1267. 5 Ways to Lower Your Risk of Parkinson’s + How Freeway Pollution & Farming May Play a Role

Hey Heal Squad! This is one of those episodes you might think isn’t for you… but it absolutely is. Maria sits down with Dr. Ray Dorsey and Dr. Michael Okun, co-authors of The Parkinson’s Plan, along with Lisa Volenec, founder of This Is Parkinson’s, for a powerful, eye-opening conversation on what we need to know about Parkinson’s right now. They break down why this disease is rising so quickly and its surprising connection to things in our everyday environment, like what’s in our air, water, and food. We’re also talking about what you can actually do about it… from filtering your water, to being mindful of environmental exposure, and simple shifts that can support your brain health (they’ve got 25 of them!). Plus, there’s good news: there are more treatment options than ever, including things like focused ultrasound (something our friend Rebecca Crews recently underwent), and real lifestyle tools that can make a difference (turns out coffee can prevent the disease!). You’ll also learn the early signs most people miss, like loss of smell, sleep issues, and subtle body changes, and you’ll hear Lisa’s powerful story of being diagnosed young, hiding it for years, and ultimately finding strength in sharing her truth and building community. And as we close out Parkinson’s Awareness Month, this conversation feels more important than ever. It’s not about fear, it’s about awareness, action, and hope. Because when we understand more, we can do more! HEALERS & HEAL LINERS Start Protecting Your Brain Now (Not Later): Most Parkinson’s cases aren’t genetic, so what you’re exposed to over time matters. Start with what’s in your control: filter your water, wash produce thoroughly to reduce pesticide exposure, add an air purifier at home,be mindful of high-exposure environments (near freeways, heavy agriculture, industrial areas). Don’t Ignore “Subtle” Symptoms: Parkinson’s often starts years before diagnosis, and not in the way people think. Watch for loss of smell (outside of illness), chronic constipation, subtle stiffness or slower movement just to name a few. Don’t Do It Alone: Up to half of people hide their diagnosis, and that isolation can make everything harder. So find community because talking about it removes shame and builds strength. Join Us at Heal Squad’s Day of Reset: https://www.healsquad.com/reset HEAL SQUAD SOCIALS IG: https://www.instagram.com/healsquad/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@healsquadxmaria HEAL SQUAD RESOURCES: Heal Squad Website:https://www.healsquad.com/ Heal Squad x Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HealSquad/membership Maria Menounos Website: https://www.mariamenounos.com My Curated Macy’s Page: https://stylecrew.macys.com/@mariamenounos EMR-Tek Red Light: https://emr-tek.com/discount/Maria30 for 30% off Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com/host AG1: drinkag1.com/healsquad GUEST RESOURCES: Follow Dr. Michael S Okun on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelokun/ Follow Dr. Ray Dorsey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raydorseymd/ Follow This Is Parkinson's on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisisparkinsonsofficial/ This is Parkinson’s: https://thisisparkinsons.org/ The Parkinson's Plan Book ://pdplan.org/ Water Tests: https://gosimplelab.com/shop?test-type=drinking-water Dr Dorsey’s Recommendation for assessing water in rural areas: https://gosimplelab.com/shop/products/pesticides-water-test ABOUT MARIA MENOUNOS: Emmy Award-winning journalist, TV personality, actress, 2x NYT best-selling author, former pro-wrestler and brain tumor survivor, Maria Menounos’ passion is to see others heal and to get better in all areas of life. ABOUT HEAL SQUAD x MARIA MENOUNOS: A daily digital talk-show that brings you the world's leading healers, experts, and celebrities to share groundbreaking secrets and tips to getting better in all areas of life. DISCLAIMER: This Podcast and all related content (published or distributed by or on behalf of Maria Menounos or http://Mariamenounos.com and http://healsquad.com) is for informational purposes only and may include information that is general in nature and that is not specific to you. Any information or opinions provided by guest experts or hosts featured within website or on Company’s Podcast are their own; not those of Maria Menounos or the Company. Accordingly, Maria Menounos and the Company cannot be responsible for any results or consequences or actions you may take based on such information or opinions. This podcast is presented for exploratory purposes only. Published content is not intended to be used for preventing, diagnosing, or treating a specific illness. If you have, or suspect you may have, a health-care emergency, please contact a qualified health care professional for treatment.