Deep Brain Stimulation: What I Have LearnedThis month, I observe the sixth anniversary of my deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery for Parkinson's disease (PD). As I reflect on that experience, I am reminded of some of...reactions8comments
Reflecting on Vivid Dreams: A Precursor to Parkinson's?Nighttime is not good for Posy. Actually, it never has been. Why was a very confident, happy child so fearful of the dark? Every shadow was a bad person coming...reactions4comments
A High Fiber Sample Meal Plan for Parkinson’sAre your infrequent "number 2s" giving you the blues? It’s possible that you aren’t getting enough fiber in your diet. In case you missed it, see The Benefits of Fiber...reactionscomments
Adding Complementary Therapies To Your Toolkit Can Have Real ResultsWhat brings us happiness does not always mesh with what is found to be healthy. Chips, cookies, cake, and too much of a good thing are a great example of...reactions2comments
Melanoma Surgery and Parkinson’sThis article is the third and last of my melanoma series. In case you missed it, you can read about my diagnosis and how I've been coping in the articles:...reactionscomments
Maintaining Independence Through Occupational TherapyI have always been a bit of a klutz and have had difficulty knowing how to use my body effectively. But, physical therapy (PT) taught me how to overcome freezing...reactions15comments
Parkinson’s Home HacksI’ve noticed that my dad takes advantage of certain household features when Parkinson’s makes his day uncertain. For example, he frequently leans on the piano while he’s making his way...reactionscomments
Letters to Myself: Basic TrainingApril 15, 1990 Dear 18-year-old Dan, I’d like to tell you that things get better than this nasty punishment you’re in right now, but that’s all a matter of perspective...reactionscomments
Tactics to Improve SleepHow’s your sleep? Are you getting enough? According to studies, the average adult needs between 7 and 9 hours of sleep. More than 75 percent of people with Parkinson’s report issues...reactionscomments
Engulfed by the Enormity of the DiagnosisWhen I was first diagnosed 8 long years ago, I recall letting out a guttural wail ... an aching sound that emanated from the deep recesses of my being. I...reactions6comments
L-Theanine Benefits for Parkinson’s DiseaseA few months before my family member was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (PD), she had difficulty sleeping through the night. First, we tried all the standard therapies I use with...reactionscomments
My Eyes! My Eyes! Parkinson’s Vision ProblemsI began to notice I was having some issues reading. It was okay for about 10 minutes or so and then I would get a headache, the page became blurry, and...reactionscomments
On Feeling Foggy and FeebleWhen times are good, Posy feels on top of the world, but then there will be a "down" day, wherein Posy feels unwell, tired out, and worthless. This also can...reactions26comments
Coping with the Uncertainty of a Melanoma DiagnosisI wrote recently about finding a little spot on my arm, going to my dermatologist, and being diagnosed with Melanoma. People with Parkinson’s have a higher risk of developing melanoma...reactionscomments
The Value of Support GroupsWhen I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, I knew I needed help! There was so much to learn and process. From a previous experience with an autoimmune disease, the value of...reactions5comments
Balance Issues, Peripheral Neuropathy, and Parkinson’sI have balance issues. I also have Parkinson’s disease and severe peripheral neuropathy. According to the Mayo Clinic, peripheral neuropathy is caused by damage to the nerves that are outside of...reactions1comment
Parkinson's Celebrity Advocacy and ResponsibilityI previously wrote an article about more presence for Parkinson's in popular media. My feeling was that presenting our condition organically, not commercially to sell products, and not just a...reactionscomments
That Little Spot On My ArmI noticed the spot on the back of my arm just above the elbow 2 or 3 months ago. A little smaller than the end of a pencil eraser and in...reactions3comments
Are Kegel Exercises Good for Men Too?Initially, I thought that Kegel exercises were only for women. As a healthcare professional, I had first became aware of the benefits of utilizing Kegel exercises in the elderly population. However, in my...reactionscomments
Stressed or Desserts?You have surely heard that life has its ups and downs, good times and bad. Like most things in life, stress can be good or bad. What determines that? It...reactionscomments