pArkinSOn'S diSeASe: A FiGHt yOu cAn Win

Shouts from instructors coupled with loud music pumps out of the Performance training Gym inside the miller center for recreation and Wellness in Lewisburg. “Green! red! now blue!” an army of coaches calls out to their “Parkies,” or those diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, the color for them to punch on the heavy bag. this section of the miller center, often reserved for elite athletes that are either headed for, or are already in, a Division i college program, is instead full of men and women who refuse to let a neurological disorder define their quality of life. the program is known as rock steady boxing, and is the only program of its kind in the susquehanna Valley.

Parkinson's disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. While the trademark shuffle and hand tremors are how it is often seen, the indicators vary, especially in the early stages. speech can soften, arms might not swing when walking and the symptoms worsen over time.

Personal trainer cindy murphy, acE certified group fitness instructor, oversees three different Parkinson’s disease fitness programs offered at the miller center. rock steady boxing uses a non-contact boxing curriculum that trains participants in agility, speed, endurance, strength, accuracy, balance, hand-eye coordination, and footwork. PWr! moves incorporates exercises that target cardio, strength and flexibility and Pedaling for Parkinson’s is a low-impact monitored cycling class used to increase brain connectivity and a more efficient use of oxygen.

Participants at the miller center say their exercise has been effective in slowing the disease’s progression. Fred schaeffer of Lewisburg was diagnosed in 2008 and participates in rock steady boxing and PWr! moves. schaeffer began to have significant problems with gait, balance, muscular stiffness and fatigue. His doctor prescribed physical therapy and once he got going, he wanted more. "the PWr! moves program was so effective at resolving my problems that i decided to work with miller center personal trainer cindy murphy one-on-one to maximize the benefits of exercise." schaeffer "highly recommends" the Parkinson's classes and the use of a personal trainer to fight against the disease. "i believe that i am more mobile and independent now, at 78 years old, than i was earlier in my journey thanks to cindy and the miller center." murphy can attest to the progress schaeffer has made and doctors say there is science to back it up. Dr. John rice, mD, a neurologist at Evangelical community Hospital, says exercise is helpful for an individual with Parkinson’s Disease to help with maintaining balance and mobility. benefits include helping one maintain their stride length and walking speed as well as spinal flexibility. murphy said that state-of-mind improves as well. “classes also help decrease symptoms by positively affecting their mood and self-confidence.”

John Michaels (red) of Lewisburg participating in Rock Steady Boxing at The Miller Center as coach Kim Murphy (black) looks on.

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While exercise has proven vital to the “Parkies” in maintaining physical health, support groups have provided all-important emotional encouragement and created a community of peers. Walk in the Parkies is a free support group that meets monthly at the miller center. courtney matrey, community relations coordinator for senior Helpers of sunbury, is a frequent contributor to the support groups. “senior Helpers got involved because we felt it was a great opportunity to spread awareness and help educate the participants and the community about Parkinson’s. We wanted to show the community just because you have a Parkinson’s diagnosis doesn’t mean you need to be defeated by the disease.” the support group meetings go far beyond Parkinson’s talk. topics range from financial and estate planning to keeping one’s spirit up. Last month, the meeting was a surprise baby shower for personal trainer Lis reed. senior Helpers has been a presenter several times, and is there to, “support, grow, educate and just be a listening ear. as a home care agency, we see the good, bad and the ugly of Parkinson’s disease. We help educate the families, caregivers and clients on how to manage everyday living,” matrey elaborated. “one person with Parkinson’s is one person with Parkinson’s. When the participants all come together, they are fighting together. in just 30 minutes, you can see their whole demeanor change. they’re doing things they were told they wouldn’t be able to accomplish. Every day when they step into class, they are beating the odds.”

While a Parkinson’s diagnosis can be physically and emotionally overwhelming, murphy doesn’t want anyone to lose hope. “there is absolutely hope after a diagnosis. this disease does not have to define you and you are not alone in this fight. if you are reading this right now and coping with your diagnosis, don’t give up. come watch a class and you’ll see how we fight together as a community and support one another by giving each other strength.” reach cindy murphy at the miller center in Lewisburg at (570)556-4191 and read more about programs for those with Parkinson’s disease at millercenterlewisburg.com/parkinsons.

Fred Kelly of Selinsgrove takes part in a Rock Steady Boxing footwork drill at The Miller Center designed to build leg muscle while enhancing dexterity and coordination.

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