Hi, I hope that you are well and welcome to the new RAP BLOG!
This is Steve Sappington, President of Rally Against Parkinson’s, or RAP. Now I know what some of you are thinking if you, like me, have Parkinson’s Disease and you’re 65+ years old: “Okay, I have heard the term BLOG before, but just what IS it?”
It is simple. A BLOG is a shortened version of a weblog, which is a website located informal conversation with a general theme. Ours happens to be Parkinson’s Disease (PD). RAP’s BLOG will have a series of writers who will keep you informed, updated, and hopefully entertained, at least for a few minutes. Each writer will share his or her expertise in fields that can assist in managing the symptoms of PD, like occupational therapy, physical therapy, exercise physiology, and health and wellness. You’ll find commentary on everything from DBS to yoga, information on new assistive devices, new treatments and opinions from peers for whom PD is part of their lives.
This CORONA VIRUS Pandemic has had a huge impact on all of our lives. Our trusted standby — ROCK STEADY BOXING at Forest Hill Health & Fitness – was suddenly taken away with the shut-down of all public facilities. These classes are extremely important for those of us with PD. It is imperative that we exercise our minds and bodies regularly, and that we have strong social relationships. Rock Steady Boxing has helped us all to share friendship and camaraderie.
I know that society has been deeply impacted by the Pandemic, but those of us with PD have been impacted in a unique way. For many of us there IS only one option — to stay home. This feeds into the bad side of PD (fear, inactivity, apathy, worry, and withdrawal). We Parkies NEED physical and cognitive exercises several times a week to be able to FIGHT BACK against PD.
One reason for this BLOG is to ensure that each of us has a link to our PD Family, a source of information, an outlet for discussion, and just a way to stay in touch.
As of this writing, FHHF has opened the gym up again for the 1-2 PD groups for Rock Steady Boxing. These classes are safe and social distanced. You need to bring a mask to the gym and your temperature will be taken upon arrival. ALL surfaces and equipment are wiped down with disinfectant prior to and after every use. Rock Steady Boxing classes are held on Mondays and Wednesdays at 6:30PM and Sundays at 10:00 AM. But did you know that RAP is also sponsoring live virtual exercise classes, led by our own Debbie Umbarger, for all of us Parkies? Anyone can join from the comfort of your home through Zoom meetings. These classes will continue through August, and probably after that, as long as there is a need. Classes are scheduled (like before) on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:00PM – 2:00PM. On-line classes are fun, and you can see and talk with all of your RSB friends and get a great workout! All you need is a tablet or a computer, a water bottle and a chair. Click on this link at class time:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/199031364?pwd=YmhFS2hOa1FYbUVNdjgzcnRGb2N6QT09
If you have any problems or issues, please give me a call and I will help get you started successfully. My number is 443-619-1378.
In the future BLOGS we will cover other Parkinson’s Disease topics, PD national news and developments, and many other topics of interest.
Let us know what you think – I look forward to seeing you again soon! Thanks for reading!
Best,
Steve