
The Pretty Dope
Blog
Why I Switched to GreenPan: A Healthier Way to Cook
In today’s world, the products we use every day can have unexpected impacts on our health, especially for those of us living with conditions like Parkinson’s. One area where I’ve made a recent change is in the kitchen. After learning about PFAs (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) found in so many cookware brands, I switched to GREENPAN™, a brand known for its healthier, PFAs-free alternatives.
Oil Pulling for Dry Mouth and Oral Health
Dry mouth is a common struggle, whether due to medications, stress, or even health conditions like Parkinson’s Disease. If you’ve tried typical solutions like Biotene mouthwash or Xylimelts and are still looking for relief, there’s a natural alternative you may want to consider: oil pulling. This ancient Ayurvedic practice not only helps with dry mouth but offers a wide range of benefits for oral health.
In this post, we'll explore the benefits of oil pulling, why you should incorporate it into your routine, and the best practices to get started.
Unlocking the Power of Medicinal Mushrooms for Neurodegenerative Disorders and Hormonal Health
When managing neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's Disease or addressing hormonal imbalances, many people look for natural, supportive options that complement their care. While medicinal mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, modern science is now uncovering their potential benefits for brain health and hormone regulation. These powerful fungi provide anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and adaptogenic properties, making them an excellent addition to your wellness routine.
Advocating for PD Women on World Parkinson’s Awareness Day.
It’s April 11, 2024 ans in honor of World Parkinson's Awareness Day, I had the privilege of sharing my journey with Parkinson's Disease through a heartfelt interview on Jessica Flynn's show, "Empowered," broadcast on Rogers TV and available on Jess’s YouTube Channel. You can watch the full interview here!
The Dry Mouth Dilemma
Diving into something a bit different today – dry mouth. Yep, it’s exactly what it sounds like and a pretty common sidekick for those of us with Parkinson’s, thanks to our meds. It’s that annoying feeling of your mouth being weirdly parched all the time. No, it’s not the end of the world, but it’s definitely a thing.
WTF is Apathy?
Living with Parkinson's disease coming with a list of hidden challenges, and today I want to touch on—apathy. As someone navigating this journey firsthand, I've felt the weight of apathy's silent presence, and I'm here to share my story, hoping it might shine a light for others feeling the same way.
Morning’s with Dystonia
Dystonia has to be one of my least favourite symptoms. It comes to get me in the morning sometimes at 4 AM sometimes at 7 AM. I'm trying to get up and get my daughter ready for school. It's excruciatingly painful the way I would describe it is similar to a swimmers cramp x 10 that never let’s up. It’s always there with me in the morning until my meds kick. Sometimes it's so painful I can't get up and move. And I just sit there and count the minutes until my medication can kick in.
Navigating the Storm: My Journey with Impulse Control and Parkinson's Medication
Living with Parkinson's disease is like navigating a constantly shifting landscape. The path I've been on has taken unexpected turns, especially when it comes to managing the disease with medication. Today, I want to share a deeply personal aspect of my journey: my struggle with impulse control disorders caused by Parkinson's medications.
Finding Harmony with Dyskinesia and YOPD
Living with Young-Onset Parkinson's Disease (YOPD) has felt like being swept into a dance I never chose, a dance where dyskinesia leads, and I must follow. This side of Parkinson's – the erratic, involuntary movements – often feels like a shadow that moves with me, unpredictable and, at times, overwhelming.
The Four Phases of a PD Woman's Cycle
There are 4 phases of the womens monthly cycle. During EACH of those phases women’s brains change in size by 25%. Many Women with young onset Parkinson's struggle with increases in their symptoms during different faces of their cycle.
Have you tried meditating?
I've been looking for the words to describe this incredible experience at the weeklong advanced retreat. There were so many incredible, beautiful experiences that I am looking forward to sharing. All I can say for now is that it has completely changed me and my entire perspective on how I have been living my life and what I need to change to become the person I want to be.
Transforming PD Symptoms withRed Light Therapy
This journey with red light therapy has been a game-changer for me. The improvements in my symptoms and overall quality of life are a testament to the potential of this innovative treatment. I hope sharing my experience will inspire others battling Parkinson's to explore new avenues of treatment and find their path to better health and well-being.
My #1 Go-To Tech Companion: How Fireflies AI Changed My Note-Taking Game
If you're like me, dealing with PD, you know all too well the struggle of trying to write or type when your hands just won't cooperate. Meetings, brainstorming sessions, even jotting down recipes can become a battle. That's until I found my tech savior – Fireflies AI.
The story behind our brand: Pretty Dope Women
I am a PD Woman, also known as a Woman with Parkinson’s Disease. I've grappled with the weight of that word—Parkinson’s—and its inability to truly capture the complexity and personal journey each of us faces.
Microdosing Magic Mushrooms for Parkinson's Disease
Living with Parkinson's Disease (PD) can be challenging both physically and mentally. As someone who has been on a quest for alternative holistic therapies to manage my symptoms, I decided to explore microdosing with magic mushrooms, specifically psilocybin. In this blog post, I will share my personal experience and the positive impact microdosing has had on my life with PD.
Leaning Into Hyper-Sexy
Unveiling the hidden challenge of hyper sexism in Parkinson's medication: An exploration of embracing sexuality, confronting stigma, and reclaiming power.
Pregnancy with Young Onset Parkinson’s
My journey into motherhood came with an unexpected companion: Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD). This part of my story weaves through the ups and downs of pregnancy while managing a condition that was as new to me as the life I was about to bring into the world.
YOPD Decoded: What Friends & Family Need to Know
Embarking on the journey of understanding Young Onset Parkinson's Disease (YOPD) is pivotal for those diagnosed and their loved ones. As we delve into the complexities of YOPD, it's crucial to shed light on the myriad of symptoms that come with the disease and the challenging side effects of the medications prescribed. This blog post aims to provide a comprehensive overview of what YOPD entails, helping friends and family navigate the support system they can offer to their loved ones.
7 Ways to Understanding Your Friend with YOPD
Discovering that a friend has been diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson's Disease (YOPD) can be startling. Unlike the typical onset of Parkinson's Disease in later life, YOPD is diagnosed in individuals under the age of 50. This diagnosis brings its own unique set of challenges and adjustments, not just for the person diagnosed but for their friends and family too. Here’s how you can understand and support your friend through this journey.