Something is not right. You can put your finger on it, but you know it. Menial tasks seem to be more difficult. You fall for no apparent reason or maybe your hands are beginning to tremble. Finally, after you fall and injure yourself, you decide it’s time to go to the doctor to find out what is causing the problems. After answering a few questions, the doctor asks you to walk down the hall. Your return to the examining room and your doctor informs you that you have Parkinson’s Disease. SHOCK! A dozen horrifying scenarios flash through your mind. You remember a neighbor or a relative who was crippled by this debilitating nightmare. Images of Michael J. Fox appear in your mind. You visualize yourself in the same situation.
What can I expect for the rest of my life, you wonder? Only your doctor can answer that question. But one thing is for sure. Changes will occur in your body and your lifestyle, but there is hope. While the changes will affect your life, they do not have to define it. The medical field has made tremendous progress in treating Parkinson’s in the last few years. Currently there is no known cure, but in addition to the latest medications for the disease, another option is open to you. The Rock Steady Boxing program at Anderson Fitness Center in Meridian is a physical and mental workout program designed specifically to curb the effects and progression of Parkinson’s Disease. Boxing? No, you will not put on gloves and get into the ring and spar with anybody. All the boxing and kicks are passed at punching bags. The boxing exercise is performed at the command of the instructor. Parkinson’s can rob you of your motor skills. The boxing exercise is orchestrated to help you to preserve and improve those motor skills. It works. There are also other exercises specifically for the same reason. The class meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1pm until 2pm at the Anderson Regional Hospital Fitness Center in Meridian. There are usually around a dozen participants in the class. Some of them are new to the program. Others have been on the class for two or more years. There is a reason those class members have been there for two years. They can see and feel the difference the program has made in their lives. Everyone I have talked to in the class gives it a two-thumbs-up. I have been enrolled in the class for almost two years and I can tell a difference in my balance and the way I generally feel day in and day out. Can it help you? I cannot guarantee that it will, but I can guarantee that surrendering to Parkinson’s will cause the disease to progress even faster.
Program Director Adam Hodges has assembled a team of topnotch physical fitness professionals who are dedicated to your wellbeing. Instructors Rob Walsh, Reva Coate and Bruce Branning are highly and specifically trained in working with Parkinson patients. They truly care about you and they believe in what they are doing.
Rock Steady Boxing is National 501C-3 organization founded in 2006. It earns 4.8 out of five possible stars.
Parkinson’s patient Mr. Scott Newman a Marian County, Indiana prosecutor with the aid of his friend Mr. Vince Perez. Since its founding the origination has classes all over the world.
All you have to lose is two hours a week. A small investment to improve you overall health. The best part about the program is that it’s free. There is a fee for the use of the gym at Anderson, there is no fee for the class. For more information on Rock Steady Boxing, please contact Adam Hodges at the Anderson Fitness Center at 601-553-6622.
Ralph Gordon is a Past President Mississippi Writers Guild and a recipient of the William Faulkner Literary Award.You may contact Ralph Gordon at rgordon512@hotmail.com.
