Sara's Blog
Returning as a Jedi Master: A Conversation with My Teachers and the Next Generation
I was incredibly honored to speak at the 2025 Western Anesthesia Residency Conference where I was able to share my
Harnessing AI to Empower the Parkinson’s Community
I’m continually inspired and impressed by how people with Parkinson’s aren’t just adapting—they’re leading and eager to help others. One
Startled in Traffic, Losing My Keys, Freezing in Doorways and Falling on Stairs: The Hidden Visual Challenges of Parkinson’s
How Parkinson’s Might Affect Our Vision, Depth Perception, and Spatial Awareness You’re riding in a car, and suddenly a vehicle
Meet Twitchy McGrit
The Unlikely Hero Leading the Fight Against Parkinson’s. Twitchy McGrit: A Symbol of Grit, Humor, and Hope Twitchy McGrit isn’t
Parkinson’s Disease Motor Symptoms
To comment on any of these symptoms, please visit the Prize Fighter’s Forum, click the symptom that you would like
De-feet Toe Curling in Parkinson’s Disease
. 👣 The Toe Curl Chronicles: Real Talk About Parkinson’s and Dystonia in the Feet Toe curling from dystonia is
The Claw Hand Chronicles – Tips from The Parkinson’s Fight Club
“Claw hand” in Parkinson’s, often caused by dystonia, can be managed with simple tricks like hand stretches, fidget rings, posture
Finding Strength in Optimism and Gratitude
Is there such a thing as too much optimism with Parkinson’s? I’ve asked myself that—but I’ve found that gratitude and
Why Balance and Core Exercises Matter for Parkinson’s Disease — and How to Get Started
🧠 Why Balance and Core Work Is Essential in Parkinson’s People with Parkinson’s disease are at significantly increased risk for
Balance Exercises for People with Parkinson’s
Balance and core exercises are key for people with Parkinson’s to improve stability and reduce falls. This guide includes simple,
Progression of Parkinson’s Disease – Reimagined
Progression of Parkinson’s Disease- Sara’s Version
No One Fights Alone: Breaking the Stigma of Mental Health in Parkinson’s
Mental health challenges like anxiety and depression are common in Parkinson’s, yet often overlooked. This article encourages open conversations, breaks
Defend Our Defenders: Stop the Repeal of the TCE/PCE Ban
In January, a long-overdue Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule was set to take effect, banning two toxic chemicals—trichloroethylene (TCE) and
Understanding Pisa Syndrome in Parkinson’s Disease
Sara Whittingham MD March 17, 2025 Pisa syndrome is a condition where a person’s body starts leaning significantly to one
Exploring the New Continuous Carbidopa-Levodopa Pump for Parkinson’s
A new continuous Carbidopa-Levodopa (C/L) pump (Vyalev) has sparked interest in the Parkinson’s community, offering 24-hour medication delivery and the
Cold Therapy and Parkinson’s: Exploring the Benefits and Challenges
Cold therapy is gaining attention for potential benefits in Parkinson’s, including improved mobility and reduced inflammation. This article explores the
Navigating Career Growth with Young-Onset Parkinson’s
Balancing Ambition, Stress, and Health For many people diagnosed with Young-Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD), career planning becomes a complex and
Empower U:Cleveland Clinic
I had the privilege of speaking at a conference for people with Parkinson’s Disease today. I spoke alongside PD Rockstars
PD in the Paralympics
Rower Todd Vogt will soon be off to Paris to represent the United States and the Parkinson’s Community at the Paralympics. Todd
3 NEOMED Students to run 75 miles to raise money and awareness for Parkinson’s Research
This weekend, 3 Northeast Ohio Medical University students will take on a 75 mile ultra-marathon with the goal of raising
NEOMED Students Raise Over $60,000 for Parkinson’s Research
by Sara Whittingham MD Northeast Ohio Medical University students Hunter Bonfiglio, Alex Keith and Nick Sciaretti finished the grueling 75 mile
US Paralympic Rower with Parkinson’s, Todd Vogt, Makes us Proud in Paris
by Sara Whittingham MD After an intense 3 days of rowing, Todd Vogt and Sage Harper won the B Final
Advocacy for Post 9/11 Veterans with Parkinson’s Disease
by Sara Whittingham MD About 18 months after my Parkinson’s diagnosis, I learned through a mutual friend that one of our
Maximizing Your Doctor’s Appointments: A Guide for Effective Communication
Having been on both sides of the patient-physician interaction, I understand the challenges involved. Many doctors will see 20-25 patients
My trip to Philly to speak to VA physicians and leaders who take care of Veterans with Parkinson’s Disease
by Sara Whittingham MD September 28, 2024 Earlier this week, I had the privilege of speaking at a national conference for
Break free of the bubble wrap: the case for exercise in chronic disease
It seems our society has the mantra that as we age we should “be super careful, don’t do too much,
