Marketing advisor, writer and publicist, Carolyn Stinson is the co-author of
Take Charge of Parkinson’s Disease:
Dynamic Lifestyle Changes to Put You in the Driver’s Seat
(A DiaMedica Publishing Guide to Optimum Wellness,
ISBN: 978-0-9823219-3-5)
...For everyone interested in brain-healthy nutrition and inspiration for living well.
...For anyone touched by Parkinson’s disease – persons with PD, families, caregivers, health care providers.
Readers are treated to ...
- Anne Cutter Mikkelsen's stirring memoir, beautifully written.
- More than 80 of French-trained chef Mikkelsen's original brain-healthy recipes for meals, treats, snacks --as irresistible for "foodies" as easy for the everyday family cook.
- Recipes blend antioxidant, nutrient-rich ingredients, herbs and spices with “delicious science.”
and, expert wisdom on ...
- How to stock a brain-healthy pantry
- Healthy lifestyle changes to boost physical & emotional reslience
- Stress management
- Exercise and neuroprotection
- Caregiving
- Parkinson’s disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Stages, Management
Their personal story
Co-author Anne Cutter Mikkelsen’s powerful storytelling recounts her life with her husband Mike, an artist, since his 1993 diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease. A French trained chef, Master Gardener, and former restaurateur, Anne blends her culinary training and love of plants with emerging science on the importance of brain-healthy fruits, vegetables, spices, and herbs. Mike, an award-winning potter and sculptor, has skillfully adapted his art to accommodate the challenges of his PD.
Excerpt from “Acknowledgements”
“Committed to the message of our book, Carolyn Stinson led this project with insights and encouragement, sustaining our efforts from the start. Through Carolyn’s diligence, our work captured the interest of a publisher.”
“Woven throughout the narrative, you will find useful information regarding PD, contributed by Carolyn Stinson, including risk factors, symptoms, stages, and more. Carolyn’s research is presented in a friendly and readable style, beginning with general information describing PD, and moving on to more nuanced signs and symptoms, including difficulties in diagnosis.”
“Deftly blending the most current science with our journey through the stages of PD, Carolyn also discusses the common characteristics of depression, loss, stress, and anxiety.”
Advance Praise for Take Charge of Parkinson’s Disease
Thank you, Anne, for sharing your journey. Your candid saga of the delicious lifestyle that you and Mike created in spite of PD will inspire others who find themselves traversing a similar life path with chronic disease. Your brain healthy recipes are a welcome addition to the PD armamentarium.
Becky Dunlop, RN, BSN, Nurse Coordinator
The Johns Hopkins Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center
Baltimore, Maryland
* * *
… an honest and inspiring story of one couple’s journey with Parkinson’s disease. It is filled with the power of hope and taking control of your life in a very practical way. The resilient attitude of Anne and Mike as they make changes to face day to day challenges provide a road map for others in similar situations. The advice is very down to earth and doable. Part II about Food and Optimal Wellness provides clear suggestions about how to take charge of your diet by introducing “the brain healthy pantry.” Numerous healthy, interesting, easy and mouthwatering recipes entice you to run to the kitchen and start cooking.
Margaret Anne Coles, OTR/L, BSR, MQI
Program Manager, Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center
Barrow Neurological Institute
Phoenix, Arizona
* * *
… an inspiring, must-read book for those caring for a loved one with the illness and for anyone interested in cognitive fitness and healthy ageing. The authors clearly explain Parkinson’s pathology – enabling caregivers to become more patient and supportive – then introduce readers to the “brain-healthy pantry” and recipes that benefit brain health. Mikkelsen’s simple, wholesome recipes are accessible to everyone; no special culinary skills are required, and her touching and sometimes humorous personal stories will surely add motivation and hope to the lives of millions challenged with the disease.
Tina Ruggiero, M.S., R.D., L.D.
Nutrition Expert, Author,
The Best Homemade Baby Food on the Planet
* * *
The meaning of life is not where-you-get-to-in-the-end, but rather, the journey you take along the way. Anne Mikkelsen’s book describes the bitter, sweet, complicated, funny, and very human path that she and her husband have followed over almost 30 years with Parkinson’s disease. For any couple whose journey has screeched to a halt because of a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, this book should be inspirational; it gives you permission–and some specific ideas about how–to regain control of your lives. And there are some great recipes for healthy foods included!
Martha A. Nance, MD, Medical Director
Struthers Parkinson’s Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Adjunct Professor, Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota
* * *
I couldn’t put it down. This book makes people proactive and stresses early detection. The information is clear, short, to the point … and uplifting. And, the recipes are great! It’s a book that especially people still “in denial” should pick up.
Barbe Awalt
Publisher, Rio Grande Books
Barbe is the daughter of Robert Awalt, whose struggle with Parkinson’s disease was chronicled by her mother, Jane Kriete Awalt in, The Stranger Comes At Sundown: Living & Dying With
Parkinson’s Disease.
* * *
Concise, well-rounded, and up-to-date, with practical advice on living well with Parkinson’s disease. I wish I’d had this book when I was diagnosed.
Peter Dunlap-Shohl
Parkinson's Support Group Leader
Blogger: "Off and On - The Alaska Parkinson's Rag"
Journalist and Editorial Cartoonist
* * *
Warmly and clearly written, Take Charge of Parkinson’s Disease . . . offers many healing, hopeful messages and invites readers to consider how meal times can become an essential part of the support system for persons with Parkinson’s disease and their families. Nutritious, appealing, and comforting food is important for good mental health, emotional well-being, and better relationships in the face of chronic illness. The book applies evidence based research to the role of nutrition, skillfully expressed through Anne’s irresistible recipes and guidance for selecting “brain healthy” ingredients. Through Anne’s powerful storytelling and practical information about stress management, exercise, and caregiving, we are inspired to consider the things we can control: our outlook, what we eat, and the power of sharing our story with others. Simply reading this book is a healing experience for anyone touched by PD.
Susan E. Ouellette, CRNP, CSP, APRN-PMH
Psychiatric & Family Nurse Practitioner, Patient Advocate
