Parkinson's Fitness Plan Delays The Disease

Main Category: Parkinson's Disease
Also Included In: Sports Medicine / Fitness;  Seniors / Aging
Article Date: 27 May 2007 - 12:00 PDT


Patients are discovering first-hand that daily exercise has a positive effect on the course of Parkinson's Disease, minimizing symptoms and delaying the effects of the disease.

David Zid, an ACE, APG certified trainer, has collaborated with orthopedic surgeon Thomas H. Mallory, M.D., who is afflicted with Parkinson's Disease, in the development of a Parkinson's-specific fitness program designed to proactively minimize tremors and improve flexibility, stability, balance and strength. The noticeable physical and mental improvement of program participants led Zid to share the fitness agenda in his newly released book, Delay the Disease - Exercise and Parkinson's Disease (70 pp, $19.95)

Emerging scientific evidence confirms that exercise lessens neurological deterioration that contributes to Parkinson's progression. Exercise, combined with appropriate medication, has an overwhelmingly positive effect on the course of this disease.

As Assistant Professor of Neurology and Director of the Movement Disorder Division of The Ohio State University Medical Center, Karen Thomas, D.O. specializes in the treatment of Parkinson's Disease. "The development of this exercise program has been invaluable to my patients. I stress the multi-factorial approach to Parkinson's Disease and emphasize that staying active and exercising daily absolutely must go hand-in-hand with medicine treatment. This program allows a guided approach that focuses on the specific exercise needs of persons with Parkinson's Disease," states Dr. Thomas.

Parkinson's patients participating in Zid's fitness program notice improvement in walking, dressing and maintaining balance. According to a program participant, "This exercise program gives me the feeling that I am taking control of my illness. My arm swing is returning and my walking speed has increased. I no longer shuffle. I can sit and stand with ease. I am more independent. But most importantly, my mental outlook is better."

Author Zid states "My biggest joy is when a participant in my Parkinson's exercise program approaches me to say 'Thank you, David; I thought today was a bad day, but now that I have exercised, I am so much better.'" Zid wants more people to experience that improvement. His advice to readers: "Keep moving. Stay positive."

The user-friendly book outlines a daily and weekly exercise agenda for every patient at any stage of the disease and clearly labels level of difficulty options. Exercises are divided into categories (wake up call, walking and balance, cardiovascular, strength, facial and vocal, night-time stretching); and movements are clearly demonstrated in full-color photographs. A companion DVD is available.

Parkinson's Disease remains a mystery of medical science. For reason's unknown, certain brain cells stop producing a substance called Dopamine, which affects an individual's movement, strength and balance. There is currently no cure, though stem cell research offers future promise.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Delay the Disease will be used to support the research, development and treatment of Parkinson's Disease. The book is available for purchase at select bookstores and online at www.delaythedisease.com.

Author David Zid, a graduate of The Ohio State University, has been a professional fitness instructor and certified trainer in Columbus, Ohio since 1997. He is owner and president of Columbus Health Works, a personal training company. David developed a special interest in training older adults, and finds inspiration in his clients with Parkinson's Disease.

ISBN 978 1 4243 3208 3

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