Wellness with Parkinson's at the Y
Exercise is an important part of healthy living for everyone, but for people with Parkinson’s disease, exercise is vital to maintaining balance, mobility and activities of daily living. Wellness with Parkinson’s at the Y is a program offered by the Y in conjunction with Atrium Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy. We are committed to delaying the progression of Parkinson's disease for all fitness levels and this program will provide a continuum of care for people with Parkinson’s. We even have a few virtual classes that you can do at home.
How it works?
The Wellness with Parkinson's at the Y program with Debbie is basic to intermediate level group fitness which includes stretching, balance, core, seated and standing exercises with a mild heart-rate elevation. The goal is to retrain the brain and decrease the symptoms of Parkinson's. These classes are held at Countryside YMCA or Otterbein Senior Life Community in Lebanon. The instructor Debbie Parshall has training from Parkinson's Wellness Recovery and Delay the Disease. Participants in this program will have increased self-confidence, decreased risk of falls, and minimized fatigue. This program is designed to give you a happier lifestyle with reduced rigidity and improved mobility and to delay the disease as long as possible.
2024 classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:00-11:45 am at Countryside YMCA, Lebanon
January 1 - August 31
Need Formal Physical Therapy?
For people with Parkinson's who need to begin their exercise program with formal physical therapy (people with Parkinson's who can not get out of a chair without help, or have had several falls in the past month) we can refer you to Atrium Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy for formal physical therapy.
"We have been serving people with Parkinson's for over 20 years. There is evidence to support that people with Parkinson's can slow the progression of the disease by participating in an exercise-based program once discharged from formal physical therapy. We have always encouraged people with Parkinson's to participate in such a program, but, until now there hasn't been a group wellness program offered right here in Lebanon, " said Lisa Duncan, PT, ATC at Atrium Sports and Medicine and Physical Therapy.
Virtual Classes for People with Parkinson's
Through our Wellness with Parkinson's at the Y program you have access to free virtual classes, YMCA members can access virtual classes anytime through their YMCA 360 app. Members and Non-Members can also view WORKOUT 1 and WORKOUT 2 by clicking on the link (recorded by Debbie Parshall, YMCA instructor and director in 2020, each class is 25 minutes in length). Online Exercise is an important part of healthy living for everyone, but for people with Parkinson's exercise is vital to maintaining balance, mobility, and activities of daily living. Please connect with us before taking the virtual classes, we will direct you to the exercise classes best suited for you both online and in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Debbie Parshall is the Director of the Otterbein Lifestyle Enrichment Center. Debbie has 10 years of experience working with older adults and has a background in personal training, wellness coordination and working with the LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA program. Debbie has training from Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery and Delay the Disease.
Julie Hensley is a licensed physical therapist assistant at Atrium Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy. Julie has 22 years of experience working in an outpatient setting and has a background in orthopedic, balance, and aquatic interventions. Julie has training from Ohio Health’s Delay the Disease program.
Wellness with Parkinson's at the Y class with Debbie is $80 for members of the YMCA and $104 for non members. Formal physical therapy is insurance based. The staff at Atrium Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy will clarify benefits more than likely covered by your insurance with you before your formal physical therapy evaluation. Contact Atrium Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy for more information about insurance coverage at 513-934-3850, located at Countryside YMCA | Lebanon.
No, formal physical therapy is available to anyone. YMCA led exercise classes are offered to both YMCA Members at a reduced rate. Non-members may participate by purchasing a Program Membership and registering for the program.
How Can I Find Out More?
Contact Debbie Parshall at 513 696 8590. If you'd prefer an email contact, fill out this form and one of our Wellness with Parkinson's at the Y instructors will be in touch soon.