I think most people know at least one person who has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. If nothing else, many know of actor Michael J. Fox’s public battle as he advocates for the community.
Approximately 1.1 million Americans have the condition which can affect movement, balance, speech, and cognition. Like any other disease or disorder, each person with it has a different experience, and not all are affected the same way.
Tremors are outward signs of Parkinson’s, but other symptoms are not as visible. Jan, who was diagnosed 14 years ago, told me others noticed something wrong with her before she was aware of anything going on. “They told me I was walking defensively,” she said. “And my handwriting kept getting smaller.”
Like Michael J. Fox, Jan is an advocate eager to share information and resources to help those battling the disease. “High impact exercise along with cognition activities are the only proven treatment to slow the progression,” she said. “When I exercise is the only time my body feels normal.”
Our local wellness center offers a program for Parkinson’s patients known as the Rock Steady Boxing program. Participants engage in cognitive activities as well as physical activities at stations set up and monitored by volunteers and staff employees. Stations include brain-teasers (word searches, etc.), dexterity moves for “forgotten” body parts like fingers, physical activities like punching a speed bag or heavy punching bag (during which time the coach calls out a number of a specific punching move the participants have learned), stretching activities, and more.
I find it interesting that exercise is a key component of slowing the disease because I know of so many people who never exercise. With Parkinson’s the cognitive component is essential, so simply walking for exercise or using weight equipment will not have the same effect. It is encouraging, to me, to know this autoimmune disorder can be slowed by something that does not involve a medication.
We hear it all the time. Eat a healthy diet. Exercise. Don’t smoke. Eliminate or limit alcohol. Keep your mind engaged and active.
So, why don’t more people follow that advice? Hmm…well, that’s a topic for another day.
Today, however, let’s give a nod of acknowledgement to those we know living with this disease, and let’s spread the word about Rock Steady Boxing.
Life As I know it 