Kathi MacNaughton

Kathi was previously an advocate on ParkinsonsDisease.net.

I am an experienced consumer health education writer who had a career in nursing that spanned more than 30 years, much of it in the field of home health care, working with chronically ill people, including those who suffered with Parkinsons Disease and their caregivers. I am also an avid fitness enthusiast and all-round advocate for healthy living. I believe that patients and families have not only a right, but also the responsibility to take charge of their own health. No one needs to give in to a disease or to the aging process! It is possible to continue to live a quality life.

I have cared for many people with PD in the course of my health career, but I gained a rather unique perspective when I became a dance fitness instructor. I have had a few students in my classes who were challenged by PD. By modifying the movements to fit their abilities, they were able to enjoy improvements in both their mental and physical health. I am a big believer in the benefits of dance fitness!

I am grateful to be as healthy as I am today, even into my sixth decade, thanks to consistent healthy lifestyle choices. I am married to an equally healthy husband and mother to two grown daughters and grandmother to three darling grandsons. I expect to live to be 100 years old or more!

Click here to read all of Kathi's articles on ParkinsonsDisease.net.