Wednesday, May 23, 2012

FAITH IN HEALING OF PD BY MICHAEL J. FOX AND THROUGH BLESSED JOHN PAUL II


Through the words of the Holy Bible, the Greatest Book ever written in the world, you will find the answer to your greatest need, the miracle of healing in the SIXTH WAY to beat Parkinson's disease through faith.


FAITH

"Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen."

HEBREWS 11:1



"Spring is in the air"
From an original painted with the mouth by J. La Dow




Michael J. Fox has faith that healing of his Parkinson's disease is possible through the combined efforts and dedication of those who stay relentlessly focused on finding the cure. He may have changed his mind and stand on the benefit of stem cell therapy but he still maintains his belief that in time all will be well.

Webster defines faith as a belief and trust in and loyalty to God or a firm belief and complete trust in something for which there is no proof.  Another definition of faith is the agreement of the mind to the statement or proposition of another, based on the manifest truth of what he says. 

The word "faith" has been derived from the Middle English "feith" or from Anglo-French "feid" or "fei". It was also coined from the Latin word "fides" which is akin to Latin "fidere" or "to trust".

FAITH is not just a religion but is a way of life. It is how we perceive events in our lives and how we act on them. It is acting like a child but not being childish. Like a little boy who remained calm during a plane ride despite the turbulence because he had faith in the man in the cockpit. He trusted the pilot to make a safe landing because the pilot is his father. Thus, faith is having a strong conviction and belief that everything happens for a reason and that God, our Father, will provide all the answers in His own time. 

It is difficult to imagine that your Parkinson's disease is healing whenever you falter in your steps and every movement that you make is slow and a drag.  It is also disheartening when you see your hands tremble and your face remains blank despite wanting to smile back.  When your posture starts to stoop and it seems that your face is ready to touch the ground, what is left is the strong belief that in time, you will overcome and beat your PD through faith in God, taking the right medicine at the right time and with the right dosage, moving your body through regular exercise and being nourished with the right kind of food.

You don't have to see to believe! If you have faith like a mustard seed, recite these prayers:

PRAYER: Dear Lord, You are the Greatest Healer. Everything I have comes from You: my life, my health, my family, my friends, my wealth and all that matter.  I surrender them all to You as I find meaning and purpose in all that is happening to me. I claim complete healing of my mind, body, heart and soul. I claim healing for those who are suffering and are lost. I claim healing of our family tree. I claim financial blessings so I can be a blessing to others, too. May I have the patience and the endurance to hear Your answer to my prayer when You say yes, no or wait. All these I ask in Jesus' name. Amen.

PRAYER FOR HEALING OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE
THROUGH THE INTERCESSION OF BLESSED JOHN PAUL II

When my legs are frozen in place,
May God the Father push me and remind me
To lift my toes up and swing my arms
That I may walk again and not be afraid.

When I feel like falling or as my posture stoops,
May Jesus Christ, God the Son, break my fall
And catch me as I move forward
With my legs braced and feet wide apart.

When my movement is slow and I hesitate,
May God the Holy Spirit enlighten my path,
Broaden my horizon and show me the way
That I will be more agile and graceful in my steps and bearing.

When my hands and feet are shaking, or my chin trembles,
And my voice weakens as I speak,
May Mother Mary embrace me to calm me and assure me
That everything will be okay and I can rest in her arms and wait
Until everything is still and steady and I am in peace
As my voice grows strong and clear.

Forgive me, God the Father, for all my sins
Heal me, God the Son, from my Parkinson’s disease
Bless me, God the Holy Spirit, with wisdom and knowledge
Love me, Mother Mary, so that I can love and serve others despite my PD.
Thank you, Lord, for granting my prayers.

We ask all these, through the intercession of Blessed John Paul II.
Amen.

Sunday, April 8, 2012

MICHAEL J. FOX DID "JOHNNY B. GOODE" AND BREATHED FIRE!

Through the words of the Holy Bible, the Greatest Book ever written in the world, you will find the answer to your greatest need, the miracle of healing in THE FIFTH WAY to beat Parkinson's disease.




 "Easter Surprise"
From an original painted with the mouth by Lim In-Suk



REGULAR EXERCISE WITH RIGHT BREATHING TECHNIQUE



 " Train yourself for devotion, for, while physical training  is of limited value, devotion is valuable in every respect, since it holds a promise of life both for the present and for the future. "

                                                                                                  1 TIMOTHY 4: 7-8





Michael J. Fox was awesome when he performed "Johnny B. Goode" in Back to the Future 1.  He sung and moved with gusto and so much fire. You don't need that much energy to exercise regularly as long as you breathe right.


Regular exercise in Parkinson’s Disease is recommended since it plays a key role in helping to manage many of the primary and secondary symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. It typically includes strength training, stretching, and aerobic activities. A rehabilitation medicine specialist can also recommend the exercise regimen suited for every PD patient.


You must have a consistent exercise program, based on your ability level. It should be incorporated into your treatment regimen in order to maintain flexibility, mobility, and general well-being. You can develop an exercise program on your own or with a physical therapist. Others find that attending general or PD-specific exercise classes is also helpful.

Regular exercise improves mood, raises your self-esteem, and gives you a better body image. It also elps lessen stress and improves general body function by increasing your muscle tone, strength, and endurance. It also provides better sleeping patterns as well as increased confidence and a more positive attitude to life.

Find an exercise activity or program that you can stick with, or visit your local gym and enrol in a class. This is your chance to take a dancing lessons or learn yoga. Commit to maintaining and improving your health so as to improve your quality of life and to slow down the progression your PD symptoms.


It is important that in every exercise regimen, you have the right breathing technique. Breathing is a body function that you do unconsciously at every moment but to be able to maximize the benefit of regular exercise, it should be done via a three-part breath or the diaphragmatic breathing. http://www.ehow.com/video_4976687_yoga-3-part-breath.html


In diaphragmatic breathing, you sit tall or lie comfortably on your back. You place one hand on your chest just below the collar bones and the other hand on your abdomen. Inhale through your nose and feel your hand on your abdomen rise first followed by the hand on your chest. On exhale, expel the air from your chest first, then your rib cage and finally your belly. If you feel light headed or dizzy at first, stop and breathe normally and then resume. Practice until you get used to this new way of breathing.

MICHAEL J. FOX, THE ACTOR, THE HUSBAND, THE FATHER AND A PD ADVOCATE


Through the words of the Holy Bible, the Greatest Book ever written in the world, you will find the answer to your greatest need, the miracle of healing in THE FOURTH WAY to beat Parkinson's disease.




"Fishing Time"
From an original painted with the mouth by C. Opperman


DELEGATE RESPONSIBILITY



"You are not acting wisely," his father-in-law replied. "You will surely wear yourself out, and not only yourself but also these people with you. The task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone. Now, listen to me, and I will give you some advice, that God may be with you..." Moses followed the advice of his father-in-law and did all that he suggested. He picked out able men... and put them in charge of the people as officers over groups of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens. They rendered decisions for the people in all ordinary cases. The more difficult cases they referred to Moses, but all the lesser cases they settled themselves.

                                                                                           EXODUS 18:17-19,24-26




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kfLdwL1t98&feature=player_embedded


Michael J. Fox was Marty Mc Fly in Back to the Future and Dr. Kevin Casey in Scrubs. Outside of these 2 characters, he is a loving husband and a father and most importantly a PD advocate. Through the years of being diagnosed with PD, he has learned to delegate and choose the roles which he can play best and make a difference.

Are you a jack of all trades? Do you want to be completely hands-on in everything? Do you trust only yourself to do the best job? Are you afraid to train a younger officemate or a junior executive thinking that he or she is out there to get your esteemed position in the company? Do you multi-task? When is it time to give up the keys to the car?

Now is the time for you to release the reins. Know to whom you must delegate the responsibility of taking care of your work while you are on on your way to recovery. Choose a person you can trust to carry out your job. You have to entrust even the menial tasks like paying the bills to someone else to relieve you of your stress and worry.  It's the time for you to enjoy all the free time, away from your job and away from all activities that limit the time you spend with your family and loved one. It is the time to let go of activities that hamper your growth spiritually, mentally or even socially.

People with Parkinson's disease are usually expected to experience a decline in both motor skills and cognition. When these problems arise, it can make driving unsafe. It is to the best interest of the patient with PD to hand over the keys to a more competent driver and find other means of transportation through the help of well meaning family members and friends.

 



Friday, April 6, 2012

MICHAEL J. FOX VS. MUHAMMAD ALI, THE THRILLA OF PD

Through the words of the Holy Bible, the Greatest Book ever written in the world, you will find the answer to your greatest need, the miracle of healing in THE THIRD WAY to beat Parkinson's disease.




"The King"
From an original painted with the mouth by B. Peardon


BE COURAGEOUS



" Lively is the courage of those who fear the Lord, for they put their hope in their savior; He who fears the Lord is never alarmed, never afraid; for the Lord is his hope... The eyes of the Lord are upon those who love him; he is their mighty shield and strong support. A shelter from the heat, a shade from the noonday sun. a guard against stumbling, a help against falling. He bouys up the spirits, brings a sparkle to the eyes, gives health and life and blessing."

                                                                        SIRACH 34: 13-14, 16-17







Michael J. Fox and Muhammad Ali are both courageour warriors in their fight to beat Parkinson's disease. Despite his size and youthful appearance, Fox has remained relentless and focused in his advocacy to find a cure for Parkinson's disease.  He has faced a lot of odds and even censure from many American Republicans in his rally to use stem cells in the treatment of PD. You may not condone his principle but you can admire his tenacity in his pursuit for total healing. Ali is a well known boxer and even called himself  "The Greatest".  He has survived and continued to this day to support several causes for PD awareness. He has also joined forces with Fox in raising funds to help the cause of PD. They are both brave because they have not allowed their PD to hamper their abilities and capacity to make a difference in the world.

Mark Rutherford said that: "When we are afraid we ought not to occupy ourselves with endeavoring to prove that there is no danger, but in strengthening ourselves to go on in spite of the danger."

Parkinson's disease may present as any one of the four cardinal symptoms, namely, resting tremors, postural instability, muscle rigidity and slow movement. If you are a person afflicted with PD, you must have the courage to move your fingers and be creative because the tremors disappear when your hands are busy. Be brave to stop and brace yourself despite getting stares from innocent bystanders so as not to fall when your posture stoops. Don't be afraid to lift your leg and march in place when your muscles freeze so that you can move forward. Don't be scared when you want to take time just to sit down so as to ensure that your bottom hit the seat right.

Courage is not the absence of fear but having the guts to try and overcome the problems involved in simple body movements and doing your best to circumvent the difficulty and hopefully delay the progression of your Parkinson's disease.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

MICHAEL J. FOX USED RACHEL RAY'S COOKBOOK TO BEAT PD?

Through the words of the Holy Bible, the Greatest Book ever written in the world, you will find the answer to your greatest need, the miracle of healing in THE SECOND WAY to beat Parkinson's disease.




"Summer Sweets"
From an original painted with the foot by S. Subadri



EAT A BALANCED DIET


 "Please test your servants for 10 days. Give us vegetables to eat and water to dringk. Then see how we look in comparison with the other young men who eat from the royal table, and treat your servants according to what you see." He acceded to this request, and tested them for ten days; after ten days they looked healthier and better fed than any of the young men who are from the royal table. So the steward continued to take away the food and wine they were to receive, and gave them vegetables.

                                                                                                         DANIEL 1: 12-16    


 




Michael J. Fox has Parkinson's disease but he was still able to use Rachel Ray's Cookbook to prepare one meal when he decided to cook. What do you think of his choice? Does it qualify under good nutrition in the management of his PD?


Good nutrition is important for everyone and has a significant role in the management of Parkinson’s disease (PD). In general, a healthy diet can increase energy, optimize the effect of medications, and promote overall well-being, especially in a patient with PD.

Patients with PD may experience constipation, delayed stomach emptying,drug-nutrient interactions, and weight loss. Parkinson's disease affects the autonomic nervous system, resulting in slowed movement of the GI tract. An individual may experience constipation and/or delayed gastric emptying. Gastric emptying may delay or decrease effectiveness of medications. With adequate intake of fluids and fiber, constipation may be prevented. Signs and symptoms of delayed gastric emptying should be observed when determining the timing of meals and medications.

Some individuals, particularly those who experience fluctuations of PD symptoms with their medications, may be very sensitive to the amount of protein in their diets. For these individuals, the timing of medications and meals/snacks containing protein becomes important. With the right amount of  protein consumed at the proper intervals throughout the day, that is 30-60 minutes after medications, both optimal absorption of medications and protein needs are met.

Parkinson’s disease symptoms such as tremor and the medication side-effect of dyskinesia may increase one’s caloric needs. When caloric needs are not met, the individual may experience unintentional weight loss and even malnutrition in instances of continuous low calorie intake.

Adequate intake of vitamins and minerals is also important for many bodily functions. Each individual’s diet varies greatly, so you should first consult your doctor or dietitian before taking any supplements.

Eating a well-balanced, nutritious diet will greatly benefit a patient with Parkinson's disease so he can have more energy and his medications will work properly.

There are seven basic tips of having a proper diet in Parkinson's disease, namely:

1. Eat a variety of foods from each food category (carbohydrates, protein, fat) based on the food pyramid. It is recommended that 55 to 60 percent of the calories in your diet come from carbohydrates but moderate your intake of sugars. Fat intake should be no more than 30 percent of your total calories and should be low in saturated fat and cholesterol.

2. Include high-fiber foods such as vegetables, cooked dried peas and beans (legumes), whole-grain foods, bran, cereals, pasta, rice, and fresh fruit in your diet. Dietary fiber prevents constipation by adding bulk and softness to stools. To ensure adequate fiber intake, try to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day, and choose whole grains over refined foods.

3. Ask your doctor if there is a need for a daily vitamin supplement. Both Vitamin C and E are easily consumed in the diet in the recommended amounts per day so supplementation in mega doses is not warranted. Depending on your individual diet, a multi-vitamin formulation or supplement may be beneficial.

4. Ask your doctor about the need for mineral supplements. People with Parkinson’s disease have an increased risk of bone loss and should be sure their diet isn’t deficient in calcium. If you find it hard to get enough calcium in your diet, you may want to consider a supplement. Calcium carbonate is the most commonly used supplement but it reduces stomach acid, which can interfere with nutrient absorption and can also cause constipation for some people. Calcium citrate is a better choice because it doesn’t affect stomach acidity and isn’t constipating. Iron supplements can interfere with Levodopa absorption, so they should be taken separately but the small amount of iron in a standard multivitamin preparation won't be a problem.

5. Limit your salt intake and drink eight or more glasses of liquid each day. However, those PD patients with concommittant heart problems may need to limit their fluids so it is better to seek advice from your doctor.

6. Ask your doctor about your ideal body weight and how many calories you should consume each day. Weigh yourself once or twice a week, unless your doctor recommends weighing yourself more often. If you are taking diuretics or steroids, such as prednisone, you should weigh yourself daily.If you have an unexplained weight gain or loss (2 pounds in one day or 5 pounds in one week), contact your doctor. He or she may want to modify your food or fluid intake to help manage your condition.

7. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages since alcohol may interfere with some of your medications. Limit caffeine (contained in coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate) because it may also interfere with some of your medications and may actually make you more dehydrated.

REFERENCES:

1.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INdWgpqMByE
2. http://www.webmd.com/parkinsons-disease/guide/eating-right
3. Jenny E. Loew, MS, RD, CSN, LDN and Carol Pratt , LDN. Good Nutrition and Parkinson's Disease (American Parkinson Disease Association, Inc)Copyright 2005 Revised 2007

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

MICHAEL J. FOX'S "ALWAYS LOOKING UP", THE FIRST WAY TO BEAT PARKINSON'S DISEASE

Through the words of the Holy Bible, the Greatest Book ever written in the world, you will find the answer to your greatest need, the miracle of healing in THE FIRST OF THE 26 ways to beat Parkinson's disease.

 


     ADOPT A POSITIVE ATTITUDE





"Natures Beauty"
From an original painted with the foot by S. Subadri




 " Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat [or drink], or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span?... Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself."
         
                                                                                                     MATTHEW 6: 22-27, 34







Michael J. Fox has Parkinson's disease but he did not allow his PD to affect his attitude in life. Aside from being a good and well loved actor, he also became a #1 bestselling author. He wrote his second book "Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist" as a testimony to his positive outlook. In this book, he writes about the personal philosophy that has helped him breakthrough his darkest hours. He also discussed his experiences with others who have emerged from difficult periods with the same shared optimism.



In ‘The Oprah Winfrey’ show, he was interviewed by Dr. Oz about having Parkinson's disease. Fox explained that despite suffering from PD, he was still able to make a television appearance. Parkinson's disease did not stop him from living his life and fighting for his advocacy. He also has been married to Tracy Pollen for most of his life while battling PD and she has been his rock. His wife said that when Fox was diagnosed with PD, it has changed him from being a workaholic to someone who has more time to spend with her and with their children and valued that time, too. Fox also pointed out how their relationship has grown stronger because of Parkinson’s disease.



Look at being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease or PD as a gift or a blessing. It will serve as an eyeopener. You will finally face the truth that you have been living your life for the past years or even decades without any real purpose. Find your passion. Before PD, your worries are all superficial and fleeting like what dress to wear or shoes to buy, when to get a new car or buy the latest gadget.  You may have been planning for a great future for your family but you hardly spend time with them. You never enjoyed watching the sunrise or even the sunset. You've never had a real vacation because you always think that it is a waste of time. You've never slowed down and have joined the rat race so afraid that you would lose your esteemed position, power and even money at any moment that you slacken your pace. It has taken the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease to wake you up that you're taking on too much to handle and perhaps taking a lot of other things for granted, too. Now is the time to savor the tranquility of your surroundings, smell the flowers, walk the dog and spend more time with your family. Start to live for the moment rather than worry about tomorrow.


Monday, April 2, 2012

4 WAYS FOR HEALING OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE

Healing of any illness like Parkinson's disease or PD is possible through G-MEN (GOD, MEDICINE, EXERCISE and NUTRITION).



"I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship. Do not conform yourself to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect...Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor. Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer."      

                                                             
                                                                                           ROMANS 12: 1-2, 9-12



1. ADOPT A POSITIVE ATTITUDE IN LIFE


 " Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat [or drink], or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span?... Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself."

                                                                           

                                                                                         MATTHEW 6: 22-27, 34


Look at your illness as a gift or a blessing. It will open your eyes to the truth that you have been living your life for the past years without any real sense of direction. You're always worried about paying the bills, wondering what to wear, organizing an event or planning a great future for your family that you never really stopped and enjoyed the beauty of creation around you. You've always been busy and never slackened your pace even if your body has already shown signs of exhaustion. Perhaps, you might have had a near fatal accident but it didn't slow you down but only made you more careful. It has taken the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease to wake you up that you're taking on too much to handle and perhaps taking a lot of other things for granted, too. Now is the time to savor the tranquility of your surroundings, smell the flowers, walk the dog and spend more time with your family. Start to live for the moment rather than worry about tomorrow.



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