Dear Reader,

Today I responded to a post from a fellow-member of Women’s Brain Exchange network. Her subject line was: “Recommendations for Parkinson’s”

I wish to share my response through this blog post.

I cheer for all brave folks who are coping with disease and illness and all the compassionate advocates!

I was an advocate for my father – he thrived in spite of Parkinson’s.

Information is powerful! What I had learned as an advocate enriched my own life and also everyone else’s in Papa’s community.

Be ahead of the game – know that Parkinson’s is a movement disorder… thus, find (not just a general neurologist) but a neurologist whose patient base is mainly movement disorder patients and who does not rely on “old” techniques.

Same for physical therapists – folks who aren’t trained in movement disorders caused heartaches for Papa. The right folks taught my father ways to “refresh” the brain.

RESOURCES:

Michael J. Fox Foundation https://www.michaeljfox.org/  says:  “The Michael J. Fox Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease through an aggressively funded research agenda and to ensuring the development of improved therapies for those living with Parkinson’s today.”

Membership is free for patients and their advocates.

https://www.michaeljfox.org/

Pull down “Understanding Parkinson’s” tab.  Then look for “Education and Inspiration” tab.  You’ll see recordings of webinars and podcasts.

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When one is not feeling well… learning new ways to improve one’s health can be overwhelming. I wish everyone compassionate advocates to help make the journey a gentler one.

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Dr. Norman Doidge reminds us that WALKING helps our brain produce new brain cells – prehistoric humans and animals walked to find food and shelter, to get away from predators – the brain releases chemicals to promote movement. 

While using exercise equipment helps us build strength … walking requires our Brain to make decisions… our Brain learns about our surroundings and conditions when we walk.    Walk   Walk   Walk

Our brain releases beneficial chemicals even when the movement is imaginary. Athletes, musicians, all types of performers use “Visualization”.  Mind-Body connection at work!

I am a Curious George. I like to know “why” when someone says “Try this”

Learn how our beautiful brains work

Please read both books written by Norman Doidge, M.D.

Ask librarians at public libraries.

Dr. Doidge’s books have been translated into 30+ languages!

I must have bought close to 100 copies of THE BRAIN’S WAY OF HEALING (Dr. Doidge’s second book) to give to family members, friends, and my father’s neighbors.

https://www.normandoidge.com   Dr. Doidge’s books have been translated into 30+ languages!

Please ask librarians at public libraries.

Dr. Norman Doidge’s first book – 

The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science

Dr. Norman Doidge’s second book –  

The Brain’s Way of Healing: Remarkable Discoveries and Recoveries from the Frontiers of Neuroplasticity

Chapter 2 A Man Walks Off His Parkinsonian Symptoms How Exercise Helps Fend Off Degenerative Disorders and Can Defer Dementia

(Teresa here to say that this chapter – about Mr. John Pepper – inspired me to be a smart advocate for my papa. Mr. Pepper’s website https://www.reverseparkinsons.net/ )

Chapter 1 Physician Hurt, Then Heal Thyself Michael Moskowitz Discovers That Chronic Pain Can Be Unlearned Chapter 2 A Man Walks

(Teresa here to say that this chapter led me to learning how to stop persistent pain after Shingles virus rash healed.

Dr. Michael Moskowitz and Dr. Marla Golden’s website http://neuroplastix.com  )

Norman Doidge: Brain’s Healing Energies - 28 minutes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifYcE4-eI_s

Norman Doidge on his amazing new book The Brain’s Way of Healing - 20 minutes 14 seconds

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1m2klb5vTo

Dr. Norman Doidge | The Power of Thought  CBC News – 10 minutes 44 seconds

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2c5aTlq3nYI

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“COVID Raises Risk of Long-Term Brain Injury, Large U.S. Study Finds” https://www.usnews.com/news/top-news/articles/2022-09-22/covid-raises-risk-of-long-term-brain-injury-large-u-s-study-finds

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Another helpful resource – the blog post by master teacher and holistic healer Gilles Marin -

“Detoxifying from Vaccines with Herbs, Fruits and Vegetables”

https://www.chineitsang.com/post/detoxifying-from-vaccines-with-herbs-fruits-and-vegetables

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Thank you, holistic healer Stephanie Wilger, for telling me about:

Taoist Meditation: The Six Healing Sounds – https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7UZa_zhOg9A

Thank you, YouTube channel user Andrew McCart!

 

 

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Thank you for reading my blog post “Parkinson’s Disease – Resources for Brave Patients and Compassionate Advocates”

I wish you and everyone around you vibrant health always and new adventures for a beautiful life.

Thank you, Mr. George Carlin (Angel Carlin), for inspiring me to eliminate unnecessary words.

Sincerely,

Teresa Jade LeYung, 2019 Paris, photo by Mary E. Knippel

Teresa Jade LeYung 

Story Theme Consultant / Photo Historian / Author / Blogger / Public Library and Public School Advocate

http://www.OurBeautifulBrains.com goes to Teresa’s Blog

Writing Coach Teresa Jade LeYung says: “I love helping writers identify the themes in their manuscripts to hook readers, and, build and fortify their platforms before and after publication. Reach out, not stress out.”

Love Made Of Heart ®

USA Federal government offering 4 COVID home test kits (2 boxes) for winter prep
https://www.covid.gov/tests or https://special.usps.com/testkits

Teresa Jade LeYung says:

“World Traveler / Teacher / Researcher / Writer / Photographer SASA SOUTHARD’s referencing Villefranche-sur-Mer leads to Jean Cocteau, La Belle et la Bête, films, movies, and Almost Ginger blog”

Wishes of vibrant health to everyone!

Thank you, Sasa Southard!  YOU inspire turning curiosity into fun research!

https://sasasouthard.com/

Recently while looking at links and photos provided by Sasa … I learned that Villefranche-sur-Mer is a harbour town and Mediterranean resort, in the Alpes-Maritimes département, Provence–Alpes–Côte d’Azur région, southeastern FRANCE.

https://www.britannica.com/place/Villefranche-sur-Mer says: “Villefranche, a picturesque old town, was founded early in the 14th century. Its ancient Saint-Pierre chapel was entirely decorated by the French 20th-century writer and artist Jean Cocteau.”

… which led to finding the 4-part presentation COCTEAU ET LA CHAPELLE DE VILLEFRANCHE : L’EGLISE ET LE POETE – in French language

Here’s Part 1 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9s2HLSMVPwU

Thank you, YouTube Channel User Chrétiens à Monaco!

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Then YouTube cued up “Jean Cocteau speaks to the year 2000″  subtitled – 1962 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-x-wNiN4Hk

In 1962 Monsieur Cocteau was addressing a future audience! Wow!   Thank you, YouTube Channel User Camille P-LB!

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Today, I found on YouTube the film written and directed by Jean Cocteau   ORPHÉE / ORPHEUS (1950) with subtitles / subtítulos / Untertitel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IZIwV7c3os

Thank you, YouTube Channel User John Potter!

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Then, while looking up other films written by Monsieur Jean Cocteau https://www.criterion.com/films/610-orpheus, I see that the hauntingly beautiful film La Belle et la Bête was also written by Monsieur Cocteau

https://www.criterion.com/films/177-beauty-and-the-beast  says:

“Jean Cocteau’s sublime adaptation of Mme. Leprince de Beaumont’s fairy-tale masterpiece—in which the pure love of a beautiful girl melts the heart of a feral but gentle beast—is a landmark of motion picture fantasy, with unforgettably romantic performances by Jean Marais and Josette Day. The spectacular visions of enchantment, desire, and death in Beauty and the Beast (La Belle et la Bête) have become timeless icons of cinematic wonder.”

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Then as Sasa Southard would say …  I circled back to “Côte d’Azur région, southeastern France”  and found “Almost Ginger” blog!

TO CATCH A THIEF  filming locations in the South of France https://almostginger.com/to-catch-a-thief-film-locations-cannes/

Almost Ginger is an award-nominated cinema and travel blog aimed at showing film and TV lovers how their silver screen escapes can be a reality by documenting my own travels to filming locations and film festivals around the world.

https://almostginger.com/  says: “Almost Ginger is run by me, Rebecca Sharp. I’m a twenty-something avid cinephile and traveller, as well as a minimalist, optimist, Hufflepuff and proud ginger. Well, almost ginger. Originally from the Lake District in the UK, I split my time between there and everywhere else! I’m a full-time blogger and freelance content creator so as long as I have my laptop, I can work anywhere.”

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Thank you!  World Traveler / Teacher / Researcher / Writer / Photographer Sasa Southard!

I celebrate YOU!

Did you know that Elisa “Sasa” Southard is the Queen of Talking Taglines and the author of classic “marketing / build your career by being YOU” book?

Elisa "Sasa" Southard--photo by Writers' Fanbase-Building Coach Teresa Jade LeYung

Ms. Southard’s book Break Through the Noise: 9 Tools to Propel Your Marketing Message contains entertaining and logical roadmaps for anyone who has anything or any service to sell. The beauty of Ms. Southard’s coaching is that, instead of giving us cookie-cutter methods, she guides us to focus on our uniqueness and to build from there. Anyone can be successful with Ms. Southard’s Tips on talking points and taglines

https://www.amazon.com/Break-Through-Noise-Elisa-Southard/dp/8130905094/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

Elisa Sasa Southard’s book BREAK THROUGH THE NOISE: 9 Tools to Propel Your Marketing Message had inspired me, Teresa Jade LeYung, to write my workbook BUILD YOUR WRITER’S PLATFORM & FANBASE IN 22 DAYS: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0983010005/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1670848622&sr=8-1

Wishing everyone a safe and peaceful December!

Jade - photo by Sasa Southard

Sincerely,

Teresa Jade LeYung

Story Theme Consultant / Photo Historian / Author / Public Library and Public School Advocate

http://www.OurBeautifulBrains.com goes to Teresa’s Blog

Writing Coach Teresa Jade LeYung says: “I love helping writers identify the themes in their manuscripts to hook readers, and, build and fortify their platforms before and after publication. Reach out, not stress out.”

Love Made Of Heart ®

Thank you to my pal Simone for this report:

“The State of COVID & the Triple-demic: A Conversation w/ Your Local Epidemiologist Katelyn Jetelina” https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vu4rK8dAgnU&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email  Thank you, Dr. Robert Wachter, chair, UCSF Dept of Medicine

“COVID Raises Risk of Long-Term Brain Injury, Large U.S. Study Finds” by Julie Steenhuysen https://www.usnews.com/news/top-news/articles/2022-09-22/covid-raises-risk-of-long-term-brain-injury-large-u-s-study-finds

Master teacher and practitioner of Chi Nei Tsang GILLES MARIN’s blog post: “Detoxifying from Vaccines with Herbs, Fruits and Vegetables”

https://www.chineitsang.com/post/detoxifying-from-vaccines-with-herbs-fruits-and-vegetables

[ Addendum 2022 October 2

On YouTube Plum Village channel

“A Regulated Nervous System: An Orientation by Jo-Ann Rosen | #11″

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GOsXEWuPy-4

(Beloved teacher Thich Nhat Hanh, founder of the International Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism, passed away on 22nd January 2022.)

WALKING helps Beautiful Brain produce dopamine, serotonin, etc. for ease of movement.

If you cannot walk… then visualize WALKING.

I, Teresa Jade LeYung, wish everyone wellness, loving kindness, peace and happiness.

Merci beaucoup, Sasa Southard, for the inspiring message on card!

Recovering from illness continues to teach me how to listen to Beautiful Brain/Body and respond with intention. I am so very grateful to everyone who cares about my well-being.

I know now that aftermath of any virus is not for me to dismiss. Living with post Shingles* virus symptoms that impact my nervous system / work life / private life  is sobering and humbling. I am thankful for “healthful” lessons.

[ * Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person has had chickenpox, the virus lies inactive in nerve tissue near the spinal cord and brain. Years later, the virus may reactivate as shingles. https://www.mayoclinic.org ]

Our beautiful brains. Our beautiful central nervous system!

THIS WEEK, THE TOPIC OF THIS ARTICLE GRABBED MY ATTENTION –

“COVID Raises Risk of Long-Term Brain Injury, Large U.S. Study Finds”

Sept. 22, 2022  By Julie Steenhuysen

[....]

Compared with the control groups, people infected with COVID had a 77% higher risk of developing memory problems.

People infected with the virus also were 50% more likely to have an ischemic stroke, which is caused by blood clots, compared with the never infected group.

Those who had COVID were 80% more likely to have seizures, 43% more likely to have mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, 35% more likely to have headaches and 42% more likely to suffer movement disorders, such as tremors, compared with the control groups.

Full article: https://www.usnews.com/news/top-news/articles/2022-09-22/covid-raises-risk-of-long-term-brain-injury-large-u-s-study-finds 

[ Addendum 2022 October 19

What this engaging article and many other engaging articles don't offer is a summary of the biology, how this virus is passed around, and what we can all do to decrease spreading this virus and variants.

Inhalation. Exhalation. Outdoors. Indoors. Droplets. Aerosols. Wearing masks. Proper ventilation. Air filtration. Vaccination. Consequences. Getting tested. Isolate. Quarantine. Exposure to people who are exposed to large numbers of other people. Variables. Where is the float plan? ]

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OUR BEAUTIFUL BRAINS

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Danielle Rosenman, M.D. says:

“The brain changes itself constantly throughout our entire lives. All of our experience changes the brain.

“Everything that we experience, think, feel, believe, and learn changes the physical structure of the brain, the chemicals in the brain, and electricity in the brain.

“This ability of the brain to change is called neuroplasticity.

“Neuroplasticity lets us learn through our entire lives.  The more often we repeat a task, the better we learn it. Repetition helps us learn things like reading, adding numbers, or playing a musical instrument. We often call this type of learning ‘practice’.”

During neuroplasticity coaching, Dr. Danielle Rosenman instructs:  “Smile for yourself and talk out loud to your brain. When you learn to talk to your brain, you are opening up a new life.”

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Professor Lorimer Moseley says:

“The mechanisms that cause us to change in a good way can also cause us to change in a way that makes our lives more difficult and more unpleasant….  Our brain produces pain.  Pain is our most sophisticated protective device. Your systems learn how to make pain….” 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5p6sbi_0lLc

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On page 4 of workbook TRANSFORMING THE BRAIN IN PAIN: NEUROPLASTIC TRANSFORMATION,

Dr. Michael H. Moskowitz  and Dr. Marla D. Golden enlighten:

“Without your brain, there is no pain. Your brain doesn’t just receive information from your body, but sends directions back out to tell your body what to do.

“Your brain ‘reads’ everything going on in your body 30 times a second for your entire life.

“The adult brain changes throughout our lives based upon the information it receives from our bodies.

“We only experience pain when the electrical signals reach the thinking part of our brains.”

“This is why during surgery, when general anesthesia shuts down the thinking part of the brain, the person doesn’t feel pain.”

And… Dr. Moskowitz and Dr. Golden say: “The more sensation each part of your body has, the bigger the image of that body part in your brain (page 4 of workbook) … Shrink the pain map by flooding the brain using:

…thoughts, images, senses, memories, soothing emotions, movement, beliefs.” (page 13 of  their workbook) 

http://neuroplastix.com/

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Dr. Norman Doidge’s first book – 

The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science

Dr. Norman Doidge’s second book –  

The Brain’s Way of Healing: Remarkable Discoveries and Recoveries from the Frontiers of Neuroplasticity

https://www.normandoidge.com

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Another book that inspires me to conduct research, collect my data before seeing a doctor, prepare my questions, and trust my intuition –

Victoria Sweet, M.D.’s book SLOW MEDICINE The Way to Healing 

https://www.victoriasweet.com/  Over the years that Victoria Sweet has been a physician, “healthcare” has replaced medicine, “providers” look at their laptops more than at their patients, and costs keep soaring, all in the ruthless pursuit of efficiency.

Victoria Sweet, M.D. is the award-winning author of God’s Hotel: A Doctor, a Hospital, and a Pilgrimage to the Heart of Medicine.

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My deepest gratitude goes to everyone who cares about my well-being, and to all the authors / physicians referenced above, and, since my “adventure” which began in August 2020… to the physicians / healers listed below… in “reverse order of appearance”…

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Stephanie Wilger, NC of HEALTH HAPPENS, LLC says:

“As an internal organ and reproductive organ specialist, I feel the way your internal organs, tissues, fluids, energy, bones are responding, and gently assist to coordinate them for better communication and function.  You relax and let go of tensions, stored emotions, becoming more vibrant, more yourself.  Adhesions and scar tissue:  from C-sections, surgery, accidents, are also released for more energy flow and movement.”  https://stephaniewilgernc.net/

Thank you, Stephanie, for telling me about

Taoist Meditation: The Six Healing Sounds
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7UZa_zhOg9A
YouTube channel: Andrew McCart

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Master practitioner and master teacher Gilles Marin says:

“TaoTouch is the art to help people heal, get rid of pain, and bring back vibrant health by reconciling self, soul and spirit while triggering emotional processing.  This is done through a traditional Taoist monastic healing practice called Chi Nei Tsang, which works with deep and gentle abdominal touch to enhance health and vitality to the internal organs.”

Look for Gilles Marin’s books, lectures, CDs and podcasts.

www.chineitsang.com      http://chineitsang.marin.free.fr/

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Dr. Danielle Rosenman

Dr. Rosenman uses neuroplasticity, imagery, meditation, psychotherapy, and other techniques in her Medical Counseling practice and in the innovative “Tools for Healing” groups.  She counsels people about options, and provides recommendations for standard and complementary/alternative medical treatment, problem-solving, and decision-making, all focusing on how to feel better.

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Dr. Amy Grace Lam says: “Reconnect to your body’s knowing.”

Dr. Lam is a healer, writer and activist committed to supporting diverse global communities for healing and transformation. Through her vibrational energy coaching, Amy creates experiences for individuals to bridge spiritual and physical realities into a magical conversation with each other.

She loves working with individuals to connect to their inner wisdom, step into their leadership and confidently manifest their gifts to the world. Amy’s writing and art have been featured in literary and academic journals and Bay Area performance and artistic venues.  Please visit:   http://amygracelam.com/

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Marie-Christine Cornet (now in France), Chi Nei Tsang and Somatic Experience practitioner, says:

“Connecting to your body and its wealth of intelligence and wisdom is the portal to living Life deeply and authentically.” http://www.mariechristinecornet.com/

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Stephanie Doucette, M.S., L.Ac., Dipl. OM,  California Licensed Acupuncturist and Clinical Herbalist is

nationally certified as a Diplomate in Oriental Medicine and practices integrative orthopedic therapy, bringing together acupuncture, deep tissue massage and manual orthopedic techniques to treat neuromuscular injury and chronic pain.  http://www.stephaniedoucette.com/

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A thousand thanks to “Country Doctor LaH” and her petite Gracie for taking excellent care of me during Shingles outbreak in  2020. Your loving kindness was a powerful medicine.

To everyone who wished me wellness and extended your loving kindness, I wish you vibrant health, loving kindness, peace and happiness always!

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Then, there’s the author whose book taught me how to show respect and particular appreciation to everyone when I am in beloved City of Light.

The Sweet Life in Paris: Delicious Adventures in the World’s Most Glorious – and Perplexing – City 

by David Lebovitz  https://www.davidlebovitz.com/

Merci beaucoup, Monsieur Lebovitz!

Merci beaucoup, author and photographer Margie Yee Webb, for gifting the book in 2016!

Merci beaucoup, world traveler, teacher and author Elisa Sasa Southard www.SasaSouthard.com, for introducing me to the city my heart calls Home!

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Thank you, gardener extraordinaire and world traveler Nan Noonan (mama to Gracie and Kiki), for letting me visit your “wellness center” as often as I need.

Thank you to my sister Maria Kawah Leung (author of LITTLE HEROES OF BAY STREET) and Happy Dog and ALL precious friends, clients, colleagues, mentors, family members, and readers and writers.

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Thank you for reading my blog post:

“Beautiful Brain Body, Nervous System, Viruses, Wellness, Neuroplasticity Throughout Our Entire Lives”

I wish you vibrant health, loving kindness, peace and happiness always!

Sincerely,

Story Theme Consultant / Photo Historian / Author / Public Library and Public School Advocate

http://www.OurBeautifulBrains.com goes to Teresa’s Blog

Writing Coach Teresa Jade LeYung says: “I love helping writers identify the themes in their manuscripts to hook readers, and, build and fortify their platforms before and after publication. Reach out, not stress out.”

Love Made Of Heart ®