HEALING OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE THRU PATIENCE

One of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is HEALING. While PATIENCE is another fruit of the Holy Spirit. Anyone who is suffering from any ailment, more so if the illness has no cure, is always searching for a possible means of healing. The quest for a complete treatment takes its toll not just on the sick person but on his family as well. It also becomes a test of patience.

Such is the case of Parkinson's disease (PD) which is a neurodegenerative disease caused by the degeneration (dysfunction and death) of neurons within the brain. The neurons are specialized cells that make dopamine, a chemical that transmits signals to coordinate movement, which is depleted in PD. PD is both chronic and progressive. It persists over a long period of time and the symptoms grow worse over time. Unfortunately, PD has no cure so its management is geared towards delaying the worsening of the signs and symptoms and alleviating any pain and discomfort from the illness. Hence, a holistic approach encompasses the "Healing of parkinson's disease thru G-MEN (God, Medicine, Exercise and Nutrition)".

SCRIPTURES:

HEALING



"Heal me, Lord, that I may be healed; save me, that I may be saved, for it is you whom I praise."


                                                              JEREMIAH 17:14

"Bless the Lord, my soul; all my being, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, my soul; do not forget all the gifts of God, Who pardons all your sins, heals all your ills, Deliver your life from the pit, surrounds you with love and compassion, Fills your days with good things; your youth is renewed like the eagle's."

                                                                PSALMS 103:1-3

"Therefore, confess you sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful."

                                                               JAMES 5: 16





PATIENCE

"We urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, cheer the fainthearted, support the weak, be patient with all. See that no one returns evil for evil, rather, always seek what is good [both] for each other and for all. Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit."

                                                           1 THESSALONIANS 5:14-19

"Therefore, from the day we heard this, we do not cease praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding to live in a manner worthy of the Lord, so as to be fully pleasing, in every good work bearing fruit and growing in the knowledge of God, strengthened with every power, in accord with his glorious might, for all endurance and patience, with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light."

                                                           COLOSSIANS 1:9-12

"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. And over all these put on love, that is the bond of perfection."

                                                           COLOSSIANS 3:12-14

"Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, [love] is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."

              
                                                          1 CORINTHIANS 13:4-7

"Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives  the early and the late rains. You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not complain, brothers, about one another, that you may not be judged... Take as an example of hardship and patience, brothers, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Indeed we call blessed  those who have persevered. You have heard of the perseverance of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, because the Lord is compassionate and merciful."

                                                          JAMES 5:7-11


PRAYER:

God the Father, strengthen my faith in You as I wait for the healing that you promised. Jesus, God the Son, give me the courage to go out of my comfort zone as I seek new means of healing. God the Holy Spirit, enlighten me with wisdom that I may know which will work best for me and my family. Mama Mary, thank you for your intercession as I patiently wait for God's plan for my life.

ACTION:

Today, I will patiently adopt a healthy diet, lifestyle and belief for the healing of my Parkinson's disease.

HEALING OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE THRU FAITH

Last September 8, 2011, we have celebrated the Feast Day of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Today, September 15, 2011, is the Feast Day of Our Lady of Sorrows. May we be like Mother Mary in having an unwavering Faith in God and surrendering ourselves to God's will and plan for our lives.

FAITH CAN MOVE MOUNTAINS!

FAITH CAN HEAL!



SCRIPTURES:

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

                                                            HEBREW 11:1

 "We give thanks to God always for all of you, remembering you in our prayers, unceasingly calling to mind your work of faith and labor of love and endurance in hope of our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God adn Father, knowing, brothers loved by God, how you were chosen."

     

1 THESSALONIANS 1:2-4

 "For all of youa re childresn of the light and children of the day> We are not of the night or of darkness. Therefore, let us not sleep as the rest do, but let us stay alert and sober. Those who sleep go to sleep at night, and those who are drunk get drunk at night. But since we are of the dday, let us be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love and the lemet that is the hope for salvation. For God did not destine us for wrath, but togain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live together with him. Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, as indeed you do."

     1 THESSALONIANS 5:5-11

 "We ought to thank God always for you, brothers, as is fitting, because your faith flourishes ever more, and the love of every one of you for one another grows ever greater. Accordingly, we ourselves boast of you in the churches of God regarding your endurance and faith in all your persecutions and the afflictions you endure."

  

                                                           2 THESSALONIANS 1:3-4

PRAYER:

  May God the Father grant us a steady heart and a watchful eye as we face the trials of each day. May God the Son give us the strength and the courage to walk along the path of righteousness and love. May God the Holy Spirit provide us with wisdom and knowledge to optimize the healing of our Parkinson's disease. All these we ask through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary. Amen

ACTION:

Today, I will practice the ten basic exercises of a PD patient and believe that everyday I will perform better and not deteriorate.

HEALING OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE THRU EXERCISE

Exercise plays a key role in the management of Parkinson's disease (PD). If done regularly, it may slow down the progression of the disease. It usually includes stretching, strength training and aerobic activities. An exercise program should be individualized and should be based on the patient's ability level so as to maintain flexibility, mobility and general well-being. It is usually recommended by the rehabilitation specialist who works hand in hand with a physical therapist.

Dr. M. Schenkman, et. al, did a a randomized, controlled trial in 1998 at the Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina, USA, on how exercise can improve spinal flexibility and function for people with Parkinson's disease. The study showed improvements in axial mobility and physical performance within a 10-week exercise program for people in the early and midstages of PD.

In another study done by Dr. Victur Lun, et.al, in 2005, the effects of a self-supervised home exercise program were compared with the effects of a physiotherapist-supervised exercise program on the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease. There was note of a statistifically significant improvement on the motor symptoms for both programs with similar effectiveness.

The above findings are important in the counseling of PD patients regarding adjunctive treatment of motor symptoms of PD with exercise.

                              skeleton image by Wingnut Designs from Fotolia.com


Some of the benefits of regular exercise for the person with Parkinson’s disease are as follows:
Improved control over gross motor movements, such as walking
Increased muscle strength and flexibility
Increased cardiovascular fitness
Improved coordination and balance
Improved posture
Reduced muscle cramping
Greater confidence in performing daily activities
Reduced stress levels
Improved joint mobility

General recommendations on getting started are the following:
Spend at least 15 minutes of exercise every day.
A thorough stretching program that targets each joint and muscle group is recommended.
Warm up and cool down for a few minutes like marching in place or stretching.
Begin with the easiest exercises first and slowly perform the more difficult exercises as your fitness increases.
Try to execute each movement to the best of your ability.
Stop and rest if you get tired at any point during your exercise program to prevent worsening of your symptoms.
Stop performing any exercise that causes you pain.
If you get tired easily, try exercising earlier in the day.
Try to make exercising fun by exercising with others or playing your favourite music.


If you are at risk of falling or freezing (sudden inability to move), general safety suggestions include the following:
Sit down when you do your exercises.
Grab a chair when performing standing exercises.
Avoid floor exercises if you can’t get up by yourself.
Don't exercise alone even at home so you can ask help if necessary.
Exercise with others.
Call for assistance from a family member or friend.

Aim to build up to 8–10 repetitions of each exercise. Ideally, the exercise program should target the following:
Overall fitness
Muscle flexibility
Legs
Head and shoulders
Arms and torso
Face
Hands and wrists

References:

1. Movement Disorders Volume 20, Issue 8, pages 971–975, August 2005
2. J Am Geriatr Soc. 1998 Oct;46(10):1207-16.

HEALING OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE THRU JOY

The start of the ---ber months herald the unofficial advent of the Christmas season in the Philippines, ours being the longest in the world. We smile when we hear Christmas songs being played in the radio or even in some department stores and shopping malls. Some even go as far us displaying Christmas decors. Christmas brings with it joy for it signifies the birthday of the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. It will bring forth happiness, more so if it would provide healing of the soul and one's ailment like Parkinson's disease. That will be a great early Christmas present.

SCRIPTURES:

 "... there shall always be rejoicing and happiness in what I create; For I create Jerusalem to be a joy and its people to be a delight; I will rejoice in Jerusalem and exult in my people. No longer shall the  sound of weeping be heard there, or the sound of crying; No longer shall there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not round out his full lifetime..."

                                                                           ISAIAH 65:18-20

 "As a mother comforts her son, so will I comfort you; in Jerusalem you shall find your comfort. When you see this, your heart shall rejoice, and your bodies flourish like the grass;  The Lord's power shall be known to his servants, but to his enemies, his wrath."

                                                                          ISAIAH 66:13-14

 "Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

                                                                         PHILIPPIANS 4:4-7

 "Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus."

                                                                       1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-18


PRAYER:

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 so 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 sure 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.

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

Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be…

Blessed John Paul II, Pray for us.

ACTION: Today, I will be a blessing to someone by spreading joy through a sincere smile and greeting!

HEALING OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE THRU MEDICATIONS (LEVODOPA)

The most common treatment for Parkinson's disease is the use of medications. The goal of therapy is to provide the brain chemical (neurotransmitter), dopamine, in adequate amounts so as to prevent the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. An antiparkinson drug is usually started when symptoms become disabling or disrupt a person's daily activities.

There are specific instructions in taking the drugs for Parkinson's disease. It is important to follow your doctor's prescriptions about how and when to take your drugs so that they will be effective and safe. You cannot increase, decrease or change the drug without your doctor's knowledge because it may cause more problems in the control of symptoms.

Therapy depends on a person's symptoms and age and how the person responds to a certain drug. Medications often improve symptoms, but they also may cause side effects. It may take awhile to find the best combination of drugs for each particular individual.

Several drugs may be used to treat Parkinson's disease at different stages of the disease.The treatment of early Parkinson's starts with one or more of these medicines, which are commercially available in the Philippines:

Levodopa and carbidopa
Dopamine agonists (pramipexole, bromocriptine mesylate, piribedil)
COMT inhibitors (entacapone)
MAO-B inhibitors (selegiline)
Amantadine Anticholinergic agents (biperiden Hcl)

Levodopa is thought to be the most effective drug for controlling symptoms of Parkinson's disease and for many years was the preferred drug for treating newly diagnosed patients. However, long-term use of levodopa at high dosages often leads to motor complications that can be difficult to manage. The decision about whether it is better to use levodopa or other antiparkinson drug like a dopamine agonist as the first treatment has not been fully resolved. The decision on the drug of choice will most likely be different for each person. It is imperative to consult your doctor to find the medicines that work the best for you.

LEVODOPA/CARBIDOPA

(SINEMET) MSD/INVIDA [ZUELLIG] {P 49.00}
(TIDOMET/TIDOMET CR) TORRENT [METRO DRUG] {P 49.75}

LEGEND:
(BRAND NAME) MANUFACTURER [DISTRIBUTOR] {SRP: levodopa 100mg/carbidopa 25 mg TAB}

PREPARATION/CONTENTS per tablet:
Levodopa 100 mg/carbidopa 25 mg
Levodopa 250 mg/carbidopa 25 mg
Levodopa 200 mg/carbidopa 50 mg(CR) or Controlled Release

INDICATIONS:
Treatment of symptoms of idiopathic Parkinson's disease(paralysis agitans)
Treatment of symptoms of postencephalitic parkinsonism, which follows injury to nervous system by carbon monoxide and manganese intoxication
Patients who are taking vitamin preparations containing vit. B6
Reduce "offtime" in patients previously treated with levodopa/ decarboxylase inhibitor preparations

DOSAGE:
FOR SINEMET: Sinemet 25/100 1 tab TID. Maximum: 8 tabs Sinemet 25/250 1/2 tab once-BID. Maximum: 8 tabs Transfer from levodopa: Stop levodopa 12 hr before Sinemet is started (24 hr for CR preparation) Patient taking > 1,500 mg levodopa: Initially 1 tab Sinemet TID-QID Patient taking < 1,500 mg levodopa: Initially 1 tab Sinemet 25/100 TID-QID. Sinemet CR 1 CR tab BID-TID, maximum dose 600 mg/day of levodopa or to be given at intervals < 6 hrs.

FOR TIDOMET: Individualized dosage

ADMINISTRATION OF ORAL DOSAGE/PRE- & POST-PRANDIAL ADVICE: Take on an empty stomach if possible. If GI distress occurs, take with food. CT tab: Swallow whole, do not chew/crush. 50/200 CR tab may be halved along the score-line only.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Narrow-angle glaucoma
Undiagnosed skin lesions or history of melanoma
Hypersensitivity to any component of this product

SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS:
Treatment of drug-induced extrapyramidal reactions.
Monitor for melanomas frequently and on a regular basis.
Perform periodic skin exam.
Patients previously treated with levodopa alone.
CV disease including history of MI or arrhythmias or pulmonary disease, bronchial asthma, renal, hepatic or endocrine disease, history of psychoses or convulsions, or wide-angle glaucoma.
History of active peptic ulcer.
Absorption of L-dopa may be impaired in some patients on a high protein diet.
Not recommended for children < 18 yrs. Pregnancy, lactation.

ADVERSE REACTIONS:
SINEMET: Dyskinesia including choreiform, dystonic and other involuntary movements and nausea. Pathological gambling, hypersexuality and increased libido. Very rarely, excessive daytime somnolence and sudden sleep onset episodes, paresthesia, psychotic episodes. Muscle twitching and blepharospasm. Syncope, chest pain, anorexua, CV, GI, hematologic, hypersensitivity, nervous/psychiatric, resp., dermatological and urogenital effects.

TIDOMET Choreiform, dystonia, involuntary movements, mental changes, depression w/ or w/o development of suicidal tendencies and dementia. Nausea, orthostatic hypotension, brsadykinetic episodes, anorexia, vomiting and dizziness. DRUG INTERACTIONS: Discontinue MAOIs 2 weeks prior to therapy with Sinemet(except low doses of selective MAO-B inhibitors), tricyclic antidepressants, antihypertensives, phenothiazines, butyrophenones, phenytoin, papavarine, INH.


REFERENCES:
1. http://www.webmd.com/parkinsons-disease/guide/parkinsons-disease-medications
2. MIMS.com

HEALING OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE THRU G-MEN(GOD, MEDICINE, EXERCISE AND NUTRITION)

Are you like an old truck with engine trouble running at 0 RPMS?

Or are you like a robot operating at low battery or even empty battery? You might have Parkinson's Disease or PD. The hallmark in the diagnosis of PD resides on the presence of the 4 cardinal motor symptoms or RPMS, namely, RESTING TREMORS, POSTURAL INSTABILITY, MUSCLE RIGIDITY AND SLOW MOVEMENTS. It's time to be informed! If you indeed have PD, how can you and your family cope with your illness? Here's how:

Pinoy PD Thru G-MEN

View another webinar from Ness Cabahug

Yes! There is hope for those with PD.

Come and join us in the FIRST ANNUAL CONVENTION to find out how.

Be an EARLY-BIRD, and register at discounted rates.

P.S. Register between September 16 -30, 2011 and enjoy 50 % savings!

P.P.S. Register on or before September 15, 2011 and enjoy BIGGER SAVINGS OF 70%!

HEALING OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE THRU KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge is the second gift of the Holy Spirit.

"For the Lord gives wisdom, from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; He has counsel in store for the upright, he is the shield of those who walk honestly, Guarding the paths of justice, protecting the way of his pious ones. Then you will understand rectitude and justice, honesty, every good path; For wisdom will enter your heart, knowledge will please your soul, discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you."

                                                                      PROVERBS 2:6-11

"Happy the man who meditates on wisdom, and reflects on knowledge; Who ponders her ways in his heart, and understands her paths; Who pursues her like a scout, and lies in wait at her entry way; who peeps through her windows, and listens at her doors; Who encamps near her house, and fastens his tent pegs next to her walls; Who pitches his tent beside her, and l, and lives as her welcome neighbor; Who builds his nest in her leafage, and lodges in her branches; Who takes shelter with her from the heat, and dwells in her home.  

                                                                     SIRACH 14:20-27

Every patient with Parkinson's disease(PD) as well as his/her caregivers, must be armed with knowledge in the management of PD. The healing of Parkinson's disease does not reside in just one aspect of a person's health status but should be holistic. This is the objective of the forthcoming First Annual Convention entitled: HEALING OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE THRU G-MEN (GOD, MEDICINE, EXERCISE, NUTRITION) on October 22, 2011. For the eight succeeding weeks, the following topics will be discussed: spiritual gifts and fruits of the spirit; the antiParkinson's drugs which are commercially available in the Philippines; the physical activities that a person with Parkinson's disease can practice and the nutritional benefits of a vegetarian diet.

SPIRITUAL GIFTS AND FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT

"There are different kinds of SPIRITUAL GIFTS but the same Spirit, there are different forms of Service but the same Lord, there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit. To one is Given thorugh the Spirit the expression of WISDOM; to another the expression of KNOWLEDGE according to the same Spirit; to another FAITH by the same Spirit; to another gifts of HEALING by the one Spirit; to another MIGHTY DEEDS; to another PROPHECY; to another DISCERNMENT of spirits; to another varieties of TONGUES; to another INTERPRETATION of tongues. But one and the saem Spirit produces all these, distributing them individually to each person as he wishes."

                                                                       1 CORINTHIANS 12:4-11

"... the FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."

                                                                        GALATIANS 5:22-23