PARKINSON’S FITNESS PLAN DELAYS THE DISEASE
Newly released exercise book sh=
own to
reduce symptoms
of debilitating disease<=
/i>
May 2007 (Columbu= s, Ohio)– Patients are discovering first-hand that daily exercise has a positive effe= ct on the course of Parkinson’s Disease, minimizing symptoms and delaying the effects of the disease. <= o:p>
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 R=
11;
Exercise and Parkinson’s Disease (70 pp, $19.95)
Exercise reduces more than excess weight
Emerging scientific evidence confirms that exercise lesse=
ns
neurological deterioration that contributes to Parkinson’s
progression. Exercise, combin=
ed
with appropriate medication, has an overwhelmingly positive effect on the
course of this disease.
As Assistant Professor of Neuro=
logy
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 prog=
ram
allows a guided approach that focuses on the specific exercise needs of per=
sons
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 giv=
es
me the feeling that I am taking control of my illness. My arm swing is returning and my w=
alking
speed has increased. I no lon=
ger
shuffle. I can sit and stand =
with
ease. I am more independent.<=
span
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> But most importantly, my mental ou=
tlook
is better.”
Author Zid states “My biggest joy is when a partici=
pant
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 experienc=
e that
improvement. His advice to re=
aders:
“Keep moving. Stay positive.”
Everyone at every stage
The user-friendly book outlines a daily and weekly exerci=
se
agenda for every patient at any stage of the disease and clearly labels lev=
el
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 remai=
ns a
mystery of medical science. F=
or
reason’s unknown, certain brain cells stop producing a substance call=
ed
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.&nb=
sp;
The book is available for purchase at select bookstores and online a=
t www.delaythedisease.com.
Author David Zid, a graduate of=
The
Ohio State University, has been a professional fitness instructor and certi=
fied
trainer in
Courtesy of Jackie Russell, RN,=
BSN,
Project Editor and David Zid, Author, Delay the Disease