PARKINSON’S AND LIFESTYLE MEDICINE INTRODUCTORY PROGRAMME

June 16, 2026
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Living with Parkinson’s can sometimes feel overwhelming, but research

increasingly shows that everyday lifestyle choices can play a powerful role in supporting brain health, improving wellbeing, and helping you live as well as possible with the condition.

This is a one day per week, four-week long introductory programme run by Dr Helen Monk. It will help you understand the what, why, and how of Lifestyle Medicine and provide practical, evidence-informed strategies that you can start using immediately.

Dates of Courses: –

Course 1. Tuesday’s –  30th June, 7th July, 14th July, 21st July

Course 2 . Wednesday’s – 1st July, 8th July, 15th July, 22nd July 

Course 3. Thursday’s – 2nd July, 9th July, 16th July, Monday 20th July.

If you are unable to attend on one day due to other commitments, you will be able to change onto another day the same week. Once signed onto the course you will be given access to Helen’s on-line programme where you will be able to access any sessions you miss.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the programme, you will:

  • Understand how nutrition and lifestyle influence brain health and Parkinson’s symptoms
  • Learn how food, movement, sleep, stress management, social connection and environment affect the health of your brain and body.
  • Gain practical skills to create simple, sustainable changes that fit into everyday life
  • Discover foods and habits that may help support energy, mood, cognition, gut health, and overall wellbeing.
  • Build confidence in preparing nutritious meals and snacks that support brain health.
  • Learn how to reduce exposure to common environmental toxins in the home.
  • Leave with a personalised toolkit of strategies to help you take an active role in your health

Why does it matter?

While medication remains an important part of Parkinson’s care, lifestyle factors

can influence many of the processes involved in brain health, including

inflammation, oxidative stress, gut health, blood sugar regulation, sleep quality,

and neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt and form new connections.

Emerging evidence suggests that positive lifestyle changes may help improve

quality of life, support physical and cognitive function, and enhance overall

resilience.

Small changes, consistently applied, can have a significant impact over time.

How will we do it?

This interactive programme combines education, practical demonstrations,

discussion, and hands-on food experiences.

  • Each week you will explore a different aspect of lifestyle medicine, including:
  • The foundations of brain-healthy nutrition
  • Superfoods and nutritional strategies for brain health
  • Fermentation, sprouting, and other simple “life hacks”
  • Supporting your body’s natural production of beneficial neurochemicals
  • Practical approaches to meal planning and healthy eating
  • Home and kitchen detoxification
  • Movement and lifestyle strategies that support long-term wellbeing
  • Every session includes recipe tastings, practical examples, and simple actions

that you can implement immediately.

Who is this programme for?

This programme is designed for people living with Parkinson’s, as well as

partners, family members, and carers who would like to better understand how

lifestyle medicine can support brain health and wellbeing.

You do not need any previous knowledge of nutrition or cooking—just a

willingness to learn and explore new ways of supporting your health.

Empowering you with knowledge, practical skills, and confidence to take

positive steps towards living well with Parkinson’s.

1. WEEK ONE

10 -11.00 AM WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION TO LIFESTYLE MEDICINE

THE BEST NUTRITION FOR BRAIN HEALTH

11-11.15 AM BREAK- REFRESHMENTS

11.15-12.15 HOW TO GET STARTED / BREAKFAST!

12.15-1.00 TASTING RECIPES

2. WEEK TWO

10 -11 AM INTRODUCTION TO SUPERFOODS

11-11.15 AM BREAK- REFRESHMENTS

11.15-12.15 FERMENTATION AND SPROUTING – OTHER LIFE HACKS

12.15-1.00 TASTING RECIPES

3. WEEK THREE

10 -11.00 AM MAKING YOUR OWN NEUROCHEMICALS/ SUPPLEMENTS-

11-11.15 AM BREAK- REFRESHMENTS

11.15-12.15 LUNCH AND MAIN MEALS

12.15-1.00 TASTING RECIPES

4. WEEK FOUR

10 -11.00 AM KITCHEN AND HOME DETOXIFICATION

11-11.15 AM BREAK- REFRESHMENTS

11.15-12.15 MOVEMENT AND OTHER LIFE HACKS IN THE HOME

12.15-1.00 TASTING RECIPES

PRICE

£120.00 for the 4 sessions, includes access to the online programme. This price qualifies for a 50% discount from the Parkinsons Chester Branch Legacy funding. You will pay only £60.00 for the full 4 sessions.

The courses will be run in Pulford at Helen’s home at where there is ample parking and easy access.

Background of Dr Helen Monk

Quote – I’m a retired medical practitioner with a longstanding interest in

Lifestyle Medicine (LM). After a significant head injury brought my

clinical career to an end, I began applying LM principles to my own

recovery. What had once been professional curiosity became a daily,

practical approach to rebuilding my health.

Through this process, I experienced both the challenges and the real

benefits of Lifestyle Medicine first hand. Now, in this new chapter of my life, I’m

committed to educating and supporting others. My aim is to share

what I’ve learned so more people can use Lifestyle Medicine to improve their

recovery and wellbeing — one small, sustainable step at a time. I look forward to meeting you.

If you would like to book onto a session and reserve your place, please email jackyblaikie@hotmail.com stating which course you prefer

jackyblaikie@hotmail.com