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December 2025 Newsletter

In this issue, we have a gift guide, videos from our autumn symposium, tips to manage holiday stress, and free events to make your holiday season merry.

Pretty much everything on our gift list below would work for the non-PD people in your life, too. Multitasking! 

1. Non-Slip Grip Socks -- they reduce fall risk and you can find some delightfully weird ones out there. 
2. A phone call -- reconnect with that relative or old friend you've been thinking of. You'll brighten both of your days, and it's good for you!
3. A handsome pill organizer -- this one is recommended by New York Magazine and comes in floral or metallic blue. 
4. Who doesn't love a massage? And it might even improve PD symptoms. There are a million devices and gadgets you can buy for home, or get a gift certificate to a local spa.
5. Trade help around the house -- are you both bored in the winter? Or hosting a gathering and feeling overwhelmed? Take turns going to each other's houses to help make beds, sort through old photos, organize a tackle box, whatever! Maybe one of you an expert on Medicaid paperwork or how to resuscitate house plants. You can get stuff done and be social at the same time! A gift for both of you.
6. Fat, Heavy Pens can make it easier to write with a tremor, and the grandkids might even get a kick out of them.
7. A good gift would be a reservation to a movement class like Tai Chi, yoga, or PD-themed rock climbing. A great gift would be you going with them!

Click here or the image above to view the Fall 2025 PD symposium video presentations by Dr. Paul Tuite, Physical therapists Roxanne Julias and Erin Katzmark, and DBS Program Manager Becky Southwick. Dr. Vitek's talk is coming soon!

Batten the hatches, the holidays are upon us!!! Whether you have Parkinson's or not, the holidays can be stressful! Probably every one of us has had the feeling of being overwhelmed or on edge around the holidays -- changes in routine, feeling overbooked with social obligations, or feeling lonely...add travel on top of that and you've got yourself a real stress storm. 

Here are some hot tips for the holidays:

• Take a deep breath. Literally. It's not woo-woo, it's science. Taking deep, slow breaths for five minutes or more lowers your anxiety. And the more sessions you do, the better it works. Bonus points if you can make your first session a guided one. (Try this Australian guided breathing video🐨)
• Communicate. Your needs might seem obvious to you, but you'd be surprised. Do you want extra help? Do you definitely NOT want extra help? Do you need a year off from making your famous eggplant soufflé flambé? A different type of chair? Explain your needs early on, so friends and family aren't making assumptions. 
• Exercise! Again, it's science! Exercise lowers anxiety. Get out for a walk, or check out Parkinson's Foundation's seated exercise videos. Huuuuuge bonus points if you can make it a social activity! (Bring a friend on that walk, go to a group class, etc.)
• It bears repeating: Exercise! Don't even get me started on how important exercise is for PD.
• Rest. Take breaks when you need them, and maybe even take a nap.
• Keep things consistent. Set alarms or phone reminders for your typical medication times -- this way you won't forget, even when you're arguing politics with your cousin. Bonus points if you can keep your meal routine the same. (Good luck with that one!!)
• Take a moment to be grateful for what you have. It does the body good. 

Free Parkinson's Events in December 

Get Connected! 

For further resources check out our website!

Image credits by Jeanie Pebbles.