Friday, November 8, 2013

Extended-Release Drug Shown Effective in Early-Stage Parkinson’s - Parkinson's Disease Foundation (PDF)

Extended-Release Drug Shown Effective in Early-Stage Parkinson’s - Parkinson's Disease Foundation (PDF)

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

New Drug Holds Promise to Ease Hallucinations for People with Parkinson’s - Parkinson's Disease Foundation (PDF)

New Drug Holds Promise to Ease Hallucinations for People with Parkinson’s - Parkinson's Disease Foundation (PDF)

Finding Resources - Parkinson's Disease Foundation (PDF)

Finding Resources - Parkinson's Disease Foundation (PDF)

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Motivational Thought~

When I stopped asking that question, I began to learn a lot of things such as endurance, patience, tolerance, just to name a few. So stop asking "Why" and start asking "What Can I Learn." You will find out some things about yourself that maybe you didn't know. Share with others what you learn to help them overcome situations that they might be dealing with living with PD or just living life. Be Brave!
Lovingly, AlwaysaDiva

Sunday, August 25, 2013


Parkinson's Disease has left Linda Ronstadt unable to sing!

The 67-year-old singer, who will publish her memoir, Simple Dreams, next month, revealed her condition Friday in an interview with AARP.

The singer of such '70s and '80s hits as You're No Good, Hurt So Bad and Don't Know Much now uses poles to assist her when walking on uneven ground and travels with a wheelchair. She says she was diagnosed with the neurological disorder eight months ago, though she began experiencing symptoms, including hand tremors and trouble controlling the muscles that let her sing, several years ago. She says she initially attributed her problems to the residual effects of a tick bite and shoulder surgery.

"I think I've had it for seven or eight years already, because of the symptoms that I've had," the 11-time Grammy winner tells interviewer Alanna Nash. Ronstadt's last album was 2006's Adieu False Heart with Cajun musician Ann Savoy.

"No one can sing with Parkinson's disease," she says. "No matter how hard you try."

Thursday, August 22, 2013

What Is Parkinson's?


Check the “What is Parkinson’s?” infographic created by the Michael J. Fox Foundation. It’s full of informative PD facts and statistics that you can share with your friends and family! Did any of the stats jump out at you in particular?

*Note: This information was on My Facebook page submitted by Parkinson's More Than Motion. I just wanted to share! Lovingly, AlwaysaDiva


Motivational Thought~


Monday, August 12, 2013

Happy Monday!


Motivational Thought!


Traveling With PD~



The difficulties of Parkinson's disease don't have to interfere with traveling, which should be an enjoyable experience and not limited or avoided because of the disease. But planning ahead is key to avoid these difficulties. The following guidelines should help to make your next trip anxiety-free.


  • Always try to travel with a companion.
  • Place the names of your doctor, insurance company, emergency contact, and medications in your wallet or purse.
  • Carry identification stating that you have Parkinson's disease.
  • Use a "fanny" pack or backpack so that you have both hands free to balance as you walk, especially if walking any distance.
  • Pack snacks and carry a water bottle to take medications.
  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and good walking shoes.
  • When making hotel reservations, request a room on the ground floor or near an elevator. Ask if they have rooms that are handicapped-accessible; these usually include grab bars in the shower and bathroom and have wider spaces between furniture for wheelchair access.

Traveling With Parkinson's Medications


  • Always have at least a day's dosage of medication in your pocket or purse.
  • Try to carry all of your medications with you, in the event that your luggage gets misplaced.
  • Pack enough medications to last the entire trip.
  • Do not rely on out-of-town, or especially out-of-the-country, pharmacies for refills.
  • Check with your doctor about any over-the-counter drugs, such as those for motion sickness or diarrhea, before you leave.
  • Find out if your medications are "sun-sensitive" and plan accordingly.
  • Carry a list and schedule of medications with you.
  • If possible, use a watch with an alarm or an alarm pillbox. If you are traveling with time changes it may be difficult for you to remember on your own.

Travel by Car

Many Parkinson's medications can cause drowsiness, particularly after eating. If you are driving, take a nap before you go and avoid eating for two to three hours before departing.
Do not overestimate you abilities. While you may be capable of driving short distances to and from home, a longer road trip may require much more stamina. Either break the trip up into shorter distances with frequent stops, or share the driving with someone else.

Travel by Air


  • Request a non-stop flight and an aisle seat.
  • Check as many bags as possible, but remember to keep your medications in your carry-on.
  • Use airport shuttles, or ask for a wheelchair if your gate is a far distance.
  • Ask for early seating for a few extra minutes to board and get comfortable.
  • Use the bathroom before you get on the plane. Airplane bathrooms are often small and not handicapped-accessible.
  • If you are on a restricted diet, request a special meal in advance.

Travel by Bus or Train


  • Wheelchair lifts are generally available for entrances and exits.
  • Seats can generally be removed to accommodate wheelchairs.
  • Try to get an aisle seat near the exit to make getting on and off easier.


Visit - www.webmd.com/parkinsons-disease/guide/parkinsons-travel-guidelines for more related articles.
Lovingly, AlwaysaDiva

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Shop For A Cause!


PDF Champions: Shop for a Cause (Nationwide)

August 24, 2013 - August 24, 2013

Macy's Shop for a Cause and the PDF Champions program. PDF Champions are some of the dedicated individuals who give their time and energy to raise awareness for Parkinson's and funds for PDF in their local communities.

Purchase a $5.00 savings pass through Macy's Shop for a Cause program and 100 percent of your donation will support Parkinson's research. Your savings pass can be used at any Macy's on Saturday, August 24.

Savings pass holders receive 25 percent off all day on regular, sale and clearance items, including home and most brands usually excluded. Save 10 percent on electrics/electronics, watches, furniture, mattresses, and rugs/floor coverings. Exclusions apply. Savings pass holders are also eligible to register to win a $500 Macy's gift card.

To purchase your savings pass to benefit PDF, visit https://support.pdf.org/macys.

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Muhammad Ali~




I done wrassled with an alligator. Tussled with a whale. I done handcuffed lightening, threw thunder in jail. I murdered a stone, I hospitalised a brick, I'm so mean I make medicine sick.

- Muhammad Ali

History's most famous athlete was as nimble with word play as he was fleet of foot. He dazzled opponents and global audiences alike with his athletism in the ring and his unflappable verbosity outside of it.

Gradually these trademark characteristics began to fade. His lightening reflexes slowed. His speech became impaired. His mind was still sharp, but his rhymes failed to dance off his tongue as readily as they once had. Over the years his body co-operated with his mind less and less. Explosive footwork slowed to a deliberate shuffle. A flight of stairs or a car door became as daunting a physical challenge as 15 rounds with Joe Frazier. The famous Mississippi Mouth became barely audible. Ali had fallen victim to a merciless, cruel opponent- Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease attacks the central nervous system, reducing the brains ability to co-ordinate movement. The brain does its best to give instructions but the message gets lost in translation. This results in unimaginable frustration for the sufferer and ultimately renders the individual a prisoner in his or her own body.

Motivational Quote~


Happy Sunday!


Thursday, July 25, 2013

- An article from Purpose Fairy


7 Healthy Ways to Cope With Stress- 

"Brain cells create ideas. Stress kills brain cells. Stress is not a good idea." ~Frederick Saunders

I often hear others say:

“Man this stress is killing me!”

“If I just didn’t have all this stress in my life, I’d be fine”

“I’m so stressed out, I can’t get anything done”

“Everyone else is stressing me out!”

Why we stress…

Stress is a natural reaction our body has to a threat or challenge in our life. Our body, particularly the sympathetic nervous system, begins to produce hormones such as cortisol and adrenalin to activate our senses telling us we need to “fight” or “flight.” You know when it happens, your heart starts to beat faster, your muscles begin to tense us, you feel sweaty, and more alert.

The stress response gives us strength and endurance (that is why athletes produce adrenalin) to escape a potentially dangerous event. Evolutionarily this automatic response has saved our lives. If a bear was about to attack us and our body didn’t give us any signals to get outta there we’d be eaten alive.

Of course we aren’t being attacked by bears much in today’s society, but we do have challenging events and difficult experiences so here we are with all this cortisol and adrenalin running throughout bodies as soon as a stressful event occurs.

With that being said it’s not stress that’s killing us, it’s what we do with that stress that is killing us.

Common unhealthy ways we use to avoid stress…

Overeat

Oversleep

Act out in anger

Neglect loved ones

Become reckless with money

Smoke/drink

Ignore it

Take pills

Procrastinate

These are common because society sends us the message that these will “make us feel better,” and ya I agree, they sure can make us feel great, for the moment that is. Stress will catch up with us. Lets talk about some ways to face stress head on, get to the root of it, and prevent it from living the life we love.

Healthy ways to face stress head on…

1. Breathe
Simple as it sounds, oxygen actually dissipates the excess cortisol running through our system.

2. Listen to music
Music triggers an emotional state in us depending on what memory or sensation we attach to it. Try listening to music that is soothing and peaceful for you.

3. Laughter
Spend time with people who bring joy and humor into your life. Laughter is contagious!

4. Roll it out
Stress gets lodged deep into our fascia which turns into rough scar tissue welcoming pain and disease to the body. Pick up a foam roller at your local sports store, your body will thank you.

5. Seek touch
Snuggle up with a loved one, practice gentle massage, or just hold hands. Allow yourself to feel good.

6. Aromatherapy
Calm your nerves by adding a few drops of lavender or lemon balm to your bath water or pillow case. Essential oils have proven healing qualities to them.

7. Be Natural
Get in touch with nature; feel the grass between your toes, pick flowers, or breathe fresh air. Nature is very soothing and can defuse tension.

The reason these techniques are effective is in part because they keep us in the present moment. They allow us to focus on what happening now rather keep us ruminating on recent, stressful events. If we can practice these regularly, even when we aren’t feeling stressed, we begin to activate our parasympathetic nervous system which counterbalances the sympathetic nervous system (remember that’s the flight or flight response) because it’s job is to create homeostasis in the body. So we’ll be better equipped to face stress when it comes up rather than trying to avoid it.

What techniques do you use to reduce, prevent and cope with stress? Share your insights by joining the conversation in the comment section bellow

This article was written by Cortney Harden, MSW, RH. Cortney is the owner of Mindful Wellness, providing practical solutions for optimal well-being. Based on the Island of Oahu but also offering virtual sessions, her approach is to help you make mindful actions that are in line with your personal values and commitments to self. Using Biofeedback, Emotional Freedom Technique, and Somatic yoga among other healing modalities, she believes everyone has the right to live a healthy and balanced life free from dis-ease.

For more articles like this visit: www.purposefairy.com
Lovingly, AlwaysaDiva

Motivational Thought -


Journey Update -

Hello Readers and Viewers,
  AlwaysaDiva updating you on my journey. I'm still doing good and I give God thanks! I'm just taking it one day at a time. The meds kick in about two to three hours after I take them so I try to schedule all doctor's or other appointments for early afternoon or later. This way I'm able to dress myself with minimal help and be ready when my transportation comes.
  I sometimes think back to when I didn't have PD and how I could take care of myself without assistance. You don't really realize how blessed you are until you are faced with a life situation that forces you to be happy for everyday you're alive! I have to look forward and enjoy everyday like it's my last one. I still have a sound mind and a will to fight. So I remind myself that I'm going to live a long time! I tell myself "I'm getting better and better everyday in every way."
  Be Brave! 
Lovingly, AlwaysaDiva

Monday, July 15, 2013

World Parkinson Congress~

Journey Update~

Hello Readers,
 Sorry I've been out of the loop and haven't been writing. I'm still on this journey taking it one day at a time. The medications that my Neurologist has me on are working and I'm no longer on depression medications. I'm just enjoying this time trying to add some normalcy back into my life.
 I'm doing a lot better now but there will be a day when the PD symptoms will progress.  Everyday I'm searching the internet for news and updates on PD trying to find out if new research or medications are available. I have been brainstorming for ways to make people aware of PD. It's not an old person disease and it affects your life, love ones and friends immensely!
 So continue to follow me on this journey and be a part of the progress and nuggets of my life.
Be brave!
Lovingly AlwaysADiva 

Happy Monday!


Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Research News~


Study Shows Potential of Diabetes Drug for PD, Points to Approach for Speeding Neuroprotective Drugs to Clinical Trials

A drug already approved for treating type 2 diabetes may have neuroprotective effects that could help people with Parkinson’s disease (PD), according to research published in the May 20 online issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

What Does It Mean?

Read this  article dated June 12, 2012 @ww.pdf.org

Lovingly, AlwaysaDiva

Monday, June 3, 2013

Journey Notes~

Hello readers and viewers!
  It's been awhile since I have blogged. The good news is that I have been feeling good these days! The medications and doses I am on now are right on target. I am doing some activities that I haven't done in a long time and I have been walking for exercise and the exercise helps my back pain. For me this is good because I wasn't able to do anything but wait for medication to determine my day.
  I'm enjoying these days of normalcy where I can move with a little more pep in my step! (Smile) I don't know how long this is going to last but I'm thanking God everyday for this time.
  I hope everybody is feeling good and living life! Continue to follow me on this journey and Be Brave!
Lovingly, Alwaysadiva 

Motivational Quote!


Welcome!

Welcome to My new friends in Bangladesh and Israel! Thank you for visiting and continue to follow me on this journey! Be Brave!
Lovingly, Alwaysadiva

Pesticide Exposure May Raise Parkinson's Risk, Study Suggests~


TUESDAY, May 28 (HealthDay News) -- Prolonged exposure to pesticides, bug and weed killers, and solvents appears to raise the risk for developing Parkinson's disease, a new study says.

Italian investigators who reviewed more than 100 prior studies found exposure to such agents boosted Parkinson's disease risk by anywhere from 33 percent to 80 percent, they reported in the May 28 issue of the journal Neurology.

Read this article @ www.webmd.com/parkinsons-disease/news

Lovingly, Alwaysdiva

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Welcome!

Welcome to my new friends in Lebanon! I hope you enjoy reading. Continue to follow me on this journey! Feel free to leave comments!
Lovingly, AlwaysaDiva 

Parkinson's in the news...

Good Morning Readers,
   Parkinson's in the news! An article @ myhealthynewsdaily.com entitled - Eating Peppers May Lower Parkinsons Risk! 
Lovingly, AlwaysaDiva 

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Cell phone app for Parkinson's Disease-

Hello readers,
  I recently downloaded an app for my cell phone for people with Parkinson's Disease. It's called the PD Life app. You can record your medications and the time you take them and it will alert you with a little ringtone. You also can track how you feel during the day, symptoms and side effects. It is very helpful to caregivers for their patients. 
  Note: it can only be used for IPhone's. Download it today and try it!
Lovingly, AlwaysaDiva 


Did you know...



~Out of 466 prescription medications used by members with Parkinson's, the top 3 are:
•Carbidopa-Levodopa 
(now with 456 patient evaluations)
•Rasagiline 
(now with 312 patient evaluations)
•Ropinirole 
(now with 335 patient evaluations)
~Out of 1,424 symptoms being experienced by members with Parkinson's, the top 3 include:

•Slowness
•Stiffness/Spasticity
•Fatigue

~Out of 2,334 tags in the Parkinson's forum, some of the most popular include:

•Exercise
•Deep brain stimulation (DBS)
•Research Projects and Clinical Trials

NOTE: Information taken Patients Like Me website 05/08/2013

Monday, April 29, 2013

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Celebrities with PD - Bob Hoskins


  The 69-year-old actor in "Hook" and "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," has announced his retirement from the profession because of a Parkinson's disease diagnosis, according to news reports.
  TMZ reported that Hoskins was diagnosed with the nervous system disorder last year in the fall of 2012.
  Parkinson's disease affects up to 1 million people in the United States, with 60,000 being diagnosed each year, according to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation. Worldwide, the condition affects anywhere from 7 million to 10 million people.

Motivational Thought~


Saturday, April 20, 2013

Just One More Thing!

  Yesterday I  went to see my neurologist. I go see him every three months for my check-up. We discuss how I'm doing and how my body is reacting to the medications. I also get a Botox shot in my forearm muscles for Dystonia. My fingers on my right hand are rigid and one finger is bent so the shots keep the rest of the fingers from getting stuck. It also gives me strength in my right hand. The shots have been successful so far and the good part about the Botox shots is the needles don't hurt!
  He also adjusted my Amantadine doses to see if this would help with the shaking of the side that has PD the worst. I hope the adjustment of medications work because the rapid shaking limits me to what I can do. If you have PD, you understand.
  All in all it was a good visit...one of my better ones! I'm looking forward to enjoying the spring and summer months with fewer to no limitations. Please follow me and leave comments! Take care and remember Be brave!
Lovingly, AlwaysADiva

Dystonia


In dystonia, your muscles contract involuntarily — causing uncontrollable repetitive or twisting movements of the affected body part. Your symptoms may be mild or severe, and may interfere with your performance of many day-to-day tasks.

Doctors divide dystonia into categories including generalized, focal, segmental and other less common categories. In focal dystonia, the most common category, one part of your body is affected. Generalized dystonia affects most or all of your body. In segmental dystonia, two or more adjacent areas of your body are affected. Some types of dystonia are inherited.

Medications can sometimes improve dystonia symptoms, but inconsistently. In some more-severe cases, surgery may be used to disable or regulate certain brain regions or nerve.

For more information on Dystonia visit: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dystonia/

Motivational Thought~


Welcome!


Welcome to My new readers and viewers from Bosnia and Herzegovina! Thank you so much for stopping by. Feel free to leave comments and follow me on google. Continue to join me on this journey! Lovingly, AlwaysaDiva

Saturday, April 13, 2013

Welcome!




Welcome to My new friends in Romania and Saudi Arabia! Thank you for viewing. I hope you enjoy reading my posts. Feel free to leave comments! Continue to follow me on this journey!
Lovingly, AlwaysADiva

Just One More Thing!

Hello Readers/Viewers,
  This week was a good one! I found myself having more energy and a less pain. Pain is a part of my daily life. I have been to doctor after doctor and for a while I was taking Morphine twice a day.  The bones are deteriorating in my back and my neurologist said it's a result of the PD. Having back pain is no fun! The pain shuts my body down and sometimes causes shortness of breath. 
*NOTE: Neck and back pain are common complaints among patients who have Parkinson's disease. While most references list the general symptoms of Parkinson's as being stiffness, slow movement, and poor balance and coordination, few times is pain mentioned as a primary symptom. Yet, according to the Center for Parkinson's Disease and Other Movement Disorders at Columbia University Medical Center, more than half of all patients with Parkinson's disease report experiencing pain. (Read more: Information on Parkinson's Disease and Back Pain @ eHow.com)
   If you're experiencing back pain and there is a medication that gives you relief, please let me know so that I may ask my doctor about it! Have a great week and remember to "Be Brave."
Lovingly, AlwaysADiva



PDF Blog

Check out Parkinson's Disease Foundation Blog @ http://parkinsonsdiseasefoundation.blogspot.com/


Motivational Thought~


Saturday, April 6, 2013

Just One More Thing!

Hello Viewers,
   My daughter received a Twitter message the other day that stayed with me. It stated that, "Don't Be Afraid" is in the Bible 365 times.
    When I get up in the morning, my body determines my day. The medications may take effect quick or they might work later in the day. Sometimes this can be very discouraging and frustrated! My children are growing up and leaving the nest and at times this makes me afraid that I will be alone with no one to help care for me. I liked the message because there is comfort in knowing that I'm not alone and I don't have to be afraid 365 days a year!
   I don't know what my future holds living with PD. I hope and pray that they find a cure or provide medications that work better. One thing that I do know is that I have hope and I don't have to worry.
Stay Brave! Lovingly AlwaysADiva 

Motivational Thought~



Patients Like Me~


Parkinson's Ribbon~


Parkinson's Awareness Month~


Welcome~

Welcome to My new readers from Venezuela! Thank you for viewing! Continue to follow Me on this journey!
Lovingly, AlwaysaDiva

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Motivational Quote!


NPF is proud to present 8 Steps to a Healthy Brain

8 Steps to  a Healthy Brain


1. Exercise
30 minutes of exercise three times a week can actually help slow the progression of PD, helping maintain balance, mobility and daily living activities

2. Eat healthy
Proper eating habits are critical for people with Parkinson’s. Healthy eating can help keep your bones strong, which decreases the likelihood of a fracture if you fall, and can also help prevent constipation, a common ailment accompanying PD.

3. Give Your Brain a Workout
A lifestyle that includes stimulating mental activity is clearly correlated with healthy brain aging. The brain is a learning machine, built to acquire new skills and seek new experiences.

4. Stay Social
Maintaining social ties has been consistently correlated with healthy brain aging. If you would like to add to your support network or don’t have one, join NPF on Twitter and Facebook.

5. Manage Stress
Overproducing stress hormones can damage the brain’s memory center. If you find yourself facing chronic stress, try stress-reducing tactics like meditation, relaxation therapy or engaging in positive social interaction.

6. Get Enough Sleep
Your body needs sleep to restore and repair itself and over 75% of people with PD experience sleep-related symptoms. Talk to your doctor about how to practice good “sleep hygiene” if you experience problems.

7. Track Medications and Supplements
Make sure your doctor knows about all the medications or herbal supplements you’re taking. Some common medications can negatively impact your brain, so if you notice a sudden change in mental status, talk to your doctor about it.

8. Avoid Illicit Drugs and Excessive Alcohol Consumption
These can interact negatively with prescription drugs, causing sleep problems, cognitive impairment and dementia.

*You can view this entire article at www.npf.org/brainawarenessweek








Welcome!

Welcome to My new Friends in Iraq and Italy! Enjoy reading My posts. Continue to follow Me on this journey!
Lovingly, AlwaysADiva

Saturday, March 16, 2013

I Love My Blog!

Hello Readers,
I love My Blog because I have readers and viewers from so many countries! 
I am happy and surprised each time I log on and there is a new viewer from another country.
Argentina, Egypt, Poland, and Sudan are just a few countries where someone is reading my blog.
It motivates me to post as much as possible because someone is reading my story and following me on my journey!
Please leave comments and continue following!
Lovingly, AlwaysaDiva

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Tuesday's Thoughts!

Hello! Next week I'll be celebrating another year of birth. I'm very grateful that I'm alive and doing well! This will also be 10 years since I was diagnosed with Young Onset PD. The time flies so fast and I have experienced so much in that time. I have researched and asked questions as to why this happened to "Me." There are no answers and I have accepted the fact that the disease has progressed from when I was first diagnosed as so many of you have. I reflect back on all the medications I've taken, the reactions and side effects. The depression and hospital stays where doctors only prescribed more medications! The years have been exchausting and overwhelming but I have survived! I have been blessed to have a good family support system. I'm no longer on depression medication and with the help of my therapist, I believe I have a healthy outlook as to what my future looks like. I'm still taking medications to see which ones will work better for my present condition and hopefully there will come a time where someone will find a cure or my body will adjust to the treatment that my doctor prescribed. Until that time comes, I will concentrate on creating more "Good" days! Birthday's remind us how blessed we are to celebrate another year of life and even though the Parkinson's is progressing and the body shakes, my mind is intact! That is a gift that no one can give and I'm thankful!! My journey is not complete and there is still much more to learn about PD. I plan to be around another 10 years to update you on how this journey will fan out! Stick with me! Lovingly, AlwaysADiva

Sunday, March 10, 2013






Hello Readers & Viewers~

 Please follow me by signing in below through Google Connect. I would love to see your beautiful faces! Leave comments also and I'll address or post answers to your comments or questions.

Lovingly, AlwaysADiva

*ATTITUDE*

*ATTITUDE*
~We Are Not Disabled~

*Hope*

*Hope*
*African Proverb*

*Living with PD*

*Living with PD*
~Choices~

*Strength*

*Words*

*Words*

*Faces of PD*

*Faces of PD*

*Live, Love and Enjoy Life*

*Live, Love and Enjoy Life*