Taking Parkinson’s into his own hands

Lee Stewart

Marathon-running, world-traveling, Florida-wintering Fillmore native Lee Stewart, 78, just returned from a 250-mile hike along El Camino de Santiago trail, which spans through Portugal, Spain and France. A decades-long athlete, Stewart has completed two ironman triathlons, does yoga twice a week and still manages to pull the weeds on his property.

Why he remains in good shape is due to a lifelong athletic flare, but these days, he stays active to keep his Parkinson’s from progressing rapidly. A few lifestyle changes paired with his diligent exercise routine and healthy diet has kept the disease at bay; while others with the same disease, he’s noticed, degenerate at a quicker, more painful pace.

To prevent a steep decline, “it’s important to set goals ... it’s going to hurt, but it’s worth it,” he said. Spreading the word on the preventative measures to keep control over Parkinson’s is Stewart’s newest project, and a more detailed presentation on this topic will be led by Stewart at the Putnam County Library’s Kiwanis room on July 17 at 6:30 p.m.

His symptoms began to show themselves over a decade ago, he said. Swallowing became difficult, falling asleep was a chore, and muscle fatigue led his usual fitness routines to an unsatisfying halt. These are all common symptoms of Parkinson’s, along with muscle stiffness, slow movement, impaired balance, urinary problems or constipation or tremoring hands, according to the National Institute of Aging.

Doctors had entertained a few possible causes — heart issues, a weak throat, the process of aging — but it wasn’t until a few neurological tests that Stewart was given an official Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis.

During his recent winter in Florida’s New Smyrna Beach area, he became involved in a boxing club for those with Parkinson’s. This type of organized exercise is “much more than physical, it’s getting the brain and the physical body to work together,” he said, which is the most beneficial type of exercise to hold Parkinson’s back.

Although it was a key way to stay active during his months spent in the Florida, the conditions of a few weekly boxers was daunting.

In the third-level class, designated for the most advanced stages of Parkinson’s, “it’s just not there,” he said. For those involved in the class, “(the brain) has completely run out of dopamine, a kind of lubricant to the brain ... If they don’t do those exercises, it takes effort to even move your body,” he said. “And once you reach that stage, you’re in deep trouble.”

He became dedicated to the boxing gym, and was encouraged by his trainer to bring his knowledge on Parkinson’s and the benefits of physical training back to Putnam County.

Stewart has researched Parkinson’s via online communities and research centers like the Michael J. Fox Foundation, and social media has showed him vocal exercises such as saying “mi may ma mo mu,” which is now a part of his daily routine. The exercise has kept his facial muscles from losing strength, which threatens the ability to articulate clearly. It is a common symptom that Parkinson’s patients endure.

“You’ve got to stay busy and stay active and go further than you normally do. Even the speaking is with intensity. Basically, do everything with intensity,” he said.

The intense physical, vocal and mental exercises along with a special diet have been noticed by Stewart’s neurologist, who aknowledges his hard work by telling Stewart “‘whatever you’re doing is working, keep doing it.’”

“And that’s okay,” Stewart said, “but is that what the other patients are finding from their neurologist? I don’t think they are... I’m on minimal pills but then I talked to other people and, particularly in the boxing program, they’re on much heavier pills than I am, and I don’t want pills to solve my problem if I think I can physically do it.”

Although there is no Parkinson’s boxing program here in Putnam County, Stewart has found going to yoga twice weekly has benefitted his balance, strength and flexibility. The group meets at 8:15 on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Greencastle Christian Church for just $10 a month. “That little stretch in the morning makes getting out of bed a lot easier ... That’s what Karen (Evans)’s class does.”

Stewart also emphasized the importance of a healthy diet, including fruits, vegetables and unprocessed foods, as they promote brain health and physical wellness in the long-haul.

His recent hike was only one of many physical/mental challenges that have kept Stewart motivated and mobile. He sought the most difficult hiking trails during his recent family vacation to Hawaii, and is now looking forward to a group hike through the Patagonia region and a river tour in South Africa.

Traveling and exercise were enjoyed by Stewart and his beloved late wife, Susan. The pair did El Camino de Santiago trail 15 years ago, so the recent trip back to Europe was a testament to Stewart’s emotional and physical strengths.

“I did the walk for her memory, and also did the walk to see if I could still do it,” he said.

The hikes, the boxing and the advocacy are important ways to inform the community about the importance of maintaining mobility and cognitive function.

“I’m an example,” he said, of someone who is working hard and being noticed for healthy habits. Refrencing his wife’s eulogy, “we are all teachers, and we are all students,” he said.

Whatever form they take, when it comes to caring for oneself and others, “we’re given opportunities all the time to do good. And when you do good, you feel good.”