Did you know that April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month? You might have seen people wearing a red tulip, which is the special flower for Parkinson’s. But what exactly is Parkinson’s? Let’s find out together!
What is Parkinson’s Disease?
Imagine your brain like the control center for your whole body. It sends messages to your muscles, helping you walk, talk, smile, and even eat food.
Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive condition that slowly affects a tiny part of your brain responsible for producing a special chemical. This chemical is like a messenger that helps your body move smoothly. When you don’t have enough of this messenger, your brain has a harder time sending those clear signals to your muscles.
What Does it Look Like?
Since the brain isn’t sending messages perfectly, people with Parkinson’s might have some changes in how they move. Here are some things you might notice:
Shaking hands or fingers: This is called a tremor, and it’s one of the most common signs.
Moving a bit slower: Sometimes it takes longer to get up from a chair or to walk across a room.
Stiff muscles: Their arms or legs might feel a bit stiff, making it harder to bend or stretch.
Balance problems: They might feel a little wobbly when they’re walking.
Changes in their voice: Their voice might become softer or more monotone (like singing the same note all the time).
It’s important to remember that Parkinson’s is different for everyone. Some people have very mild signs, and others have more noticeable ones.
Why is Awareness Important?
When we learn about Parkinson’s, we can:
- Understand more: It helps us be kinder and more patient with people who have it. If someone is moving slowly, we know it’s not because they’re trying to waste time, it’s because their body is having a tougher time.
- Support each other: Knowing about it helps us support families and friends who are dealing with Parkinson’s. Maybe we can offer to help carry groceries or open a door.
Parkinson’s is a tough challenge for many people, but with understanding and support, we can make a difference.
At CHI St. Joseph’s Health, we recognize that exercise can help slow the progression of the disease and improve symptoms. So this April, we want to spotlight our unique Parkinson’s Exercise & Wellness Program, featuring two nationally recognized classes: PWR!Moves and Rock Steady Boxing.
PWR! Moves (which is short for “Parkinson Wellness Recovery”)
PWR! Moves is all about getting people to make their movements BIG and POWERFUL again! It’s like reminding your brain that it can still send strong, clear messages to your muscles.
There are four main types of PWR! Moves, and they each help with something important:
- PWR! Up (Stand Tall!): This helps people stand up straighter! Sometimes Parkinson’s can make them feel a bit hunched over.
- PWR! On (Shift Your Weight!): This helps with balance, so they don’t feel wobbly. It’s like learning how to shift your weight side to side before taking a big step!
- PWR! Over (Twist and Turn!): This helps with twisting and turning, like when you look behind you or even just turn over in bed. It helps keep your body flexible.
- PWR! Out (Reach and Step!): This helps with reaching for things and taking big, clear steps. It’s like reaching for a high-five or stepping over an obstacle.Rock Steady Boxing is a special kind of exercise that uses moves from boxing training to help people with Parkinson’s. It’s not about fighting other people; it’s about fighting the symptoms of Parkinson’s!
Our PWR!Moves classes are led by our certified instructors, Kelly Yoder (Physical Therapist Assistant) and Michele Knoblich (Occupational Therapist), who bring expertise and passion to every session.
Rock Steady Boxing
Rock Steady Boxing is a specialized exercise program that uses boxing movements to help people with Parkinson’s. It’s not about fighting other people; it’s about fighting the symptoms of Parkinson’s!
In a Rock Steady Boxing class, people might:
Punch bags: They punch special bags (like heavy bags or speed bags) which helps with strong arms, quick hands, and even making your voice louder when you count your punches!
Practice fancy footwork: They practice moving their feet quickly and stepping in different directions, which is great for balance and prevents tripping.
Work their middle: They do exercises to strengthen their core muscles, which helps them stand up straight.
Play brain games: Sometimes they do things that make them think while they move, like remembering sequences of punches – it’s like a workout for their brain!
Our Rock Steady Boxing classes are expertly guided by Kyle Yoder (Physical Therapist) and Kelly Yoder, both certified Rock Steady Boxing coaches.
Who Can Join?
Our program is open to anyone with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease (primary, atypical, or secondary). Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with Parkinson’s for some time, our program can be tailored to meet your needs.
Experience It for Yourself!
We understand that joining a new class can feel daunting. That’s why we invite you to observe a class before committing. Come meet the participants, ask questions, and see firsthand if our program is the right fit for you.
Program Details:
- Where: Parkinson’s Exercise & Wellness Program classes are held at the CHI St. Joseph’s Health Physical Rehabilitation and Fitness Center in the lower level of the hospital.
- Cost: $7 per class (punch card options available).
- When: 1-hour sessions twice weekly.
- PWR!Moves: Mondays, 11:50 AM – 1:00 PM
- Rock Steady Boxing: Wednesdays, 11:50 AM – 1:00 PM
Get in Touch!
For more information about our Parkinson’s Exercise & Wellness Program, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our dedicated team:
- Kelly Yoder: 218-616-3015
- Kyle Yoder: 218-616-3008
- Michele Knoblich: 218-616-3017
This April, let’s raise awareness and strengthen our commitment to empowering those living with Parkinson’s. We look forward to supporting you on your journey to improved health and well-being.