November 2004

You can't judge a book by its cover." It's been said thousands of times, but for most people the message hasn't sunk in. A smiling face makes them feel welcome; a frown, rejected. This means that many of us wih Parkinson's are sending unintended signals with the stern, mask-like expressions that are often symptomatic of PD.

An English friend told me of a public service campaign by the British Parkinson's Society to address this issue. It featured the photo of an unsmiling man with the caption "He's not angry, he has Parkinson's disease."

Knowing that I, too, look less friendly than I actually feel, I use a simple strategy when I walk down the street. When I meet someone's gaze, I remember to smile. The smile is usually returned.

It's a simple idea, but it makes for a more pleasant day.

Love,
Margot

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