HOPE: Four Keys to a Better Quality of Life for Parkinson's People [Paperback]

Hal Newsom (Author), Craig Howard (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0971684103 | ISBN-13: 978-0971684102 | Publication Date: July 1, 2006 | Edition: 2nd

This book is a book of hope for both the newly diagnosed Parkinson's Person as well as a helpful reminder to a better quality of life for those who have had the disease for many years. The writing is succinct and easy to read. Hal outlines the four basics of hope as 1) Help; 2) Optimism; 3) Physician; and 4) Exercise. His personal stories on these four points are candid and powerful. He has experienced some changes in his life as a result of Parkinson's but he remains positive, upbeat and full of vitality. He shares some personal guidelines he now lives by and offers some tips on how to on how to face the challenges that may lie ahead. This is not a lecture on what you should do but merely an insight into what is working for a fellow person with Parkinson's. This is an essential tool to improve one's quality of life for those living with Parkinson's

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Hal Newsom retired from the advertising world at the age of 60, after spending 35 years writing television commercials, newspaper ads, and radio copy. He has always led an active physical life, filled with competitve sports and outdoor activities. At 66, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. Although slowed by Parkinson's, he has not let the disease diminish his zest for life. Today he hikes in the Washington mountains (not as high as before), downhill skis (except for moguls), jogs (at a snail's pace), and bikes the streets of Seattle (at no blazing speed). He shares his experience and attitudes with the hope that they will help provide insight and encouragement to others who are identified in this book as Parkinson's People.

Product Details

• Paperback: 102 pages
• Publisher: Northwest Parkinson's Foundation; 2nd edition (July 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0971684103
• ISBN-13: 978-0971684102
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #275,708 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #28 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Aging > Parkinson's Disease

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hope: Four Keys to a Better Quality of Life for Parkinson's, November 22, 2002

By 

Bruce Trent (Edmonds, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: HOPE: Four Keys to a Better Quality of Life for Parkinson's People (Paperback)

I really appreciated the upbeat message of this book. The author shares a simple plan for dealing with the challenges of a chronic disease, without whitewashing the difficulties of daily life. He also shares a lot of personal examples, many of which I was able to identify with. My mother has Parkinson's and I've done quite a bit of research, reading, etc. This book fills a gap in the literature that's out there; most of the information is dry, "this is what's happening now, here's what the patient can expect in the future." It was great to read something that really does give hope and is full of positive, realistic encouragement. I like the author's "take the bull by the horns" attitude.

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars HOPE is for everyone, July 23, 2002

By 

Carolyn P Mosher (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: HOPE: Four Keys to a Better Quality of Life for Parkinson's People (Paperback)

This book was written for Parkinson's People and is a must read for anyone with PD and their families. I loved the book so much I have given copies to family and friends who don't have PD. Why? Because HOPE has something to teach us all about living with adversity (presented here in the form of chronic illness) in a way that builds on our strengths while learning to adapt to uninvited change.

Especially strong are Hal's ingsights about relationships: life partners, family, physician, and friends. I literally could not put this book down and read it in one sitting.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical, Positive and Personal, October 15, 2003

By 

Elizabeth L. Pelham (Mountlake Terrace, Washington United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: HOPE: Four Keys to a Better Quality of Life for Parkinson's People (Paperback)

This is a book that offers very PRACTICAL suggestions (because they are tried and true) ways to approach life at a time and in a circumstance when you might want to give up. It is POSITIVE without overlooking the problems and hurdles to overcome. It is PERSONAL as it depicts the adventures of a very talented and vital personality coping with a life of change and uncertainty.

Whether you have Parkinson's or not, whether you are a caregiver or not - this book will inspire you to approach life with a positive attitude and a practical application.