Raise Parkinson’s awareness

April is Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month. In Iowa, we are fortunate to have an organization on the front lines of the Parkinson's battle, the Iowa Chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association. This volunteer board meets in Des Moines, but serves the entire state to ease the burden and find a cure for Iowans impacted by Parkinson's disease in communities across Iowa.

Statistics show that every year, 60,000 new cases of Parkinson's disease are diagnosed, with 7 to 10 million people suffering from the condition worldwide. The number of people who have Parkinson's is greater than the combined number of people who have multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, and Lou Gehrig's disease.

The Iowa APDA helps right here in Eastern Iowa with thriving support groups, learning opportunities, and exercise classes. In Cedar Rapids alone, exercise opportunities exist five days a week. From ReNu Your Life Exercise for Parkinson's disease, PD Moves dance class, Parkinsingers Voice and Movement, to Boxing workouts, there is something for those in various stages of the disease. Studies have shown that exercise is important for those with mild to moderate symptoms of Parkinson's disease to remain functional, improve aerobic fitness, muscle strength, balance and gait speed.

Right here in Eastern Iowa, we have a neurologist on the forefront of exercise for Parkinson's. Dr. Ergun Uc, associate professor of neurology at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, is of the leaders on the therapeutic value of exercise in treating Parkinson's disease.

Annually, Eastern Iowa also hosts the Eastern Iowa Parkinson's Symposium. This is a one-day event which brings together leaders in Parkinson's research, practice and wellness to educate those living with Parkinson's and their caregivers. This year, the event will be held in Davenport on April 15 at the Radisson Quad City Plaza Hotel. The Iowa APDA brings the entire state together in June for the Iowa Parkinson's Conference which is held in Des Moines. Most of these events are free for participants.

All of this is possible through the work of the Iowa APDA and generous donors who contribute through fundraising campaigns such as the annual golf tournament each August in Eastern Iowa. I am proud to be a Board Member with the Iowa APDA, as well as the instructor of the Exercise for Parkinson's classes. I am honored to work with these wonderful people across Eastern Iowa who are affected by the disease, and thankful when I can make a difference in their lives.

Please join us in honoring those living with Parkinson's and their caregivers in Iowa, as well as those around the world by helping to bring awareness to Parkinson's disease. Help us to 'Ease the Burden and Find A Cure”. Learn more at www.apdaiowa.org

' Kris Cameron is a certified personal trainer and Parkinson's exercise specialist with over 20 years of health and fitness experience. Comments: renuyourlifept@gmail.com; www.renuyourlife.com