Fighting Back Against Parkinson’s - Join Us as we Join the Rock Steady Program
Fighting Back Against Parkinson’s - Join Us as we Join the Rock Steady Program
Nowadays, seven to ten million people worldwide are suffering from Parkinson’s Disease. This chronic condition is considered the second most common neurodegenerative disorder
after Alzheimer’s, and it is particularly related to aging process.
This health condition affects about one million Americans, and every year approximately 60,000 american citizens are diagnosed with Parkinson’s. This chronic illness compromises patients’ independence and quality of life, affecting their ability to move, balance and perform some daily basis activities and social interaction.
Early Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s signs develop slowly over time and can even go unnoticed during the first years. The development of the symptoms can vary from one person to another due to the complexity of this condition, but the most common signs are:
- Tremor: slight shaking or tremor while at rest is a common early sign of Parkinson's disease.
- Small Handwriting: A change in handwriting may be a sign of Parkinson's disease called micrographia, it is characterized by small letters and crowded words in handwriting.
- Trouble Sleeping: Insomnia and sudden movements during sleep can be a symptom of Parkinson’s.
- Loss of smell: Difficulty to smell certain foods or substances.
- Constipation: Trouble with your bowel movements can be an early sign of this condition.
- Trouble moving or walking: Stiffness in your body, arms and legs, it may include pain in your hips and shoulders.
- Masked Face: having a serious, sad or angry look on your face, even when you are not in a bad mood.
- Dizziness or Fainting: Low blood pressure may cause dizziness or fainting linked to Parkinson’s disease.
- Hunching over: Being unable to stand straight, leaning or slouching while standing.
Physical Activity for Parkinson’s Patients
Different studies during the 1980s and 1990s validated that proper exercise, focusing on gross motor movement, balance, core strength, coordination and rhythm, could positively impact the range of motion, flexibility, posture, and the ability to fulfill everyday life activities. Some other recent studies by Cleveland Clinic, suggest that the concept of intense “forced” exercise may be neuro-protective in cases of patients with neurodegenerative disease. As Parkinson’s involves progressive loss of muscle control, physical activity can be beneficial for both physical and cognitive condition of a patient. With continuous exercise, Parkinson’s patients can build up stronger, healthier and more flexible muscles, while challenging their brains and creating a resilient mindset which result in an improvement of their overall health and well-being.
Boxing As Therapy
In comparison to other sports, boxing is one of the most physically demanding activities and it also is a great stress and tension reliever. Studies have shown that intense and constant exercise can improve patients strength and even reduce, reverse and delay Parkinson’s signs. Boxing is a great way to address Parkinson’s symptoms because it trains patients to gain speed, agility, flexibility, endurance, balance, movement coordination while learning new skills and making good friends.
We at Right At Home, in collaboration with Rock Steady Boxing, are working to bring awareness to Parkinson’s disease and help and educate seniors on how exercise can improve their well-being. That’s why we invite you to join our team and participate in Parkinson’s training classes. These low impact, non-contact boxing classes are designed to help those battling Parkinson’s disease at any stage and improve their quality of life. You can build up your strength and even reduce some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease by continuously changing your physical routine while giving yourself a better and healthier lifestyle.