Fluid intake is particularly important for reducing constipation. Make an effort to drink 6 to 8 glasses of water every day in addition to other beverages of your choice. (Week of Aug. 24, 2008)
To ease the uncomfortable constipation feeling often associated with Parkinson.s disease, eat a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables and add more fiber to your diet. (Week of Aug. 17, 2008)
If you suffer from dry mouth, keep a container of water near you all day, taking sips whenever you feel dry. Avoid alcoholic beverages, coffee, sodas, and citrus fruit juices, which can dehydrate the body. (Week of Aug. 10, 2008)
Avoid wearing rubber or crepe-soled shoes that may grip and cause you to fall forward. (Week of Aug. 03, 2008)
Have buttons and zippers replaced with Velcro.. Wear shoes that use Velcro. instead of laces. Velcro. is a registered trademark of Velcro, USA, Inc., Manchester, NH. (Week of Jul. 27, 2008)
Transition to easy-to-wear clothing with elastic waistbands. Choose clothing that you can pull over or that you can close in the front. (Week of Jul. 20, 2008)
Consider using a dressing stick (available at medical supply stores) for pulling underclothing and trousers over your feet and legs. (Week of Jul. 13, 2008)
Sit on a chair or a bed to get dressed. Don't attempt to dress standing up if you feel at all unsteady. (Week of Jul. 06, 2008)
If you are having problems with activities of daily living, an occupational therapist (OT) can help minimize difficulties you may have in performing these tasks. (Week of Jun. 29, 2008)
It's best if your bed is about knee height. To increase height, use a thicker mattress, additional mattress padding, or put wooden risers under each leg. To decrease height, have the legs shortened. (Week of Jun. 22, 2008)
Satin sheets or silky pajamas make turning in bed easier. (Week of Jun. 15, 2008)
If you tend to grind your teeth or clench your jaw, ask your dentist or doctor about a protective mouthpiece. (Week of Jun. 08, 2008)
If you have difficulty using your toothbrush, purchase a special large-handled one or try an electric toothbrush. (Week of Jun. 01, 2008)
Have a terry cloth robe available to put on after getting out of the shower or bathtub--an easy way to dry off! (Week of May 25, 2008)
You might find a bath mitt and soap-on-a-rope easier to use than a washcloth and a bar of soap (make your own--put a bar of soap in a nylon stocking with one end tied to a towel bar). (Week of May 18, 2008)
A handheld shower nozzle is easy to use and is convenient in both the bathtub and the shower. (Week of May 11, 2008)
Purchase a shower or tub stool for added safety and comfort while bathing. (Week of May 04, 2008)
Purchase a raised toilet seat or attach arm rails to the toilet. Strategically place grab bars near the toilet and bathtub. (Week of Apr. 27, 2008)
Use non-skid material inside the bathtub or shower. Cover slippery floor tiles with additional non-skid material or wall-to-wall carpeting (Week of Apr. 20, 2008)
To increase bathroom safety, replace glass shower doors with a plastic shower curtain and use paper or plastic drinking cups. (Week of Apr. 13, 2008)
If you decide that you must give up driving, make use of willing friends and relatives, public transportation, and taxis rather than giving up your favorite activities. (Week of Apr. 06, 2008)
Consider using pharmacies and grocery stores that deliver; shop from mail-order catalogs. (Week of Mar. 30, 2008)
Get into the habit of calling stores before you go to confirm that they have what you need. If you can shop during off-hours, stores will be less crowded. (Week of Mar. 23, 2008)
Use available drive-up facilities at banks, fast-food restaurants, dry cleaners, etc. (Week of Mar. 16, 2008)
Apply for a handicapped parking permit or license plate from your local Department of Motor Vehicles or city hall. (Week of Mar. 09, 2008)
Update your friends, family, and co-workers of your status--be careful to maintain your independence by accepting their assistance only when needed. (Week of Mar. 02, 2008)
Discuss medication side effects concerns with your doctor; and especially before changing or stopping any medication. (Week of Feb. 24, 2008)
Bring a notebook with you to doctor.s visits so you can write down the doctor.s recommendations for future reference at home. (Week of Feb. 17, 2008)
Make friends with your doctor's nurse. The nurse is usually the person you will speak with on the telephone in between visits. (Week of Feb. 10, 2008)
When you go for a check-up, let your doctor know if you don.t understand his or her terminology. (Week of Feb. 03, 2008)
Don't be afraid to tell your doctor all of the details. The facts are important in determining the proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment. (Week of Jan. 27, 2008)
Good nutrition and eating at appropriate times of the day will help you feel better and stay active. (Week of Jan. 20, 2008)
Before exercising, be sure to warm up with simple stretching, bending, and breathing exercises. Be careful not to overexert yourself, and take rest breaks as needed. (Week of Jan. 13, 2008)
Try exercising in bed rather than on the floor. Water exercises are less stressful on the joints. (Week of Jan. 06, 2008)
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