Being a Parkinson’s patient is not easy. It affects every aspect of your routine: from activities at home to social activities, including those that impact family members, caregivers, and professionals in the field. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of tips for Parkinson’s patients (and their caregivers). Will you be able to apply them all?
Mobility tips for Parkinson’s disease patients Exercise daily to get your muscles and joints moving. Wear closed shoes with soles that facilitate mobilization. Live in a suitable environment: avoid carpets, and install handrails… The bathroom is no exception: a non-slip floor and a chair in the shower are two mandatory elements. Music is your ally: set a rhythm when you move. Take long strides while keeping your feet off the ground, as well as bracing to gain stability. A trick: think about running. The body prepares itself and gives an impulse to get out of the blockage.
Tips for Parkinson’s disease patients on nutrition Continuous hydration is basic for all Parkinson’s patients. Fluids from fruits, vegetables, and herbal teas prevent complications such as constipation. You should try to eat between 4 and 5 times a day (it is preferable to eat less, but more often). To avoid dry mouth syndrome, chew more food by producing more saliva. To avoid dysphagia, avoid double-textured foods (e.g. soup). Cold foods before starting meals stimulate the swallowing musculature. Using a small spoon makes chewing and swallowing easier. A quiet environment at mealtimes is key to avoiding choking.
Tips for Parkinson’s patients at bedtime Keep necessary lighting in case it is necessary to get up at night. Use relaxation and breathing control techniques to achieve a state of calmness. Try to follow a routine in the schedule of going to bed and getting up. Avoid copious dinners and do not drink liquids 2 hours before going to sleep. Of course, avoid going to bed hungry. Exciting foods and television programs of impact are not convenient either.
Tips for patients with Parkinson’s disease: visit the doctor. Always go to the neurologist if you have any doubts or signs different from the usual ones. Do you have a written list and dosage of medication? If you are a caregiver, remember to write down all the changes you see in the progress of the disease. It is important to keep a diary of ON-OFF fluctuations. Also write down everything relevant that the neurologist tells you. If you see fit, ask for help from other professionals in non-pharmacological therapies. Do not hesitate to ask for help if you feel overburdened: burnt-out caregiver syndrome occurs very often.
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