Parkinsons Exercise and Wellness Center

Recent studies suggest that exercise is a physiological tool that guides brain health, protection, repair and adaptation after neurodegeneration occurs. Exercise triggers the plasticity, thus potentially slowing the progression of Parkinsons Disease (PD). The Certified and experienced coaching staff utilizes Rock Steady Boxing, PWR!Moves, Theatrical Expression, Dance and Rhythm Therapy, Yoga, and Mat Pilates for people with PD and other movement disorders as a complementary therapy to traditional medicine. PWR!Moves (Parkinson Wellness Recovery), a Parkinson's Disease-specific training program maintains or restores deterioration and interference with big movements through sports, fitness and more traditional gym activities. Parkinson's: The Art of Expression (PARTETM) classes target the motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease, accesses the creative centers of the brain, rewires the neuropathways, decreases anxiety, encourages socialization, improves mood & self-confidence and promotes greater mobility & body control. The PEWC provides services to anyone who had Parkinson's Disease no matter their ability to pay. Our community impact has increased in 2023. As Parkinsons has surpassed Alzheimer's Disease as the most diagnosed neurological disease in the United States and as the predicted number of diagnoses reaches 90,000, we have responded by adding programs, classes, social and educational opportunities and student involvement. In 2023, our mission made a quantifiable impact on the Parkinson's community through our threefold mission. Beginning with exercise, over 15,000 classes were attended throughout the year. The average number of exercise classes attended per week by our regular members is 3.7, which signifies a consistent and beneficial routine that is essential for symptom management. The weekly schedule offers over 40 classes per week, with five days a week available for all levels of ability, an increase from the previous three days a week in 2022. Over 80% of individuals report a better quality of life after 6 months participation in our exercise program.Providing education to our community is an essential and valuable part of our mission. In 2023 we hosted over 13 community education seminars within the Centeropening our doors to broader community engagement and involvement. Attendance increased in these programs from 1,100 to 1,500. Our student programs also increased. Over 20 students engaged with our membership base. In total, 2,370 hours were spent on site, learning about the complexities and challenges of Parkinson's Disease. 2 of those students have gone on to work in neuro-based therapy. Creating community awareness and advocacy was also high on our priority list. Providing education through community outreach allowed us to reach over 750 individuals with resources about our programs and national initiatives from the Michael J Fox and Parkinson's Foundations. We also participated in health fairs and resource events for under-served communities such as Kansas City, Kansas and North Kansas City.Finally, programming provides socialization, meaningful engagement, and peer support. Monthly social events and daily interaction in group classes are reported as the most beneficial part of our mission by those participating. In 2023 we offered 14 social events and over 1,460 people attended these events.2023 showed continued growth in membership participation, income, and fundraising. Projections for 2024 are 15-20% increase in impact in all aspects of our mission.

The Parkinson's Exercise and Wellness Center's mission is to provide the healing hands that every caregiver needs to be "Fit2CareTM". It is a unique fitness and therapy-based program created specifically for caregivers of people living with Parkinson's Disease and Parkinson's Plus. Designed to build mentally, emotionally and physicially strong caregivers who can confidently perform the demanding tasks of caring for their loved ones, Fit2Care is open to all family members of someone diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease or Parkinson's Plus. In addition, some of the folks have created a group called PD Partners that meet the first Friday of the month for coffee and camaraderie. We have continued to seek continuing education for coaches and staff to maintain the highest level of training for Parkinson's specific exercise. Additionally, we have opened our program for more students interest in learning about neurological disorders like PD. Our community based exercise programs allow a unique experience for students to interact with healthy, active and capable clients with PD. The student feedback has been highly positive and demonstrates an increased desire to serve peiple with PD in their future medical practice.