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Continue reading →: The Price of a Paycheck: The Paraquat-Parkinson’s DilemmaUpton Sinclair once said “It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends upon his not understanding it.” If you worked for a company whose product — a mountain of evidence suggests — causes Parkinson’s, would you keep working there? Bonus: the original “Magic Bus,” an R&B cover of a…
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Continue reading →: The Hotel Hack Parkinson’s Travelers Didn’t Know They NeededFlying with Parkinson’s can be challenging. Airport security authorities in the US and Canada have programs designed to make things a little easier. Also, a $22 item from Amazon that can keep you upright in a hotel shower. Bonus: some unusual Beatles covers, and a juggling boxer.
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Continue reading →: Necessary AdjustmentsParkinson’s makes things that once came naturally become more and more difficult. It’s a negotiation with an erratic, cruel opponent on the other side of the desk. In some cases it may be necessary to give up a treasured activity long before we’re ready. But sometimes by changing equipment, adjusting the rules, or seeking out…
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Continue reading →: Steering Downhill: You Have More Control Than You ThinkI once slid down Mount Hood on my butt. Perhaps I should explain.
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Continue reading →: Christmas Bonus 2025No pesky “Parkinson’s” content today, just the videos. You don’t have to eat your vegetables — it’s all dessert.
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Continue reading →: The Benefits of MentorshipWith a progressive condition like Parkinson’s, talking to someone else who has it can be extremely helpful. Here are some thoughts on the value of peer mentorship, and where it might fit for you. Bonus: “Sultans of Swing” played on a recorder – and it’s GOOD!
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Continue reading →: Driving Habits, Flatulence, and Turkish Airlines: A Parkinson’s Pot PourriLots to cover this week! A new potential way to detect cognitive decline, news about the possible benefits of breaking wind, and an update on Turkish Airlines’ less-than-welcoming Parkinson’s policy. Bonus: a mashup of the White Stripes and Curtis Mayfield. And a lot of “cold beer.”
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Continue reading →: Where Disability Rights Began: The Loud Voices Who Got Us the ADAHere in the US, we may take the protections of the Americans With Disabilities Act for granted — after all, the law’s been there for 35 years. But it only happened because for decades, disabled activists refused to shut up. As some of our protections come under attack, here’s a salute to those loud voices…
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Continue reading →: Squeaky Wheels, Grease, and Parkinson’s: From Cynicism to ActionIn their book The Parkinson’s Plan, Ray Dorsey and Michael Okun portray Parkinson’s as a preventable disease. They lay out a plan for eliminating the chemicals and pesticides that cause PD. They ask us to contact our representatives and make our voices heard. . I’ve been skeptical. Parkinson’s sometimes seems invincible. Our government sometimes seems…
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Continue reading →: Resisting the “One-Way Train”: Adapting to Parkinson’s Without SurrenderParkinson’s doesn’t care who you are or what you’ve accomplished. The New York Times recently profiled Sue Goldie — Harvard professor, “Genius Grant” recipient, triathelete, and now, PWP. Goldie is fighting with everything she has. Results are mixed. We can learn from her experience. Bonus: reggae Pink Floyd, the original “Police on My Back,” and…
Hello,
I’m Phil Bernstein
I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease on May 25, 2023. At the time, I was only vaguely aware of Parkinson’s — primarily from articles in People about Michael J. Fox. And I didn’t know anyone with the disease.
Now, I know a lot more about the illness, and I’ve joined the Parkinson’s community in my hometown of Portland, Oregon.
I’ve found that writing helps me think through challenges, and this illness definitely qualifies as a challenge. I’ve started Shakin’ Street to help me think through the various obstacles, tools, and resources that a newly-diagnosed Parkinson’s patient encounters along the way.
I hope some of these posts help you address and tackle your own challenges.
Shakin' Street -- A Parkinson's Blog 