The National Parkinson Foundation’s Moving Day 2017

Walk, stretch, dance and celebrate. Americans of all ages and fitness levels are invited to join in National Parkinson Foundation (NPF) Moving Day^® events to raise awareness and funds to fight Parkinson’s disease. An estimated 1 million people in the United States and up to 10 million worldwide are living with this neurodegenerative brain disorder that affects body movement. Millions more family and friends are part of a caring Parkinson’s disease network that includes Moving Day walks for Parkinson’s.

While there is not yet a cure for Parkinson’s disease, medications, therapies and surgical treatments are slowing symptoms. Moving Day highlights movement and exercise, which help improve balance and mobility in people with Parkinson’s. Each Moving Day event features music, food, and short, family-friendly walk routes in a festival atmosphere. A signature Movement Pavilion hosts join-in sessions of yoga, Pilates, tai chi, non-contact boxing, dance and other exercises that are proven to manage Parkinson’s symptoms.

Right at Home, a leader in at-home care and assistance for seniors and adults with disabilities, is in its seventh year as a National Hope Partner of the NPF’s Moving Day events. Both organizations share a commitment to improve the quality of care and quality of life for those they serve.

Funds from Moving Day help the NPF provide local services and programs to Parkinson’s patients. Since its launch in 2011, Moving Day has raised more than $14 million for Parkinson’s research and care. Upcoming 2017 Moving Day events will be held in:

• Buffalo, NY – Sept. 10
• Columbus, OH – Sept. 24
• North Carolina Triangle – Oct. 1
• Rochester, NY – Oct. 1
• Boston, MA – Oct. 14
• Chicago, IL – Oct. 15
• Atlanta, GA – Oct. 21
• Los Angeles, CA – Oct. 28
• Dallas-Fort Worth, TX – Nov. 4
• Boca Raton, FL – Nov. 5
• Miami, FL – Nov. 12

Some 600,000 people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in the United States each year, and the majority of these individuals are over age 60. Common motor signs of Parkinson’s disease include tremors, slowness of movement, stiffness or rigidity of limbs and trunk, and impaired coordination or balance.

The NPF provides resources and staff to help train Right at Home teams in care specifics and in providing professional, compassionate support for Parkinson’s patients and their families. The training addresses nutrition, medications, speech and swallowing, and managing advanced Parkinson’s disease.

For more information about Moving Day and organizing a walk team, visit NPFMovingDay.org or contact Right at Home of Central Michigan at 810-225-4724 or www.rah-mi.com.The NPF also offers a toll-free Parkinson’s disease helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (473-4636) and additional resources at parkinson.org.

How does movement and exercise affect a loved one you know with Parkinson’s?