We all know the game “truth or dare”… oh, those horrific teenage memories. I will review the rules for those who have been living under a rock. It’s a game for 2 or more participants. Players are given the choice between answering a question truthfully or performing a “dare”, both of which are set by the other players. The person in the hot seat has to decide which is the lesser evil, the undeniable truth or a challenging dare. I have created my own spin on the prepubescent sport… Parkinson’s Truth or Dare!
Here are the rules, I will give you a Parkinson’s truth and then I will dare you to do something related to that fact. I suck at explaining the rubrics of a game, but let’s just wing it… game on!
1. Truth: Exercise may be the only scientifically proven method of slowing the progression of Parkinson’s disease
Dare: I dare you to do some form of exercise (at your modified level) that makes you break a sweat EVERY day this week… as my 3rd-grade teacher said, “remember if you cheat, you’re only cheating yourself.”
2. Truth: Educating yourself about Parkinson’s will help you gain the knowledge to prepare for the progression of your disease.
Dare: I dare you to go to the local bookstore and find 3 resources for Parkies and read them thoroughly. Sorry no Nicholas Sparks tonight.
3. Truth: Not many people know what Parkinson’s disease (PD) is. They think that PD is an old man’s disorder. They also don’t understand that every day brings a different set of symptoms.
Dare: I dare you to educate at least one person about Parkinson’s disease every day for the next month.
4. Truth: There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease.
Dare: I dare you to accept this truth and create a gratitude journal. Every night for the next 14 days jot down 3 things that you are grateful for.
5. Truth: Creating a PD Wolfpack will help you manage your Parkinson’s by feeling supported and not alone in your battle.
Dare: I dare you to recruit people, animals, objects that you can turn to when the going gets tough. This way, you don’t drain one resource; you have a plethora of options to turn to. The word “plethora” isn’t used enough… it’s just fun to say…. pleeettthhoorrraaa.
6. Truth: Parkinson’s does not just impact one person… its effects can be felt by all those around.
Dare: I dare you to acknowledge this truth and have a conversation with close family and friends to communicate your diagnosis, future plans and what you need from your inner circle. This is a perfect time to expand your wolfpack and also to address any concerns they might have.
7. Truth: Your “on” time is important and wasting it on those who don’t deserve it doesn’t benefit you as a person or the progression of your Parkinson’s.
Dare: I dare you to skim through your address book and calendar then label all people and events on a scale of 1-3 (1=doesn’t improve my life or causes me distress, 2= Sometimes can be helpful, or family who you have little contact with and 3= activities that you truly enjoy or people who you know to be supportive and understanding. Then it’s time to trim the fat! Eliminate all the 1’s from your contacts and calendars. It’s your life. Choose who or what gets your precious time. Don’t waste it on people or events that don’t serve you.
Well, I can keep going, but I figure I have stumped a few of you. It may not be as fun as those “truth or dare” games you played in your awkward adolescent years, but it’s a fun challenge. Now try to complete as many of these dares as you can and then comment about them below… I double dog dare you!
Perkie Parkie:
You rock! I really enjoy reading your blog. It’s always, informative, uplifting and it’s written with great humor.
Rock on!
3. Is a challenger if you’re younger and working. I spend a lot of time hiding symptoms. It’s one thing I missed over the last 18 months my cycle class at the Manhattan jcc, I’d always walk home with a spring in my step!
Did other people who got diagnosed < 50 spend a lot of time hiding it?
Hello Matt,
Yeah, finding time to exercise while you’re working and trying to keep up with Parkinson’s can be challenging. It’s hard enough just to have the energy to squeeze it in. Ummmffff! I do know that younger Parkie’s spend time hiding it, but I wrote a blog on that topic. Feel free to check it out!
https://www.perkyparkie.com/2018/01/takes-look-normal/
So helpful to hear about the value of exercising! I am now serious about it. Helps body and mind
Your website is so inspirational! Mil gracias!
Tomila
Hi Tomila,
Thanks for reading my blog!
I would like to add to number 7. Don’t waste your ON time AND don’t allow someone who causes you so much stress you can’t tell the difference between an ON or OFF time.
Beth, what a great idea! I second that thought.
OK, OK, I will go ride my stationary bike now!
Hi Jane, get it girl!
Hows that old saying go? “Long time reader, first time poster?” Well maybe not. Anyways what I found truthful (actually it all is) ” Truth: Not many people know what Parkinson’s disease (PD) is. They think that PD is an old man’s disorder. They also don’t understand that every day brings a different set of symptoms.” It amazes me that so many peeps are uninformed! Even before my DX I knew of “Parkinsons” and never knew one soul with it. If it hasn’t (Parkinsons) or any other issues don’t effect one directly they/we draw a blind eye. I get the “so what is parkinsons?” All the time! Being nice I just give them the basic edumacation with a smile and move on, with a even quicker response at the end, “google is your friend.” Thanks for the morning smiles! Carry on.
Mike, Thank you for commenting… long time reader! Yes, it’s amazing how many people just don’t know about PD, but that’s what we’re here for! And maybe some fro yo!
Wonderful topic…..
I live numbers 1 through to and including 6 to various extremes on an ongoing basis, throughout the week…
Number 7 though …. that’s my challenge. I think I must be a fan of ‘long goodbyes’……. but I’m getting better !…
I think only because of a reduced amount of available quality time due to my PD, I’ve subconsciously started to
detach from the ‘life suckers’ and chronic anchors… I’m releasing the anchor and setting sail with the intent of leaving stress in my wake..ahoy !
It sounds like your winning at the game of cleaning out the life suckers.
Great post Allison! I agree with all but I have a question. What’s a bookstore? ; ). Is that where they used to sell a plethoraaaaa of books?
Lauren
Thank you Lauren!
Pleth-thor-aaa. Good name for a girl. I could imagine standing on the sidewalk yelling Pleth-thor-aa, time to come home! OK, maybe not. Good ideas, especially about don’t waste “On” time.
Ha! Great name!
Re: #4. “Truth: There is no cure for Parkinson’s Disease”
THIS IS THE TRUTH. DONT BE FOOLED BY THE DOCTORS WHO DIAGNOSE US WITH AN “INCURABLE” DISEASE!
“Incurable” means it can’t be cured. PD can be cured if we all do our part by participating in research trials and advocating for ,ore funding of the research that will bring a cure.
Every cured disease was once an incurable disease!
Great point Cindy!
This is really true that exercise is only a scientifically proven method that can slow down this horrible disease. But remember, it is not true that only elders have the chances of developing Parkinson’s disease. it can also be diagnosed in childhood as well. It depends on your immune system. The stronger immune system has lessen chances of developing Parkinson’s.
This is WONDERFUL!!! <3 your message and your spirit!
I know exercise is powerful tool for PD. But what about those who hate the routine. I am active even if I don’t exercise. I have meant to go to your exercise class but seem to forget (memory) and realize it after its too late. I will be there Saturday if I have to pin a note to my shirt. I am sure I will get my walking PWC 2016.
We won’t be meeting for fitness class this Saturday because of the Apple workshop. Are you coming to that?
Such a great knowledge which you have shared here! I really Appreciated your information because it is on the bases of reality. lets talk about your first point, Exercise only the scientific proven method that can slow down your disease. I also advise Parkinson’s patients to do exercise on daily basis. Not many people’s even know that what is Parkinson’s disease (PD). They thinks that only old man can have Parkinson’s disease but this is not right. Parkinson can be diagnose in your childhood as well. It depend upon your immune system that how much strong your immune system is. And there is no any cure of Parkinson’s disease. This is a bitter truth but it doesn’t mean that it can not be controlled. Parkinson’s doesn’t effect only on you , it definitely effect on the peoples around you through your behavior or your uncontrollable movements. But the only thing I must say to the all patients of Parkinson’s is that don’t lose your hope, after the diagnose of this disease. It would be better for you to take care of your self with all your hopes. For more details and queries Do visit on this website best Neurologist in Nyc
Thank you for your comment. Love that you mentioned not to lose hope. Something we all need to be reminded of from time to time.
Exercise like there’s no tomorrow!
Exercise for balance, strength & flexibility! A Personal Trainer keeps me on my toes, literally!
Hiring s trainer definitely keeps you accountable!
Great dares ! Definitely going to do and share with others.
Thanks
Nancy
Again, as always you got it right! I love tip #7, as not everyone in my address book understands my limited “on” time, or may think I can control my “on” time, or that it occurs at the same time every day. It’s good to filter our address books. Leave the spirit drainers behind and keep space for folks that appreciate when we share our “on” time with them.
Clearing people out of our lives tends to be the most difficult to do, but so important! Time to simplify your life Donna! Thanks for the comment.
Excellent. I take the dares…
Go get em’ girl!
One more thing you can do at home
Exercise your mind- write a poem
Limericks are the best
Put your mind to the test
You can do it sitting or while on the roam
Great idea!
Amazing post.
Thank you for your kind words. Glad you liked it!
Your third grade teacher was so smart!
Fun! Your advice about exercise is spot on. I try to break a sweat every day and recently enrolled in a Rock Steady Boxing class for Parkinson’s. I get a good workout – those gloves get heavy! – and have met some very nice people (all “3”‘s) who are on the same journey.
So cool you are doing Rock Steady Boxing! I know many Parkies who have benefited from the program. Keep up the good work!
Thanks for helping me focus, again. Also, the emphasis on making a priority list for my time is of great use.
Happy to help!
Awesome game…Looks like I have some work to do…
Better get to it! Thanks for the comment!