AN innovative program which encourages people with Parkinson’s disease to approach movement therapy as dancers, rather than patients, has begun in Moruya.
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Dance for Parkinson’s, run by physiotherapists from the Local Health District, aims to engage thought, senses and imagination through movements derived from modern, ballet, tap, folk and social dancing.
The classes are specifically designed to benefit people with Parkinson’s disease and participants can take part seated if necessary.
Participants are taught to gain control over their movements including finding new ways to overcome obstacles.
Convener of the recently-reformed Eurobodalla Parkinson’s Support Group Cindi McQualter said the classes would be run as a 10-week trial and attendees could dance or just watch.
She said exercise and music were both feel-good activities, but for people with Parkinson’s, they had added benefits.
“The more exercise you do, and the more you exercise your mind, the less likely you are to get the really bad symptoms,” she said.
“It slows down the progress of the disease and that’s what we want.”
The classes be run every Thursday morning until September 17 at the Dr Mackay Centre, Page Street, Moruya, from 10am with a 10.30 start.
Cost is free or a gold coin donation and participants are urged to wear loose, comfortable clothing.
For more information phone Mrs McQualter or Denis Buckley on 44726811 or 0418665562 or 0427959321.
Related coverage: Eurobodalla Parkinson's Support Group re-formed
