Free exercise class for those with Parkinson’s, neurological issues

• By Deanna Kirk Daily Sun
 February 1, 2018

Chances are, if you’ve been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, or have a Traumatic Brain Injury or other neurological issue, finding an exercise class is not top of your priority list.

But, exercise is one thing that has been proven to combat problems with rigidity (muscle stiffness), poor balance, unusual gait, and slow movements (bradykinesia) in patients suffering from one or more of these issues.

Enter Cedar Lake Home Health and Hospice, who is offering a free Foundations Class to anyone suffering from these issues, and will now offer it in Corsicana. It is the only class of its kind currently offered by a home health agency in the state of Texas.

“My class in Gun Barrel City is an awesome class, said Certified Instructor Caren Anthony. “Until Monday, it is the only class I’ve had.”

Anthony was trained by the GZ Sobol Parkinson’s Network, founded by Parkinson’s patient Gary Sobol. The network was established in 2013, with a goal of improving quality of life for people with Parkinson’s, and the 501 non-profit envisions every Parkinson’s patient having access to their group exercise class.

More classes will be added to the Gun Barrel City class, with the first class taking place at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6 at the Senior Activity Center, 919 W. Park Ave.

“If you can’t get up and down from a chair by yourself, then I can help you,” Anthony said. “We have had people coming in a wheelchair, then a few months later advancing to a walker, then to a cane, and I have one now who is dancing around the room!”

She said music was added to the program a few weeks ago and the difference it’s made just adding music is amazing. But, Anthony points out that along with the moves in the class being helpful for patients and their muscles and coordination, it also provides a social setting that is comfortable. She has seen social lives increase by the newfound confidence her people have gained by helping their tremors, or by simply gaining more confidence in themselves.

“With Parkinson’s, you have shuffle foot, tremors, all kinds of things,” she said. “We do fun stuff, like hula hoops. Most of the time, the ones diagnosed with Parkinson’s are men. Women seem to get dementia and Alzheimers before men do.”

In addition to starting new classes in Corsicana, Anthony will begin a class in Athens and Waxahachie. All classes are free.

“The new classes will start at a beginner level,” Anthony said. “They won’t be as advanced as we are in Gun Barrel ... Gary Sobol has to fly down and certify you. Sobol has Parkinson’s, and he designed the entire program so that Parkinson’s would not beat him.”

Anthony said so far the oldest person she’s had in a class was 91, and it is extremely beneficial for gait and balance. Her Gun Barrel class, when everyone is present, has 42 members.

For more information, visit Cedar Lake Home Health and Hospice Facebook page. And for more information about GZ Sobol Parkinson’s Network, visit that Facebook page or the website at www.parkinsonsnetwork.org.

“We are adding some dance steps next week, and planning a Parkinson’s Palooza,” she said. “We are always having a party of some kind. It’s really neat and lots of fun.”

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