March 28, 2024 10:52 AM
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April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month

Each year, 60,000 Americans are newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and more than one million Americans are currently living with the neurodegenerative disease. Commonly known for its movement or motor-related symptoms, people with PD are often more impacted by non-motor symptoms like apathy, depression, sleep behavior disorders, loss of sense of smell and cognitive impairment. The prevalence of the disease is expected to increase substantially in the next 20 years due to the aging population. Currently, there is no cure for Parkinson’s, but there are medications and treatments to live well with PD. “Since 1957, the Parkinson’s Foundation has invested more than $368 million in Parkinson’s disease research and clinical care,” said John L. Lehr, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Parkinson’s Foundation. “Parkinson’s Awareness Month highlights the critical need for us to continue working together to fund research, care and resources so that one day we may live in a world without Parkinson’s disease.” Mary Byrne, YMCA Health and Wellness Director says, “Together we can help our local community by raising awareness of the tools the Parkinson’s Foundation offers to empower people with PD and their loved ones.”

Prescott YMCA staff are certified to teach the new Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery (PWR) class. Class is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:10 pm in our main fitness studio. The Exercise4BrainChange model is Dr. Farley’s translation of basic and clinical research in exercise science, motor control, and motor learning into principles which allow people with Parkinson Disease to exercise in a manner which optimizes brain health (neuroprotection), brain change (neuroplasticity), and function. The class will focus on addressing rigidity, bradykinesia, incoordination, and automaticity, along with daily movement, walking, reaching, balance and combining physical aspects with cognitive tasks. Participants will learn to use muscles in their face and neck to help slow the onset of Parkinson Disease.

“Health is not just about preventing disease but giving you the ability to enjoy every day to your fullest potential,” said Mary Byrne, YMCA Health & Wellness Director.

About the Parkinson’s Foundation

The Parkinson’s Foundation makes life better for people with Parkinson’s disease by improving care and advancing research toward a cure. In everything we do, we build on the energy, experience and passion of our global Parkinson’s community. For more information, visit www.parkinson.org or call (800) 4PDINFO (473-4636). Parkinson’s Disease affects an estimated one million Americans and 10 million worldwide, is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s and is the 14th-leading cause of death in the United States. It is associated with a progressive loss of motor control (e.g., shaking or tremor at rest and lack of facial expression), as well as non-motor symptoms (e.g., depression and anxiety). There is no cure for Parkinson’s and 60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the United States alone.

For more information about the Wellness Recovery Program or any other Fitness programs, visit http://www.prescottymca.org or call Mary Byrne, Health & Wellness Director, at 928-445-7221 or mary.byrne@prescottymca.org.

About the James Family Prescott YMCA

The James Family Prescott YMCA is a community within a community serving our diverse population in the quad-city area. As a leading nonprofit organization, the YMCA exists to strengthen the foundation of the community. The YMCA has served the local communities in Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley and Dewey/Humboldt since 1974, offering over 60 health, wellness and community programs within the four-building facility.

The YMCA is dedicated to providing affordable programs and services to benefit people of all incomes and backgrounds. Thanks to the generous support of those who donate to the Y’s Annual Campaign and other fundraising events, financial assistance is available to those who cannot afford the full fee and qualify for assistance.

The YMCA aims to provide each member with every opportunity to reach farther and improve their lives and the lives of those around them. Through Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility, the YMCA’s goal is to inspire positive and lasting social change. For more information visit www.prescottymca.org.

About the Y

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 22 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. ymca.net

 

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