Parkinson's Programs
Social interaction and exercise are key elements of living well with Parkinson’s. Exercise benefits mobility, flexibility, balance, and non-movement PD symptoms. Support groups provide social interaction in a safe and judgment-free environment while giving participants a sense of empowerment in an otherwise uncontrollable situation. The Parkinson’s Programs offered at the Lewisburg YMCA will give you the tools to live well with Parkinson’s.
Strength and Exercise for Parkinson's
The Parkinson’s Outcomes Project states, “Those who exercise 2.5 hours per week are associated with better health-related quality of life and slower decline.” The Strength and Exercise Program for Parkinson’s at the Lewisburg Y provides what you need to manage your symptoms. You’ll experience camaraderie with physical and cognitive exercises, and even spend some time in our golf simulator. All levels of fitness and progression are welcome. Current class times are Tuesday and Thursday from 12:45 -2:00 PM. Classes are led by Certified Personal Trainer Olivia Conklin, with assistance from Lori DePorter.
Rates can be adjusted for those joining part way through the month. Financial assistance is available.
Contact Olivia Conklin for more information at 570.556.4191 or oconklin@gsvymca.org
Singercise
Singercise is a free class offered for people battling Parkinson’s disease along with their caregivers. This program, now in its third consecutive year, is offered through the Greater Susquehanna Valley YMCA thanks to a community grant from the Parkinson’s Foundation.
Singercise is a workout for all those little muscles involved in the production of speech. Participants have reported positive results in the areas of speech, mood, and feeling a sense of community.
Class will be every* Monday beginning January 16, 2023. In Person Class: 11:30 am; Virtual Class: 1 pm, via Zoom. *No class on President’s Day, the Monday after Easter and Memorial Day.
Class is led by board-certified music therapist Alysha Suley, MM, MT-BC, a member of the American Music Therapy Association and the International Association for Music & Medicine.
Registration is required and class slots are available on a first come, first served basis. Interested participants may register online. Singercise is open to participants of any physical ability or fitness level. Musical experience and singing ability are not required. Classes are ongoing with new sessions beginning all the time so it’s best to email to get the latest info.
Singercise is made possible at no cost to participants thanks to a generous donation from the Parkinson’s Foundation.
Contact Alysha Suley for more information at 570.316.1899 or info@bloomsburgmusictherapy.org
Support Group
Those living with Parkinson’s and their caregivers are invited to join us for our support group, Living and Learning with Parkinson’s. You’ll experience a fun, safe and non-judgmental place to share experiences with others who have “walked in your shoes.” An educational thread brings it all together, supporting studies that show participants have improved quality of life with reduced anxiety, depression and social phobia.
Meetings will be the first Wednesday of every month at 10 AM at the Lewisburg YMCA in Room D/E.
The group is free for all who attend. For more info, please contact Lori DePorter at ldeporter@gsvymca.org.
To download a pdf of the Nutrition PowerPoint that was presented during the support group, click here.
Additional Parkinson's Resources
First published in 2010, the Every Victory Counts® manual broke new ground as the only resource of its kind, devoted solely to the principle of proactive self-care and a holistic approach to managing Parkinson’s. For more information, and to order your copy click here.
If you are looking for a specific publication, check out the Parkinson’s Foundation library. You can search by topic and your personal connection to Parkinson’s.
Follow Lori’s journey through Parkinson’s in her personal blogs, “Life, Lemons, and Lemonade,” and “Dance Like No One is Watching.”