My City Wellness Summer 2022

My Wellness

Wellness News Ascension Genesys Health Club Offers Specialized Exercise Program for People with Parkinson’s Disease

any direction. I wandered around the local gym I had just joined (Ascension Genesys Health Club) and saw a flier about the new Parkinson’s disease PWR! Moves class that was starting. Meeting Angee Ludwa, the class instructor, was a Godsend. Her knowl edge, experience and positive, motivating attitude have made a significant impact on my health and mobility.” “I have been working with people who have Parkinson’s disease for over 15 years and I’ve seen first hand the benefits of exercise. People who have Parkinson’s disease can get bet ter,” says Angee Ludwa, Phys ical Therapist at Ascension Genesys Hospital. “In addition to the physical benefits of the exercise programs, the emo tional and social benefits are even better. The participants

GRAND BLANC — Parkinson’s disease is the fastest growing neurological disorder in the world with 6.2 million people currently identi ed, and estimated to grow to 14.2 million in 2040. In the United States, Parkinson’s disease a ects more than one million people. In Mich igan, more than 25,000 people are currently diagnosed with the disease. While there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease at this time, interventions such as medication and exercise can help. Ascension Genesys Health Club o ers a series of exercise classes taught by physical thera pists or certi ed trainers who are trained in Parkinson’s disease. For individuals living with this disease, having access to regu lar physical activity is crucial to maintaining optimal physical function and may provide neuro protective e ects. Parkinson’s disease is a type of movement disorder that occurs when nerve cells in the brain don’t produce enough of a chemical called dopamine. Sometimes, Parkinson’s disease is genetic, but most cases do not seem to run in families. Symptoms begin gradu ally, o en on one side of the body and eventually a ect both sides. Symptoms include trembling of

hands, arms, legs, jaw and face; sti ness of the arms, legs and trunk; slowness of movement; poor balance and coordination. As symptoms get worse, people may have trouble walking, talking or doing simple tasks. ey may also experience depression, sleep prob lems or trouble chewing, swallow ing or speaking. In 2015, Ascension Genesys Health Club partnered with the University of Michigan - Flint physical therapy program to o er Parkinson’s speci c exer cise classes in the community. e program began with an o ering of just one class. Now, the expanded wellness program consists of ve di erent classes, o ered Monday through Friday.

“I have been working with people who have Parkinson’s disease for over 15 years and I’ve seen first hand the ben efits of exercise. People who have Par kinson’s disease can get better.” Angee Ludwa, Physical Therapist at Ascension Genesys Hospital

have developed wonderful social connections and are so supportive, consistently offer ing each other encouragement, advice and support.” Classes for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease are held at Ascension Genesys

“Seven years ago, I retired after a 36+ year career to go on disability,” says Dan Smith, who is living with Parkinson’s disease and an active program partici pant. “I just had my first of two deep brain stimulation surger ies, was depressed and lacked

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