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  • By Amanda Barnes


    In the United States, there are about a million cases of Parkinson's disease, and every year another sixty thousand are diagnosed worldwide. Scientists have made advances, but there is currently no cure for this debilitating condition. Medication is prescribed to relieve some of the symptoms, but the best way to maximize your ability to cope with the side effects is through a combination of the medication and a Parkinsons disease exercise routine.

    Depending on where you are in the progression of this disease, your doctor can recommend a regimen that will work for your situation. If you have questions or concerns about this course of treatment, you should meet with the doctor prior to beginning your workouts. It is possible that some types of exercises may actually make your symptoms worse, so following the doctor's directions is important. It is also important not to overdo because fatigue can trigger symptoms.

    As with anyone beginning a good activity routine, you should start slowly. You might have a goal of exercising for thirty minutes at a time several days a week. In the beginning, you may only be able to handle five to ten minutes of the routine. As the weeks go by, you will be able to lengthen your routine until you reach your thirty minute goal. Warm up exercises are important for everyone.

    One of the symptoms of Parkinson's, that is especially troubling for many sufferers, is the decreasing ability to create facial expressions and the dullness of speech that can occur. If this is something that concerns you, simple facial exercises are a good way to increase your expressiveness. You may not think of yourself as a great singer, but it doesn't matter. Singing out loud is good for your muscles.

    Water aerobics are great for Parkinson's patients. The buoyancy of the water allows them to do exercises that would be impossible out of the water. While many, who love to swim, do laps in addition to the aerobics, it is not necessary to leave the shallow end of the pool to get the benefit of water exercises.

    As a Parkinson's sufferer you have probably already experienced balance issues. You should have sets of exercises that address the problem. It is also important to move any items, where you are working out, that could cause you to slip or fall. Many people feel more comfortable exercising close to a sturdy table or other piece of furniture to help them balance if necessary.

    If you don't like formal exercise routines, you should find something else active to do that tones your muscles and increases your flexibility. Gardening is a pastime that requires bending, stretching, and can exercise the heart and lungs. Walking works for a lot of older individuals.

    No one wants to get the news that they have Parkinson's. It can be a frightening and depressing diagnosis. Facing it with a positive attitude, finding the most effective medications, and exercising regularly will help you cope.




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