Darlene Sills (left) of Jacksonville warms up as a part of the Joy of Movement, Parkinson’s Dance and Exercise class with instructor Eve Fischberg.
It’s about more than music and dancing.
For the handful of people inside Spirit of Faith Church on Dunlap Street, it’s a chance to fight back against a neurological disease that gradually robs the body of normal movement.
Parkinson’s disease prohibits the body’s ability to produce dopamine, a hormone that helps with movement. That can result in tremors in the legs or hands, difficulty with balance and stiffening of muscles.
Musician Neil Diamond told fans last week about his own struggles with the
disease, which he said “made it difficult to travel and perform on a large-scale basis.” Other celebrities, such as the late Muhammad Ali, actor Michael J. Fox and evangelist Billy Graham, have opened up about their battles with Parkinson’s.
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Ted Huber of South Jacksonville dances
with Joyce Grizzle of Roodhouse.
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As many as a million people in the United States are living with Parkinson’s disease. Although it is not curable and can become more progressive over the years, it can be controlled.
Researchers point to the importance of those with the condition staying active. Studies have indicated music and movement can also help with motor functions.
That’s why instructor Eve Fischberg gets those who gather each Wednesday afternoon up and moving in the Joy of Movement, Parkinson’s Dance and Exercise class.
Fischberg said research has shown dancing is one of the therapies that helps, along with medication and other exercise programs.
”We work different body parts that are often affected and we try to make sure we use several different areas,” Fischberg said.
Linda Griffin, one of the participants, said the class helps her husband remain more active.
“The class helps with being more limber,” Griffin said. “Stiffness goes along with Parkinson’s and the class really helps anyone who has stiffness. Parkinson’s affects people differently.”
Fischberg said the routines work to target problems often associated with Parkinson’s, such as stiffness, posture and the ability to instigate movement.
“We try to do different movements that develop good postural habits, shifting weight, improve balance and moving with the rhythm of the music,” Fischberg said.
Beyond the physical benefits, Fischberg said the classes can provide importance social interaction.
“Parkinson’s can be very isolating because it’s harder to get out and do things,” she said. “This gives them a place to go and we interact and have fun. Many struggle with depression and this gives them a chance to have a lot of fun while helping their bodies.”
It even provides an outlet for caretakers.
Because a caretaker or a family member or a spouse often cares for a person with Parkinson’s disease, Fischberg said this gives them something fun to do together.
“They get benefits from it to because they get to dance and it’ll help them, too,” she said.
Tom Ala, a neurologist at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, said the deterioration of brain cells that comes with Parkinson’s disease can also cause problems with breathing and sometimes memory loss.
“Exercise is important,” Ala said. “It’s the old saying that if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it. It’s beneficial for patients to keep in shape and stay moving. Things like dancing, boxing and other activities have shown to be beneficial.”
Samantha McDaniel-Ogletree can be reached at 217-245-6121, ext. 1233, or on Twitter @JCNews_samantha.
http://www.myjournalcourier.com/news/118703/fighting-parkinsons-movement-dance-help-encourage-those-dealing-with-disease
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