Healthy Living with Cerebral Palsy
Although I don’t intend the blog to be solely about CP diet and exercise, it’s a big concern with all of us, especially as we age. Many of us are getting older, and our doctors are watching us sail into unchartered territory. For instance, I am the only patient my doctor has with cerebral palsy. Add crohn’s disease to that, and she has to look a few things up. 
So, in response to my plea for blogging ideas, (what my readers what to read) Greg sent me some information on his site, as well as plugging this site. He posted a blog about inspirational people with cerebral palsy. I am probably the least athletic person on the planet; but, I am honored that he thinks I am inspirational.
Greg and Kristen
Greg’s site is dedicated to healthy living. He just happens to also have a mild case of cerebral palsy. But, it doesn’t stop him from doing much of anything. He talks about people that run marathons and master other athletic feats, even with CP.
Greg is a vegan. Thus, the title The Casual Vegan. For those of you unfamiliar with the term, a vegan doesn’t eat any animal products like milk, eggs, cheese, etc. It’s like being a vegetarian+. With great care, to ensure getting all of the daily required nutrition, it’s a very healthy lifestyle.
You may want to snag one of these links, and give his site a visit. You might just be inspired to begin a lifetime of healthy living with cerebral palsy.
May 11th, 2010 at 1:45 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Allie Mendoza, The Casual Vegan. The Casual Vegan said: A blogger just wrote a post referring to one of our posts Check it out -> Healthy Living with Cerebral Palsy http://bit.ly/dCY4hH [...]
May 11th, 2010 at 1:46 pm
Great post Tina. Perhaps it’s time to take up weights?
I too experienced many doctors who had little experience with Cerebral Palsy. Doctors who did seem to know would tell me how I was only going to get worse with age. It was all doom and gloom for me into my thirties and beyond.
However, I discovered the more I pushed myself to exercise, especially weight lifting, the more my symptoms improved. My muscles shake less, and my balance is better. I often feel badly talking about it because I’m doing so well. But at the same time, I hope to encourage others to take matters into their own hands. If you can can weight lift, hike, run, bike, or swim you should do it as much as you can. Pick something you can do and practice it.
When I started running teenagers would tease me because I ran funny. It’s taken effort and practice, but today, I’m an active runner, and the only thing people say to me these days is “good morning”.
May 11th, 2010 at 2:30 pm
Greg,
Thank you so much! That is awesome!
I don’t know. I think weights might not be a great idea. I had bicep tendinitis this winter. Ouch! I have exercises to do, but other than a can of veggies in each hand, I am not sure I can handle weights.
I would have to check with the doc on that one. She may have to do some reading again! 
May 11th, 2010 at 3:13 pm
I’m not a doctor. So, certainly check with your doctor because re-injuring yourself would be a real bummer.
Once you’ve given it plenty time to heal, soup cans are the great way to start! It’s not about what other people can do, it’s about challenging your own body. Studies have shown that even bedridden, elderly people in nursing homes benefit from using weights.
I have a difficult time doing wrist curls. So, I stick to really light weights and make it a point to work on them more often. Marines do all of their training with NO weights. They lift their own bodies instead. The trick is to find a physical activity that you enjoy.
May 11th, 2010 at 4:06 pm
Yep! Soup cans work great; and, they are cheaper than buying a set of weights. Also, even if you can’t do sit ups, the attempt will tighten those tummy muscles.
You are definitely right about the ‘enjoy’ part. If you like the exercise activity, you are more likely to stick to it!
Thanks!
May 12th, 2010 at 3:39 am
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!
May 13th, 2010 at 9:33 pm
I have some right heel cord pain and it’s really affecting my walking. I”m getting physical therapy but don’t think it’s helping. This is all new this year. What specialist could best help with this.? I’ve been to a neurologist a few months ago but she does not seem to know about this too well. Any ideas???
May 13th, 2010 at 11:03 pm
Sherry,
My first thought is an orthopedic doctor. I remember having physical therapy to stretch the tendons in my heals. Maybe the doc could suggest alternative therapies, maybe hot compresses, soaking you feet in warm-hot water? ( Unfortunately, I rarely use my feet anymore, other than to hang on to rails for a brief time to pull myself into the shower or use the restroom. I actually found bruises on the tops of my feet today. Since I don’t walk on them, maybe my dog did??? I can feel them, but I can’t recall hurting them to the point of bruising>? Not much help, am I?) I hope another reader has a better idea.
May 21st, 2010 at 11:23 am
thanks for the article. do you know of any other sources to read more about this?
May 21st, 2010 at 11:34 pm
Greg,
Thank you so much! That is awesome!
I don’t know. I think weights might not be a great idea. I had bicep tendinitis this winter. Ouch! I have exercises to do, but other than a can of veggies in each hand, I am not sure I can handle weights.
I would have to check with the doc on that one. She may have to do some reading again! 
June 3rd, 2010 at 8:01 am
Breakthrough research in the treatment of cerebral palsy, autism, and other developmental and neurological conditions at Center for Life Sciences, Health and Medicine, Pune – India.
Improvements have been seen in over 2000 cases of Cerebral Palsy with Integrative Medicine Treatment G Therapy.
For videos and other scientific documentation kindly see http://www.g-therapy.org.
Youtube videos at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjjxhO_w8Ho
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fjjBPtCt70
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zwtb1OTwFZ8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXUCzmrcy-k
Scientists and researchers are invited.
June 30th, 2010 at 5:37 pm
Unfortunately, no. It wasn’t until about a year ago that I found a doctor that thought it was possible for a person in a wheelchair to lose weight. If you find anything else, please share.