[Sued1026]

I’m writing to share what I’ve learned. I participate in upENDing Parkinsons in Alexandria VA, (upendingparkinsons.org), a rockclimbing group that now has almost 50 locations in the US (thanks to features on The Today Show and CBS Sunday Morning with Leslie Stahl.) The founder of the program, Molly Cupka, worked along with Marymount University to do a research study on PD and climbing. Google: “Scaling new heights: a pilot study of the impact of climbing on balance, agility, and dexterity in individuals with Parkinson’s disease”. The study describes why climbing is advantageous to those with PD. Another study, “Climb up! Head up!” demonstrated a 25% improvement in curvature of the spine with climbers vs. non-climbers. There are numerous articles about exercise, but it’s hard to get large numbers and replicate studies, and many say that the exercise helped. When I was diagnosed, the first thing I read was that vigorous exercise improves outcome, so I say find something you want to do. Here is another resource that includes on-line exercise classes for PD using dual-tasks, which is important, exercising while doing another mental task. Inova Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Center offers lots of great articles, recordings of programs, and access to this free exercise program (under Programs On-Line) for anyone. I also urge members to read under Patient Assistance, Hospital Patient Care for Parkinson’s. I hope this is not TMI. You can tell I’m passionate about this. I like to tell myself I am doing everything I can to be well, which is what I can do.

Rock on!