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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.

Your complete workout may consist of sets of exercises and cardiovascular activities that last thirty minutes or so. In the beginning, you will probably find that you tire quickly and are unable to complete the full routine. You should not be discouraged or concerned. It may take a month or more before you can get through the entire routine. It is perfectly fine to work out for five to ten minutes and gradually extend your workout. Even if you only exercise for five minutes, warming up is still important.

It is not unusual for Parkinson's sufferers to experience a progressive lack of facial expression. This can be accompanied by a reduced ability to speak expressively. Doctors often recommend specific facial exercises to increase mobility and singing to work vocal cords and throat muscles. Since you are not rehearsing for Broadway with your singing, it won't matter how good you sound to others.

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.

Falling and getting off balance are big issues for most people with Parkinson's. Before you begin your work out regimen, you should remove anything that could trip you or cause you to slip, such as an area or throw rug. Some patients actually attach railings to walls in the room where they work out in order to prevent falls and injuries. Good lighting is essential as well.

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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