PARKINSON ASSOCIATION OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
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    • Family Caregiver Alliance Webinair -April classes (Also Spanish)
    • Michael J Fox Foundation 4/15 Volunteering for Research 4/20 A conversation with Michael J Fox
    • Parkinson Voice Project
    • PD Active 3/13 Holistic Treatments PD
    • PMD Alliance ongoing classes
    • World Parkinson Coalition Research Webnairs -Sing-Along etc.
  • PANC Events
    • Coming September 18, 2021 - 5th Annual Robert G Smith Walk to Cancel Out Parkinson's
    • Save the date-10/23/21 2021 PANC Annual Confernce
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Posture Exercises: How to Stay Flexible while Staying Home
by Jennifer Park, PT, DPT, MS Faculty, Department of Kinesiology California State University, Sacramento
Exercise is medicine for People with Parkinson’s (PwP). The Parkinson’s Outcomes Project recommends that
PwP participate in at least 30 minutes of exercise each day to help maintain quality of life. Exercises that maintain flexibility are important to breathing, talking, mobility and balance. Activities, like daily walking, improve the effectiveness of the heart and lungs and improve endurance and energy levels. However, stiffness in the trunk
​will limit arm swing, reduce length of steps and slow walking speed. You may not be new to exercise, but you may find you are not stretching your whole body every day.
 
Breathing and stretching exercises will help maintain muscle balance in the trunk, mobility in the spine and improve overall posture.
Set aside 10–15 minutes a day to stretch your trunk, neck, arms and legs.  Specific attention should be given to stretching the muscles across the chest.  You might find standing in a doorway helps you get an effective chest stretch.  Breathe easy while stretching to
assist in relaxing muscles. Stretching exercises also improve functional movements such as reaching above your head, washing your hair and bending over to put on your shoes.

Additional stretching tips include: 
• Stretches should be held for 15-30 seconds — do not bounce
• Stretches can be challenging (gentle to moderate pull) — not painful
• Breathe slowly in and out while maintaining the stretch position
• Repeat each stretch 2-3 times to get the most benefit
 
Stretches can be performed while standing and using a wall or counter for balance, lying down (bed or floor), or even in a chair.

For more information and ideas about stretching and exercise:
Parkinson Foundation (no date) A Body Guide to Parkinson’s Disease. pp 21-25 https://www.parkinson.org/sites/default/files/Fitness_Counts.pdf
American Parkinson Disease Association (2016) Be Active & Beyond. pp 24-28.
https://www.apdaparkinson.org/uploads/files/Be-Active-Book_For-Web-90o.pdf
Parkinson Society Canada (2003) Exercises for People with Parkinson’s. pp 1-7.
https://www.parkinsons.va.gov/NorthWest/Documents/Pt_ed_handouts/Exercise_for_PD_1-20-12.pdf

COVID-19: There is still limited information about the effects of COVID-19 specifically regarding Parkinson’s disease, having said that, given the frailty associated with Parkinson’s disease, it would be prudent to be cautious, prepared and follow the precautions recommended by public health departments/ CDC.   During these challenging times, it cannot be emphasized enough the need for all, PD community specifically and the
​community at large, to reach out to each other, offer support and assistance to those most vulnerable and share our resources.

​Our Mission

​The Parkinson Association of Northern California is an organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with Parkinson's, their families, and care partners throughout our region. 

​Contacts

Email: panc@panctoday.org

Mailing Address:
Parkinson Association of Northern California
 1024 Iron Point Road, #1046
​Folsom, CA 95630


Phone: (916) 357-6641
If you'd like more information please call the office  (hours vary, so leave a message and we'll get back to you)
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Copyright © 2020 Parkinson Association of Northern California. All rights reserved.
​PANC is a 501(c)(3)   Tax ID #68-0372037
  • PANC Home
  • About Us
    • Staff
    • Board of Directors
    • Medical Advisory Panel
    • Privacy Policy
    • Annual Report & 990's
  • Contact Us
  • About Parkinson's
    • Recently Diagnosed
    • PD Carepartners
    • Clinical Trials
    • Exercise!
    • Helpful Resources
    • PD Webinars & Classes
    • Guide to Specialist
    • Local Transportation Information
    • Reflections from the Parkinson's Community
    • Articles
  • Ways to Support
    • Donate Online
    • Donate by Mail or Phone
    • Sponsorships
    • CAREPARTNER RESPITE SUPPORT
    • Be A Sustaining Donor
    • Planned Giving
    • AmazonSmile
    • Become a Support Group Facilitator
    • Other Ways to Give
  • Programs
    • Support Groups
    • Respite Care
    • Parkinsonwise
    • Parkinsonwise Trained Professionals
    • Rebuilding Together
    • Other PD Support Groups in CA
    • Shelter in place series
    • 2017 Conference Video
    • 2019 Conference
    • CA PD Registry 9/20 Conference Video
  • DONATE
  • Newsletter
  • Español
  • 2020 Conference
  • Other PD classes/events
    • Brian Grant Foundation 4/13 building your care team and 5/1 Mental Health & PD
    • Davis Phinney Foundation 4/7 YOPD Women's Council 4/15 YOPD Dementia
    • Family Caregiver Alliance Webinair -April classes (Also Spanish)
    • Michael J Fox Foundation 4/15 Volunteering for Research 4/20 A conversation with Michael J Fox
    • Parkinson Voice Project
    • PD Active 3/13 Holistic Treatments PD
    • PMD Alliance ongoing classes
    • World Parkinson Coalition Research Webnairs -Sing-Along etc.
  • PANC Events
    • Coming September 18, 2021 - 5th Annual Robert G Smith Walk to Cancel Out Parkinson's
    • Save the date-10/23/21 2021 PANC Annual Confernce