The health benefits of regular exercise are well established, but it’s even more important to people with Parkinson’s disease because it helps maintain balance, mobility, and daily living activities. Exercise, physical activity, and movement can improve Parkinson’s disease symptoms. The Parkinson’s Outcomes Project, the largest clinical study of Parkinson’s disease, showed that people with the disease who start exercising earlier for a minimum of 2.5 hours a week, experience a slower decline in quality of life compared with those who start later in their diagnosis. That’s why establishing exercise habits is so important to disease management!
Of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all exercise routine that is right for everyone with Parkinson’s Disease. The type of exercise depends on what your symptoms are and your mobility challenges. For those that are more sedentary, simply getting up and moving can be very beneficial. More active people can pursue vigorous exercise programs such as tai chi, yoga, Pilates, or dance. Physical activity can maintain and improve mobility, flexibility, and balance. Non-motor Parkinson’s Disease symptoms such as depression or constipation can also be improved through movement and staying active.
Across the country, dance classes and non-contact boxing programs designed specifically for people with Parkinson’s Disease are becoming increasingly popular. We’re thrilled to be able to offer a new dance program that focuses on helping patients with this disorder stay active!
The Jewish Home is thankful for a grant we received from the Parkinson’s Foundation to make this program possible. Our first ‘Dance with Parkinson’s’ class will be held on July 9th at the Jewish Community Center in Kingston. Linn McDonald will instruct the class. She teaches dance through her studio, the Linn McDonald School of Dance, and holds a Masters in Dance from Temple University. We are very pleased to have her lead this exciting new program!
The Jewish Home will also be adding to its line of Parkinson’s programs a specialized exercise program, support groups in English and Spanish and much more to come.
The ‘Dance with Parkinson’s’ class is free for those with PD. Please contact Sharon Matylewicz at 570-824-4646 ext. 211 for more information.
