‘I carve out time each day to focus on my health’
Heather Corry
St. Augustine, Florida
Year of diagnosis: 2018
Exercises of choice: I go to Rock Steady Boxing twice a week, yoga once a week, tai chi once a week, pickleball two to three times a week, and Boot Camp exercises two days a week
Favorite outdoor exercise: I love being outdoors. Hiking is one of my favorites, but there’s not a lot of good hiking in Florida. So in Florida, I tend to do more walking, swimming in the ocean, and biking.
Favorite places to hike: Moab, Utah, and the Carolinas.
Toughest hike and why: Table Rock Mountain in South Carolina. It was four miles up and four miles back. Twice I wanted to give up, but my son and husband encouraged me to keep going. It was worth the effort, but it did take me three days to recover. It was strenuous, and I am also afraid of heights, so it was physically and emotionally draining.
Most proud of related to outdoors: The hike above, and as well as the two triathlons I have competed in. They were sprint triathlons, a quarter mile swim in the ocean, a 12-mile bike ride, and a 5K run/walk.
Outdoor or exercise gear that is a must: My hiking poles were much needed on my eight-mile hike, especially on the descent. Also very important to me is good shoes. I wear zero-drop shoes with a big toe box, which helps my feet feel good with less cramping.
Advice for someone with PD who is just starting to exercise: If you’re not into exercising, just figure out something you like to do that moves your body. Maybe you like to dance, maybe you like to garden, maybe you like skipping rocks across a pond. You can find something that you like to do and that will start you moving, and slowly, you can add other exercises. Try and find a group of people that also have Parkinson’s to exercise with. This is very important. You will have the support and understanding that you need when beginning an exercise program while fighting a degenerative disease
Biggest challenge with Parkinson’s right now: My biggest challenge with Parkinson’s disease right now is gastrointestinal problems. I still haven’t found the magic bullet for keeping my stomach and intestines working properly.
How I try to stay positive: I read the Bible every morning, journal, and pray. I work on remembering all the things I have in my life that I am thankful for. I make time to do things for other people. Whether I’m bringing cookies to a neighbor, making a meal for a friend who recently had surgery, or just smiling at strangers in the store, I try to make the world a little bit better each day.
Advocacy work for PD: I started a support group for women with Parkinson’s more than two years ago. About 25 women attend each month to discuss different topics and enjoy the camaraderie.
Other interests/hobbies: I recently started painting with watercolor and doing needlepoint. They are rewarding and allow me an artistic outlet. Visiting my new granddaughter is a high priority on my list.
Career field: I worked 30 years as an interpreter of American Sign Language before retiring in June. I also homeschooled my children.
Something the world should know: My life is very busy, but I try to carve out time for myself each day to focus on my health. I practice breath work, do cold water immersion therapy, take a lot of vitamins and supplements, and eat healthy foods.
How to find me online: Look for me on Facebook.
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.