John Schappi
Diagnosed with Parkinson’s
Washington, DC, resident John Schappi blogs about aging, exercise, diet, pills, supplements, and his life with Parkinson’s disease and prostate cancer. Once upon a time, he was addicted to nicotine, alcohol and sex. These days, his passions include gardening, playing bridge, meditating, going to the theater and traveling.
Logically, being diagnosed with Parkinson's should have set me up for an unpleasant future. But the 365 days that followed my diagnosis were some of the...
We all want to live just the way we want, and we all want to die the way we want. But we must communicate our wishes to family and physicians to ensure...
I'm a firm believer that, when it comes to drugs and medical procedures, less is more—especially for seniors like me. Here's what the experts have to say...
The more I read, the longer I live, the more I understand the critical role that DIET plays in our well-being. I'm lucky: I LOVE following the Mediterranean diet...
I've been reviewing all the elements that have contributed to my (relatively) good health for somebody my age (84). WAY UP there on that list, I'd put my...
I meditate at least twice every day. Once -- and by far the most helpful -- in my own strange, wacky way; another by following specific instructions. Both...
Maybe senior brains—like mine—are like computers that are jam-packed with data. An overloaded computer needs more time to process information, right...
I so looked forward to this adventure, cruising around South America from Valparaiso, Chile, to Buenos Aires, Argentina. It didn't go as I'd hoped. I know...
Since my Parkinson's diagnosis five years ago, my symptoms haven't been too disabling. I've lived a fairly normal, active life . . . for an almost-85 year old. I...
Several recent developments—including a few mishaps on my cruise this winter around Cape Horn—have convinced me that my long, five-year Parkinson's...
Villages make it easier to age in place. THey are non-profit membership organizations designed to help seniors stay in their own homes -- active, safe, and...
Medical authorities now say blood pressure for seniors without cardiac issues can go safely up to 150/90. For that and other reasons, I'm quitting the pills...
The cancer diagnosis over 20 years ago was pretty scary. After the prostatectomy, cancer cells remained. But the cancer—at least so far—has not been...
I spend lots of computer time reading about new studies concerning health, seniors, and medicine. I occasionally get excited about something, but I have to...
I sit way too much, especially in my home office looking at the computer screen. A new study shows it's not just enough to get exercise to maintain good...
Certain supplements—especially coconut oil and curcumin—generate lots of interest when it comes to the topic of Alzheimer's prevention. Leading...