YOPN’s Living Well Starts Here

Travel and Adventure with Young Onset Parkinson's: Journey Tips and Tales (Audio Only)

Explore the challenges and triumphs of traveling with Parkinson's disease in this episode of the Living Well Starts Here podcast by the Young Onset Parkinson's Network. 
Hosts Chris, Mel, and Esther share personal stories and practical tips for both local and international travel. They discuss the challenges posed by airports and transportation systems that are not disability-friendly, and offer strategies such as packing light, carrying medication in multiple places, and allowing extra time for everything.
The conversation also covers the importance of comfort items, managing anxiety, and planning for dietary restrictions during travel. Additionally, Mel shares insights on family adventures and local trips, emphasizing the importance of preparation and adaptability.
The episode also touches upon an upcoming retreat in Arizona and the importance of pushing through anxiety to create valuable memories.

Travel and Adventure with Young Onset Parkinson's: Journey Tips and Tales

Explore the challenges and triumphs of traveling with Parkinson's disease in this episode of the Living Well Starts Here podcast by the Young Onset Parkinson's Network. 
Hosts Chris, Mel, and Esther share personal stories and practical tips for both local and international travel. They discuss the challenges posed by airports and transportation systems that are not disability-friendly, and offer strategies such as packing light, carrying medication in multiple places, and allowing extra time for everything.
The conversation also covers the importance of comfort items, managing anxiety, and planning for dietary restrictions during travel. Additionally, Mel shares insights on family adventures and local trips, emphasizing the importance of preparation and adaptability.
The episode also touches upon an upcoming retreat in Arizona and the importance of pushing through anxiety to create valuable memories.

Facing Mental Health Challenges: Personal Stories and Advocacy (Audio Only)

In this discussion, Mel, Esther and Chris delve into the topic of mental wellness, sharing their personal experiences and challenges with mental health, particularly in relation to Parkinson's disease. They explore their histories with bipolar disorder and depression, the importance of mental health support systems, and coping mechanisms. The conversation touches on the stigma around mental health, the connections between mental health and physical diseases like Parkinson's, and the necessity for more integrated mental health care. The speakers advocate for greater awareness and accessibility to mental health resources, emphasizing the need for early intervention and support for both patients and their families.

Facing Mental Health Challenges: Personal Stories and Advocacy

In this discussion, Mel, Esther and Chris delve into the topic of mental wellness, sharing their personal experiences and challenges with mental health, particularly in relation to Parkinson's disease. They explore their histories with bipolar disorder and depression, the importance of mental health support systems, and coping mechanisms. The conversation touches on the stigma around mental health, the connections between mental health and physical diseases like Parkinson's, and the necessity for more integrated mental health care. The speakers advocate for greater awareness and accessibility to mental health resources, emphasizing the need for early intervention and support for both patients and their families.

Things I Wish I Knew About Parkinson's (Audio Only)

Audio Only
Explore the realities of living with Young Onset Parkinson's through candid discussions as our YOPN podcasters share the things they wish they knew at the time of diagnosis. This episode delves into the personal experiences of managing symptoms, the unexpected challenges such as anxiety, and the importance of exercise. You will gain insights into the emotional and physical challenges faced by those living with Parkinson's and the resilience it necessitates. 
Hear from perspectives at different stages of their Parkinson's journey, discussing everything from advanced treatments like DBS surgery to daily lifestyle adjustments. They open up about their personal coping mechanisms, the role of community support, and the mental fortitude needed to persist.

Things I Wish I Knew About Parkinson's

Explore the realities of living with Young Onset Parkinson's through candid discussions as our YOPN podcasters share the things they wish they knew at the time of diagnosis. This episode delves into the personal experiences of managing symptoms, the unexpected challenges such as anxiety, and the importance of exercise. You will gain insights into the emotional and physical challenges faced by those living with Parkinson's and the resilience it necessitates. 
Hear from perspectives at different stages of their Parkinson's journey, discussing everything from advanced treatments like DBS surgery to daily lifestyle adjustments. They open up about their personal coping mechanisms, the role of community support, and the mental fortitude needed to persist.

Unlocking the Advocate Within: Our Journey with Young Onset Parkinson's (Audio Only)

(Audio Only)
In this episode of the Living Well Starts Here podcast, hosts Melissa Livingston, Chris Sutphin, and Esther Labib-Kiyarash come together to discuss Parkinson's Awareness Month and advocacy. The conversation delves into their personal journeys, approaches to advocacy, and the different ways they contribute to the Parkinson's community, both online and offline. Discover the power of social media in connecting communities and fostering support, and learn about the importance of advocating for oneself in medical environments.
They share insights on how advocacy can start from small, personal actions and expand to influence larger communities. Join us as we highlight the importance of creativity, empathy, and personal experiences in redefining what it means to be an advocate for Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease.

Unlocking the Advocate Within: Our Journey with Young Onset Parkinson's

In this episode of the Living Well Starts Here podcast, hosts Melissa Livingston, Chris Sutphin, and Esther Labib-Kiyarash come together to discuss Parkinson's Awareness Month and advocacy. The conversation delves into their personal journeys, approaches to advocacy, and the different ways they contribute to the Parkinson's community, both online and offline. Discover the power of social media in connecting communities and fostering support, and learn about the importance of advocating for oneself in medical environments.
They share insights on how advocacy can start from small, personal actions and expand to influence larger communities. Join us as we highlight the importance of creativity, empathy, and personal experiences in redefining what it means to be an advocate for Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease.

Navigating Love and Intimacy with Parkinson's: A Valentine's Edition Special (Audio Only)

(Audio Only)Join hosts Mel and Esther in this Valentine's Edition of the YOPN podcast as they discuss the intersecting themes of romance, love, intimacy, and Parkinson's disease. With humor and authenticity, they delve into the complexities of maintaining intimacy in relationships affected by Parkinson's, sharing personal insights and experiences.
With humor and honesty, they discuss the various challenges that come with maintaining romantic relationships while managing Parkinson's, such as sensory issues, medication side effects, hypersexuality, and the impact on self-esteem. 
They emphasize the importance of communication and routine, while also highlighting the often-overlooked topic of impulse control and its effects on personal relationships. 
Tune in to hear about their personal journeys as they break down stigmas and offer insights into the importance of intent and ways to foster connection and joy amidst the challenges. This episode offers not only a real look into the difficulties faced but also the hope and strategies for maintaining strong, fulfilling relationships.
(Audio Only Version)

Navigating Love and Intimacy with Parkinson's: A Valentine's Edition Special

Join hosts Mel and Esther in this Valentine's edition of the YOPN podcast as they discuss the intersecting themes of romance, love, intimacy, and Parkinson's disease. With humor and authenticity, they delve into the complexities of maintaining intimacy in relationships affected by Parkinson's, sharing personal insights and experiences.
With humor and honesty, they discuss the various challenges that come with maintaining romantic relationships while managing Parkinson's, such as sensory issues, medication side effects, hypersexuality, and the impact on self-esteem. 
They emphasize the importance of communication and routine, while also highlighting the often-overlooked topic of impulse control and its effects on personal relationships. 
Tune in to hear about their personal journeys as they break down stigmas and offer insights into the importance of intent and ways to foster connection and joy amidst the challenges. This episode offers not only a real look into the difficulties faced but also the hope and strategies for maintaining strong, fulfilling relationships.