Dealing with Parkinson's Disease

If you live with Parkinson's disease (PD), you may have noticed something frustrating: your symptoms seem to get worse when you're stressed. A difficult conversation. A doctor's appointment. Being late. A crowded restaurant. An argument. A family problem. Even something as simple as trying to get out the door on time. Suddenly, your hands may shake more. Your muscles feel tighter. Walking becomes harder. Your voice may change. You may feel frozen-or just feel like your medication isn't working as well as it normally does. You're not imagining it. Stress doesn't cause Parkinson's disease, but stress and anxiety can temporarily amplify many of the symptoms people with PD already deal with. The Parkinson's-Stress Connection When we're under stress, our bodies automatically switch into "fight-or-flight" mode. The sympathetic nervous system kicks in, releasing hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. That's useful when you need to react qu...

If you use social media products like Facebook, etc. then I'm sure you've seen the chain messages about various causes and topics.  Asking all friends to copy and paste the message and write done in the comments below.  Usually just a waste of bandwidth but when chugging a cup of coffee this morning I decided to repost this one about invisible illness and awareness. I hear it a lot, "you don't look sick". News media adds fuel to this by stalking handicap parking spots for drivers who don't look like they need help. Trust me.  The illness is real and many symptoms are indeed invisible. My point is on the outside you can appear in top condition, ready for anything but inside you're struggling to be out of bed.  Your ignorant jokes and snickering makes you appear even dumber, if that is possible.  Here is one of the messages that circulates around the worldwide web. Don't feel obligated. walked in our shoes and have felt the pain we feel, keep your cruel ...