Top Foods for a Better Night’s Sleep
Problems with sleep are a common symptom of Parkinson's. What you eat can help you get a better night's sleep. Here are some top nutrients for sleep: Melatonin is nature’s sleeping pill. Certain foods, such as tart cherries, grapes and walnuts, are rich in naturally occurring melatonin.In one study, people who drank cherry juice experienced improvement in their insomnia symptoms. Try having a last snack of the day that includes these plant based options for sleep support. Calcium is a mineral that supports melatonin production. Individuals that have a deficiency in calcium can have waking in the middle of the [...]
Beginning a Mindfulness Practice
Stress is common in Parkinson’s. Mindfulness practice has been shown to help reduce stress and support mental health for people with Parkinson’s. If you’re new to mindfulness, a body scan practice is a great place to start. A body scan practice helps you connect your mind, body and breath. “Body Scan Meditation” by Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD, is available online and guides you through the practice, which invites you to bring awareness to the feelings and sensations of your body as you mentally scan it from head to toe. Before you get started, make sure you’re wearing comfortable clothing. Find a [...]
Watch Video from August Expert Q&A: Mindfulness for Parkinson’s
Watch the recording of our Expert Q&A: Mindfulness for Parkinson's with Dr. Amie Hiller from August 10, 2021. Thank you to our sponsors, Amneal and Kyowa Kirin, and to all of the generous donations that help support BGF programs. Watch Video
How yoga works wonders for Parkinson’s
Yoga is the perfect accompaniment to your daily Parkinson's fitness routine. Not only does yoga improve strength mobility, flexibility, balance, posture and gait, it also reduces stress and anxiety. Yoga can be a bit intimidating, thanks to the gravity-defying, pretzel-like contortions you see on Instagram. But don’t assume this trendy form of fitness is limited to those who can do headstands or the splits. Yoga involves slow stretching movements while taking long, deep breaths. It’s the world’s most relaxing workout. It’s perfect for people of all skill levels because it can be done standing, in a chair, on the floor [...]
Mental health benefits of being outdoors
Mother Nature’s outdoor playground is the perfect anecdote for a blue mood, so why not head outside for some fresh air? Have you ever noticed the joyful expressions on people’s faces on that first warm, sunny day after a long, bleak winter? It’s almost as if we inherently know that spending time outdoors among the trees or positioning ourselves in or near bodies of water is an instant mood booster—a rite of passage for both humans and animals alike. In fact, spending time outdoors to boost your mental health is such common knowledge that psychologists have a special word for [...]
Watch Video: Mental Health & Parkinson’s Conference
Thank you for joining us! Below is the full video from the Mental Health & Parkinson's Disease Virtual Conference on May 1, 2021. Thank you to our sponsors, Amneal, Abbvie and Moda Health, and to all of the generous donations that help support BGF programs. WATCH VIDEO
