Bill Plaschke, Parkinson’s Disease and Keeping Active
Everyone’s story with Parkinson’s is different.
If you follow sports closely, you’re probably familiar with Bill Plaschke. He’s been a sports columnist for the Los Angeles Times for close to forty years. He was also a frequent panelist on Around the Horn. On Sunday, he let the world know that he has Parkinson’s Disease.
Plaschke was diagnosed with the disease four years ago. The only people who knew were his family—he didn’t even tell his employer at the Times. That’s one way people’s story differs. Some keep it to themselves or a small group; others let the world know, looking for support. There’s no right way. Whatever works for you.
He also mentioned that his symptoms are not typically what you see in a Parkinson’s patient. He doesn’t have the outward tremors that give it away. There are many of us who don’t. Welcome to that part of the club, Bill.
But, in his story, he focuses on doing what all of us were told when given the diagnosis—KEEP ACTIVE!!
Plaschke takes part in a boxing program for Parkinson’s patients. They have these in many cities throughout the United States. It’s his way of trying to fight off the progression of the disease.
There are many other programs to help Parkinson’s patients do that—both physically and mentally. They range from ping pong and bicycling to art and music therapy.
When I was first diagnosed more than a decade ago, I went to my local Guitar Center and banged away on one of their electronic drum kits. I did this a few times a week. I also took an art therapy class. Neither made me the next Ringo or Picasso, but both helped to keep my hands from freezing up and were good brain exercise, not to mention that both were fun. That was the point—do whatever works for you, but just do something.
As for Plaschke, now 66 years old. Welcome to our club. It’s not a great club, but it could be worse. Keep writing, keep boxing, keep active. As you said, “I have Parkinson’s. But, by God, it doesn’t have me.”