News : PT, support group make life better for area Parkinson\'s patients

The VGH PT department has a variety of ways to help Parkinson's patients.

At the beginning of the year we all start our diets and exercise regimens to improve ourselves so we can lead healthier lives. That should be the same for any person suffering from a neurological disorder such as Parkinsons’ Disease.

There should be New Year Resolutions established to make changes in your lifestyle to help with coping with the Disorder, finding support and proper education on advancement of exercise, medication guidance, and nutrition to help with overall health and making sure it does not offset certain medication. The great thing about Vinton, we have this already available to all Benton County Residents. There is a great Parkinson’s Support Group that is headed up by Jim Peterson, Barb Cassens, and Bertha Pohlman.

This unique group strives to provide education to the family and individuals suffering from Parkinson’s Disease. They work closely with various physicians and the Virginia Gay Hospital Therapy Department. Their group meets every month providing programs and every Tuesday at the Therapy Department to perform exercise.

Over the last year, the Parkinsons’ Group has exercised on Tuesdays at the Therapy Department at VirginiaGayHospitalto improve their health. There have been educational programs on the importance of exercise addressing flexibility, strengthening, and improving balance/gait. The staff assists with establishing specific exercises to each person since Parkinsons’ affects each person slightly different. There are 4 members currently enjoying their success with the program by improved endurance, strength, balance, and coordination. The Therapy Department has also obtained an Interactive Metronome to assist with motor planning and sequencing and balance which are 3 main areas Parkinsons’ patients have difficulty with. The Therapy Department and Hospital are willing to assist the Parkinsons’ Support Group in any method to assist with improving the overall health of the individual suffering from this Disease.

Besides focusing on exercise, they seek physicians and other professional to discuss and educate on the Disorder. For example on March 26th Dr. Brian Meeker will be speaking about the current management of Parkinsons’ and to answer questions and concerns. Later in the year, they have Dr Uc from the Veteran’s Hospital and UIHC scheduled to lead a program. Dr. Uc is considered the tope Physician in Iowaon Parkinsons’ Disease.

Besides being serious, the Parkinsons’ group enjoys to participate in fun activities. That is why Barb Cassens is trying to schedule Laughing Yoga for one meeting this year. If you are want serious, fun, or just to get a better understanding of your Parkinsons’ Disease, please contact Barb Cassens 472-3178; Jim Peterson 472-3619; or Bertha Pohlman 472-4362. Don’t let your Parkinson’s get you down this year, take a step and the right direction and join.