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Many medical professionals would attest that exercise is one of the best medicines for those with chronic illnesses and that it should be a high priority for their patients. On the flip side, people suffering from painful diseases that affect muscles, such as fibromyalgia, might find it the least appealing form of medication. However, there is a promising new study for a therapy that combines virtual reality and exercise that may prove to be a literal game changer for those living with fibromyalgia.

Virtual Reality Exergames Study

The study, Exergames for women with fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effects on mobility skills, balance, and fear of falling, set out to analyze the effects of exergames, a virtual reality-based exercise program, on the mobility, balance, and fear of falling on 83 women who were clinically diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

This study lasted eight weeks. The participants in the control group used exergames twice per week for one hour each session. The women in the control group showed marked improvement in all areas in the small amount of time that the study was conducted. Exergames proved to be a success.

Researchers stated, These results, along with high adherence, indicate that exergames may be a feasible alternative form of rehabilitation therapy for improving balance and mobility problems in this population.

Fibromyalgia Sufferers Require Physical Exercise

Fibromyalgia, or FM, is a chronic disorder that causes musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and issues with sleep, mood, and memory. Years of research have shown that exercise is highly effective for fibromyalgia management. This includes regular physical exercise and other forms of manipulating ones musculature system such as massage, hydrotherapy, acupuncture, and stretching. Now cutting-edge exergames are proving to be an effective treatment as well.

Why Are Virtual Exergames So Effective?

Virtual exercise therapy provides an overall better quality of life for users by aiding in the restoration of their physical functioning. VirtualEx-FM, the exergames system used in the study, uses specific games to improve balance and mobility and decrease fear of falling.

Another incredible component of this exergame system, according to the researchers, is that it has built in software to track the movements of the participants, and it provides real-time feedback about their movement patterns.

This allows the technician, who is controlling the program while the participants are using it, to adjust the level of difficulty for each individual user. No other form of therapy can precisely tailor treatment for each individual FM patient as precisely and quickly as the VirtualEx-FM system.

Exergames Address Multiple Issues Surrounding Exercise For Those With Fibromyalgia

To address the symptoms of fibromyalgia and restore physical function to FM participants, VirtualEx-FM uses three distinct virtual environments.

Prior research has shown that light to moderate aerobic exercise helps decrease pain, fatigue, and depression in FM patients. The aerobic component of VirtualEx-FM incorporates full-body movements performed by a professional kinesiologist and dance instructor. The user completes a warm up followed by either a full-body joint movement workout or a dance video similar to Zumba, a popular form of group exercise.

FM patients often have poor coordination and posture because FM affects their bodys connective tissues including muscles, ligaments and tendons. Strengthening the foundation of the body, the core, is one of the best ways to build muscle and reestablish coordination and posture.

The second component of VirtualEx-FM focuses on improving coordination and controlling posture. In this virtual game, the user interacts with an apple that appears in different locations. The low-impact movements are based on core strengthening exercises. The level difficulty is controlled by a technician which allows the user to continually improve because the difficulty of the program can be increased as the user progresses in strength.

FM is often associated with poor balance caused by pain in the bodys connective tissues and severe headaches or dizziness which leads to the fear of falling. Mobility, balance, and coordination are all vital to conducting normal daily life activities.

The third component of VirtualEx-FM helps improve mobility, balance, and coordination via a game where the user steps on virtual footprints. The study states that the steps range from taking normal steps to tiptoeing to heel-walking, or raising their knees or heels while taking steps.

This component is also controlled by a technician who can manipulate the difficulty of the game thus making it more or less challenging according to the users mobility, balance, and coordination level.

Can Exergames Increase Exercise Motivation?

Motivation and low adherence to exercise programs is a common problem with FM sufferers. Muscular pain could be the main deterrent when it comes to motivation to exercise. The VirtualEx-FM system combines virtual reality and exercise to effectively distract patients from pain that they incur which could make exergames a more attractive alternative to fibromyalgia patients.

This study did not examine motivation of the participants. It did deliver a social setting since participants used the exergames in groups of three, and research has shown that social networks are a highly effective method of motivating people to exercise. However, more research needs to be conducted to assess participant motivation.

This study is merely the first analysis of using an innovative virtual reality based exercise to improve the overall quality of life for those living with fibromyalgia. By addressing their specific exercise needs and providing an innovative new way to improve strength, balance, mobility, and reduce fear of falling, this could be the wave of the future as far as FM therapy is concerned.

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VR Exercise Integral for Fibromyalgia Rehabilitation - VR Fitness Insider (blog)

Modesto Bee

Prescott Junior High PE program stars in documentary Modesto Bee The La Sierra program took exercise to the next level, creating hundreds of lean, disciplined teens whose daily gym routine brought spectators and so impressed President John F. Kennedy he encouraged other schools to take up the program. Thousands of ...

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Prescott Junior High PE program stars in documentary - Modesto Bee

T-R FILE PHOTO Yoga in the Park is one of several outdoor fitness activities available in Marshalltown during the summer.

With the gloom and cold of winter and early spring (mostly) gone, many Central Iowans are planning their summer activities, including new exercise programs and fun things to do in the area.

Anybody can throw on a pair of tennis shoes and go for a walk or go for a run, said Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA Health and Wellness Director Angie Paxson. Biking is also very popular here in Marshalltown.

She said Marshalltown-area residents have a plethora of fun outdoor activities available this summer.

Theres also Yoga in the Park, which is on 13th Street, and that is free of charge, Paxson said, adding the yoga practice takes place in front of the Echo sculpture on North 13th Street. Yoga is very beneficial, no matter where youre at in your life. It helps to increase muscle tone [by] holding poses for an extended period of time, increases flexibility, it can help decrease blood pressure.

Yoga can also help with the connection between body and mind, as well as breathing, she Paxson said.

The Marshalltown Family Aquatic Center, which opens first on Memorial Day and then for the summer on June 3, was another place recommended for outside activity. Until Aug. 20, open swim hours are 1-7 p.m. Monday-Friday and 1-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Our water-walking is extremely popular, said Becky Baedke of Marshalltown Parks and Recreation. They (participants) walk through the Lazy River, so instead of riding a tube, everyone is walking through, the water flow is turned off, so it is the energy of the walker going through at their pace.

Water walking and lap swimming will also be available Memorial Day, and will be open from June 3-Aug. 27.

Swimming lessons will also be provided by Parks and Rec.

We want all [children] to be able to swim, and you can enjoy the water and be safe, Baedke said.

Day camps for a variety of ages will also be available this summer.

For the younger ones we offer morning day camps, for the 6-8-year-olds, we offer afternoon day camps, Baedke said. Summer Blast is our day camp for kids entering first through sixth grade, and it is extremely popular.

Staying healthy

While getting outside and having fun is a quintessential part of summer, there are health factors to keep in mind.

One thing is sun exposure protect yourself from the sun, said Marshall County Public Health Nurse Pat Thompson. If youre going to be outside, even if you think youre going to be out for just a short time, put on sun protection.

Over-exposure to heat can be another hazard during the years hottest months.

Drink plenty of fluids, dont work during the hottest part of the day, seek shade, Thompson said.

Keeping hot food hot and cold food cold was another health tip, as well as keeping children away from grills during cookouts.

Also important to keep in mind, Thompson said, are ticks and mosquitos, which can spread illnesses like Lyme Disease and West Nile Virus, respectively.

Ticks climb up, she said. Youre supposed to tuck youre long pants into your socks so they wont get to your body check yourself for ticks at the end of the day.

Bug repellent was also recommended to fight of such creepy-crawlies.

On exercise, Thompson said one safety tip would be to talk to an expert before beginning any new workout program.

Dont hesitate to consult your health care provider if youre wanting to get back into shape, she said, adding that proper stretching and hydration are key during exercise.

Paxson said being healthy and happy in the summer is possible for anyone.

Youre only one workout away from a good mood is a popular saying, she said. Doing any type of exercise, especially being outside and being in nature and doing exercise, really does help to enhance mood.

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Getting svelte for the summer months - Marshalltown Times Republican

Staying healthy means staying active for many seniors, and this summer new programs will make that easier than ever.

"We have something for everyone, so please come see what we are doing," said Jackie Camp, Senior Social Center program coordinator.

The Senior Social Center in Craig is offering two new classes adaptive yoga and the Geri-Fit Program.

"Geri-Fit is a special program for people 50 and above or anyone who has issues with balance and strength. It includes strengthening, balance and stretching exercises," Camp said.

The times and locations of Geri-Fit are changing. Monday classes will start at 9:30 a.m. at the Culverwell Building, 1280 Industrial Ave. The Thursday Geri-fit is changing locations and will be held at St. Michael Catholic Church, 678 School Street.

The center continues to provide circuit training and have added 15- and 20-pound weights to the fitness equipment available at the center located in the Colorado Northwestern Community College Bell Tower Building, 50 College Drive.

The Washer Toss will begin at 6:30 p.m. June 1 at Alice Pleasant Park in downtown Craig, and attendees are asked to bring their own lawn chairs.

"Washer Toss is kind of like Corn Hole. It's played in teams. There are two boards with holes in them spaced about five or six feet apart and you try to throw the washers in the hole to earn 21 points," Camp said

Northwest Colorado Health, the Senior Social Center and the City of Craig are offering aquatics classes for older adults.

Community partners are collaborating to offer a summer aquatics program for older adults at Craig City Pool beginning June 5 evening classes are from 6 to 7 p.m. Monday to Thursday. Daytime classes are 11 a.m. tonoonTuesdays and Thursdays. Sign-up is available through the Center, Northwest Colorado Health or at the pool.

Swimming classes are free to adults 55 and older.

Pickle-Ball is moving for summer to the tennis courts at City Park on the corner of Lincoln Street and Victory Way for summer. Matches will be played from 8 to 11 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday.

Northwest Colorado Health's Aging Well Program Wellness Wednesdays is changing locations.

"Aging Well programs are designed to help older adults live healthier and happier in our communities. These programs engage seniors with wellness activities to reduce their risk of falls, injuries and illness and prevent social isolation," states Northwest Colorado Health's website.

Beginning June 7, the program will be held at St. Michael Catholic Church.

There is a $3 suggested donation for exercise classes, senior wellness checks and lunch. A complete schedule is listed in the newspaper most weeks and available from: northwestcoloradohealth.org/what_we_do/public-health/aging-well/about.html

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Seniors are encouraged to stay active this summer with new fitness classes - Craig Daily Press

Its important to be physically active and avoid injuries at the same time. This is especially important for a weekend warrior. If you are sedentary, its extremely important to plan ahead to avoid exercise-related injuries. After all, the human body cannot go from inactive mode to weekend warrior mode in an instant.

Exercise intensity must be progressive; otherwise the risk for injury increases. After all, professional athletes prepare for months (sometimes years) to reach a certain level of physical performance. Athletes prepare their bodies for months during the off-season, as they prepare their body for an intense season. Weekend warriors tend to bypass preparation and jump right into intense activity.

Common injuries include joint inflammation, muscle tears, and ligament sprains. Most injuries can be treated with physical therapy after the acute symptoms have subsided. In severe cases, surgery might be needed.

Its important for weekend warriors to be realistic. For starters, dont expect your body to adapt right away to intense activities. If you have been inactive all week long, your body will not be prepared for physical challenges over the weekend. Make sure you have protective gear, and stay hydrated.

A warm up is a simple, yet neglected way to avoid injuries. Eight to ten minutes of walking or light jogging, combined with some light stretching is a great way to prepare your body for progressive exercise intensity and minimize injuries.

When youre finished with your activity, do not come to a sudden stop. Give your muscles a chance to recover by reducing your intensity, but keep moving. For example, if you have been running, dont come to a stop. Walk for the last few minutes. A cool down period helps restore blood circulation and reduce injuries.

Being realistic and planning ahead is important. For best results, get some regular exercise every day. This allows your body to adapt and prepare for your favorite weekend activities.

If you are a senior weekend warrior, your body is more susceptible to tears, sprains, strains, and other injuries. Physical therapy plays an important role in injury prevention for weekend warriors of all ages.

If you are one of the many weekend warriors this summer, here are a few ways that a physical therapist can help:

Assessment of Your Body Mechanics/Movements Your ability to do simple things like move, walk, sit and stand is important to us. We use this insight to create an injury prevention program.

Home Exercise Programs Once we have reduced your pain, inflammation and restored your muscle strength in the clinic, well design a personalized home exercise program for you. This will help you maintain your results in the comfort of your own home.

Treatment Techniques Physical therapy techniques include exercise, hot and cold packs, ultrasound, manual therapy, and much more to deal with different types of injuries.

Physical therapists are committed to helping you do the things you enjoy over the weekend. Regardless of your age and activity level, physical therapy can help prevent injuries and improve well-being. Call your physical therapist today. We will help you make the most out of your summer.

Dr. Anne Lamb, DPT is the owner of In Touch Physical Therapy. She can be reached at 507-451-7888.

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HEALTH: How to avoid the Weekend Warrior injuries - Southernminn.com

Rehab Empowers, Assists, Changes, Heals (REACH), is North Mississippi Medical Centers cancer rehabilitation program.

REACH addresses the needs of a patient during their journey through cancer treatments, as well as their life as a cancer survivor. Survivorship is a term that indicates a person who has survived longer than five years after being diagnosed with cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, one in two women and one in three men will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. The number of people reaching survivorship status after their initial diagnosis reached nearly 14.5 million in 2014 and is expected to rise to almost 19 million by 2024.

Chemotherapy, radiation and surgical treatments may leave a patient with short- and long-term side effects, which may include fatigue, decreased physical function, loss of muscle or strength, depression, neuropathy, lymphedema and pain. A decline in a persons quality of life is expected during cancer treatment. REACH is a specialized cancer rehab program made up of a team of physical, occupational and speech therapists whose goal is to restore a patient to the highest level of function achievable, therefore, improving the patients quality of life.

The REACH program has four levels of care, according to the Commission on Accredited Rehabilitation Facilities: preventive, restorative, supportive and palliative care.

Preventive care educates patients on likely symptoms of their treatment due to their specific diagnosis, and offers ideas to minimize the decline in function prior to beginning treatments. Restorative care is therapy that addresses the decline in function related to the side effects of the treatment. This phase focuses on increasing strength, endurance and range of motion; improving balance; decreasing pain and returning patients to their prior functional level so that they can participate once again in hobbies, work and community.

Supportive care is available to patients and families affected by ongoing disabilities related to cancer. The REACH team, working with the patients other care providers, can provide resources in the community to help maintain a good quality of life at home. Palliative care is needed when chronic symptoms persist, or if an advanced cancer stage is present. Rehab can assist the patient with episodes of decreased function and mobility, including caregiver education on managing the patients disabilities.

Exercise has many benefits during cancer treatments and for cancer survivors. The exercise programs are based on the individuals needs and personal history. The type and stage of cancer, the type of treatment, the medication being taken and a persons level of endurance and strength are part of planning an exercise program.

Vital signs are monitored and exercise is provided in a safe environment with a physicians approval. The benefits of exercise include maintaining physical abilities, rebuilding lost muscle strength, improving balance, improving flexibility, maintaining independence with the activities of daily living, decreasing fatigue, improving self-esteem, improving blood flow, lowering the risk of heart disease and improving a persons quality of life. The overall goal is to keep the patient living life to the fullest and doing the things he or she wants to do.

Stephanie Magee is a physical therapist with North Mississippi Medical Centers Outpatient Rehabilitation Center at Longtown Medical Park.

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Rehab program benefits cancer patients - Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal

May 24, 2017 10:58 AM

Arthritis does not need to interfere with living an active life. The National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA), in association with Miami-Dade Parks, will offer free activity classes designed especially for arthritis patients. Learning how to manage the disease makes a big difference on your quality of life, and having access to arthritis intervention programs is crucial, said Dr. Sarah Messiah, Ph.D., M.P.H. University of Miami Research Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, arthritis affects more than 50 million children and adults in the United States. There are more than a hundred different types of arthritis with varying symptoms. Miami-Dade Parks experts know first-hand that participating in exercise programs helps increase physical strength, boosts activity levels and elevates mood. Many arthritis sufferers do not participate in regular physical activity, even though the Arthritis Foundation recommends it for a number of health benefits. The new arthritis intervention program starts May 1. It will help arthritis sufferers deal with daily pain.

These classes offer a way for folks to manage arthritis symptoms without compromising an active lifestyle, Eric Hansen, manager of Recreation Planning and Program Development for the Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department said. The three programs which run six weeks each include, Aquatic Program, Arthritis Foundation and Active Living Everyday.

Walk With Ease

The Walk with Ease program teaches participants how to safely make physical activity part of their everyday life. Participants may use a workbook to guide them through the self-directed program, or they can participate in a six-week group program led by a trained leader. The information and strategies used are based on research and tested programs in exercise science, behavior change and arthritis management. The Arthritis Foundation has proven that this program increases balance, strength and walking pace, as well as reduces pain. Data is available in a report from the Thurston Arthritis Research Center and the Institute on Aging at the University of North Carolina.

Aquatic Program

Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program (AFAP) classes are conducted by trained instructors and include range of motion, stretching, breathing and light aerobic activities in the water. The six-week program typically meets two or three times per week for one hour. This program is designed for anyone with arthritis, related rheumatic diseases or musculoskeletal conditions.

Active Living Every Day

Active Living Every Day helps individuals make changes in their everyday life so that active living is possible. The behavior change program is also six weeks and teaches how to set realistic goals, avoid pitfalls and get support for becoming active.

Research has shown that positive benefits occur in patients who combine strengthening exercises,cardiovascular exercises and coordination activities. The benefits in the three exercise programs include the following:

Many of the programs offered by the Miami-Dade Parks Active Older Adults program, including Tai Chi and Enhance Fitness, are on the Center for Disease Controls list of Intervention Programs or Recommended and Promising Programs.

While current active older adult programming provides many ways for 55 and older individuals to socialize and energize, these new programs provided by NRPA deal specifically with issues relating to arthritis and will attract new participants to Miami-Dade Parks as well as benefit those already attending programs, said Allan Tavss, Active Older Adults Program Coordinator and Advocate for Miami-Dade Parks.

Adults with arthritis no longer have to suffer with pain. If you are an arthritis patient, visit http://www.miamidade.gov/parks for more information or call Allan Tavss at 305.962.8393. Registration for the program is required. For more information on the aquatic program contact A.D. Barnes pool at 305-665-1626.

Above Content Provided By Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade and Miami-Dade Parks & Recreation

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Miami-Dade Parks To Offer Free Classes To Help Arthritis Sufferers Live Actively - CBS Miami

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. Penn States Exercise is Medicine on Campus (EIMOC) program has earned gold-level status from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).

Penn State is among 60 colleges and universities that will be recognized for their EIMOC programs to promote physical activity as a vital sign of health to their campus communities. The awards will be given as part of the 2017 Exercise is Medicine World Congress, held in conjunction with the American College of Sports Medicines annual meeting on May 31.

The acknowledgement of gold status is part of EIMOCs recognition program, launchedin 2014, which allows campuses to be recognized for their participation and engagement in EIM.Through this program, schools have the opportunity to establish themselves as a gold-, silver- or bronze-level campus, based upon their activities and level of engagement.

We are excited to earn gold status, said Melissa Bopp, faculty coordinator of EIMOC at Penn State and associate professor of kinesiology. It recognizes the efforts we have put forth to evolve EIMOC over the past five years. The gold-level status really highlights our partnership efforts around campus.

This is the third year Penn State's EIM has been recognized by the ACSM. It earned silver status in 2015 and 2016. Recognition by the ACSM provides an opportunity for a campus to highlight its position as a healthy academic environment, emphasizing a commitment to utilizing exercise as medicine to create a culture of wellness.

Gold status represents how we comprehensively look at health here at Penn State; multiple partners, organizations and groups help to contribute to a healthier campus for students, Bopp said. One of the unique things about the Penn State EIMOC program is the extraordinary leadership and commitment to the cause from kinesiology students and the Kinesiology Club.

Bopp said EIMOC will continue to evolve its campaign to reach students with the message of a healthier lifestyle.

If the ACSM ever creates a platinum level, we'll work toward that, Bopp said. We continue to seek funding, build programs and expand our efforts, including providing assistance to our Commonwealth campus kinesiology programs as they grow.

Zack Papalia, EIMOC coordinator at Penn State, said he was an undergraduate student when the department first brought the concept to the University.

A group of Kinesiology Club undergraduate students attended the Exercise is Medicine World Congress event in the summer of 2010 and brought the EIMOC program back as an idea within the club, Papalia said. To see how EIMOC has evolved since then, and how the department and college have embraced it and supported the students speaks volumes, in my opinion, to the quality of our department and leadership.

Penn States EIMOC initiative includes Exercise is Medicine Week in October, a partnership with the Kinesiology Club and kinesiology faculty, staff and students, to engage the campus community in exercise and general physical fitness.

Other EIMOC events and programs include the Deans Walk, a partnership with Penn States University Health Services, freshmen seminar presentations and social media campaigns. In fall 2014, a Mobile Exercise is Medicine initiative was launched to bring similar services to the local community while providing students with hands-on experience in working with diverse populations.

Bopp said the designation of gold status would not have been possible without the Department of Kinesiologys longstanding partnership with University Health Services; Ann C. Crouter, Raymond E. and Erin Stuart Schultz Dean of the College of Health and Human Development; Nancy Williams, head of the Department of Kinesiology; the departments advisory board; and a growing relationship with Penn State Counseling and Psychological Services.

This year the Penn State Berks campus earned silver designation.

For more information on EIMOC, visit exerciseismedicine.org. For more information on Penn States EIMOC, visit sites.psu.edu/psueim.

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Penn State's Exercise is Medicine on Campus program earns gold status - Penn State News

Corpus Christi 6:05 p.m. CT May 21, 2017

The Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department hosts its year-round Water Aerobics Class from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays at the Corpus Christi Natatorium, 3202 Cabaniss Parkway. The class is for ages 14 and older. Cost: $4, drop-in; $24, punch card. Information: 361-826-1728, http://www.ccparkandrec.com.(Photo: George Tuley/Caller-Times file)Buy Photo

INNOVATION CONTEST:The Coastal Bend Business Innovation Center at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi isaccepting entries into the InnovateHER Challenge through May 22. Entries should include innovative products that help impact and empower the lives of women and their families. Winners will receive a one-year affiliate membership to the Business Innovation Center and will advance to a semifinal competition round administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Deadline for submissions is 5 p.m., Monday, May 22. Information and applications forms: cbbic.tamucc.edu/innovateHER2017/.

AQUARIUM:The Aquarium at Rockport Harbor will host documentaries at 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays from April 24 through May 29. Cost: Free. Information:361-727-0016,www.rockportaquarium.com.

FENCING DEMONSTRATION:The Coastal Bend Fencing Society will host demonstrations from 6:30-8:30 p.m. every Monday and Thursday through Dec. 28 in the food court of Sunrise Mall. Cost: Free. Information: 361-815-4150.

SWIM LESSONS:Corpus Christi Parks and Recreation Department will host American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim programs from June 6 through Aug. 11. Group swim lessons for ages 6 months to adults. Classes are 30 minutes long, Monday through Thursday for two consecutive weeks, for a total of eight lessons. Classes available at several pool locations. Online registration begins May 26. Cost: $40 per session. Information:www.ccparkandrec.comor 361-826-3460.

DANCE:YWCA Corpus Christi, 4601 Corona Drive, hosts Ballet classes from noon to 1p.m. Mondays. Cost: $7/class walk-in; memberships available. Information:www.ywcacc.org,361-857-5661, ext. 20.

EXERCISE:YWCA Corpus Christi, 4601 Corona Drive,hosts Weighted Circuit classes from 1:30-2:15 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays. This class uses weights to help build endurance and strength all over the body. Cost:$7/class walk-in; memberships available. Information:www.ywcacc.org,361-857-5661, ext. 20.

WATER AEROBICS:The Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department hosts its year-round Water Aerobics Class from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays at the Corpus Christi Natatorium, 3202 Cabaniss Parkway. The class is for ages 14 and older. Cost: $4, drop-in; $24, punch card. Information: 361-826-1728, http://www.ccparkandrec.com.

COMPETITIVE DANCE:The Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department will offer Competitive Dance Class for ages 6-16 from 5:15-7 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at the Solomon Coles Recreation Center, 924 Winnebago St. The class will teach hip-hop, jazz, drill team, and pom-pom routines. Participants will learn teamwork, leadership, and gain positive self-esteem. Registration is ongoing. Cost: $10, per month. Information: http://www.ccparkandrec.com.

KICKBOXING:Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department will offercardio-kickboxingclass for adults from 6-6:45 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at the Lindale Recreation Center, 3133 Swantner Drive. This class will help build strength, endurance, and flexibility. Registration is ongoing. Cost: $7 per class. Information: http://www.ccparkandrec.com.

KARATE:The Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department will offer a Shorin-Ryu Karate Class for adults and children ages 6 and older from 4-5 p.m. Mondays and Fridays at the Oak Park Recreation Center, 842 Erwin Drive. Registration is ongoing. Cost: $20, per month. Information: http://www.ccparkandrec.com.

DANCE:The Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department will offer ballet, tap and tumbling classes for children 18 months to age 6 at the Lindale Recreation Center, 3133 Swantner Drive. The classes will be from 6-6:45 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Monday classes are for ages 18 months to 2 years old, Wednesday classes are for children 2-4 years old, and Thursday classes are for children 4-6 years old. Cost: $45 per month plusregistrationfee. Information: http://www.ccparkandrec.com, 361-826-7529.

BASEBALL:The Corpus Christi Hooks take on the Springfield Cardinals at 7:05 p.m. Tuesday, May 23, at Whataburger Field, 734 E. Port Ave. Cost: Tickets begin at $6. Information: cchooks.com, 361-561-4665.

MOM EVENT:City Moms Blog Network and Christus Spohn will host Bloom: An event for new and expecting moms at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 23 at Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History, 1900 N. Chaparral St. Enjoy educational resources, an expert panel discussion, giveaways and swag, food and drinks, shopping, and connecting with local moms and relevant resources. Registration required. Cost: $12-$20. Information: corpuschristi.citymomsblog.com.

WORKSHOP:Khara Cornelius of Craft Training Center of the Coastal Bend will host a workshop from 5-6 p.m. Tuesday, May 23, at Coastal Compass Education & Career Resource Center, La Palmera mall, 5488 S. Padre Island Drive. The workshop will focus on electrical and plumbing apprenticeships offered by the training center. Cost: Free. Information: 361-906-0703 orwww.CoastalCompass.org.

LECTURE:Texas A&M University-Corpus Christis College of Science and Engineering will host a public lecture featuring Nobel Prize winners Adam Reiss and David Gross at 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 23 at the University Center, 6300 Ocean Drive. Cost: Free. Information: sci.tamucc.edu/events/ppc

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Get moving on Monday: a variety of exercise classes for all levels - Corpus Christi Caller-Times

Eyes straight ahead, shoulders back, knees up, says Tony Kelly, as he leads participants in a skipping exercise at Lincolns Rock Steady Boxing program.

It is a small-but-mighty group using a boxing exercise regime to fight back against Parkinsons, a neurological disease that causes deterioration of motor skills, balance, speech and sensory function.

John Coffey was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease 2 1/2 years ago, when he was 49, after his children made fun of his slightly shambling gait as they were leaving the Grand Theater.

"The Ministry of Silly Walks," a sketch from comedy troupe Monty Python, they suggested.

Coffeys wife, a respiratory therapist, didnt see the humor. She was thinking a stroke, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, a metabolic syndrome, prediabetes.

But it turned out the flat-footed step on his left foot, the numbness in his left shin, the sometimes involuntary curling of toes and the slight tremor in his left hand was Parkinsons.

Since the diagnosis, Coffey has tried to mix a large dose of good humor, avoidance of self pity, and a healthier lifestyle with exercise as his response to the progressive, as yet incurable, disease.

A hobby photographer, focusing on landscapes and wildlife, he told his wife soon after the diagnosis: At least Ive got optical stabilization on all my (camera) lenses.

Coffey has been part of Lincoln's Rock Steady Boxing program from its beginning last summer and credits the workouts, other exercise and Toastmasters, a group that helps improve public speaking, for combating his symptoms.

The exercise program, based on a boxing regimen, focuses on the very things compromised by Parkinson's balance, coordination, strength.

For Coffey, the exercise program has helped build up the muscles on the left side of his body -- which are weaker -- and helped with his rhythm.

Rock Steady Boxing, developed in Indianapolis in 2006 by an attorney with Parkinsons, has spread across the country by word of mouth, news stories and a "CBS Sunday Morning" segment by Lesley Stahl, whose husband is a Rock Steady participant.

Today, Rock Steady has 372 affiliate programs in 47 states, and seven countries, with 20 international locations, according to the Indianapolis office.

Lincoln Parks and Recreation staff member Ryan Mohling and wife Michelle watched the CBS segment by Stahl in November 2015.

Dont you have that boxing space? said Michelle Mohling.

"But my mind was already turning, Ryan Mohling said.

The city's Air Park Recreation Center, where Mohling was center supervisor, had an underused gymnasium with boxing equipment, and he was sure there were plenty of people in the Lincoln area with Parkinsons.

Offering this program was really a no-brainer, he said. A win-win for everyone.

Mohling got some grants and found an additional coach, Tony Kelly. The two took the training in Indianapolis and began recruiting people who might benefit through Parkinsons support groups.

Lincolns Rock Steady Boxing program began at Air Park in July with six participants. Now, more than a dozen participate regularly in the program, which will soon be expanding to five 90-minute sessions of exercise based on training programs for boxers, coupled with knowledge of Parkinsons.

Its not all hitting. It is a full workout. It is intense and everyone leaves sweating.

There's evidence that forced intense exercise can hold back the progression of Parkinsons and restore some of the lost balance, Mohling said.

Doug Moss also heard about the exercise program from that CBS television segment. And when he learned about Lincoln's program he began the 70 mile each-way commute twice a week from Aurora.

You cant tell how things are going to turn out. You just do battle with it, said Moss, whose Parkinsons was diagnosed 10 years ago after he lost his sense of smell and noticed a deterioration in his handwriting.

The boxing program gives him a new strategy for that battle. It was something different. Moss had never boxed. He had been a basketball player. If a ball wasnt involved, he wasnt interested.

Rock Steady boxers do sometimes dunk a whiffle ball into the baskets in a gymnasium as one of the two-minute exercise segments.

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I think it helps. You use your body in different ways, said Moss, who also does yoga a couple times a week and walks regularly.

Lincoln hopes to expand the program since it can be adapted and modified for participants with varying physical limitations because of Parkinson's, Mohling said.

"We know that in Lancaster County, at least 2,300 people are identified as having Parkinson's, and we are going to serve as many of them as we can, said Mohling, who is now athletics supervisor for Parks and Rec.

The sessions are short intervals of exercise, everything from frisbee throwing to hitting the bags, with rest periods in between.

Judy Johnson was diagnosed with Parkinsons 10 years ago. "My right hand started tremoring and I no longer swung my arm when I walked, she said of the early symptoms.

Johnson, who is active in the Lincoln Parkinsons Disease Support Group (www.lpdsg.org), signed up for the city's first class almost a year ago.

Johnson, who played tennis as a girl, has always been active physically. Today she combines the Rock Steady program with tai chi and works out at a gym almost daily with her husband.

Beyond the benefits of the physical workout, Johnson enjoys the camaraderie of the group. And the trainer, Tony Kelly, is wonderful, she said.

"He makes the whole hour-and-a-half fun, rather than torture. But he pushes us and encourages us to do more than we think we can do when we walk in the door.

Johnson had never tried boxing other than box my sister once in a while, she joked.

And she thinks the boxing label is kind of a misnomer, which might keep some people away.

Actually, hitting is a minor part of the workout. Its more about flexibility, strength, balance and coordination, she said.

Read the rest here:
Rock Steady Boxing program helps people with Parkinson's fight back - Lincoln Journal Star

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