Health & Beauty tip # 30 : Put on some lipstick & show Parkinson’s who’s Boss? By Dr. De Leon

Happy 2015!!!🎈🎈🎉💃 as we start a new year I want to remind all the women around the world that live with PARKiNSON’s in their lives that there is power within you that comes from being a woman, a mom, a wife, sister, friend, lover, daughter. This year I want you to harness that femininity to not just survive Parkinson’s disease but actually live an abundant, joyful life in the midst of Parkinsons…so grab your favorite paraphanelia, that which empowers you to be more than you are, bring out the beauty within and conquer PARKiNSONS …know that you are not alone and women all over the world are standing right beside you arm -arm waiting to fight with you, lift you up, and complete
Lift you up and comfort you! Have a blessed year! And stay tune for my book on Parkinson’s and women’s issues which will be released this spring!

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As we draw near to another years end, I want to write about something near and dear to me as a woman, mother, cancer survivor, Parkinson patient/ doctor and advocate!
Female power!
I began this blog, as away of coping with this illness and also as a way to show women everywhere who struggle with this illness in their daily lives as patients, wives, mothers, daughters, caregivers -that they TOO had the power within themselves to beat anything that is thrusted their way.
But best of all, I want to stress to my readers that the positive energy that empowers them to be able to crush Parkinson’s comes from the fact that we are women.

I started writing about dressing shabby chic despite Parkinson’s and feeling sexy and beautiful in spite of having a chronic neurological disease like Parkinson’s ….in between I wrote about many coping skill strategies in dealing…

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Los Consejos de Belleza y Salud #2 : ¡ Pintate los labios y demuéstrale al Parkinson’s quien es jefe! Por Dra. De León

¡Feliz año 2015! Espero que este año reencuentren su valor femenino y el poder que llevan dentro como mujere, madres, hijas, esposas y amigas….dentro de ustedes esta el poder de no solo sobre llevar la enfermedad del Parkinson’s pero tener una vida abundante apesar de la enfermedad… Saquen sus más preciados objetos que les da valor y fuerza y adelante… Este año en la primavera saldrá a la venta mi libro sobre el parkinsons en las mujeres…estén al pendiente…

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Al terminar un año más, quiero hacer inca pies a algo muy importante, personal y apegado al corazón como mujer, madre, paciente, doctora y activista del Parkinson al igual que sobreviviente de cáncer -¡ EL PODER FEMENINO!

Al principio del año empece este blog a escribir como manera de sobrellevar la carga de la enfermedad del Parkinson al igual que informar e instruir a otros especialmente a otras mujeres que se encuentran en la misma posición que yo luchando del diario con la enfermedad. Ellas como madres, hijas, esposas, pacientes, auxiliarías de aquellos que padecen del Parkinson también igual que yo tienen el poder y valor dentro de sí de vencer y sobrevivir esta enorme carga que se nos ha sido enclaustrada.

Pero lo mejor de todo, les quiero decir a todas mis lectoras que la energía positiva que fluye dentro de sí mismas es la que las hace fuertes…

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Faith, Medicine and the NEW YEAR!- : by Dr. De Leon

Faith, Medicine and the NEW YEAR!- : by Dr. De Leon.

Faith, Medicine and the NEW YEAR!- : by Dr. De Leon

Brief history of medicine:

2,000 B.C. – we said “eat this root” (magic in the earth)

1,000 B.C. ” root is heathen say a prayer!”

1850 A.D – medical experts said” prayer is superstitious, drink this potion.”

1940 A.D. –  doctors were convinced that potion was snake oil, so “swallow this pill” instead…

1985 A.D. –  we knew for a fact that the pill was ineffective, so we “recommended a (stronger) antibiotic.”

Now doctors and scientist know that antibiotics are NOT the CURE ALL. So, they recommend, “eat this root “and say this prayer!- unknown

In the beginning “God created man in HIS own image…” (Genesis 1:27 NKJV); we were meant to be spiritual beings to commute with the Creator .

But somewhere along the way, in our ever increasing materialistic world and quest for instant gratification we left that spiritual world behind; this was around the 19th century when men became more afraid of germs than God.

Once, “when religion was strong and science was weak, men mistook magic for medicine; now, when science is strong and religion weak, men mistake medicine for magic.”- Thomas Szasz, the second Sin, 1973

In a recent televised conference held in the Epicenter of Jerusalem, I was astonished to discover that Americans spend more capital on alcohol per year than on Cancer research. No wonder we feel empty and shallow. We are trying to cure our problems by numbing ourselves to our surroundings.  When this does not work, we panic and feel hopeless and stuck. Then, when crisis strikes as it  inevitably  will at some point in our lives, in the form of trauma,  or  illness  feeling pulled in all directions taking care of kids, aging parents and our own  medical issues, many of us simply crumble under this pressure. At the news of a devastating illness like Parkinsons, we often look to science an doctors for a MIRACLE CURE —for MAGIC:  But some become frustrated, disenchanted, and devastated when the physicians and science do not have the ‘magic’ answer or cure to our illnesses.

ONLY AFTER all venues have been exhausted do we sometimes Turn BACK to FAITH and PRAYER for a MIRACLE  – and a hope for a glimpse of  magic.

Our society more than ever is feeling the pains of extreme segregation of science and religion when doctors are overworked burned out by the demands of the profession, Obamacare and ever changing medical health care system which does not take into account the needs of those who serve dutifully. In order to make ends meet doctors are being forced to see patients every15 minutes. It is no wonder many Americans view modern medicine in our country as “Lacking heart and soul” with good reason. 

At one point doctors might have made excellent “organ system”  diagnosis and even provided ‘first –class medical science,’ but  at present time with so many insurance restrictions and government as well as insurance interference one may be lucky if the doctor is fully present during the  patient exchange besides all the other million thoughts flying through their head auch as: the last patient’s diagnosis, the critically patient in the hospital requiring immediate attention, the next patients results among all the phone calls and interruptions between patients from the hospital, doctors, pharmacies and insurance. Never mind the stack papers that have to be filled out so that patients can get their tests done along with medications.  Oh, and by the way most likely will not get reimbursed for at least a third of the visits…

 Therefore, the underlying caring goes unperceived. So, the doctors naturally get blamed frequently by patients for being treated like an “assembly line.” However, everyone is a VICTIM in this scenario.

where you come in is making doctor stop and listen to you, make eye contact… ask 3 questions to address per visit at a maximum; this will increase the probability that your concerns and needs are met, make more frequent visits if necessary- keep lines of communication open. know that if your doctor is still practicing is because he or she is committed to medicine and taking care of you. fortunately, more medical schools are teaching physicians not just how to diagnose but also how to talk to patients about spiritual wellbeing. after all when the soul and inner being are at peace the body naturally begins to heal as well- feel better even if disease is not cured. ask your doctors to pray for you or with you and believe me it helps a lot if you also pray for your doctors!

   I am glad that after centuries of religion and science being at opposite ends of the spectrum they are now beginning to be reconciled once more in the  medical class rooms across  the country as well as in physicians offices across the U.S.A. This new movement is extremely important given that a whopping 91%  of individuals studied in Kansas City initial response to a new medical problem was prayer.

Over the years there have been a couple of large studies on intercessory prayer effects- however, the results have been disputed vehemently by both camps since It is difficult to quantify the healing of someone’s soul or the positive placebo effect? It is impossible just like measuring love yet the effects are palpable.

Faith and Medicine have been Intertwined from the very beginning: When the Jewish people became ill  they cried out to Moses who in turn cried out to GOD for relief- the Solution  (numbers 21:6-9) a Bronze serpent  Known as the NEHUSTAN which served as a sign of healing from GOD ..when those that were sick looked upon the bronze fiery serpent intertwined on a pole they were instantly healed. 

Medicine as you can see,  as well as doctors, are fallible but FAITH & HOPE are NOT! let us not mistake science and medicine for magic as well. let us instead turn back to the real magic of believing in something greater than our doctors, greater than ourselves. So , instead of focusing on the latest treatment which may or may not change tomorrow or dwell on your disability,  or  Parkinson’s; focus on how far you have traveled this year and all of the challenges you have overcome. As the new year unfolds, say a prayer, and discover the strength within that comes from above and gear up for new challenges, welcoming the storms which will bring new rainbows. You will overcome if you just believe!

Happy New year!

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Dr. M. De Leon is a movement disorder specialist on sabbatical, PPAC member and research advocate for PDF (Parkinson’s Disease Foundation); Texas State Assistant Director for PAN (Parkinson’s Action Network). You can learn more about her work at http://www.facebook.com/defeatparkinsons101 you can also learn more about Parkinson’s disease at www.pdf.org or at www.wemove.org; http://www.aan.org, http://www.defeatparkinsons.blogspot.com All materials here forth are property of Defeatparkinsons. without express written consent, these materials only may be used for viewers personal & non-commercial uses which do not harm the reputation of Defeatparkinsons organization or Dr. M. De Leon provided you do not remove any copyrights. To request permission to reproduce release of any part or whole of content, please contact me at deleonenterprises3@yahoo.com contributor http://www.assisted-living-directory.com Contributor http://www.lavozbrazoriacounty.com

Smart shoes with lasers make strides in mobility – tech – 17 December 2014 – New Scientist

Smart shoes with lasers make strides in mobility – tech – 17 December 2014 – New Scientist.

Surviving the Holiday’s Like a Pro: By Dr. De Leon

This is the busiest time of year for most of us and unfortunately what is supposed to be the happiest sometimes turns into a very stressful time for many of us. We are often torn between trying to care for ourselves and make our loved ones happy. Your health should come first. Let your loved ones know your needs ahead of time, they will understand.  Also because many of us travel during the holidays, we tend to forgo our routines of medication intake, exercise, sleep, etc. increasing risks for falls especially in ice conditions. As a neurologist, December was always a month of increased strokes and ICU admits, most of the time due to poorly controlled blood pressure or blood sugars which I suspected were a combination of stress, lack of sleep, medication non-compliance because we are too busy taking care of everyone and everything around us.  Sometimes, depression can magnify during this time of year as well particularly if you have lost a loved one. Don’t let this be another reason for you not to enjoy the holidays or cause you to end up in the hospital.

Here are a few tips to surviving the holidays.

If you have to travel: prepare ahead of time all of your medications, doctors phone numbers in case of an emergency. Prepare  some liquid Sinemet and carry with you should you need a quick boost. Also make sure that you allow yourself extra time to travel if possible –expect delays if traveling by plane during this busy season so take extra medicines with you as well as food and water. Ask for a wheel chair and assistance ahead of time-it is best to have even if you end up not using. Try to get extra leg room in the plane if possible especially if a long flight. Don’t forget to carry your assistive walking devices even if you only used once in a while because the trip could be long and exhaust you to point of needing those devices. If you will be staying at a hotel make sure it has handicap capabilities including a ramp entrance because by the time you arrive you are sure to be exhausted and may have trouble going up a flight of stairs especially carrying any luggage. Make sure you arrange for transportation to pick you up either family member or a limo services so you don’t have to wait around risking falls, or other injuries.

If you feel sad or anxious during the holidays- make sure you talk to your doctor before hand to prescribe some medication to help you cope. Don’t try to be strong and go at it alone. This will only make things worse. Make sure you get out and mingle especially if you don’t feel like it- don’t isolate yourself.

Remember to take time for yourself to rest, exercise, and take your medications on a timely basis.

Set limits to what you can and can’t do and stick to that plan. The most important thing to remember is to enjoy the holidays with your family, friends, and loved ones. Remember to laugh and have fun. Order take out, if it will help with stress or alleviate the pain of having to cook, or better yet ask everyone to bring a dish and make it pot luck!

If you can’t decorate – don’t worry, all you have to do is ask for help- I bet you there would be someone that just loves to put on the Christmas tree etc. in my case my daughter is the one that is now in charge of the tree decoration- she does such a terrific job any way! I just hand her the ornaments so we still spend time together.

I wish much joy and happiness to you and yours during this festive season, particularly to all my  followers who have made this site popular, and remember there is NOTHING that PRAYER & Chocolate can’t handle!

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Dr. M. De Leon is a movement disorder specialist on sabbatical, PPAC member and research advocate for PDF (Parkinson’s Disease Foundation); Texas State Assistant Director for PAN (Parkinson’s Action Network). You can learn more about her work at http://www.facebook.com/defeatparkinsons101 you can also learn more about Parkinson’s disease at www.pdf.org or at www.wemove.org; http://www.aan.org, http://www.defeatparkinsons.blogspot.com All materials here forth are property of Defeatparkinsons. without express written consent, these materials only may be used for viewers personal & non-commercial uses which do not harm the reputation of Defeatparkinsons organization or Dr. M. De Leon provided you do not remove any copyrights. To request permission to reproduce release of any part or whole of content, please contact me at deleonenterprises3@yahoo.com contributor http://www.assisted-living-directory.com Contributor http://www.lavozbrazoriacounty.com

Keeping Track of Doctors Bills : By Dr. De Leon

Keeping Track of Doctors Bills : By Dr. De Leon.

Keeping Track of Doctors Bills : By Dr. De Leon

” I am not telling you is going to be easy, I am telling you is going to be worth it!”

As many of you may already know, November is caregivers’ month; thus, I will talk about an issue that affects caregivers and patients alike.

The care giver has many responsibilities and roles in making sure that their loved ones needs are met. Among one of the biggest responsibilities a care partner or giver may have is being responsible for the financial stability of the Patient fully or in part. But, even when the patient is able to care for him or herself financially he or she may still need an advocate to help decipher the ever complex and confusing world of doctor and hospital bills.

This becomes more pressing as the disease advances and dementia begins to set in. Those of you who have a chronic illness or care for someone with a progressive debilitating  illness like Parkinson’s know that as the disease advances the need for services ( PT, OT, Pain doctors etc.) increases exponentially. Subsequently, the amount of bills you receive also increases at an alarming rate. The rate can suddenly shift to ‘a warp speed’ if your loved one ends up having procedures or being hospitalized; especially if the hospitals stay is lengthy.

In which case, you can find yourself being inundated in bills and paper work. This can drive a person mad trying to make heads and tails especially when the person you are caring for needs 24 hour care or pretty constant supervision in all other aspects of care from grooming to ensuring they take their medications properly.

Here are a few tips that I have learned to help simplify life. These can be used whether you are a patient or a caregiver.

First, set a side a special box or place where you will place all the mail relating to this subject/away from all other mail so it can be easily accessed.

Second, make sure that you know what your insurance covers in and out of the hospital before you have tests, procedures; become hospitalized; so there are no surprises. If you have Medicare go to Medicare.gov. Otherwise get a copy of benefits/coverage from your insurers.

Third, designate an area and a time when you will dedicate exclusively to this. once a month is good if not so many bills but if having ongoing procedures, hospitalizations, and doctors evaluations, you will most likely start receiving bills weekly if not daily therefore be best to tackle once a week to avoid getting yourself overwhelmed.

Next…

1) Make a proper binder to place all the (EOB’s- extended office bills) and label yearly. Also if hospitalization extends several months put color dividers to delineate various months. The same can be done if patient had doctor’s appointment or procedures extending various months.

2) Do not pay a single bill until you receive an explanation of benefits from your insurance/ compare it with doctor’s bill and pay only after they have paid their part. If you have secondary insurance have to wait till both insurances have paid. Which usually means you should not have to pay anything unless at beginning of insurance cycle when you have to meet your deductibles. (the beginning for your calendar  year may vary slightly but usually around the last quarter of the year or first quarter of the new year). For Medicare the deductibles are due at the beginning of every year.

3) If you detect a problem- call your insurance company customer- service first and make sure you get names and dates of whom you speak to and if checks issued get amounts, to whom, dates issued and check numbers.

4) Once a certain bill is paid – make sure you check off ( and remove from your pile /box and file into binder in section labeled paid) so you don’t pay again or have to deal with it again because sometimes may get duplicate! Look at it carefully for services and dates!!! Use a red pen or marker to check off

5) If the problem is at doctor’s office or hospital, make sure you speak with billing person directly.

6) Always take good notes.

 7) Usually insurances give discounts so pay close attention and if doctors office or hospital tries to bill you for difference when you have received a discount, send them copy of EOB. If no discount listed in your invoice call your insurance to make sure whether one should be applied.

8) Always make sure that bills are sent to correct insurance with right policy number and that everyone has correct spelling of patients name to avoid claim errors.

 9) At times claims are kicked back due to coding errors, so always inquire if there were any problems with codes causing it to be denied which you could address with your doctors or hospital billing office.

If you remember these simple tips: you can avoid going mad when bills come in daily. Happy trailing’s!!

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Dr. M. De Leon is a movement disorder specialist on sabbatical, PPAC member and research advocate for PDF (Parkinson’s Disease Foundation); Texas State Assistant Director for PAN (Parkinson’s Action Network). You can learn more about her work at http://www.facebook.com/defeatparkinsons101 you can also learn more about Parkinson’s disease at www.pdf.org or at www.wemove.org; http://www.aan.org, http://www.defeatparkinsons.blogspot.com All materials here forth are property of Defeatparkinsons. without express written consent, these materials only may be used for viewers personal & non-commercial uses which do not harm the reputation of Defeatparkinsons organization or Dr. M. De Leon provided you do not remove any copyrights. To request permission to reproduce release of any part or whole of content, please contact me at defeatparkinsons101@yahoo.com contributor http://www.assisted-living-directory.com Contributor http://www.lavozbrazoriacounty.com

 

 

Beauty Exploration: Sweet Tooth.

chocolate releases dopamine naturally so go ahead an indulge particularly if a little stressed…but make sure you make it dark chocolate!!