Exercise, community key to living well with Parkinson's

by Trina Berlo

The inaugural South Georgian Bay Parkinson’s Festival will focus on exercise, information and community, the three essential ingredients to the best quality of life for people living with the complex brain disease.

The event is hosted by Living Better with Parkinson’s, a local organization that encourages daily physical activity, education and opportunities to connect with people as essential ingredients to maintaining and increasing the well-being of people who live with Parkinson’s Disease.

Creemore resident Andrew Hill is a Living Better with Parkinson’s board member. When he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in March of 2020 he reached out to an old friend who was the facilitator of a local support group. That support group has since become affiliated with Living Better with Parkinson’s, founded by a few support group members, supporters and spouses, and has grown to have more than 100 members.

According to Parkinson Canada, more than 100,000 Canadians live with Parkinson’s and everyone’s Parkinson’s journey is different.

Hill said his symptoms are relatively mild, but as the disease continues to progress he is inspired to be involved with treatment research and best practices.

He said Parkinson’s can result in challenges relating to balance and movement, so exercise is very important.

As a result, Living Better with Parkinson’s is growing its exercise offerings to include chair dancing, yoga, meditation and is participating in the development of a new program called TIME – Together In Movement and Exercise – that is specific to Parkinson’s, and designed by healthcare practitioners with the University Health Network.

“It has been proven that exercise slows the progression of Parkinson’s,” said Hill, adding that it helps with balance and muscle rigidity.

The sense of community, he said, just as important as the physical support.

“It’s huge because I get to talk to others and share ideas on how to address challenges,” said Hill.

Living Better with Parkinson’s provides ongoing educational and physical activity programs to people living with Parkinson’s Disease in South Georgian Bay including Meaford, Town of the

Church Directory

Clearview Community Church

9:30 a.m. Sunday

Pastor Clayton Culham

22 Caroline St. W., Creemore 705-430-6056

More information and online worship available clearviewcommunity.church clearviewchurch@rogers.com

Creemore and New Lowell Pastoral Charge 9:45 a.m. Sunday at New Lowell United 5227 County Rd. 9, New Lowell

11 a.m. Sunday at St. John’s United and online 192 Mill St., Creemore

Rev. Jane Sullivan 705-466-2200 newlowellunitedchurch.weebly.com www.stjohnscreemore.ca newlowellunitedchurch@weebly.com creemorepastoralcharge@rogers.com

Knox Presbyterian Church

10 a.m. Sunday

Pastor Deb Curry 8933 County Rd. 9, Dunedin 705-466-2296

Blue Mountains, Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, Stayner and Creemore, with little or no program fees. Regular support group meetings are held in Collingwood and Wasaga Beach.

The South Georgian Bay Parkinson’s Festival will be held rain or shine from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Bayview Park in Thornbury on Saturday, June 24. Everyone interested in sharing stories, learning, and meeting new people connected to the Parkinson’s community is welcome to attend. Admission is free. Healthy snacks, lunch and beverages will be provided. Attendees are encouraged to bring a yoga mat, water bottle, sunscreen, and sun hat.

Speakers and vendors include: the TIME Program, Wise Moves Kingston, Inner Yogies, Candace Cox, The Physio Hub, Nielsen Premium Fitness Training, Bowen Therapy with Meredith Kerrigan, Spinning Wheels Tour Team, Community Engagement CSC Chigamik, Dancing with Parkinson’s, SGB Family Health Team, and Breaking Down Barriers.

For more information visit livingbetterwithparkinsons.ca, or contact Andrew Hill at ahillpm@outlook.com.

For Reliable Service Tank Truck Delivery of Furnace & Stove Oil

National Pink Flamingo Day

JUNE 23rd

All stable members of the Flamingo Society of Creemore are invited to attend a special meeting at the Founder’s residence from 3pm to 8pm for fizzy drinks & hors d’oeuvres.

Dress code: casual Flamingo evening wear