April recognized as Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month

POMEROY, Ohio – This April, millions of people around the world will recognize April as Parkinson’s Awareness Month. Holzer is proud to take part and recognize April as Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month.

Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder that is chronic and progressive. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects nearly one million people in the US. Although promising research is being conducted, there is currently no cure for or definitive cause of Parkinson’s disease. In addition:

• Nearly one million Americans are living with Parkinson’s.
• Approximately 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease each year, and this number does not reflect the thousands of cases that go undetected.
• Seven to 10 million people worldwide are estimated to be living with Parkinson’s disease.
• Incidence of Parkinson’s increases with age, but an estimated four percent of people with Parkinson’s are diagnosed before the age of 50.

Unfortunately, the cause of Parkinson’s is unknown and presently, there is no cure. Current research is showing that exercise can improve brain function and may slow disease progression, especially if early onset. The earlier the intervention, the better effects exercise can have on the individual. Holzer Therapy offers a Parkinson’s Therapy Class on Tuesday and Thursdays from 3pm to 4pm at the Holzer Therapy & Wellness Center, 735 Second Avenue, in Gallipolis. There is a nominal fee for those attending the class. Exercises are demonstrated and performed to assist those who are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Exercise provides hope that with continuous exercise with medication use, it may slow motor deterioration and extend the quality of life.

For more information on Parkinson’s disease, or the exercise class offered through Holzer Therapy, please call 1-855-4-HOLZER or email [email protected].