We discussed alternative approaches to managing Parkinson’s and optimizing quality of life.
We discussed managing our full life comprehensively. The importance of sleep, recovery, maintenance and exercise.
One of our participants discussed the use of “sauna red light” therapy and inferred radiant heat and claimed it calms and centers her, which is great. I researched the modality and the author but don’t feel comfortable listing them in these published minutes as I did not find adequate science to support the approach. If you’d like the book name and the author, please contact me directly at Patrick@smartxpd.com.
How to calculate your target heart rate?
This was discussed in our exercise class previous to our discussion group but I thought I’d add it here. According to the American College of Sports Medicine a person with PD should target 30 minutes 5x a week at 70% maximal heart rate. Caveat: For the person who is de-conditioned maybe 3-5 minutes is where they need to start.
Formula for target heart rate: (220-Age) x Target Heart Rate = HR
Example for an individual who is 72 years old Targeting 70% Maximal Heart Rate:
220 – 72 = 148
70% Target HR = 148 x 70% (.7)= 104 BPM
(You can also find online by searching “Target heart rate 70% age 72”)
We discussed the fact that the PD community is vulnerable to predatory industries making unsubstantiated claims and cures. “Do your due diligence and always ask your doctor!” There are many sources online are very good at making claims that cite validated science with alternative methods that seem to link them both without proof. ASK YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE TRYING ANYTHING!
Responders, non-responders, placebo. We discussed that responses to supplements, meds and certain strategies often vary between individuals. There is also the placebo effect which is scientifically proven and allowed for as a control during validation studies.
From Wikipedia: In general, placebos can affect how patients perceive their condition and encourage the body’s chemical processes for relieving pain[4] and a few other symptoms,[5] but have no impact on the disease itself.
