The Geneva Lakes Family YMCA will be joining millions in observing Parkinson’s Awareness Month during the month of April.
Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative movement disorder, which can cause deterioration of motor skills, balance, speech and sensory function.
The Lake Geneva YMCA will join with 775 other locations worldwide in offering The Rock Steady Boxing Program, which gives those with Parkinson’s disease the opportunity to “fight back” by offering a non-contact, boxing-inspired fitness routine proven to improve their quality of life.
According to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, more than 10 million people worldwide are living with Parkinson’s disease and more than 60,000 Americans are diagnosed each year.
“There is strong evidence from clinical research studies that exercise helps Parkinson’s disease. Rock Steady Boxing is a proven exercise technique that can be helpful to people with Parkinson’s,” said Dr. Steven Gunzler, a neurologist for University Hospitals and assistant professor of neurology at Case Western Reserve University.
Rock Steady Boxing serves participants at all stages of Parkinson’s – from the newly diagnosed to those who have been living with the disease for decades.
“Parkinson’s Awareness Month not only raises awareness about the disease our Rock Steady Boxers live with every day, but also shines a light on their incredible tenacity in ‘fighting back’ against the disease. We have certified instructors that deliver a strong program at the YMCA three days a week that supports the Rock Steady mission of providing hope and better quality of life for people with Parkinson’s disease,” Geneva Lakes Family YMCA Chief Executive Officer Mike Kramp said.
The Lake Geneva Y invites individuals who have Parkinson’s disease to observe the program (at no cost) and meet our staff during the month of April on any Tuesday, Thursday or Friday, from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
The Y also has a free support group that meets the first Thursday of each month at 11:45 a.m.
For more information, call 262-248-6211 or visit GenevaLakesYMCA.org/rsb.
