Johnson City Parks and Recreation Special points of interest: ~ Delaying the Disease: A Worthy Goal ~ Administration Highlights ~ Athletic Division Highlights ~ Park Services Division Highlights ~ Golf Division Highlights ~ Recreation Services Division
A Walk in the Park Your Parks and Recreation Connection I s s u e :
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Delaying the Disease: A Worthy Goal Observing closely the lighthearted yet purposeful Senior Services’ 12session series, Delay the Disease, brings home the significance of “functional fitness” for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. The program may have been flying a bit under the radar, but it is a community gem for many reasons. Senior Services Manager Deb Fogle said Memphis is the only other Tennessee city to offer the Ohio Health, evidence-based program. “Functional fitness is defined by exercises that help train your muscles to help you do everyday activities safely and efficiently,” Fogle said. “People tell us they enjoy it because they get to know others with similar challenges. They say they realize improvements in balance, concentration, sleep better and are more alert.” To teach the class you must go through a two-day training session and be a certified physical therapist, registered nurse, exercise physiologist or hold other classifications. The series includes lots of mobility, balance and aerobic exercises, stretching and fun exercises that require eye-hand coordination and word and body part association to keep the brain active. All 15 participants welcomed the challenges and encouraged others. “They are exercises that don’t require elaborate movements, but they keep intensifying the exercises,” said Jim Wise, Johnson City Vice Mayor Joe Wise’s father. “I’m still not on any medication, and I’m reluctant to tamper with them. It’s true, this is delaying the disease. We use muscles you wouldn’t normally use.” Janet Bickle said the program’s name fits. “It definitely is designed to delay the disease,” Bickle said. “I looked at research to confirm exercise helps. I’m at a point in my life where I need to do something beyond what I normally would do. We’ve all made friends and learned a lot.”