Parkinson’s Warrior: Fighting Back and Taking Control
After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease at the age of 33, Nick Pernisco thought his world was ending. He could no longer teach and went through a long period of depression – constantly asking himself “why me?” This is the story of what came next. Determined to turn his life around, Nick learned all he could about Parkinson’s, including everything about the benefits and side effects of Parkinson’s medications, the potential and limitations of natural therapies, the importance of proper nutrition, and the need for physical and emotional fitness. He began eating better, exercising regularly, and re-engaging with society. He changed his thinking about life and disease and adopted a positive attitude. He began fighting back with a Warrior Mentality. It worked.
In Parkinson’s Warrior, Nick shows that you don’t need to give up on your life because your body is not working as it should. He tells the story of how he came to terms with Parkinson’s and shows that, through fitness, community, and positivity, the path is open for all People with Parkinson’s (PWPs) to live better, happier, and healthier lives.
From the Introduction
There are at least one million people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in the United States and up to 10 million around the world. This means that, including loved ones, there are more or less 100 million people affected by this disease worldwide. You may be one of these people.
Perhaps you have just received a diagnosis, or perhaps you have known for years. Perhaps your husband or wife has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, or perhaps it was your father, grandfather, mother, grandmother, son, or daughter. Perhaps you are a friend of someone who has just been diagnosed. This is a disease in which the more you know, the better you’ll live your life. Understanding how those of us with Parkinson’s should take care of ourselves, how to fight the daily battles, and how to develop a long-term plan for living well will help us lead better lives. This book will provide those of us affected with the tools we need to take control of the illness and improve our lives.
My hope is that this book motivates you to take control of your health and to fight like you are battling a fierce enemy – because you are! When Parkinson’s was first identified as a disease, it was labeled the Shaking Palsy. I call Parkinson’s the Ballsy Palsy – it tries to win the war every single day of our lives. It thinks it has the upper hand and that it will defeat us. But we can combat it, first with information and then with action. Information is useless without action, and action is useless without first understanding what is necessary to win. The ancient Chinese strategist, Sun Tsu, said: “Every battle is won or lost before it’s ever fought.” This is especially true with Parkinson’s disease. It’s important to have a strategy for how to fight each battle so that we may live a full and healthy life. Don’t worry, you’ll have an entire army of people behind you – your doctors, your family, your friends, and other PWPs you meet. Remember, information is power. The more you know, the more options you have in your life.
