YMCA “Delay the Disease” Instructor Alecia Calhoun performs specific exercises with individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. There will be a Parkinson’s Awareness Fair this Saturday from 10AM-2PM at the Richard G. Snyder YMCA Gymnasium.
A free, fun, and informative day highlighting resources available for Parkinson’s Disease patients, family, and friends is scheduled for this Saturday.
The Parkinson’s Awareness Fair is scheduled from 10AM-2PM at the Richard G. Snyder YMCA Gymnasium.
The YMCA has provided support to the segment of the community dealing with the disease. Through its “Delay the Disease” program, many people have found ways to combat effects of Parkinson’s on an individual.
“The purpose of the class is to slow the progression of Parkinson’s Disease along with aid of the symptoms,” said YMCA Program Instructor Alecia Calhoun. “It helps them to be more functional in every day life.”
Bud Delaney of Karns City regularly attends classes at the YMCA and says it has greatly improved his mobility.
Bud Delaney from Karns City comes twice per week to the program. At age 74, he has found great value in participating in the classes.
“The classes makes you to be able to do things that you have slowed down doing.You are able to continue to do them. Otherwise the progression of the disease stops them,” he said.
Delaney said that many times, you find yourself going from a standard walk to shuffling.
“Your movements, and even your thoughts slow down. It’s much better now that I have been exercising in the program.”
David Caves was a local pastor who was used to preaching weekly sermons and keeping a full schedule.
“I used to have a strong, outgoing voice. But then I started having trouble pronouncing things clearly - people always didn’t understand me. My voice would tend to trail off, which is another one of the things that happen with Parkinson’s,” Caves related.
I was diagnosed about four years ago. I wasn’t even able to button my shirts. I thought I was just getting old. Years ago, I had lost my sense of taste and smell, which is another symptom.”
“Balance issues became a problem too. When I started taking the medication, it helped. But later, I found out that these exercises helped immensely. I can button my shirts now. I can even tie a tie. I’m better than I was, but the disease is progressive. It continues to have an effect. But doing exercises regularly is a huge help.”
Caves said he has seen as many as 20 people helped over the years in the program.
“We had someone come to the class that was walking with a walker, but now doesn’t have to use the walker anymore. The exercise program has really helped her. Her balance is not great, but she can now get around without the use of a walker all the time.”
Caves said there are two types of programs. The first one is Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:15 until 3:00 PM. Participants work on basic balance and exercise. From 3:15-4:00 PM, they have a “Boot Camp” that has more vigorous exercises for people that perhaps are not as limited yet, or have progressed positively as a result of the earlier class.
The classes are offered at no charge to participants. You do not have to be a member of the YMCA to come to the class.
Caves encouraged Parkinson’s patients, families, friends, and the public in general to come to the Parkinson’s Awareness Fair this Saturday, April 13. There will be demonstrations of Tai Chi, Delay the Disease, PWR! Moves, and Yoga. In addition, a registered dietitian and specialists from the Western PA Parkinson’s Foundation will be there for discussions.
Questions concerning the event this Saturday or the “Delay the Disease” program, call Sarah Roudebush, YMCA Director of Healthy Living at 724-545-9622.