Taking care of yourself to feel better is fundamental, but equally important is sending a message of optimism and hope because ultimately, not talking about it or even not accepting this condition can only make things worse.
From the right Francesco Biffi and Federico Pennati in front of the Colombina headquarters
It is in this spirit that Francesco Biffi And Federico Pennati, volunteers who are more than active in the Casatenovo associations (also involved in the municipal administration in the past), wanted to share with us the unusual and particular experience they lived last April 13th when, accompanied by their wives, they went to Rimini to take part in the national congress of AIP (Italian Association of Parkinsonians). A two-day event made up of round tables but above all of discussion with other people who share the fight against the same disease, which provided the two people from Casale with interesting ideas to go beyond the challenges that they are called to face every day since they had to take note of that diagnosis, merciless and which undoubtedly upset their respective lives. Why Parkinson’s is scary, especially at the beginning; but once you get used to living with the necessary pharmacological therapy, you understand how necessary it is to take care of the body, but above all the spirit.
”The worst thing is not to accept this condition. On the contrary, we must try to stay at our best, both physically and mentally. Cultivate interests” Federico Pennati, the 76-year-old soul of the Colombina association from Casatenovo who discovered the disease ten years ago, told us. That tremor in his hand had pushed him to carry out some tests in the hospital: the diagnosis arrived shortly after, unexpected and unsettling at first. ”I took it philosophically, it certainly isn’t easy because it is an incurable and progressive disease and the physical tiredness sometimes becomes heavy. The biggest fear as far as I’m concerned is that of slowly losing autonomy. But I don’t give up cultivating my garden and doing what I like, even here in association. Indeed, I would like to open the doors of Colombina to some recreational activities that can help those like me who have to fight against Parkinson’s. For example a dance course”.
Following the rhythm, what dance in some way invites you to do, is more than recommended. Francesco Biffi also confirmed this to us, explaining precisely how coordination and balance begin to decline at a certain point and then you have to do your utmost to keep yourself in good physical condition, training for example with walking and physiotherapy, but not Alone.
”The watchword is not to give up” explained the president of Sentieri e Cascine, 71 years old and resident in Cassina de’ Bracchi. He who has spent a large part of his existence in valorising the territory, discovering the most beautiful corners of Casatenovo and beyond, has gradually begun to feel a certain tiredness, as if the movement had slowed down.
The two Casatesi with their wives during the weekend in Rimini
”What parkinsonians lack is dopamine. Drug therapy helps fill this absence, but it is more than essential to continue physical activity, not isolate yourself. I discovered the disease during the Covid period and this circumstance delayed the diagnosis by at least a year, representing a further obstacle because the possibility of leaving the house was limited. As soon as I could, however, I started walking again and I do it constantly, based on my possibilities, without exaggerating because fatigue comes early and recovery is slow. It is essential to take care of ourselves: feeling well depends solely and exclusively on us” added the volunteer, grateful – as was his friend Federico – for the experience lived in Rimini, where they were both able to come into contact not only with doctors and professionals, but also and above all with people like them, somehow ”overwhelmed” by the disease, but determined to face it.
In addition to walking and basic physiotherapy, dancing, laughter yoga and tai-chi: there are various activities recommended for parkinsonians and the two Casatesi are ready to join anyone who wants to face this ”evil” in a context different, characterized by a positive comparison with others and why not, by some moments of lightheartedness. ”The doors of Colombina are open: we are ready to make our spaces available” reiterated Federico Pennati, taking the opportunity of this interview to send a message of hope and sharing and to intercept any subjects interested in the proposal . After all, the motto of the Piazza per la Pace association has always been: ”all together to feel better”. An invitation – also in this case – more apt than ever.
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