YMCA Parkinson’s Programs Provide Treatment through Exercise and Community

Program participants overcome isolation and work on movement issues

The Parkinson’s Disease Foundation estimates there are more than 1 million people in the United States with Parkinson’s Disease (PD), and more than 60,000 people are diagnosed each year. The main symptoms of the disease are movement related.

“It has been seven years since I’ve been diagnosed with Parkinson’s,” said Linda Sprouse, a participant in the YMCA of Western North Carolina’s Parkinson’s programs. “I was always active, but I listened to my doctor who said exercise, exercise, exercise was the best medicine you can take.”

The Parkinson’s Foundation recently awarded the YMCA of WNC a $15,000 community grant to support the association’s ongoing health, wellness, and educational programs that address needs in the PD community. Programs at the Y focus on improving movement and building community.

“Parkinson’s can be a very isolated, lonely disease,” said Steve Miller, YMCA Parkinson’s program instructor/participant. “When you’re with a group that is fighting the same fight it just makes it great.”

“We are proud to announce these community grants and expand programs and resources in Parkinson’s communities across the entire nation,” said John L. Lehr, Parkinson’s Foundation president and CEO. “These grant recipients share our passion and commitment to making life better for people with Parkinson’s.”

The Y offers three evidence-based programs to improve range of motion, flexibility, posture, and activities of daily motion.
“[Parkinson’s] never takes a vacation day,” said Mike DeCarr, YMCA Parkinson’s program participant. “It never takes a holiday. It never takes a personal day. The only way to combat it is with physical exercise.”

Program participants say the best part of the PD classes at the Y is the community building.

“The socialization is fantastic,” said Sprouse. “I’ve met so many people. Made so many friends. I’d probably be totally isolated if I didn’t have the Y.”

“The community aspect is fantastic because you are around so many people who are just like you that have the same disability as you do,” said DeCarr. “So they have the same problems, the same goals.”

The Y offers three PD programs: Pedaling for Parkinson’s, PWR!Moves, and Rock Steady Boxing. Through support from the Parkinson’s Foundation, these classes are free for patients and caregivers.
For more information on the Y’s PD programs, please visit https://www.ymcawnc.org/parkinsons-support.