Self-management of Parkinson's patients during the epidemic

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, people from all walks of life have been affected. As a special group that needs to be monitored by doctors at all times, Parkinson's patients will face even more severe challenges. So, how should Parkinson's patients manage themselves at home during the pandemic?

First of all, you must pay attention to personal protection. Try not to go out at home, open windows frequently for ventilation, wear a mask when you really need to go out, try to walk or take a private car, and avoid crowded places and confined spaces. Avoid touching facilities in public places directly with your hands. Wear gloves or carry hand disinfectants with you to disinfect in time. Don't touch your eyes, mouth, nose and other parts with your hands when you are outside, and try to keep a distance of more than 1 meter when talking to people. After returning home, wash your face and hands with hot water and detergent, and hang your coat in a ventilated place such as a balcony.

Secondly, balanced nutrition, diversified diet, eat more cereals, vegetables, fruits, and supplement calcium and vitamins. It is recommended that patients with early Parkinson's disease have a normal protein diet, and patients with fluctuating symptoms in the middle and late stages should have a low-protein, high-calorie diet (sugars, high starch, vegetable oils, nuts, etc.), with higher daily calories than their peers. Appropriately limit protein intake during the day (i.e. breakfast and lunch), and consume high-quality high-protein food at night. Proteins should mostly be beans, milk, eggs, fish, poultry, and drink more water. In addition, constipation is very common in Parkinson's disease patients, and intestinal microecological regulators such as probiotics and prebiotic fibers can be used to help relieve constipation and improve immunity.

Third, try to reduce anxiety and depression. The sudden outbreak has brought panic to the general public. Parkinson's disease patients themselves have a higher rate of depression, anxiety and sleep disorders, and are more susceptible to the external environment. Therefore, we must maintain an optimistic and positive attitude and avoid negative information stimulation to avoid "empathy damage". Maintain a normal life and sleep rhythm, ensure adequate sleep, get more sunlight on the balcony or window during the day, chat more with family members and friends, and cultivate your own interests and hobbies.

Fourth, encourage regular exercise. It is generally recommended to do 20-30 minutes of low- to medium-intensity exercise every day. Patients with mild to moderate symptoms can insist on doing housework, sweeping, mopping, cooking, walking, practicing Tai Chi, and other exercises within their ability. Patients with gait disorders can also do simple 121 gait training at home to reduce daytime sitting. Late-stage patients should be encouraged to exercise to avoid further reduction in physical fitness, maintain correct body posture in bed or wheelchair, and get out of bed and sit in a wheelchair or chair as much as possible.

Fifth, prepare enough medicines. Patients need to take medicines regularly. Sudden discontinuation will aggravate symptoms and even cause malignant syndrome. Do not stop taking medicines at will. Therefore, pay attention to check the amount of remaining medicines. If the medicines are less than one week's reserve, contact volunteers or doctors for prescriptions. During the epidemic, our hospital has opened an online clinic to facilitate patient consultations.

During the epidemic, as long as scientific prevention and control are adopted, medication is taken consistently, exercise is performed, and the condition is faced correctly, I believe that Parkinson's patients will be able to survive the cold winter and usher in a beautiful spring!