February 10, 2008

An often overlooked part of the body important for balance and walking -- the feet. The feet and ankles are key to mmaintaining balance and avoid falling. I have added reflexology -- the manipulation of the feet. I found my man a young Korean in a typical nail shop. I buy 40 minutes of massage. Be prepared for pain and Kevin, that is his American name, digs in with abandon. After the treatment the feet feel more flexible. Give it a try.

While we are on the feet, how about shoes. I still haven't been able to find a pair that helps with my balance. An information will be welcome.

Living in a three story house. If you want a built in gym, live in a house with stairs. And bannisters. Our three story house is perfect. My office is on the ground floor. I must go up to the second floor, kitchen, and the third floor TV room twenty to thirty times a day. Often I praxis going up or down without using the banister-but be ready to grab on if necessary. It is amazing how man muscles have to be controlled particularly going down stairs. Always be careful not to exceed your capability.

Dr. Joshua Lander is a chiropractic neurologist and I have added a weekly visit to my overall routine. It is obvious that the spine carries signals from the brain to all parts of the body. A healthy spine is critical to the effort to slow down the progression ooif Parkinson's. It also is key to posture and walking without the Parkinson shuffle. Dr. Lander is writing his ideas in a booklet soon be published. Let us know and we'll send a copy when available in approximately one month.

My father, an old time doctor used to drink a full glass of water before each meal. He would also drink a glass of hot water before brushing his teeth in the morning. I am going to try and do the same. I drink too little water particularly in the winter months. I passed out twice because I was dehydrated. I can't drink cold water with ice in the glass. At restaurants it is always "no ices please". And you can always know my water bottle when I am working out. It is the one with warm water. An additional benefit is not developing kidney stones. Reason enough to drink plenty off water daily.

Let me tell you about Dynacirc. An old drug for blood pressure. It is also the drug that physiologists at Northwestern University find has rejuvenated lab mice with Parkinson's. It is hopeful that Dynacirc will slow the progression of the disease at the same time it prolongs the usefulness time of Carbidopa/Levodopas. My neurologist was not too enthusiastic about my taking it without human trials. I've been on it 10 mg tablet since august and it seems to be helping. Human trials are not underway.

Let me hear from you with your news that we can share.