The Christmas season can be a magical time, but for those living with Parkinson's disease (MP) it also presents a number of challenges.
Fatigue, motor symptoms and changes in daily routine can turn the holidays into a stressful time. However, with a little planning and the support of therapeutic tools such as Gondola AMPS, it is possible to face the holidays with balance, fully experiencing the joy of Christmas.
Organize your time with flexibility
The holidays bring with them a flurry of events: family gatherings, meetings with friends and visits to markets. If you suffer from Parkinson's disease, the risk is to overload your body with too many close engagements, increasing fatigue and stress.
How to handle it?
- Plan breaks: Plan for moments of rest between activities. Even as little as 15-30 minutes can make a difference.
- Be selective: You don't have to attend every event. Choose the most meaningful ones and reduce your expectations of yourself.
- Get help: Involve friends and family in organizing. Delegating is not a sign of weakness, but a strategy to conserve energy.
The key is to openly communicate your needs. The people who love you will be happy to adapt and offer you the support you need to enjoy the holidays.
Adapt your diet without giving up
The holiday table is often full of delicious foods, but for those living with Parkinson's it is important to strike a balance between pleasure and necessity. Some foods may affect symptoms or the effectiveness of medications, while meals that are too large may exacerbate feelings of heaviness or stiffness.
Practical advice:
- Moderate portions: Divide the meal into several light courses, avoiding binges that may tire you.
- Take care of protein intake: If you take levodopa, try to take it 30-60 minutes before of meals to promote absorption. After A protein-rich meal, on the other hand, is best wait about 2 hours Before taking any subsequent dose of medication.
- Choose with awareness: Favor fiber-rich foods to aid digestion and intestinal transit, which is often slowed in MP. Add dried fruits, seasonal vegetables and light desserts.
Don't deprive yourself of the pleasures of the table, but approach each meal with awareness. Little tricks will allow you to enjoy food without compromising your well-being.
Make the walk safer, even during outings
Christmas invites getting out of the house to attend events, visit markets or take a walk under the Christmas lights. However, for those with balance and walking problems, these moments can prove tricky, especially on uneven or slippery terrain.
Useful strategies:
- Choose the right moments: Plan outings at times when you are on medication, i.e., at the peak of medication effect, to move around more safely. If AMPS Gondola is part of your treatment plan, prefer days when stimulation is scheduled and, for maximum benefit, do the session in the morning. This will help you feel more stable and walk with ease.
- Be prepared with the right footwear: Wear shoes that are non-slippery (avoid smooth soles) and well-fitting, offering support and stability to deal with even slippery or uneven surfaces.
- Don't go out alone: Whenever possible, walk with someone, especially in crowded or potentially dangerous places. Carrying a cane or walker can offer you additional safety and peace of mind.
With careful planning, choosing the best times and taking advantage of targeted therapies, you can fully experience the Christmas atmosphere, minimizing risks and enjoying the company of the people you love to the fullest.
Share the moments, but listen to your body
The social pressure of the holidays may prompt people to attend too many events or hide their symptoms to avoid questions. This attitude, however, can lead to increased stress and worsening of symptoms.
How to find a balance?
- Recognize your limits: If you feel tired or overwhelmed, give yourself a guilt-free break. Remember that well-being is a priority.
- Be transparent with those around you: Sharing your condition can help your loved ones understand your needs, making events more inclusive.
- Find moments of tranquility: Retreat to a quiet space to meditate, relax or simply breathe deeply.
Participating in Christmas also means accepting that not everything has to be perfect. The most authentic moments are often the simplest and most spontaneous.
Christmas can be a time of joy even for those living with Parkinson's, as long as they respect their own rhythms and needs. With good organization, the support of loved ones and the help of tools like Gondola AMPS, it is possible to experience the holidays with serenity and gratitude. Remember that the true Christmas spirit is not in the things you do, but in the moments of sharing and love you create.
Sources consulted:
- Parkinson's Foundation:
https://www.parkinson.org/blogs/tips/parkinsons-holiday-guide - Parkinson Community Los Angeles (PCLA):
https://pcla.org/finding-joy-in-the-holiday-season-with-pd/ - Kinderkey Healthcare:
https://www.kinderkey.co.uk/blog-category/how-christmas-can-still-be-magical-with-parkinsons/ - Gondola AMPS clinical study - PLOS ONE:
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0137977
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