Advertise on podcast: Pearls for Parkinson's with Dacy Reimer

Swollen feet or ankles may not seem connected to Parkinson’s - however, sometimes there is a connection. In this week’s Pearls for Parkinson’s, “Why Are My Legs Swelling?”, we talk about how reduced movement can contribute to swelling, which Parkinson’s medications may play a role, and simple strategies that may help. Most importantly, we cover when leg swelling shouldn't be assumed to be Parkinson’s and needs medical attention.  Listen for practical tips and signs to watch for. To watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/T4kgZV1YPEc Wisconsin Parkinson Association  website: https://wiparkinson.org/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wiparkinson facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wiparkinson/ instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiparkinson/

With Parkinson’s medication, when you take it can matter almost as much as remembering to take it. This week on Pearls for Parkinson’s, we're talking about “Medication Timing Matters.” We cover keeping levodopa on schedule, when protein may affect how well it works, why iron deserves some attention, and how tracking when your medication kicks in and wears off can help your provider better understand your day. Small changes in awareness can help you get more from your medication routine. To watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Db369EqW0Lc Wisconsin Parkinson Association  website: https://wiparkinson.org/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wiparkinson facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wiparkinson/ instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiparkinson/

A sudden increase in Parkinson’s symptoms doesn't always mean the disease has progressed. Illness, infection, dehydration, medication disruptions, and other medical problems can temporarily make Parkinson’s symptoms much more noticeable. This week on Pearls for Parkinson’s, we talk about “When Parkinson’s Gets Worse” and why a sudden change should make us investigate further.  Learn what to watch for and why getting back to baseline may start with finding the underlying cause. To watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CqV2UpulgD8 Wisconsin Parkinson Association  website: https://wiparkinson.org/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wiparkinson facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wiparkinson/ instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiparkinson/

Pearls for Parkinson's: Tips for Daily Living with PD.  To watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FUp13he3OwY Getting out of bed can require a little more strategy when you have Parkinson’s. In this week’s Pearls for Parkinson’s, “Getting Out of Bed,” we break down a simple way to use bigger movements and rotation to make rolling and getting up easier. Plus, we share a surprisingly simple tip involving silk or satin that may help you turn more easily at night. Just remember - sheets or pajamas, not both!   Listen for practical ways to make bed mobility easier and more intentional. Wisconsin Parkinson Association  website: https://wiparkinson.org/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wiparkinson facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wiparkinson/ instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiparkinson/

Pearls for Parkinson's: Tips for Daily Living with PD.  To watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9m8eJXWwfP4 Wearing OFF isn't always about becoming slower or stiffer. Sometimes it shows up as anxiety, fatigue, pain, brain fog, or simply feeling like something isn't quite right. In this week’s Pearls for Parkinson’s, “Are You Wearing Off?”, we talk about some of the less-obvious signs of OFF time and one of the best tools for recognizing it: looking for patterns around your medication schedule. A few simple observations may give you valuable information to share with your Parkinson’s provider. Wisconsin Parkinson Association  website: https://wiparkinson.org/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wiparkinson facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wiparkinson/ instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiparkinson/

Pearls for Parkinson's: Tips for Daily Living with PD.  To watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Osx9lo-6GGg Can Parkinson’s affect your breathing? Sometimes - but shortness of breath should never automatically be blamed on Parkinson’s. This week on Pearls for Parkinson’s, we look at “Feeling Short of Breath” and how posture, OFF periods, anxiety, and even dyskinesia involving the breathing muscles may play a role. Learn what patterns to watch for - and when breathing changes need medical attention. Wisconsin Parkinson Association  website: https://wiparkinson.org/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wiparkinson facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wiparkinson/ instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiparkinson/

Pearls for Parkinson's: Tips for Daily Living with PD.  To watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lMU0G4gP3M0 Buttoning a shirt. Sending a text. Handling coins. Using utensils. With Parkinson’s, changes in hand movement can make everyday tasks take a little more time and attention. In this week’s Pearls for Parkinson’s, we’re talking about “When Hands Slow Down” - what bradykinesia can look like in your hands, what we're looking for when we test finger tapping in the clinic, and practical ways to keep those hands moving.  Listen for simple strategies you can put to use right away. Wisconsin Parkinson Association  website: https://wiparkinson.org/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wiparkinson facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wiparkinson/ instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiparkinson/

Pearls for Parkinson's: Tips for Daily Living with PD.  To watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nm3vfwCDh8o Mornings can be tough with Parkinson’s. You may wake up feeling especially stiff, slow, or like your body just isn’t ready to move. In this week’s Pearls for Parkinson’s, we’re talking about “Why Mornings Are Hard” - including early morning akinesia, nighttime “off” symptoms, medication timing, and simple strategies that may help you get your day started a little easier. Listen for practical tips on what to track, what to discuss with your Parkinson’s provider, and ways to make those first movements of the day safer. Wisconsin Parkinson Association  website: https://wiparkinson.org/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wiparkinson facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wiparkinson/ instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiparkinson/

Pearls for Parkinson's: Tips for Daily Living with PD.  To watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zk24nrgQx2M Why can something as simple as getting out of a chair feel like so much work with Parkinson’s? In this week’s Pearls for Parkinson’s, we’re breaking down why standing up can become more difficult - and sharing a few simple techniques that can make the movement easier and safer. Scoot forward. Feet back. Nose over toes. Forward and up. Small changes in how you move can make a big difference in staying active and independent. Wisconsin Parkinson Association  website: https://wiparkinson.org/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wiparkinson facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wiparkinson/ instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiparkinson/

Pearls for Parkinson's: Tips for Daily Living with PD.  To watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xhJVHWhTEVM Restless legs can be frustrating - especially when you’re finally ready to sleep. But is it restless legs syndrome, Parkinson’s stiffness, dystonia, or medication wearing off? In this week’s Pearls for Parkinson’s, we talk about the clues that can help you tell the difference, what patterns to watch for, and a few simple things that may help settle your legs at night. Sometimes the best first step is simply paying attention to when it happens and what makes it better. Wisconsin Parkinson Association  website: https://wiparkinson.org/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wiparkinson facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wiparkinson/ instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiparkinson/

Pearls for Parkinson's: Tips for Daily Living with PD.  To watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/IWG2ljs5aHI Some days, Parkinson’s just wears on you. When frustration, worry, or overwhelm starts to take over, having a mental reset button can help. Maybe it’s stepping outside, taking a short walk, listening to music, calling someone who makes you laugh, or simply giving yourself a few quiet minutes. This week on Pearls for Parkinson’s, we’re sharing simple ways to reset an emotionally difficult moment before it becomes a difficult day. Because one hard moment doesn’t have to become a hard day. Wisconsin Parkinson Association  website: https://wiparkinson.org/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wiparkinson facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wiparkinson/ instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiparkinson/

Pearls for Parkinson's: Tips for Daily Living with PD.  To watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sAm1DCxWj5g Have you ever felt like conversations have become more difficult, especially in restaurants, family gatherings, or other noisy places? Many people with Parkinson's are surprised to learn that it isn't always their hearing that's changed - it can be how the brain processes sound. Parkinson's can make it harder to filter out background noise, making conversations more tiring and sometimes frustrating. In this week's Pearls for Parkinson's, we explore why listening can take more effort with Parkinson's and share simple strategies that can make communication easier, including: Reducing background noiseUsing visual cues like facial expressions and lip movementsSimple ways to help others communicate more effectively with youSometimes, making conversations easier isn't about turning up the volume - it's about turning down the distractions. Tune in for practical tips to help you stay connected with the people who matter most. Wisconsin Parkinson Association  website: https://wiparkinson.org/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wiparkinson facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wiparkinson/ instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiparkinson/

Pearls for Parkinson's: Tips for Daily Living with PD.  To watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WQmkoD0zZH4 Does the summer heat seem to make your Parkinson's symptoms worse? Heat intolerance is common in Parkinson's, but understanding why it happens can help you stay active and safe. In this episode, we discuss hydration, cooling strategies, medication timing, and practical ways to enjoy summer while managing the heat. A little planning can go a long way. Listen now and share this episode with someone who may be spending more time outdoors this summer. Wisconsin Parkinson Association  website: https://wiparkinson.org/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wiparkinson facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wiparkinson/ instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiparkinson/

Pearls for Parkinson's: Tips for Daily Living with PD.  To watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gXUfSom-Jrg Has buttoning a shirt, writing a note, or opening a package become more frustrating than it used to be? In this week's Pearls for Parkinson's, we explore how Parkinson's affects hand dexterity and share practical tips to help make everyday tasks easier - from simple hand movements and handwriting strategies to adaptive tools that can help you maintain your independence. Small adjustments can make a big difference. Listen now and share with someone living with Parkinson's or caring for a loved one. Wisconsin Parkinson Association  website: https://wiparkinson.org/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wiparkinson facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wiparkinson/ instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiparkinson/

Pearls for Parkinson's: Tips for Daily Living with PD.  To watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/au9AOJcc_7Y Dental health is an important part of Parkinson's care, but it's often overlooked. In this week's Pearls for Parkinson's, we discuss how Parkinson's can affect brushing, flossing, swallowing, dry mouth, and routine dental visits. You'll also hear practical tips - including a simple water flosser trick that might make your daily routine a little easier. Taking care of your smile is another way of taking care of your overall health. Listen now and share with a friend, care partner, or support group. Wisconsin Parkinson Association  website: https://wiparkinson.org/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wiparkinson facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wiparkinson/ instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiparkinson/