“The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patient in the care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease.” – Thomas Edison

In the three years that have passed since my diagnosis, the most important thing that I have learned and the most critical component of my treatment is exercise. I feel so much better when I move and it seems that the faster I move, the better I feel. Seems easy enough right? Not always.

Parkinson’s brings some things to the table that can impact my desire and ability to exercise.

Apathy: (I loathe that word) There are days when my brain is not up to doing anything. A certain level of fatigue sets in and it is incredibly hard to push through it. Usually, I can gain control over it and get out the door, or on the bike. Other days, it just doesn’t happen. I’ve come to accept these days as ‘needed’ and try not to beat myself up over it. Non-movement symptoms: Apathy

Pain: (I loathe that feeling) There are days when my body simply tells me to stop. Pain in my left shoulder, arm, and foot can occasionally restrict movement in such ways that getting outside for a walk/run or sitting on the bike is next to impossible. Some days I can push myself, but I’m getting better at listening to what my body is telling me. Does Parkinson’s Hurt?

But 99% of the time I know that movement will heal. So I treat my ‘movement disorder’ with movement! When I move, I exert power over apathy. When I move, I reduce stiffness and rigidity which alleviates pain for a bit. Exercise as Treatment. Getting out the door and moving past pain is, by far, the most effective treatment for my symptoms.

Yesterday I ran 10km as part of a Virtual fundraiser for Camp Oochigeas (a summer camp for kids living with cancer). AND when I move faster, I feel free and flexible…like I don’t have PD! I like those moments. This might be similar to how the kids at Camp Ooch might feel when they go to camp – like they don’t have cancer.

I encourage you to visit their website Camp Ooch to see the wonderful things that they do and to donate if you can.