Over 1 million individuals in North America have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Most individuals exhibit symptoms that involve a tremor, slowness of movement, and rigid muscles, which can make daily activities increasingly difficult. While traveling might be more difficult for individuals with Parkinson's disease, it is not impossible. Here are some tips to consider to help those with Parkinson's disease travel more easily. Flying with Parkinson's Disease 1. Prepare In Advance When booking your flight, request a disability seat or a seat near the airplane entrance. Contact the airline ahead of time and request assistance to help you through the airport and boarding the plane. All major airports and airlines have accommodations for persons requiring extra help, be sure to ask!2. Direct Flights are your Friend Reduce the stress of travel by booking a direct flight if at all possible. You will not have to worry about missing your connecting flight and save all your energy for your final destination. 3. TSA Pre-Check is Worth It While there is a one-time fee, obtaining TSA Pre-Check will save you time at security and reduce the stress of traveling. Be sure to talk with a TSA official about your medical condition. If you have a Deep Brain Stimulator, you should not go through the standard metal detectors, as this may interfere with your equipment. On The Road with Parkinson's Disease 4. Cover Long Distances in Short Segments One benefit of driving compared to air travel is the ability to travel at your own pace. Parkinson's symptoms can often become worse when sitting still for long periods of time. Plan to take frequent rests stops to stretch your muscles. 5. Travel with a Friend or Caregiver It is important to take road trips with a friend, family member, or even a companion caregiver who can help drive if needed. Additionally, someParkinson's medications can cause drowsiness as a side effect. Some Final Tips for Traveling 6. Keep your Medications Close at All Times Whether flying or driving, keep your medications in a location that is easily accessible and that stays with you at all times.7. Compile Your Medical File Compile a folder with information about your medical conditions, and keep this close to you. Include a progress note from your last physician visit, a list of all medications and allergies, an summary of any recent hospitalizations, as well as insurance information. Remember that you have a legal right to the health care information stored in your chart at a doctors office or hospital. 8. Don't Forget to Have Fun! While traveling with Parkinson's Disease has its challenges, try not to let these challengesovershadow the happiness that is to be found from visiting new places and seeing friends and family. Written By: R. Bradley Robinson, MD Submitted By: Preferred Care at Home- click here for more information*

It wasn't until I lived in the northeast that I began to really anticipate spring. My daily routine consists of checking the weather channel for the next burst of warmth and sunshine and planning my schedule accordingly. Lets just say I was very spoiled living in Florida and took warmth for granted! And with the warm(ish) temperatures, comes spring organization! While an internet search will reveal hundreds of home organizational tips, here are just a few tips that will help you lighten up your home as we transition seasons.1. Develop a Home Organization Plan Start by looking around your home. What areas of clutter do you need to tackle? Is it the front entryway that collects everything from the car? Or the linen closet that needs a little TLC? List all the areas that need some attention and rank in order of importance. (Tip: start small, but make it an area that you see every day so you can feel the reward for your efforts.)2. Set Manageable and Reachable Goals Look at your home organization plan, now set timelines that are realistic. Take into account your own personal challenges and limitations. For example, I have been working on one organization project a week for the last month. This allows me to continually make progress on the house, without becoming overwhelmed and quitting while everything is in disarray.3. Create Organization PilesWhen you are ready to begin, pull everything out. Next, sort into three piles: keep, trash, donate/sell. From here, you will organize the keep pile with baskets, bins, or shelves. Organization bins can be found at many different home decor or home organization stores, but start by looking around your home for items that can help you reign in the clutter without having to make extra purchases.4. Ask for Help with your Home OrganizationWhen it comes to home organization, there are many challenges that can make organization difficult or even impossible. Some of these challenges include:Sentimental attachment to many itemsToo much work required to organize and clean effectivelyPersonal health makes adequate home organization difficult or impossibleIt is not an organizational issue but a hoarding issueIf you are facing some of these challenges, asking for help may be the next best step. Organization help could come in many forms, such as asking a family caregiver to help you clear out your entryway or hiring a professional to assist with the entire home.With these simple tips, you can tackle your next home organization project with confidence!Written & Submitted By: Preferred Care at Home- click here for more information*