We're Having A Heatwave...A Tropical Heatwave
It's finally summertime in Chicago. Temperature is in the 90's and it's humid...very humid. It's definitely uncomfortable. Big deal. We know it gets hot. So dress cooler, drink water and find air conditioning. Every time heat or cold happens people act like this is the first time they experienced the phenomena of seasons.
Well for me it is a little different. This is my first summer since being diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. I was looking forward to this just so I could see if the extreme weather made a difference, either way.
Yesterday I did notice something and that was that I tired earlier. Normally I get worn out sometime between 2 and 4 pm. I lay down for about an hour and we're good as new. Yesterday, after about three days of extreme heat, I had enough at about 11 am. The half hour nap was ok but I still needed my afternoon rest period. Is it PD? Is it the heat? Is it just part of the aging process? All of the above? I don't know!!
So is today any different? Interesting enough, I didn't need my afternoon nap. That rarely occurs. However when I was out this morning, I noticed my walking was lilting (isn't that a lovely word?) to the left. That's fairly normal for me now but taking two steps and needing to use my hand to stop me from walking into a building isn't normal. Same questions as the last paragraph. Is it PD? Is it the heat? Aging? All of the above? I don't know!!
One other thing did occur more frequently the last couple of days. I've been dragging my back foot more than usual. Instead of taking a regular step, it almost skates across the sidewalk. Same questions as above...no definitive answer.
Friday will be an interesting day. It's suppose to be the hottest of the week and it's the day I have the most planned. The agenda includes an afternoon movie followed by music at night. I've found scheduling multiple events doesn't work for me so we'll see.
Have I learned anything? Not yet. My advice....dress comfortably, drink lots of water, find cool places and check on your neighbors. Where have we heard that before?