Pump it: Residents & Staff Take Action Against Parkinson’s

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VMRC residents, staff and members of our Wellness Center participated in a nationwide event called Pump It For Parkinson's held on Thursday, April 11, for World Parkinson’s Day. Parkinson's Awareness Month is observed annually in April.

During this event, participants used NuStep recumbent machines to contribute to the goal of having 30,000+ steps logged across the machines for the day. Our community surpassed the goal, logging a whopping 115,332 steps in the Wellness Center’s fitness room.

The event raised awareness and support for the millions of people living with Parkinson’s disease, including VMRC residents, and promoted the benefits of exercise to address the symptoms brought on by the condition.

Understanding Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the world and affects the dopamine-producing neurons of a particular section of the brain. The disease affects physical mobility and dexterity, so it’s sometimes referred to as a movement disorder.

Symptoms include bradykinesia (slowness of movement), postural instability, tremors and rigidity, all of which affect how a person with Parkinson’s can maneuver in their environment. These symptoms can also negatively impact vital activities such as sleeping.

Non-movement symptoms can include common disorders such as anxiety and depression, fatigue, loss of appetite and problems with weight management.

Parkinson's typically develops in people over the age of 60, men more frequently than women. However, there is a form of the disease that develops in individuals younger than 50 years of age. Genetic and environmental factors are believed to play a role in Parkinson’s formation. It’s predicted that cases of Parkinson’s will reach 9 million by 2030.

Hope in the Face of Great Challenge

While research is ongoing, scientists know that exercise plays a large role in alleviating the symptoms individuals with Parkinson’s experience. Exercise enhances balance and coordination, increases dopamine levels and supports the growth of new brain cells. What’s more, research shows exercise may reduce the risk of ever developing Parkinson’s disease.

Individuals with Parkinson's disease can benefit from a variety of physical activities, including walking, swimming, cycling and using aerobic machines such as the NuStep Crosstrainers found in our Wellness Center. See the pictures below of our residents and team members exercising to aid awareness of Parkinson’s disease and their personal health.

If you are in the area, join our Wellness Center to take advantage of our amenities and the expertise of our wellness center team.

Parkinson's disease presents significant challenges, but the growing recognition of the role of physical activity offers hope for improved outcomes and maintaining overall health and well-being.

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