Daily-Living RSS

Cannabinoids such as Cannabidiol (CBS) have been looked at for its ability to relax muscles, ease seizures, and provide relief for tremor-like symptoms (1). It has been shown that cannabinoids found in the marijuana plant interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system is in charge of body functions and regulating controls. It has been suggested that CBS can play a role in combination with the ECS to target cannabinoid receptors in the brain and body that control our muscles (1).  What Is the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)? The Endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a cell signaling system within the human...

If you’re on this page, we're sure you’re wondering how you can stop or even reduce your hand tremors. We mean naturally. Either for yourself or a loved one. Without having to take medication or undergo invasive procedures such as DBS. Well, there’s good news and there’s not so good news. The good news is that while the answer to “..can I reduce my shaky hands naturally..?” is a resounding YES, the not so good news is it’s not that simple. In 2020 there is so far, as Google will show you, such an amazing amount of aids and devices...

With the number of coronavirus cases increasing dramatically, we are all aiming to keep ourselves and our loved ones, safe and healthy. It is first and foremost crucial to follow the guidelines provided by our governments and public health institutes which includes hand washing and social distancing (1, 2). Since the virus poses more harm to those that are immunocompromised or that have preexisting conditions, some aspects of our daily lives should be monitored. If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early. Stay home if you feel unwell.  As much as the virus itself is dangerous...

Shaky Hands Shaky hands are more commonly known as hand tremors. These hand tremors make everyday tasks much more difficult when compared to the average person. Usually, this involuntary movement is a good early warning sign that one may have an underlying neurological or degenerative condition (Healthline, 2018). Shaky hands are a symptom of and Parkinson’s Disease (PD) but more commonly od Essential Tremor (ET) (Healthline, 2018). Parkinson’s disease is a chronic neurological disorder that affects movement starting from tremors in one hand to greater involuntary movement of the rest of the body (Mayo Clinic, 2018).  Along with tremors PD...

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor and nonmotor symptoms, both of which negatively impacting patients’ quality of life (Ma et al. 2016). Tremors, rigid facial expressions, and cognitive difficulties are among other common symptoms experienced by patients (Jankovic, 2008). A significant one experienced by both patients and caregivers that most people tend to overlook is the stigma that arises as a result of those common symptoms. Such a phenomenon affects everyday life and patient’s subjective and relational perception which may lead to frustration, social isolation and consequently negative health effects. Stigma refers to the negative attitudes...

It is quite impossible to keep your hands completely still and therefore to some degree everyone has a tremor (Harvard Health Publishing, 2015). The root cause of this shakiness is due to the tiny muscle fibers found within the hands and arms that are constantly contracting and resting (Piedmont healthcare, 2017). At times this involuntary movement may become imbalanced as some of the muscle groups may continue to contract instead of entering the resting phase setting the timing off (Piedmont healthcare, 2017). The trick here is figuring out if this shakiness of the hand is normal or abnormal (Harvard Health...

Having a disability, such as Parkinson’s disease, in the workplace can prove to be very challenging. This degenerative disease affects the motor system, resulting in tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), instability and fatigue. The number of individuals with disabilities and chronic diseases in the workforce is increasing due to longer life expectancy rates. It is the government’s responsibility to take on an active role in providing both emotional and financial support for those in need. In Canada, The Ontario Human Rights Code fights against ableism in the workplace – the discrimination against those with disabilities. It also ensures that...

    Some of us take the ease for which it takes to perform a 9-5 job for granted. For others, this is a luxury that can’t be afforded. Tremors can do more than affect one’s capability to perform tasks but can lead to discrimination, employment termination, and (most importantly) loss of confidence. It’s Your Right Under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, it is clearly stated that every individual is to be considered equal. People can also turn to The Canadian Human Rights Act to protect themselves against harassment or discrimination based on disability (Government of Canada, 2017)....

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive, neurodegenerative brain disorder that leads to shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with walking, balance, and coordination (Robinette, Charles, et al, 2018). Symptoms usually begin gradually and worsen. Overtime individuals may experience mental and behavioral changes, memory loss, fatigue, sleep problems, and depression. PD is most common in men aged 60. However, early onset of the disease can begin at the age of 50 (Robinette, Charles, et al, 2018). Families Coping with Parkinson’s Disease   Parkinson’s Disease like any other chronic illness manifests many physical and psychological challenges, this can be incredibly hard on the family. Along with...

Among its many known benefits, exercise may also be used as a rehabilitative treatment for the reduction and control of Essential (ET) and Parkinsonian tremors (PT). Performing everyday tasks requires some degree of physical ability, such as strength, dexterity, and steadiness. Gaining control of movements does not have to come at the expense of a needle or a surgical procedure. Improvements in movement control and severity of tremors may occur after only six weeks of diligently applying to an exercise routine. This doesn’t have to take the form of the huffy puffy weightlifting challenges aired on ESPN. Targeted strength training,...

What is essential tremor? Essential tremor is a disorder that affects the nerves and causes involuntary shaking in different parts of the body specially hands, wrists, arm and head. Other parts of the body can be affected as well such as: Face, tongue, neck, torso. In this type of tremor, the lower part of the body is rarely affected.   What causes essential tremors? What causes the tremors in people with this condition is still not well understood, but it is believed that is the effect of an abnormal electrical brain activity in the thalamus, which is responsible for coordinating...

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­A Closer Look At The Progression Of Parkinsonism Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive condition effecting movement (Mayo Clinic, 2018). The etiology indicates that this is a disorder related to the nervous system.  Symptoms are such that they start gradually and may even be unnoticeable at first. Tremors are one of the most common symptoms when it comes to PD (Mayo Clinic, 2018). However, tremors are not the only progressive condition caused by this disorder.  PD also causes slowing down of movement, stiffness within the body as well as non-motor restrictions (Mayo Clinic, 2018). Signs and symptoms of PD may include...

Happy New Year & Best Regards from our team at Steadiwear Parkinson’s disease (PD) and essential tremor (ET) are the two most occurring movement disorders with tremors being the most noticeable symptom. Unfortunately, shaky hands lead to secondary medical conditions that affect patients’ physical and emotional lives. A recent study examined psychological complications in PD and ET patients such as depression, anxiety and social phobia, and found a high comorbidity of these disorders (1). This consequently affects personal relationships as well as limits social interaction and the ability of performing activities of daily living. “My tremor makes me feel negative about...