your condition, it can easily get stressful for your body. So, exercise maximum precautions to keep doing your work with total ease.

Don’ts

1. Use heavy chairs 

2. Work for long hours without breaks

3. Sit in front of computers for a long time

4. Be in a hurry while moving around

5. Sit in any abnormal posture 

6. Carry heavy document boxes

Do’s

1. Use ergonomic or modular furniture that is easy to handle and move

2. Use height-adjustable tables