Travel Tips for Individuals with Parkinson's Disease

This month begins a season when many of you will be traveling - over the Memorial Day weekend, and going forward into the coming warmer months.

If you will be traveling by car or airplane, you might find the following tips useful to make the experience more comfortable and enjoyable:

1. Take along your personal disabled windshield placard when you travel. Disabled parking permits are honored in most states; often, you can use your placard on a rental car or in a car in which you are a passenger. If traveling by car, contact the police department in your destination city to find out about the local ordinances. If you forget to bring your permit with you, you may be able to visit the nearest Department of Motor Vehicles office and request a temporary permit. Don't be surprised if they want to see a doctor's letter certifying your disability or medical condition.
2. Keep an extra outfit in the car in case you spill something on your clothing and need to change.
3. Bring a U-shaped inflatable neck pillow to prevent getting a stiff neck while sitting up during long car trips or flights.
4. Taking along the following items can really save the day:
   • A collapsible cup and drinking straws
   • CellophaneCellophane tape
   • Paper clips
   • Ziploc bags
   • Extra watch and eyeglasses
   • A small flashlight
   • A calculator

Other news from the AmericanParkinson's Disease Association includes nutrition information, treatment and diagnostic information, coping skills and current updates on the disease. To access this amd much more visit their website at www.apdaparkinson.org.