Please provide some do's and don'ts on living with parkinson's disease.

Ignore: Do consider a cane with a laser pointer to help with threshold issues.

Ignore: Manual therapy/manipulation can help increase gait speed in parkinsons.

Ignore: Do take meds on time do exercise;really exercise do say , "big steps! back straight, head up".

Ignore: Don't give up if one meeting or event fails to meet your expectations do introduce yourself to other.

Ignore: Parkinson's is challenging. Consider working w' a psychologist 2 help U & your family cope w' it.

Ignore: Best to use the basic medications, as will improve mobility and quality of life.

Ignore: Avoid Antipsychotics if you can as they Block Dopamine.

Ignore: Do make regular appts with the neurologist. Do take your medications. Don't get discouraged.

If: If need be, Utilize other complementary therapies-speech therapy, physical and occupational therapy.

Treatment: Treatment should aid adjustment to daily frustrations and new challenges.

Never: Never underestimate the power of prayer and Faith!

If: If your community has a senior center, or a wellness or exercise program,.. take advantage of it!

If: If there are no support groups in your area, consider starting one.

Think: Think about lifestyle management, including stress reduction and coping skills.

Be: Be sure to practice general health maintenance by exercising and keeping a healthy diet.

In: In early stages,obtain occupational assessment and a social evaluation including home care needs.

If: If driving becomes a problem, it is smart to undergo a professional assessment.

If: If getting around the house becomes more difficult, have your home evaluated for safety.

If: If getting around the house becomes more difficult, figure out how much help you may need.

In: In late stage think about assisted care, hospice, respite, adult day care and nursing home care.

Care: Care partners should have the proper training and take care of themselves too, to avoid burnout!

The: The care givers are often in need of loving support TOO!

Keep: Keep track of your medications and taking them correctly.

Know: Know your medication's name, the strength and a time schedule of when it should be taken.

Ignore: Live one day at a time. Take your medication on time. If you don't, quality suffers.

Ignore: If you have a tendency to fall backward or feel lightheaded, move slowly when changing positions.

Ignore: Exercise is an important part of Parkinson's regimen. Fall prevention.

Ignore: You may have PD, but don't let PD have you! Stay sharp, read a lot, keep mind active. Never give in.

Be: Be patient with someone with Parkinson's as they can't move quickly.

Sometimes: Sometimes a walker can provide more balance for walking for Parkinson's patients and is useful.

Ignore: Weighted spoons and weighted cuffs may help in decreasing tremors and improve ability to perform ADL.

Ignore: Stay active! "Move it or lose it" definitely applies with this disease.

Exercise: Exercise regularly, it can help give you more flexibility, better balance and less anxiety!