I'm So Tired....part two
After my post of Monday, talking about trying to do to much, a friend sent me an article about the do's & don'ts of handling Parkinson's. Let's take a peek and then we'll grade how I'm doing...and by we, I mean myself!!
Energy Conserving Tips for Those With Parkinson's Disease
Simplify your tasks and set realistic goals. Don't think you have to do things the same way you've always done them. Plan your activities (chores, exercise, and recreation) ahead of time. Space them out throughout the day. Do not schedule too many things to do in one day. Do the things that take more energy when you are feeling your best. If needed, rest before and after activities. If you become tired during an activity, stop and rest. You may need to finish it on another day or when you feel less tired. Do not plan activities right after a meal. Rest 20-30 minutes after each meal. Ask for help. Divide the tasks among family and friends. Get a good night's sleep and elevate your head when sleeping. Be careful not to nap too much during the day or you might not be able to sleep at night. If your doctor says it's ok, you may climb steps. You may need to rest part of the way if you become tired. Try to arrange your activities so you do not have to climb up and down stairs many times during the day. Avoid extreme physical activity. Do not push, pull, or lift heavy objects (more than 10 pounds) that require you to strain.
This is pretty good advice and really fits for anyone with health challenges. So let's see what the judges score on my routine. I'm a little worried about those French judges...
Tasks & realistic goal....BUZZ!! Normally ok, took a turn towards the badside last weekend.
Activity spacing/scheduling....DING!!! Doing well on this. Example...I'm going out to watch Hockey tonight. Also, have an opportunity to go see the Cubs today. Realize that doing both won't happen easily. No Cubs today!!! NEXT...
Rest between activities....DING, DING, DING!!!!! I'm really good at this. I catch a nap every afternoon. Yesterday had two of them. Even the always tough Russian judges can't downgrade me on this one.
Ask for help....BUZZ, BUZZ, BUZZ!!! There goes all the good work of the last two. Gonna be lucky to win the Bronze medal now.
Good nights sleep/too much napping....No dings or buzzes on this one. I sleep at night easily even with multiple naps. Call it even.
Climbing steps/stairs....Buzz! Kind of a Buzz light (which is why no capitalization). Lots of stairs at train stations and a few buildings I go to regularly. I take the elevator when possible. Besides exertion, stairs are a big balance issue for me so I really am very careful. So c'mon...change that buzz to a ding. Sorry...all judges decisions are final!!
Finally...Avoid heavy lifting....DING, DING!!! This was an easy one. I was avoiding heavy lifting before this, so why would I do it now?
The judges are totally up the final scores and while we wait, here's a plug for The Michael J. Fox Foundation. Check them out, even like them on Facebook. They do incredible work.
Ok kids...the scores have been tallied up and I just missed out winning the Silver Medal. There apparently is a lot of work to do before the next competition.