Patient Corner
*ZOOM SHARING GROUP MEETINGS FOR PARKINSON PATIENT
* 8 SAFE SWALLOWING GUIDELINES
* 4 OPTIONS FOR SAFER WALKING
* 10 HINTS FOR FREEZING ISSUES
2023
ZOOM SHARING GROUP MEETINGS FOR PARKINSON PATIENT ONLY
Although we again are having our monthly meetings in person, we are still offering an opportunity via Zoom for the Person with Parkinson's (PWP) to share with other patients. It is a meeting open specifically for patients only with Dr. Stu Gillim facilitating. Below is the information you need to enter the Zoom meeting. The dates are also below. For each date, the link is the same. We suggest you save the link.
PWP Zoom: 2nd Wed. of the month, and all meetings are at 1:00 p.m.
2023 Dates
Sept 13
Oct 11
Nov 8
Dec No Zoom meeting , Christmas/Holiday Lunch instead
LINK TO ENTER ZOOM MEETING FOR PWP
(Click once in the middle of the gold link below; then click on the address after "Go to link" to open and join the meeting.)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87220585935?pwd=b3ZhMVJXWi93NHN0dlJTU05EazRQZz09
8 SAFE SWALLOWING GUIDELINES
As the muscles in the throat decrease their natural response, some methods need to be used to aid in swallowing so as not to choke. You might want to try these suggestions from Jessica Zumbo, Speech Therapist.
1. Sit upright at the table or counter when eating or drinking and remain sitting up for at least 30-45 minutes after eating.
2. Take small bites and/or sips during a meal. CHEW COMPLETELY !
3. Eliminate distractions during meals such as watching TV. You might inadvertently lift your head while chewing or swallowing causing choking.
4. Tuck your chin before swallowing: liquids or solids.
5. Alternate food and drink during a meal
6. Avoid mixed consistency foods such as soups. If an item like soup is on the menu, ask your care partner to strain out the liquid from your serving, so you only have the main meat, vegetables, and possible starch such as rice/noodles.
7. If you hear a gurgly voice from yourself, clear it before you continue eating/drinking.
8. If you're having trouble with pills, mix them with applesauce to help swallowing them.
4 OPTIONS FOR SAFER WALKING
Please open the following link for the 4 tips for walking safer by Phil Horton who lives in Colorado Springs and who has been diagnosed with PD since 2014. We were not allowed to merely copy the 4 tips, but we could include his link in our website. We strongly recommend you check out this site.
www.brainandlife.org/the-magazine/online-exclusives/strong-voices-4-tips-for-improving-walking/?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=21-BL&utm_content=Parkinsons-Spotlight-2
10 TIPS TO PUT THE FREEZE ON FREEZING
Besides the tips below, go to the following 2 sites for additional Utube information on freezing.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcSANzeSPD8
Are there any tips to use for freezing? - YouTube
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcSANzeSPD8
1. Try another movement – raise an arm, touch your head, point to the ceiling; then re-start
2. Change direction: if you can’t move forward, try stepping sideways first, and then go forward
3. Carry a laser pointer in your pocket; when you freeze – shine the laser in front of your foot and step on the light – this visual cue can help you re-start.
4. Visualize an object on the ground in front of you and try to step over it.
5. Wear a metronome on your belt or carry a small one in your pocket – turn it on and the external beat can help you re-start.
6. Try humming a song and time your re-start with the beat of the music
7. Count “1-2-3-go” and then step forward
8. Shift your weight from side to side to help initiate taking a step
9. March in place a few times and then step forward
10. Don’t fight the freeze by trying harder to step forward – shift your attention from moving the legs to moving the arms – then resume walking forward.