Following a meeting with the DAA (5 Sept 2024) they confirmed that they are in the process of training security staff on Sunflower Hidden Disability The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is available in Ireland. This means that people living with a hidden disability in Ireland will now have easier access to the Sunflower. People with non-visible disabilities will be increasingly supported as more businesses and organisations throughout the region start to recognise the lanyard. With a local representative, reduced postage costs and a dedicated, country specific website, we are better equipped to support both our Sunflower wearers and the organisations that support the initiative in this area.
Irish Ferries and three of Ireland’s airports: Ireland West Knock, Cork and Donegal, are already welcoming Sunflower passengers with colleagues trained to recognise the lanyard. Other locations across the country that have adopted the Sunflower include some of the big multi-nationals: Aldi Ireland, Tesco Ireland, ICTS and B&Q. As well as some smaller businesses and organisations: Core Credit Union, Hammerson Ireland, Whitewater Shopping Centre, Five Good Things Cafe and Dundrum Town Centre. The Sunflower is also already recognised in two educational settings: Atlas Training and Setanta School. A full list of venues where the Sunflower is recognised is available on the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower location map
For more details please see https://hiddendisabilitiesstore.com/insights/post/the-hidden-disabilities-sunflower-launches-in-ireland
People living with Parkinson’s are more at risk of heat-related illnesses. This risk is higher if we live alone or take some types of medicines.
The signs that we are becoming too hot, or dehydrated (low on fluid), can be hard to spot sometimes. Some medicines might make this worse and the way we sweat can change. This can mean we don’t cool down as quickly or effectively as we did before. Your GP or pharmacist can provide more advice.
If you feel unwell and especially if you:
These can be signs of serious dehydration that need urgent treatment.
Having a holiday is fantastic, but sometimes the preparations for the holidays and the travelling part (airports, planes, trains, accommodations) can cause some stress, with changes routine and limitations to our ability to move. We need to consider our routines and think about medication during our travels. We are all aware that stress can trigger PD physical symptoms, so let’s try to reduce the stress and focus on the fun!
Here’s a few things to consider:
Before even booking your holidays, it might be a good idea to consider different modes of transportation where possible. Even though trains may take longer than planes, on trains you can enjoy more freedom to move during the journey.
Consider your needs and what would be best for you when travelling, this might be to consider booking tickets for your highest-functioning time of day, when you know your body will be at it’s best for all the moving around.
When making holiday plans, remember to give yourself plenty of time. Think about timings between transport or activities. Be sure to allow yourself more time than you think, so that if anything happens to cause delays, then you have extra time and avoid additional stress.
Before your holidays, it might be good to get a few things prepared.
It’s important to try to keep a regular sleep schedule. It might be worth considering scheduling breaks into your plans for you to ensure that you take time to rest throughout the day.
Try to take advantage of any movement opportunities. Take short walks up and down the aisles and do some stretches to keep the muscles limber.
If you are travelling to a different time-zone, a suggestion could be to have an extra watch with your ‘home time’ on it, which may make it easier to keep on your medication schedule.
It’s easy to indulge on holidays, however, a change in diet may have an effect on your medication, so keep in mind to stick to a healthy diet and eating routine. Especially, keep in mind to drink enough water and eat lots of fibre to avoid constipation.
On holidays, we can often pack a lot of activities and trips into the days, and may end up staying up later than normal. You might need to account for this and be prepared to take any extra doses of medication, if needed.