health

Creativity and COVID-19

Posted on by smilethroughart

February 7, 2021. Written by Saba Shahid, M.S Chief Smiling Officer of The Art Cart

Stuck indoors, isolated from others, unsure of what the world will bring tomorrow? Research suggests that engaging in art has many benefits to the human race regardless of what medical conditions you may or may not be living with. Creative expression allows our brain to awaken, focus, and create without limitations. Art allows our brain to be free, relieve stress, and slow cognitive decline.

Now more than ever, we must promote POSITIVE MENTAL HEALTH!

Living in the midst of a pandemic, social activities are non-existent for majority of the population. This situation is extremely difficult to overcome for those living with a medical condition where depression is a symptom. Now more than ever promoting positive mental health is much needed. Depression brings isolation and unfortunately a pandemic puts a greater emphasis on isolation. Depression and anxiety are common symptoms found in Parkinson’s disease. Research shows that at least 50% of those diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease will experience some form of depression during their illness. 40% will experience an anxiety disorder. 

Release the DOPAMINE

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is associated with the reward center in your brain. Dopamine is a feel good neurotransmitter that is found to be deficient in those living with Parkinson’s disease. Dopamine provides feelings of enjoyment to help you start or continue doing certain activities.

How can art help you release dopamine while living in a pandemic? When you finish something that YOU created, you smile and feel accomplished. These feelings cause an increased release of feel good neurotransmitters, such as dopamine. You start feeling better and your mood is elevated! During our Smile Through Art® Workshops, 95% of the participants that join our sessions have reported that prior to starting their art activity they were content or sad but after completing their masterpiece they were happy and felt more positive about themselves!

Art is MEDICINE

Art Promotes Relaxation. Art allows you to function as a whole being. As you start painting or making any form of art, the parasympathetic system of the brain kicks in and causes your heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rates to decrease. You feel relaxed and the colors you work with help you enter a state of colorful bliss. Studies have also shown that the use of color impacts calmness, comfort, warmth, and serenity.1

The process of creating does not require skill or talent. You do not need to be Picasso to create. This is a common misconception that prevents people from getting involved in the creative process. EVERYONE has the ability to create! Many of our participants in the Smile Through Art® Workshops are living with neurological condition and are first time artists or artists that have not created in years. There is an artist that is inside each one of us.

In our Smile Through Art® workshops, we have witnessed the fundamental benefit art has brought to people living with Parkinson’s disease and the aging population. Creative activities brought a sense of accomplishment, heightened level of mood, increased focus, and community. We noticed art made people with Parkinson’s that participate in our Smile Through Art® workshops more resilient as they found an outlet while living in a pandemic, they found community in the people they participated with via the Zoom workshops, and most importantly they regained confidence through the creative process.

Find the right kind of Creativity for YOU and start Combating COVID-19!

Art Promotes Fun: Making art is FUN! This is your chance to try something new and combat the areas of your medical condition that you struggle with. Now is the time to start! Use art to fight back against COVID-19! You might be a first-time artist and that is perfectly okay! Experiment with different mediums and do not be afraid to try something new. Remember, in making art there are no mistakes. 

So, try something new, have fun with it, and create your very first masterpiece!

  1. Adult Coloring Books: These can be found at your local Dollar store craft store or online at Amazon and are an easy way to start experimenting with colors.
  2. Get a Journal: Grab a piece of paper and any writing utensil and start doodling, create different shapes, and allow your mind and thoughts to come down on paper. Emerging studies show that art expression may help individuals reconnect thinking and feeling. While journaling is a great way to get in touch with your thoughts and feelings, you can get even better results if you add doodles.
  3. Use your Smart Phone: become a digital artist and use your smart phone to download free applications such as Colorfy or Pigment. There are various images to choose from and an array of colors to help stimulate your mind while promoting relaxation.
  4. Join in on a Smile Through Art Workshop: For more information on The Art Cart’s Smile Through Art® Workshops, please visit www.smilethroughart.com. Or contact us at smilethroughart@gmail.com

References:

  1. Hogenboom, M. (2014, April 17). Artists ‘have structurally different brains’ – BBC News. Retrieved January 27, 2016, from http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-26925271

Happy National Handwriting Day 2021

Posted on by smilethroughart

Happy National Handwriting Day! Fun fact observing National Handwriting Day actually dates back to 1977. Handwriting is an art, it is something that is very personable and gives people confidence in their abilities. Many people have traded pen and paper for a keyboard and screen. Handwriting is a task that many take for granted however, it is a task that people living with Parkinson’s disease treasure.

Benefits of Handwriting:

  1. Stimulates the Brain: Handwriting involves rich mind-body experience that helps stimulate the brain.When writing you are working on creating letters, joining those letters to other letters, then creating words, and ultimately forming sentences. This requires lots of brain power!
  2. Develops Fine Motor Skills: Handwriting exercises a complex cognitive process involving neuro-sensory experiences and fine motor skills. The ability to hold a tiny pen or pencil requires strength and coordination. Continuing to write as well as doing hand stretches will continue to help develop fine motor skill.
  3. Develops Sensory Skills: By feeling the writing surface, holding the writing instrument, and directing precise movement with thought, your senses come to life and give your brain a full workout!
  4. Increases Focus: Writing increases focus because we are forced to slow down, think about forming letters into words, and then into sentences. Our brain is working extra hard to string all the pieces together.
  5. Helps Improve Memory: handwriting may also improve a person’s memory for new information as the act of writing requires more focus and allows you to visualize what is in front of you.
  6. Encourages Creativity: Writing can lead to jounaling which can then lead to doodling and more. Anytime you use a writing instrument you’re allowing your creative brain to come to life!

What Can Someone With Parkinson’s Do TODAY to start Improving Handwriting?

Frustration, lack of confidence in using a writing instrument, poor coordination between mind and body, as well as tremors are only some of the challenges that a person with Parkinson’s disease faces. The good news is, that all of these challenges are able to be combated through diligent practice keeping in mind the goal of improving handwriting.

Since 2014, The Art Cart through their Let’s Combat Micrographia® program has been devoted to people’s success in improving handwriting. In 2018, our work was recognized by the United States National Institute of Health’s National Network of Libraries of Medicine. Today, we are the only internationally recognized research based program available to help people with Parkinson’s improve their handwriting. We have several options for you to get started with improving your handwriting regardless of where you live in the world!

Our Resources for YOU:

  1. Let’s Combat Micrographia Workbooks: Visit https://letscombatmicrographia.com/workbook to find our selection of self-help workbooks that guide you on how to improve your handwriting. To to celebrate National Handwriting Day our Let’s Combat Micrographia Edition 2 workbook is on sale! Click the link above to get your copy and get started on improving your handwriting!
  2. Let’s Combat Micrographia Virtual Workshops: Visit https://letscombatmicrographia.thinkific.com to access our Virtual Classroom from ANYWHERE in the world. This is our 7 workshop module that will take you through the entire in-person course and allow you to get started on improving your handwriting today. Let’s Combat Micrographia Introduction to tell you more about our course is FREE and can be accessed today using the link above.
  3. Let’s Combat Micrographia Live Workshops: This is our live (delivered via Zoom) 7-week workshop series that people are able to join. The next Live Workshop will be starting February 2021. Add yourself to the waitlist by completing this form: https://forms.gle/YDevQcRQy8wZAbyP7
  4. Let’s Combat Micrographia Organization Sponsored Workshop Series: Typically these series are sponsored in partnership with other organizations we work with. So, if you are leading a group of people with Parkinson’s disease and would like to bring our programming to your community, please contact us at smilethroughart@gmail.com.

Improvement in Handwriting in as little as SIX WEEKS!

Words of Encouragement-Get Inspired by others Living with Parkinson’s:

A beautifully written blog by one of our Let’s Combat Micrographia Students residing in the United Kingdom: https://livingwithpdblog.wordpress.com/2021/01/23/handwriting-hope-and-homework/

Remember, we are stronger together and in moments of self doubt it is each other that will help us over come that feeling and continue in our journey to live better with Parkinson’s. 

For more information on The Art Cart or their program offerings please visit www.letscombatmicrographia.com and www.smilethroughart.com

Blog written by Saba M. Shahid, M.S.-Chief Smiling Officer of The Art Cart

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month

Posted on by smilethroughart

Parkinson’s Disease is a neurodegenerative disorder impacting dopamine producing neurons in the brain. Symptoms vary from person to person and may include rigidity of limbs, tremors, gait and balance problems, micrographia, and loss of fine and gross motor control. More than 10 million people worldwide are living with Parkinson’s Disease and approximately 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease every year.

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month! Every April organizations from around the world spread awareness about Parkinson’s Disease through advocacy, events, and special projects. The Art Cart is an organization based out of Worcester, MA that is doing just that.

As part of Parkinson’s Awareness Month, The Art Cart will be releasing the second edition of the Let’s Combat Micrographia interactive workbook. This workbook has been developed to improve micrographia or small handwriting in people living with Parkinson’s disease. Through a special collaboration with the National Network of Libraries of Medicine, a branch of the National Institute of Health, there is an additional Virtual Workshop series that will be available later this month to allow those with Parkinson’s and professionals treating people with Parkinson’s to learn how to improve this symptom. UMASS Medical School’s Lamar Souttier Library will add a copy of the second edition book to their catalog and make it available later this month.

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Through Facebook, The Art Cart (@smilethroughart) is promoting awareness about Parkinson’s disease through their Smile Through ArtäWorkshops. They’re encouraging self-reflection and remembering how to live better with symptoms instead of feeling burdened by them. Participant, Tim MacMillian says, “I am stronger than Parkinson’s as Parkinson’s has taught me to always be strong, never give up, and to face the disease head on.” His wife, Deb MacMillian, says, “To be a caregiver means to be supportive, patient, and encouraging.” Hear their stories and many others by visiting The Art Cart’s Facebook page and website.

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To learn more about The Art Cart please visit www.smilethroughart.com.

Art for Parkinson’s Disease: Creating Strong Hands

Posted on by smilethroughart

By: Saba M. Shahid, M.S.

Making any kind of art work 95% of the time requires your hands and is an activity that tends to be a sedentary. Similar to how it is not good to sit in front of your computer for 8 hours at a time at work, it is also not good to work on an art piece without taking breaks to stretch. So, take breaks, stretch, paint and repeat in order to rejuvenate your muscles and body.

Hand exercises can strengthen your wrists and keep your fingers flexible! To help prevent cramping and encourage fine motor movement these are some of the exercises we do during our Painting with Parkinson’s Workshops that help promote a healthy environment.

Try them out! For added benefit, do each exercise 10 times and count out loud to exercise your vocal cords!

Hand Exercises:

  • Alternate Colors and Fingers: Imagine that these two colors have been grabbed from your paint palate. Take two fingers and place one on each color. (You can also draw two circles on a piece of paper to do this exercise). You will do the exercise by tapping two fingers while simultaneously alternating which finger you tap. So, start with your pointer finger on the blue blob and your middle finger on the yellow. Tap your pointer finger then your middle finger. Start slow to get comfortable with the movement and then alternate which two fingers you place on the paint blobs. As a challenge, increase your tapping speed and count how many taps you can do in 30 seconds.

paint blobs

  • Tennis Ball Squeeze: To make this exercise count you have to squeeze and give it all you got! Make sure you hold the ball in the palm of your hands and wrap your fingers around the ball to completely enclose it. Squeeze your tennis ball for 10-15 seconds then switch to your opposite hand. If you feel comfortable with this exercise challenge yourself to a 30 second squeeze per hand.

 

  •  Fingers to Thumb: Stretch your hand out in front of you spreading your fingers as far out as they can possible go. Starting with your pointer finger touch your thumb, bring your pointer finger back to the original position and then bring your middle finger to your thumb. Work your way to your pinky alternating a finger after each touch to the thumb. Make sure your fingers always return to the starting position before moving to the next finger. Start slow and gradually increase the speed as you get better. As a challenge, try and do this exercise simultaneously on both hands.

 

Questions or comments visit us at www.smilethroughart.com or contact Saba Shahid at smilethroughart@gmail.com.

 

 

Get Your Plate In Shape: Parkinson’s Disease Nutrition Advice

Posted on by smilethroughart

Every move we make, from picking up a mug, to stirring sugar into our coffee, to swallowing that first sip is controlled by dopamine, a neurotransmitter found in the brain that helps regulate movement and emotional responses. Dopamine deficiency results in Parkinson’s Disease (PD). As dopamine levels decline, the simplest movements such as drinking coffee in the morning become increasingly difficult for those who live with PD.

Here are some smart nutritional strategies that can help ease your PD side effects:

Strengthen Your Bones: Up to 68% of people living with PD experience falls due to muscle stiffness, frozen movement, shuffling, stooped posture, and balance problems.1 Be sure to include three servings of dairy such as low-fat or non-fat milk and yogurt in your diet every day to maintain bone density.  The National Osteoporosis Foundation reports that women age 50 and younger require 1,000 mg of calcium per day, whereas, women 51 and older require 1,200 mg daily.2 Men age 70 and younger require 1,000 mg of calcium daily, whereas, men 71 and older require 1,200 mg daily.2

Levodopa and Food Interaction: Research shows that monitoring food intake can also help your PD medications work more effectively. People taking levodopa often times experience two things when they take it. On an empty stomach, levodopa can cause nausea and vomiting. On a full stomach, absorption of levodopa can be delayed making it seem like the medication is not working and is causing PD symptoms to return. Therefore, this medication works best when taken about ½ hour before meals or at least 1 hour after meals.3 If you experience nausea, take your medication with a slice of whole grain bread or some crackers. It is best to avoid acidic drinks such as grapefruit juices when experiencing nausea.

Fava Beans: Fava beans, also known as broad beans, contain the same active ingredient that is found in Parkinson’s medication Levodopa. The whole fava plant, including the leaves, stem, and pods, contain levodopa.1 When fava beans are consumed, the body converts the levodopa into dopamine. Three ounces of fresh green fava beans may contain about 50-100mg of levodopa.1 Before adding fava beans to your diet, talk to your physician to discuss this nutritional option and any concerns you may have associated with eating fava beans.

Quench Your Thirst: The human body is composed of 60% of water! Drinking eight or more cups of water throughout the day will keep you hydrated and will help prevent muscle cramping and will allow your body to regulate processes such as digestion. Adequate water intake will also help prevent constipation, a common symptom of PD. Consuming warm liquids (water, green tea) in the morning help stimulate bowel movements. Consuming 4-5 ounces of water while taking medication such as Levodopa will also allow the drug to be absorbed in the body more quickly.

Are You Smarter than a Food Label?: To determine how much nutrients you are obtaining in a serving read the nutrition facts panel of the food label and look for the percent daily value (DV). Percent daily values are usually based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. I like to recommend following the 5/20 DV Rule. DV of 5% is low and a DV of 20% is high. Your goal is to maximize “good” nutrients (Calcium, Fiber, Vitamin) and minimize “bad” nutrients (Saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium) ensuring that the nutrition facts panel has a DV listed of 20% or more for “good” nutrients and 5% or less for “bad” nutrients. Read the label below for quick tips and to practice the 5/20 Rule!

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This post was written by Saba Shahid, Professor of Human Nutrition at Massasoit Community College and the Owner of The Art Cart a program that specializes in spreading smiles and healing through art to the Parkinson’s population. Questions or comments? Contact Saba Shahid at smilethroughart@gmail.com.

References:

  1. Yeager, Selene. The Doctors Book of Food Remedies: The Latest Findings on the Power of Food to Treat and Prevent Health Problems–from Aging and Diabetes to Ulcers and Yeast Infections. Emmaus, PA: Rodale, 2007. Print.
  2. “Calcium and Vitamin D: What You Need to Know.” Calcium and Vitamin D: What You Need to Know. Web. 05 Apr. 2016. http://nof.org/calcium#CALCIUM
  3. “Parkinson’s Disease Diet/Nutrition Recommendations.” WebMD. WebMD. Web. 05 Apr. 2016. http://www.webmd.com/parkinsons-disease/guide/eating-right-parkinsons