All of those involved with the Edinburgh Branch would like to wish you a very Happy Christmas.
There is temptation to overdo things, and not just the eating and drinking!
The Michael J Fox Foundation gave some useful advise to survive the festive season:
Don’t forget to exercise
Regular activity is sometimes the first thing to drop off a full schedule, but exercise can boost your mood and help your sleep. Even 30 minutes of walking per day is beneficial. If you are visiting family or friends, make it a group activity!
Keep your usual sleep schedule
Going to bed and getting up around the same general times (within an hour or two) will help keep you in the same routine of exercising, eating and taking your medication. It’s okay to relax on vacation, but sticking close to your typical patterns will help you feel better in general.
Continue medications as prescribed
If you are traveling long distances or staying with family or friends, remember to take your medication with you. Add in extra in case of any delays. It away from home, it’s always a good idea to take an updated copy of your medication list.
Stick to a healthy diet
An abundance of Christmas cookies, cocktail parties and family dinners make it easy to eat and drink in excess. Of course you should enjoy treats in moderation, but for people with Parkinson’s, a change in diet can have important effects. After big meals, especially protein-heavy ones, your medication may not work as well (meaning your symptoms may not be as well-controlled). You also may have constipation if you’re not following your usual eating habits. (Make sure you drink enough water and eat lots of fibre-filled fruits, vegetables and whole grains.) And remember that your balance may be more sensitive to the effects of alcohol.
Watch for confusion in unfamiliar environments.
People who have memory problems or dementia may be prone to confusion in new or different surroundings, such as crowded shopping malls or a relative’s home. If you care for someone with memory changes, you may want to pay extra attention in these situations.
Much of this advice applies to daily life with Parkinson’s, but it’s key during busy times like the holidays. Pay attention to your feelings and needs so you can enjoy any time you celebrate with family and friends
