Parkinson’s disease (PD) remains, for the most part, a mystery of medical science. Research continues, but at the present time the primary treatment modality is medication directed at minimizing the symptoms. It is not a condition you choose, but once diagnosed, PD does have the capacity to cause you to reassess your priorities and make lifestyle choices that can affect the course of the disease.

An emerging reality is the positive effect of exercise on the course of this disease.  An exercise agenda may offer stimulation to the various neurological pathways, increasing the capacity to counteract the progression of symptoms.  An exercise plan can provide a sense of purpose and direction, offering the opportunity to improve stability, strength, flexibility, and management of tremor. When your ability to move improves, so does your feeling of accomplishment and sense of achievement.  Scientific evidence has proven that not only can motor function improve with exercise, but mood and a “feeling of well being” is clearly related to routine activity. More importantly, it shows that you may have Parkinson’s disease, but it does not have you. No matter how long you have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, it’s not too late to start, and it’s never too early. 

Many of you are acquainted with David Zid.  He is an ACE, APG certified personal trainer that currently leads a weekly exercise class designed specifically for individuals afflicted with PD.  He is extremely excited about his latest project.  In collaboration with Thomas H. Mallory, M.D., (a retired orthopedic surgeon from Columbus that has PD) and Jackie Russell (a local nurse that has a special interest in the disease) he has authored a book detailing a Parkinson’s - specific exercise plan. It is a colorful, user-friendly guide to a daily fitness regimen directed at all levels of PD.  The title of the book is Delay the Disease – Exercise and Parkinson’s Disease.  The manual can be purchased by visiting the website www.delaythedisease.com.  A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Madden Parkinson’s Center of Excellence at The Ohio State University.  Additionally, Zid has created a companion DVD that is also available for purchase on the website. A portion of the DVD proceeds will benefit the Central Ohio Parkinson Society.

Get started on a fitness plan today and see the results for yourself.  The challenge presented to the individual with PD is to never give up.  A new attitude filled with vigor, enthusiasm and sense of optimism will commence each day as you realize there is an opportunity to modify the progression of this condition.  Keep moving, stay positive.