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"Scoot"
Adventures of a Parkinsonian
 For many Parkinsonians, Particularly during doctor's visits or check-ups or hospital stays, the request to "scoot" a few inches is a standard expression. Nurses requesting their patients to roll over, may substitute the verb "scoot" and become quite effective. "Scoot" is a basic fundamental of the Parkinson Disease language, and calculated, the art of scooting helps us move forward in this world.
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THE PARKINSONIAN CLUB
Technically speaking, "Parkinsonian" is not a true vocabulary word and is not specifically listed in the dictionary. But in writing my second book relating to Parkinson's disease, I have found it convenient to "invent" this modest adjustment to broadly include anyone stricken with PD. Scoot, with its subtitle Adventures of a Parkinsonian, implies a more active lifestyle as a therapy to easing the pain and discomfort of PD. So don't be surprised if your word processor underlines your transfer of my title in "red." Someday, hopefully the rest of the world will catch on.
A major blow to my independence occurred when I was no longer allowed to drive an automobile. I found that I could fall asleep at the wheel without any warning and at any time, day or night. I came within an eyelash of a near fatal accident when I awoke to find myself traveling in the wrong direction - almost on the opposite shoulder - of a major connecting artery between Short Hills and Chatham, New Jersey.
Fortunatly, as most of my physical activities became affected by PD, I maintained a fairly strong speed on the word processor, and I started to actively write stories about many subjects. My alma mater Lafayette had recently shocked the college ranked Notre Dame, and I went into great detail while writing up this game. Before I knew it, I had 40 pages written, and I realized I could possibly write the biography of the facinating man who coached LC at the time, Butch van Breda Kolff.
The book led to the creation of PAL Publishing, my own self-publishing book company. Eventually, I would publish approximatly 2,400 copies of four titles in about 5 years. PAL Publishing was the perfect conduit for adapting to my Parkinson's condition. I could write and publish at my own speed, without any pressures from upper management. I hired four talented interns from Lafayette and conscripted some personal friends (affectionately referred to as the "Chatham Men's Club") to handle assignments such as mailing, proofreading, and distribution. As persident of PAL Publishing, I felt I regained some self-respect and restored my contact with the outside world. PAL Publishing became my raison d'etre, and the image of myself as a zombie faded from my mind.
The aging process obviously affects us all. None of us checks out of here alive! Hopefully reading this book will enable you to tolerate the ravages of PD a little more than you might otherwise. I am sure your friends and family want to hang around a bit longer.
PAL Publishing
The Villiages, Florida
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What they are saying about SCOOT
"For Paul,thank you for inspiring us all with your strength, courage, and humor."
-Janet Reno, author of The United States During the Clinton Administration
"Someone should write a book about Paul!"
-"Butch" Van Breda Kolff, former college and professional basketball coach
"Move you must, and indecision usuallly results in rigidity. An element of risk is inherent in almost every action. Taking that first step frequently is the key to overcoming this invisible restraint on movement. You hav to say to yourself, "Go ahead, Take that step... If you are persistent enough, soon you catch up with the rest of the world."
- Paul A. Lustcombe
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