An estimated one and a half million people in the United States have Parkinson’s Disease (PD). According to the National Parkinson Foundation (www.parkinson.org), this is “more persons than those diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, ALS (or Lou Gehrig’s disease), muscular dystrophy, and myasthenia gravis combined.” The average age of onset is 60 years, but it can affect younger people as well. The cause is unknown, and there is currently no cure.
However, those with PD are not without hope. In 2007, David Zid published his book Delay the Disease. It demonstrated that particular exercises, performed on a regular basis, could slow the progression of the symptoms of PD such as tremors, loss of flexibility, stability, and strength. These proven exercises are at the core of a faith-based program in the Center Grove area.
Doug Springer, who has PD himself, started The Climb – Greenwood. A program he heard about in Noblesville, affiliated with the Indiana Parkinson Foundation, inspired him to start the same program on the south side of the metro area. Indiana Parkinson Foundation is a nonprofit organization with the goal of improving the lives of those with Parkinson’s Disease. Don Waterman and his family formed the organization based on Christian values. In particular, they support research for a cure that does not use or harm human embryonic stem cells, educates and connects individuals with Parkinson’s Disease, and increases the public awareness and education of PD.
The twice-a-week class is led by Lindsay Conn, a certified physical therapist who is certified in the special exercises defined in Mr. Zid’s book. Evidence-based research shows that exercises, especially those that focus on mobility and balance, have a positive effect on the symptoms of PD. While some of the exercises require assistance or some space to conduct, many can be done while seated or simply standing. Participants in the class vary greatly in their flexibility, strength, and stability, but all can benefit from the exercises.
Springer says he is “fortunate to have PD. Without having it, God would not be able to use me in the way He has. I find myself able to once again do things that I thought I had lost,” such as jumping rope, playing ping-pong and riding a bike.
The weekend class meets on Saturdays at 9 a.m. at New Hope Church on West Fairview Road, just west of Pleasant Grove Elementary school. The weekday class meets on Tuesday afternoons starting at 4 p.m. at Greenwood Christian Church, 2045 Averitt Road. Participants are encouraged to bring someone to assist, but volunteers are always on hand to help those who attend alone.
The group also sponsors a Caregivers Support Group that meets the third Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Bob Evans restaurant on State Road 135 in Greenwood. They are also looking for a single location that is large enough for the group and can provide an area to store the equipment needed for the class. Those interested in the class can contact Doug Springer at 317-946-5340 or via email at douglas.springer@att.net. For more information on the Indiana Parkinson Foundation and north side classes, visit their web site at IndianaParkinson.org.
By Dann Veldkamp
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Do you have a wheelchair accessible van that could help assist in picking up? Thank you. Cindy