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Continuing our look at exercise providers in the Greater Cincinnati area, we turn now to the Neurofit Gym, a non-profit organization in Northern Cincinnati specializing in helping those with neurological disorders, including Parkinson's Disease. Through exercise, education, community, and connection, their mission is to help these individuals live healthier and more independent lives.
Recently the Parkinson’s community has been buzzing with news of a research breakthrough. It was announced in the Michael J. Fox Foundation newsletter of Spring/Summer 2023 that a new tool (called the alpha-synuclein seeding amplification assay) has been discovered that “can detect pathology in spinal fluid not only of people diagnosed with Parkinson’s, but also . . . [of those] at a high risk for developing it.”
Parkinson's disease has been a part of my life and family for as long as I can remember; my grandpa was diagnosed with the condition when I was little. From my earliest recollections of him, Parkinson's was an ever-present reality. I remember my dad telling me stories of my grandpa before his diagnosis, and those two people seemed so different. I've heard he was active, charismatic, and had a bit of a temper. I didn't know that guy.
For those who do not know me, I am the Assistant Director of Parkinson Support and Wellness. The short version of my Parkinson story is that in early 2019, my dad was diagnosed with PD. I started to volunteer for the Steady Strides committee in 2020 and was then hired when they were looking for a third employee. Really though, it is a longer story than that.
Now, the story turns to you. Your travel experience will vary according to what type of traveling you are doing: flying to a single destination to visit family, touring on an itinerary you have planned, embarking on a group tour. And it will depend on your own particular Parkinson’s issues. Your goal is to become aware of common travel challenges and consider how best to prepare for them.
Nearly a year ago I wrote an article that appeared on this blog on the topic of sleep and PD. The basics are still true – the fact that sleep is essential to reset your system, that eight hours is the recommended amount of sleep for all adults, and that disturbances in healthy sleep patterns are one of the most common non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Another in our review of exercise opportunities in the Cincinnati area is Alpha Neuro Fitness (ANF) located at 800 E. Ross Ave. in St. Bernard (just off the Norwood Lateral). Owner and trainer Adam Magee began his work with PD patients in 2012 when, as an undergraduate majoring in Exercise Science at NKU, he worked as an intern with a research study at UC involving exercise for Parkinson’s and multitasking. He was so intrigued and wanted to do all he could to help the patients. Ten years later, he now has a Masters in Healthcare Administration and his own gym where he works with patients one-on-one.
In getting ready for my winter trip to Iceland, where temperatures range from 28-36 degrees Fahrenheit, I paid careful attention to the packing list provided by the tour company running my trip. As instructed, I brought plenty of layers of clothing. I could barely squeeze all layers on at once and I looked like a sausage bulging at the seams when fully suited up. I soon discovered that I couldn’t manage all those layers. Like many others with Parkinson’s, I have limited flexibility in my torso, shoulders, and arms.
February can be a gray and dreary month in Ohio with the holiday rush behind us and Spring still several weeks away. Valentine's Day offers an opportunity to celebrate and recognize loved ones. Many special people can be acknowledged with a valentine wish— from a parent, to a friend, to a co-worker, to a physical therapist. Traditionally we think of romantic relationships as the true celebrants on Valentine's Day. So I have been pondering romantic and intimate relationships when navigating life with PD.
As part of our ongoing review of exercise programs available in our area, we turn this week to foreverfitness. This exercise organization was founded by Sarah Palmer, and she has a staff of four, all of whom are highly trained. (Several are physical therapists, all have PWR! Moves training and Sarah has a master’s in exercise physiology.)
Parkinson’s-specific exercise is very important in the treatment of this disorder, and one clinic in our area that works hard to provide opportunities for such exercise is Kettering Health’s NeuroRehab and Balance Center. Located in Centerville, just outside Dayton, the NR&BC offers classes of varying intensity (medium, high and mixed) each twice a week.
