I try to ‘focus on and acknowledge the positive’

Sara Whittingham, MD
Ohio

Year of diagnosis: 2020

Exercise of choice: Swimming, biking, running, circuit training, yoga.

Favorite outdoor exercise: Walking/running

Favorite place to hike: Colorado

Toughest hike and why: Climbing Mount Whitney in California. I didn’t take time to acclimate and did it in one day. I had a horrible headache by the time I got to the summit.

Outdoor or exercise gear that is a must: Garmin watch

Advice for someone recently diagnosed who wants to stay active: Find several different activities that you enjoy, and mix it up. Some days you may not be up for a run, but a swim or some yoga may be in the cards.

Advice for someone with PD who is just starting to exercise: Write down what activities you do now, and add a little more each day. A coach or trainer is well worth the money. A workout buddy is also very helpful.

Biggest challenge with Parkinson’s right now: Fatigue

How I try to stay positive: I focus on and acknowledge the positive. I also do my best to ignore the things I don’t have control over and just keep going. Gratitude and goal-setting are the most important parts.

Interests/hobbies: Parkinson’s advocacy, coaching high school cross country, writing a book. (“Oh Crap, It’s Parkinson’s” will be available on Amazon this spring. You can preorder here.)

Career field: Anesthesiologist. I stopped working in June 2025 because of concerns that I was not quick enough on my feet to make fast decisions and keep track of multiple patients at a time.

Something the world should know: The best thing you can do is to connect with someone else living with Parkinson’s and cheer each other on.

How to find me online: https://ohcrapmedia.com

A woman walks through a wooded area with her arms outstretched.

If you have Parkinson’s and the outdoors and exercise are part of your life, you could be featured in Unshakable Voices, too. Email unshakablehiker@gmail.com.