Hello NoN Community,

The more research that is done, the more we learn about how critically important your diet is.

Diet and nutrition play a critical role in maintaining overall health and wellness, including the aging process. The nutrients we consume through our diet provide the building blocks for our bodies to repair and maintain themselves.

A diet rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help prevent chronic diseases and reduce the risk of age-related conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cognitive decline.
A healthy diet also supports healthy skin, hair, and nails, and can help prevent or reduce the signs of aging such as wrinkles, age spots, and thinning hair.
In addition to providing essential nutrients, a healthy diet can also help maintain a healthy weight, which is important for reducing the risk of chronic diseases and maintaining mobility as we age.
Overall, a diet rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods and balanced with physical activity and self-care can help support healthy aging and promote longevity, making it a "fountain of youth" of sorts.

Before making any changes to your diet, we strongly recommend consulting with your Registered Dietician.  They are the true experts in this field.  There are many "health coaches" or "nutrition coaches".  These are merely people following a pre-designed plan and do not have the education to make specific changes to your unique situation.  Please consult with your Registered Dietician.

Check out the video below for a great look at what diet and nutrition can do to longevity.

Hello NoN Community,

This is not a new topic for us here, but we wanted to do a quick reminder blog.  High intensity has some of the absolute best research supporting it as a method to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life in people with Parkinson's Disease.  While high intensity exercise might not sound like the most exciting way to improve your life, we strongly encourage you to discuss it with your healthcare team so you can participate safely and effectively to get all of the benefits below!

This can happen through a variety of mechanisms:

1. Improved motor function: Parkinson's disease is characterized by motor symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia (slowness of movement). High intensity exercise has been shown to improve these symptoms by increasing the brain's production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is depleted in Parkinson's disease.
   
2. Increased mobility: High intensity exercise can improve mobility and reduce falls in people with Parkinson's disease. Exercise can improve balance, strength, and flexibility, which are all important factors for maintaining mobility and preventing falls.
   
3. Improved cardiovascular health: People with Parkinson's disease have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and high intensity exercise can improve cardiovascular health and reduce this risk.
   
4. Reduced depression and anxiety: Depression and anxiety are common in people with Parkinson's disease, and high intensity exercise has been shown to reduce symptoms of both conditions.
   
5. Improved quality of life: High intensity exercise can improve overall quality of life in people with Parkinson's disease by reducing symptoms and increasing physical and mental function.
   

Overall, high intensity exercise is an effective way to improve the lives of people living with Parkinson's disease. It can improve motor function, mobility, cardiovascular health, mental health, and overall quality of life.  The benefits are truly endless.  As before, we strongly recommend that you consult with your healthcare team to help set up the best possible schedule to get the maximal benefits from exercise and healthy lifestyle choices.

Hello NoN Community,

Making healthy lifestyle changes is essential to improve your overall well-being. A healthy lifestyle can help you feel better, prevent chronic diseases, and increase your lifespan. However, many people find it challenging to make lifestyle changes, and it can be overwhelming to know where to start. This post will provide you with practical tips and advice on how to make healthy lifestyle changes that are sustainable in the long term.

Chapter 1: Identify Your Goals

Before you start making lifestyle changes, it's essential to identify your goals. What do you want to achieve? Do you want to lose weight, increase your fitness level, or reduce stress? Once you have identified your goals, you can create a plan of action to help you achieve them.

Chapter 2: Change Your Eating Habits

One of the most significant changes you can make to improve your overall health is to change your eating habits. Start by incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your diet and reducing your intake of processed foods. You can also try meal prepping to ensure that you have healthy meals on hand when you need them.  The benefits of a healthy diet are limitless.  If you need more guidance, check in with your Registered Dietician.

Chapter 3: Get Moving

Regular exercise is essential for good health. If you're not used to exercising, start by incorporating simple activities such as walking or cycling into your daily routine. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts as your fitness level improves.  If you need more guidance here, check in with your local Physical Therapist.

Chapter 4: Reduce Stress

Stress can have a significant impact on your health. To reduce stress, try incorporating relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation into your daily routine. You can also try to reduce stressors in your life by setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care.

Chapter 5: Get Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep is crucial for good health. Make sure you're getting 7-8 hours of sleep each night, and establish a regular sleep schedule. Avoid screens for at least an hour before bed, and create a comfortable sleep environment to promote restful sleep.

Chapter 6: Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is essential for good health. Aim to drink at least 8-10 cups of water each day, and reduce your intake of sugary drinks. You can also try incorporating herbal teas or fruit-infused water to add flavor to your drinks.

Chapter 7: Surround Yourself with Support

Making lifestyle changes can be challenging, but it's easier when you have support. Surround yourself with friends and family members who encourage your healthy choices. You can also consider joining a support group to help you stay on track.  A great healthcare team includes a physician, physical therapist, registered dietician, and friends!

Chapter 8: Track Your Progress

Tracking your progress can help you stay motivated and accountable. Keep a journal of your healthy lifestyle changes and track your progress over time. Celebrate your successes and learn from any setbacks.

Chapter 9: Stay Flexible

Making lifestyle changes can be challenging, and it's okay to make adjustments along the way. If something isn't working for you, try a different approach. Stay flexible and be open to new ideas and strategies.

Chapter 10: Make Healthy Choices a Habit

The key to making healthy lifestyle changes that last is to make them a habit. Incorporate healthy choices into your daily routine, and eventually, they will become second nature. Remember that small changes over time can add up to significant improvements in your overall health and well-being.

Conclusion:

Making healthy lifestyle changes is essential to improve your overall well-being. By identifying your goals, changing your eating habits, getting moving, reducing stress, getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, surrounding yourself with support, tracking your progress, staying flexible, and making healthy choices a habit, you can create a sustainable healthy lifestyle. Remember, small changes over time can add up to significant improvements in your health and well-being.