Giving to Others: A Powerful Path to Wellbeing and Connection in the Parkinson’s Community
Living with Parkinson’s disease presents a unique set of physical and emotional challenges. Many individuals in our community experience not only the visible motor symptoms but also the invisible ones—like feelings of isolation, anxiety, and loneliness. These emotions can be heavy, especially when routines change and social circles shrink. But research and real-life stories point to a powerful antidote: Giving to Others. The Gift That Gives Back It might sound surprising, but when we give—our time, attention, or support—we receive just as much in return. Acts of kindness, whether big or small, spark positive changes in our brains and bodies. Studies show that
Honoring the Heart of Care: Celebrating Carepartners During Parkinson’s Awareness Month
April is Parkinson's Awareness month and for many a time to reflect, honor and remember. This April at Parkinson's Pointe we would like to honor the carepartners who have provided support behind the scenes quietly assisting their partners. These care partners are often the reason we make it to classes. They listen, help on bad days, and cheerlead when we let them. Often without looking for thanks or praise, though I’m sure they appreciate it. At Parkinson's Pointe, we would like to say thank you to all the carepartners who help to create a warm and welcoming community. Caregiving is not always sunshine
Creating healthy habits and resilience despite Parkinson’s
It's that time of year. With the new year upon us, many reflect on where they have been and where they would like to go in the coming year. Whether you set new year's resolutions or have learned they are not for you, this can be a time to harness the energy in the air and consider what would be meaningful to your health and habits in this new year. We would offer the concept of consistency in your routine or developing resilience: Resilience is, grit, tenacity, the willingness to get up time and time again. Even when you fall… or trip… or stumble…
How to Show Caregivers We Care: 5 Heartfelt Ways to Make a Difference
How to Show Caregivers We Care: 5 Heartfelt Ways to Make a Difference Caregivers are the unsung heroes in our lives, tirelessly dedicating themselves to the well-being of others. Whether it's a spouse, parent, friend, or healthcare professional, showing appreciation for their hard work and compassion is essential. But how can we truly convey our gratitude in meaningful ways? Here are five heartfelt gestures to demonstrate how much we care: Words of Affirmation: Sometimes, a simple "thank you" or "I appreciate you" can make all the difference. Take the time to express your gratitude verbally or consider writing a heartfelt note. These words
4 Things to Keep in Mind When Talking To Friends and Family about Parkinson’s
There’s no easy way to manage other people’s reactions when it comes to Parkinson’s. After all, following a Parkinson’s diagnosis, you have your own emotions to deal with - not those of others. A few common sentiments from people with Parkinson’s include, but are not limited to: “It can be painful to go out and do things.” “I just want to be alone.” “I feel like my personality and priorities have changed.” Maybe you were an extrovert, always on the go, but now you’re, as one person so astutely stated, “Finding the motivation to socialize hard.” Let’s talk about the four things to
How to Make Online Support Groups Work For You
Staring at a screen for an hour? With Strangers? Not for you, right? Meeting online was rare before the Pandemic but now there are so many more meetings and classes with virtual options. You can even take Virtual Yoga at Parkinson’s Pointe on Fridays from 9 am - 10 am MST. Maybe you logged on your computer or did a FaceTime call to communicate with friends and family for the first time in 2020 or 2021 and meeting online has never been your favorite. Or, you’ve tried many times but don’t feel like it has the same benefit as meeting face-to-face. Even if
7 Reasons Routines are Beneficial for People with Parkinson’s
There’s a big difference between being in a routine and being in a rut. A few quotes about the power of a routine demonstrate how positive it can be for the person who follows it. “The secret of your success is found in your daily routine.” or “What I do everyday matters more than what I do once in a while.” Still not convinced about the purpose and power of routine? There are at least 7 reasons everyone benefits from routine. Beyond this, some advantages are even more prescient for persons with Parkinson’s. If you keep a routine, you can decrease
Warm Weather Workouts for People with Parkinson’s
Let’s face it. We’re in the dog days of summer and motivating yourself to be active outside is not just a matter or will, it’s a matter of safety. Anyone with a chronic illness can relate - warm weather causes our heart rate to quicken but our bodies want to slow down. So, what are you supposed to do? Keep on doing only indoor classes and workouts? When everyone else is outside? Not a chance. With the proper planning, you too can enjoy the “dog days” of summer and stimulate your senses with warm weather outdoor workouts perfect for people with Parkinson’s. Top
Caregiver Burnout: What it Looks Like and How to Cope
Intermittent stress for short periods of time is tolerable. However, constant stress for long periods of time will lead to burnout. As Parkinson’s symptoms progress, it becomes harder to independently handle daily tasks, shifting more mental and physical responsibility to your spouse, family members and care partners. This blog highlights risk factors and common signs of caregiver burnout and explores potential steps carepartners can take to build in breaks. Failing to heed signs of burnout could potentially lead to hospitalization for the carepartner without Parkinson’s and poor health effects. Know the Risk Factors for Caregiver Burnout Isolation - As loved ones become more
Five Reasons Routines are Rough and How Coffee Can Help
Why is it so hard to stick to a routine? Perhaps it’s in the definition. After all, a routine is a "customary course of action; more or less mechanical performance of certain acts or duties. The last time we checked, you aren’t a robot so doing something in a mechanical way feels unnatural. We’re used to finding the path of least resistance and when something feels difficult, it is so hard to forge ahead. There is a lengthy list of reasons that it is so hard to get into a routine of healthy behaviors. The first is that we underestimate how long it
Upcoming Events
Join us for the September Member Challenge!
As we move into fall, it’s the perfect time to reset, recharge, and reconnect!
Join us this September for our 5-week Member Challenge as we explore the
Four Pillars of Parkinson’s Pointe: Exercise, Education, Mentorship, and Community.
How It Works
- Each member will receive a month long checklist with different activities each week
- Complete activities anytime during September—or follow along week by week
- Earn points for every activity you complete
- Top point earners will win fun prizes
Financial Wellbeing Series: Planning with Confidence
Do you find the tasks of legal and financial planning overwhelming, or just don’t know where to begin? Let us help.
Join us each Friday in September from 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM for expert-led sessions focused on financial and estate wellbeing. Each session offers valuable insights in a supportive environment, helping you reduce the stress and confusion of planning for the future. Learn more about the event series.
Attend one session or all four—come as you are, when you can.
- Sept. 5 – Planning with a Purpose
- Sept. 12: Leaving It Right, Not Just Leaving It Behind
- Sept. 19: From Planning to Peace of Mind
- Sept. 26: Will Power: The Tools of the Trade
