Finding Balance in Life

05/27/2010

Finding Balance in Life
NWPF First Annual Parkinson’s Wellness Symposium

The NWPF sponsored the first Annual Wellness Conference for Parkinson’s, Finding Balance in Life with Parkinson’s on March 20^th in Bellevue. In this article, you will find a summary of the day’s events as well as helpful links and resources recommended by the presenters.

Click on the following for a copy of the symposium handouts:

Wellness Overview. Monique Giroux, MD
Parkinson's Nutrition. Monique Giroux, MD
Exercise and Physical Health. Sierra Farris, PA-C
Cognitive and Emotional Wellbeing. Martha Glisky, PhD
Mindfulness. Fan Fite PhD
Stress and the Relaxation Response. Monique Giroux, MD
Gratitude. Donna Ouland

The conference was organized with NWPF medical director, Monique Giroux, MD and program coordinator Alecha Newburg to educate, inspire and bring awareness to the many treatments and lifestyle changes found to promote brain health and wellbeing for people with Parkinson’s. The conference announced this website, www.nwpf.org/wellness, designed to bring together people with Parkinson’s interested in living their best. This site encourages people with Parkinson’s to become part of the community. The wellness team encourages everyone with Parkinson’s and their loved ones to sign up, be an active member, share their stories, get and receive inspiration from others.

“Because this was the first annual conference we chose to present a broad view of the many things one can do to promote wellness rather than focus on a single area such as exercise. Everyone is different and has different needs. We were fortunate to bring together a unique group of experts to give balance to the presentation and meet these diverse needs. My hope is that everyone that attended the conference came away with one item, action step or goal to enhance their own sense of wellbeing”. Dr. Giroux, MD also stated that the virtual wellness center an on line interactive tool produced by the NWPF “will create a sense of community, inspiration and support so important to all of us striving to do our best”.

The first step is to define what wellness means to you.

Some think of wellness as a physical state or absence of disease. Others think of wellness as a sense of balance in ones life. For some, wellness may be a state of mind or inner peace. Wellness is an idea, a concept, a feeling, a goal, and a sense of ideal living.

Dr. Giroux and Sierra Farris, PA-C partnered with the Davis Phinney Foundation to produce a Parkinson’s personal wellness book, ‘Every Victory Counts: An essential guide to living your best with Parkinsons'.

Wellness can change over time. Through an understanding of what is most important to your life and lifestyle at this point in time, it is possible to achieve wellness. It is important that you, as a person with Parkinson's disease or movement disorder, define what is important to you in defining your own wellness definition. Define Your Wellness and Re-invent the wheel for more help on getting started.

Wellness in the setting of illness requires healing the person while treating the disease. Healing brings together the whole person, in a balance that includes the physical body, mind and spirit. A state of balanced wellbeing in life can be achieved by taking steps to improve your health when possible, with focus not just on physical activity, but also, nutrition, spiritual and emotional wellbeing. These themes continued throughout the day and were echoed by each of the presenters.

Physical strength and brain health requires exercise and nutrition.

Brain Health and Neuroplasticity

Dr. Giroux introduced the concept of neuroplasticity so important to brain health for people with Parkinson’s and all of us as we age successfully. Neuroplasticity refers to the capacity of nerve cells and nerve networks to strengthen their activity and connections in response to new activity and experiences. In Parkinson’s this also refers to Neuroprotection or the ability of a treatment or activity to protect dopamine nerve cells that are vulnerable to cell death in Parkinson’s.

See Use it or lose it for more information on Neuroplasticity and neuroprotection.

Diet

There is no special fad diet for Parkinson's. A diet rich in anti-oxidants, low in processed foods, low in glycemic index, high in omega 3 fatty acids and fiber is key to nutritional health. Our July 2010 series Food as Medicine will review the most important steps to eating well- for body and brain health.

Additional information on the anti-inflammatory diet and healthy food choices can be obtained in General Nutrition, PD Nutrition, Nutrition Tips.
Anti-inflammatory diet. http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART02012/anti-inflammatory-diet.
My Pyramid Plan helps you calculate the amount of food in each food group to meet the daily recommended requirements put forth by the FDA. This site helps you chose foods low on the glycemic index to help you chose healthy 'carbs'.

Exercise

Sierra Farris, PA-C physician assistant and physical trainer reviewed the important role of exercise in successful aging, physical stamina and mobility. More importantly, research supports the idea that exercise is neuroprotective and can protect dopamine nerve cells perhaps slowing disease progression. Ms. Farris reviewed research that reinforced the power of the mind and body. Studies suggest we get more out of exercise when stress is treated and imagery or visualizing our activity helps our performance. Sierra and yoga therapist Tim Seiwareth, RYT reviewed exercise that can help people with PD (and everyone else) and the power of yoga as just one technique to help strength, posture, balance, coordination and mindfulness.

Exercise may be neuroprotective, that means it can help slow down unwanted brain changes with Parkinson's. Additional resources are available through the American College of Sports Medicine and the sites below:
http://www.acsm.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home_Page&TEMPLATE=CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&CONTENTID=7764#Over_65_or_50_64. Exercise recommendations for older adults with chronic conditions.
http://www.activeplaynow.com/. American Heart Association teams up with Nintendo Wii for an active lifestyle.
http://startwalkingnow.org/home.jsp. Track your exercise online using the American Heart Association Start Walking Program.
http://journals.lww.com/acsm-msse/Abstract/1999/11000/Therapeutic_value_of_exercise_training_in.8.aspx. Exercise proven to be beneficial in PD.
http://www.wikos.org/zeiger/yogapark.pdf, http://www.wikos.org/zeiger/March%20YTT-Zeiger%20copy.pdf. Teaching yoga to people with PD.
http://www.parkinsonsyoga.org/ , http://parkinsons.hopedigest.com/articles/considering_yoga_as_a_parkinsons_disease_exercise. A yoga teacher with PD and discussion with teacher re PDpatients considering yoga as therapy. A good intro/overview.
http://www.yogajournal.com/health/2515, Personal story about yoga and PD.
http://www.livestrong.com/article/40510-yoga-parkinsons-disease/, Basic overview.
http://www.parkinsonssocietyindia.com/Yoga_Parkinson_Disease.aspx, Indian study of yoga benefits.

A positive attitude, active mind, stress reduction and being present in the moment.

Cognitive and Emotional Health

Dr. Martha Glisky, clinical Neuropsychologist in private practice in Bellevue, WA reviewed the power of the mind, the importance of cognitive health and the ‘use it or lose it’ theme that is so important to brain health. Staying active socially, taking up new projects, focusing on the creative and the challenging through art, music, dance, relationships and new experiences is so important to our critical thinking skills. She also reminded us to be aware of the self defeating thoughts- filled with I shoulds or I must- that lead to catastrophising and can sabotage our positive thinking and mood. Additional resources recommended by Dr. Glisky:

The Sharp Brains Guide to Brain Fitness by Alvaro Fernandez and Dr. Elkhonon Goldberg
Exercise and It's Mediating Effects on Cognition (Aging, Exercise and Cognition) edited by Waneen Spirduso, Leonard Poon, and Wojtek Chodzko-Zaiko
Brain Rules by John Medina
Managing Your Mind - The Mental Fitness Guide by Gillian Butler, Ph.D. and Tony Hope, MD
The Pout Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen (Children's book on positivity)

Stress and Mindfulness

Dr. Jan Fite, PhD, Clinical Psychologist at the University of Washington reminded us of the importance of mindfulness and guided participants through a mindfulness based relaxation exercise. She borrows from the words of John Kabat-Zinn, PhD, a leader in stress reduction, that ‘mindfulness means paying attention tin a particular way; on purpose, in the present moment and nonjudgementally. ’ These techniques help reduce anxiety and stress, and help us relax. They also help with letting go of the things we can no longer do, working toward things we can do, change or improve, and adapting or modifying your lifestyle and routine to meet your personal needs, interests and life passion. Yoga with Tim Seiwareth, RYT added yet more lessons on mindfulness and relaxation.

Dr. Fite describes mindfulness on this site. More information on mindfulness can be obtained from:

Quiet Mind, A Beginner’s Guide to Meditation. by Susan Piver
Wherever You Go There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life. by Jon Kabat-Zinn.
When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times by Pema Chodron, book or CD at Sounds True, Shambhala Lion Edition.
Minute Meditation: Quiet Your Mind, Change Your Life by Victor Davich. Radical Acceptance: Guided Meditations, Tara Brach (she also has a website where you can download podcasts)
Mindfulness in Plain English, Ven. Henepola Gunaratana
The Wise Heart, Jack Kornfield
Lovingkindness, Sharon Salzberg
Turning the Mind Into an Ally, Sakyong Mipham and Pema Chodron

These CDs can help you get started with a mindfulness practice aimed at reducing the impact that stress, symptoms and life changes have on your physical body by tapping into the relaxation response.

Guided Imagery for Parkinson’s disease. By Bellaruth Naperasek, available at www.healthjourneys.com.
Breathing the master key to self healing by Andrew Weil, MD and John Kabott Zin, PhD (audio CD available at www.amazon.com).

Laughter and Gratitude

Equally important to a healthy mind is the power of laughter and fun I the healing process. Laughter is contagious. Donna Oiland, a humorist kept us laughing and reminded us just how good this feels- even on a bad day. Take home message…Make someone laugh, make their day and yours.

Donna recommends the following books to bring joy and gratitude into your life.

Thank you Power: Making the Science of Gratitude Work for You. By Deborah Norville, Thomas Nelson publisher. Deborah Norville's groundbreaking and persuasive book argues that gratitude is the secret key to unlocking one's full life potential.
Thanks: How Practicing Gratitude Can Make You Happier. By Robert Emmons, Mariner Books publisher. A scientifically groundbreaking, eloquent look at how we benefit -- psychologically, physically, and interpersonally -- when we practice gratitude.

All in all the day was a huge success. Quite a lot of information was covered during this conference.

Participants were encouraged to find one area, lifestyle change or action item to add to life for wellness. Use the Wellness Summary Worksheet to to prioritize your next steps.

We will return next year and focus on the topic of most interest to you the wellness community (You canhelp shape next years conference! Future survey will be sent to members of the wellness community to find out what is important to you).

Join the Wellness Center community for monthly updates and sign in to become a member, tell us what is on your mind and receive monthly updates.

Medical Information Disclaimer and Legal Agreement

Please read this agreement entirely and carefully before using the Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation website (nwpf.org).By using www.nwpf.org site, you agree to be bound by the terms and conditions below and in the www.nwpf.org Privacy Policy.

Disclaimer About Medical Information:
The information and reference materials contained here are intended solely for the general information of the reader. It is not to be used for treatment purposes, but rather for discussion with the patient's own physician. The information presented here is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of professional medical care. The information contained herein is neither intended to dictate what constitutes reasonable, appropriate or best care for any given health issue, nor is it intended to be used as a substitute for the independent judgment of a physician for any given health issue. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only. The major limitation of informational resources like www.nwpf.org is the inability to take into account the unique circumstances that define the health issues of the patient. If you have persistent health problems or if you have further questions, please consult your health care provider. All visitors to this and other www.nwpf.org associated web sites agree to read and abide by the complete terms of this agreement.

Legal Disclaimers

Summary:
 * www.nwpf.org web site does not constitute an attempt to practice medicine.
 * The use of the site does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.
 * Individuals should consult a qualified health care provider for medical advice and answers to personal health questions.
 * While the site attempts to be as accurate as possible, it should not be relied upon as being comprehensive or error-free.
 * www.nwpf.org is under constant development and changes may be made in the articles and programs at any time.
 * The web site reserves the right to change its disclaimer or privacy policy, so users should review these periodically.

No Medical Advice.
The information posted here by www.nwpf.org is not to be considered medical advice and is not intended to replace consultation with a qualified medical professional. We may answer and post medical questions solely on our own discretion. We do not have the resources or the capability to answer all visitor questions. In general, the questions we choose to answer are (in our opinion) of value to other readers. The answers to these questions should in no way be considered specific medical advice or a plan for disease management. Our goal is to provide sufficient information so that www.nwpf.org visitors are able to become knowledgeable participants in their disease management plan. The primary responsibility of your disease management plan is with your treating physicians and you should only follow your treating physicians advice. DO NOT change/modify your disease management plan on your own without consulting your treating physicians.

No Warranties.
This web site is provided on an "as is," "as available" basis without warranties of any kind, express or implied, including, but not limited to, those of TITLE, MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE or NON-INFRINGEMENT or any warranty as to accuracy, timeliness, completeness or arising from a course of dealing, usage, or trade practice. No oral advice or written information provided by the www.nwpf.org shall create a warranty; nor shall members or visitors to the site rely on any such information or advice.

Disclaimer of Liability.
The user assumes all responsibility and risk for the use of this web site. Under no circumstances shall www.nwpf.org or its contributors/employees or its affiliated organizations such as the University of Illinois at Chicago or its employees or anyone else involved in creating or maintaining this web site be liable for any DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL or CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, or LOST PROFITS that result directly or indirectly from the use or inability to use the web site and/or any other web sites which are linked to this site - or that result directly or indirectly from mistakes, omissions, interruptions, deletion of files, viruses, errors, defects, or any failure of performance, communications failure, theft, destruction or unauthorized access.

In states which do not allow some or all of the above limitations of liability, liability shall be limited to the greatest extent allowed by law.

Online Conduct.
Visitors agree to use the web site only for lawful purposes and are prohibited from posting on the web site any unlawful, harmful, threatening, abusive, harassing, defamatory or obscene material of any kind, including, but not limited to, any material which encourages conduct that would constitute a criminal offense, give rise to civil liability or otherwise violate any applicable local, state, national or international law. This applies to any posting that could be termed as Sexual Harassment and or Discrimination. Although in the absence of a specific complaint the postings are not monitored for compliance with this provision, in an effort to discourage such conduct, please note that all postings in the Comments area will list the author's name--no anonymous postings are permitted!

Disclaimer of Endorsement.
Reference to any products, services, hypertext link to the third parties or other information by trade name, trademark, supplier or otherwise does not constitute or imply its endorsement, sponsorship or recommendation by www.nwpf.org or its contributors/employees. They are for convenience only.

Link Disclaimer.
Links are provided only as an informational resource. Please note that many of the links provided are not on our servers and are not maintained by us or affiliated with any services provided by us. These links are provided simply as a service, and it should not be implied that we recommend, endorse or approve of any of the content at the linked site(s), nor are we responsible for their availability, accuracy or content.

Have a nice day.