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5 Self-Management Strategies for Parkinson’s Disease |
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Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex, neurological health condition with both motor and non-motor symptoms. The four classic motor symptoms are slowness of movement, muscle rigidity, tremor and changes in balance. Non-motor symptoms can include sleep disturbance, anxiety, and fatigue.
In recognition of Parkinson’s Awareness Month, Marie Saint-Hilaire, MD, FRCPC, Medical Director, and Cathi Thomas, MS, RN, CNRN, Program Director of BMC’s Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center, shared five tips to manage symptoms for people living with Parkinson’s disease.
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Learn about your condition
Recently diagnosed? A trusted provider team can help you to best manage symptoms and continue leading a fulfilling life. At BMC, being connected with a movement disorder neurologist is key to ongoing education and support. These include providing referral to our onsite Information and Referral Center at BMC (telephone helpline: 617-638-8466 or 800-651-8466) funded by the American Parkinson Disease Association, and offering innovative educational programs including the PD Good Start program. |
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Stay physically active
Regular physical activity can improve balance, walking function, and overall mood. Ongoing studies seem to suggest that exercise may slow the progression of Parkinson’s. Individuals living with Parkinson’s may benefit from engaging with a Physical therapist (PT) as well as other rehabilitation specialists including an Occupational therapist (OT), and Speech and language therapist (SLP) early after diagnosis. |
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Stay organized
For many with Parkinson’s, being organized is important as medications are often taken at various intervals throughout the day. Developing organizational systems and strategies such as pill containers and reminder alarms can be helpful to fit your regimen into your daily routine. |
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Practice good sleep hygiene
Individuals with Parkinson’s disease may experience interrupted sleep. To practice good sleep hygiene and help limit disruption with sleep, go to bed at a consistent, regular time in the evening, limit caffeine intake, and limit screen time before bed. |
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Maintain social connection
Some Parkinson’s symptoms, including anxiety, depression, or fatigue, may lead to social withdrawal, while mobility changes may limit access to social activities. Maintaining connection is important for emotional health. Stay in touch with friends and family. Participate in community activities that provide social support including programs at your local Council on Aging or community center. For help connecting with a support group, contact the Information and Referral Center at BMC. |
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Recovering From Knee Replacement With Dr. Ayesha Abdeen |
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Dr. Ayesha Abdeen, chief of hip and knee replacement surgery at Boston Medical Center is driving meaningful change and helping patients reclaim their active lifestyles. Named multiple times to Boston Magazine’s Top Doctors list, Dr. Abdeen is advancing care with robotic and minimally invasive techniques that speed recovery and restore patient mobility. |
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Total knee replacement (TKR) may sound daunting, but in a recent article with US. News, Dr. Abdeen breaks down what patients can expect from the procedure. From managing pain in the first few days to getting back on your feet and returning to the activities you love, Dr. Abdeen offers a clear, compassionate roadmap to recovery.
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| Discover How BMC’s Orthopedic Surgery Team Can Support Your Recovery → |
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One Year of Hospital-Level Care, Delivered at Home |
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This April marks one year since we launched BMC Hospital at Home, bringing high-quality, hospital-level care to patients in the comfort of their homes.
Through this innovative acute care unit, eligible patients receive personalized in-home and virtual care for pneumonia, heart failure, dehydration, cellulitis, and other common conditions. |
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Backed by expert clinical teams and advanced technology, BMC Hospital at Home is transforming the home care experience.
Nicole Constant, a Hospital at Home patient, shared, “I think I healed faster because I was at home...I feel so blessed to have been surrounded by wonderful medical professionals who were all so invested in my health.” |
| See How BMC’s Hospital at Home Is Redefining Recovery → |
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Together for Hope 2025 Recap: Shaping the Future of Addiction Care |
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Nearly 1,000 people gathered at the DCU Center in Worcester for Boston Medical Center’s second annual Together for Hope conference, almost doubling attendance from last year’s inaugural event. The two-day statewide event, held on April 16 and 17, brought addiction professionals, advocates, and individuals with lived experience together to share knowledge, make connections, and advance the future of care for substance use disorder.
Powerful and emotionally stirring keynote addresses were delivered by Campbell and Michael Curry, President and CEO of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers.
Curry reminded attendees that Substance Use Disorder (SUD) impacts every community—and that progress in prevention and treatment is possible when we work together. Campbell urged attendees to turn “pain into purpose,” sharing her personal story of resilience and calling for collective action rooted in vulnerability and strength. |
| Read More About How BMC Is Making an Impact in Addiction Care on HealthCity → |
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4 BMC Innovations that Have Advanced Black Maternal Health |
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The U.S. continues to face a maternal health crisis – and Black women are most directly impacted, being three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women.
Held annually on April 11 to 17, Black Maternal Health Week is a time to raise awareness and build community around these unique challenges.
At BMC, we are dedicated to thinking |
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innovatively and proactively in helping to address the issues affecting the communities that we serve. To learn more about some of our initiatives aimed at supporting healthier maternal outcomes, check out our recent HealthCity article. From community-based support groups to a Mobile Unit delivering postnatal care, BMC is transforming how maternal care is delivered. |
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Patient Experience Week is April 28 to May 2 — and we're recognizing and celebrating the individuals at BMC who positively impact patient experience.
At BMC, we are committed to listening to our patients and giving them a voice. Through input on advisory committees, boards, events, and surveys, patients play an important role in helping us continuously improve our ability to provide world-class care for all. |
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To celebrate Patient Experience Week, our team hosted tables in the Crosstown and Shapiro lobbies on Monday, April 28. Patients and visitors stopped by to connect with members of the Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) and to learn more about how patient voices help shape care at BMC. We’re grateful to the PFAC members who joined us to celebrate with other BMC patients and providers alike.
Next time you receive a patient experience survey from Boston Medical Center after a visit or stay, remember - your words matter! |
| Get To Know The Patient Family Advisory Council → |
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Events |
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BMC Proud At The Boston Marathon: 26.2 Miles For Change |
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On April 21, 85 Team BMC athletes, including BMC patient Nick O’Hara (pictured), ran the Boston Marathon in support of Boston Medical Center. This dedicated team of BMC patients, employees, and friends raised funds for essential services that every patient can rely on. There is still time to support their efforts. See photos and help Team BMC support great care with a donation. Celebrate Team BMC and Support Great Care.
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BMC Proud At The Boston Marathon: 26.2 Miles For Change |
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On April 21, 85 Team BMC athletes, including BMC patient Nick O’Hara (pictured), ran the Boston Marathon in support of Boston Medical Center. This dedicated team of BMC patients, employees, and friends raised funds for essential services that every patient can rely on. There is still time to support their efforts. See photos and help Team BMC support great care with a donation. Celebrate Team BMC and Support Great Care. |
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Join BMC in Celebrating Haitian Flag Day on May 18 |
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BMC is again a proud sponsor of Boston’s Haitian Unity Parade, an annual event that takes place during the weekend-long Haitian Flag Day festivities.
This year’s parade starts at noon in Mattapan Square and continues along Blue Hill Avenue to Harambee Park.
If you can’t make the parade, be sure to join us at Harambee Park for music, food, and more! It’s a great chance to celebrate community and learn more about the care and services BMC offers.
We hope to see you there!
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Join BMC in Celebrating Haitian Flag Day on May 18 |
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BMC is again a proud sponsor of Boston’s Haitian Unity Parade, an annual event that takes place during the weekend-long Haitian Flag Day festivities.
This year’s parade starts at noon in Mattapan Square and continues along Blue Hill Avenue to Harambee Park.
If you can’t make the parade, be sure to join us at Harambee Park for music, food, and more! It’s a great chance to celebrate community and learn more about the care and services BMC offers.
We hope to see you there! |
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Digital Kiosks: A Smoother, More Convenient Check-In at BMC |
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The next time you visit BMC for an appointment, you may notice our new digital kiosks. These self-serve iPad stations are helping to make check-in faster, easier, and available in any language.
Senior Vice President and Chief Digital Information Officer Joy Brown says the kiosks aren’t just about technology; they’re about giving patients the kind of convenient, digital experience they already expect in their daily lives.
We’re piloting the kiosks in select inpatient and outpatient areas. If you use one, we’d love to hear your feedback. Learn more about what to expect when visiting BMC.
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Digital Kiosks: A Smoother, More Convenient Check-In at BMC |
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The next time you visit BMC for an appointment, you may notice our new digital kiosks. These self-serve iPad stations are helping to make check-in faster, easier, and available in any language.
Senior Vice President and Chief Digital Information Officer Joy Brown says the kiosks aren’t just about technology; they’re about giving patients the kind of convenient, digital experience they already expect in their daily lives.
We’re piloting the kiosks in select inpatient and outpatient areas. If you use one, we’d love to hear your feedback. Learn more about what to expect when visiting BMC.
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"Dr. Saint-Hilaire is my inspiration. I've had Parkinson's for 14 years. It is amazing how well I'm doing, and it's because of her. Thank you." |
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Dr. Saint-Hilaire is my inspiration. I've had Parkinson's for 14 years. It is amazing how well I'm doing, and it's because of her. Thank you. |
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“In Your Words” features patient comments from patient experience outreach surveys. We appreciate your time completing these surveys and for sharing your thoughts with us. The information gathered in these surveys is used to learn where we can improve, to continue to provide excellent care to all. |
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