Trending
In Alpena County, where nearly one in four residents is age 65 or older, it is estimated that up to 400 people are living with Parkinson’s disease. Behind each diagnosis are spouses, children, friends, and caregivers whose lives are also deeply impacted. Parkinson’s disease is the fastest-growing neurological disorder in the world, affecting more than one million Americans, and as our population ages, that number continues to rise.
Parkinson's Disease doesn't care if you're a good or bad person. It doesn't care if you have plans, hopes, or dreams. It doesn't care if you are a Republican, Democrat, Progressive, Libertarian, Independent, or not interested in politics at all. It doesn't care if you are male, female or binary. It doesn't care if you are alone or if you have support from family. It's a horrendous disease and I hate it. I hate it with every fiber of my being. However, it has introduced me to some of my favorite people on the planet.
As a strength coach, I’ve spent years helping people become stronger, healthier, and more confident. But some of the most inspiring lessons I’ve learned haven’t come from elite athletes or powerlifters. They’ve come from individuals living with Parkinson’s disease.
When someone receives a Parkinson’s diagnosis, it’s natural to focus on the losses that may lie ahead. Parkinson’s affects movement, balance, coordination, and many aspects of daily life. It can be overwhelming--not only for the person diagnosed but also for their family and caregivers.
What many people don’t realize is that one of the most powerful treatments available doesn’t come from a pill bottle.
It’s exercise.
Research over the past two decades has dramatically changed how medical professionals think about Parkinson’s disease. Exercise is no longer viewed as simply something that’s “good to do.” Today, neurologists recognize it as one of the most important therapies available. In fact, studies suggest that regular, appropriately challenging exercise can not just slow the progression of symptoms, but actually improve walking, balance, strength, posture, flexibility, cognition, mood, and overall quality of life.
For a progressive disease, that’s remarkable.
Every week, I have the privilege of leading a free Parkinson’s exercise class here in Alpena. I watch participants encourage one another and refuse to let Parkinson’s define who they are.
I’ve watched posture improve, movements become steadier, and smiles become more frequent. Just as important, I’ve seen friendships form. Exercise becomes more than a workout--it becomes a community, and that’s something Parkinson’s can’t take away.
The most effective Parkinson’s exercise programs focus on purposeful movement. It’s never about being perfect. It’s about continuing to move. That message is especially important here in Northeast Michigan.
Living in a rural community has many advantages, but access to specialized Parkinson’s care can be limited. Many families travel hours to see movement disorder specialists or participate in programs designed specifically for Parkinson’s disease. That can make it difficult to stay connected to the resources and education that are so important after a diagnosis.
The good news is that we know more today than ever before about how to help.
That’s why I’m excited the Michigan Parkinson Foundation is bringing a Parkinson’s Community Forum to Alpena on Monday, August 17, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Huron Shores Fellowship Church.
This free event is designed for everyone touched by Parkinson’s disease--individuals living with the condition, caregivers, family members, healthcare professionals, and anyone who wants to better understand this increasingly common neurological disorder.
The evening will feature educational presentations about Parkinson’s disease, demonstrations of evidence-based exercise including PWR! Moves, Music 4 Parkinson’s, information about statewide services offered by the Michigan Parkinson Foundation, local community resources, and opportunities to ask questions and connect with others.
Beyond the information itself, the forum offers something many families need just as much: connection. A Parkinson’s diagnosis can feel isolating, but meeting others who understand the challenges of living with Parkinson’s can provide encouragement, practical advice, and hope.
Whether you’ve been living with Parkinson’s for years, were recently diagnosed, or simply want to learn how you can support a loved one, there will be something valuable to take away.
The Michigan Parkinson Foundation has long worked to ensure that every person affected by Parkinson’s has access to education, support, exercise opportunities, and resources regardless of where they live in the state. Bringing this forum to Alpena represents an important step toward improving access for residents throughout Northeast Michigan.
For healthcare providers, the event also offers an opportunity to better understand current recommendations for Parkinson’s care and to connect patients with valuable local and statewide resources.
While researchers continue searching for a cure, one message has become increasingly clear: a Parkinson’s diagnosis is not the end of the story.
Whether someone was diagnosed last month or several years ago, research suggests that becoming more active can provide meaningful benefits at nearly every stage of the disease.
I’ve watched people accomplish things they once believed were no longer possible. Not because Parkinson’s disappeared, but because they discovered that with the right support, the right exercise, and the right mindset, they were capable of far more than they imagined.
That is the message I hope our community hears.
If you or someone you love has been affected by Parkinson’s disease, I encourage you to join us on August 17. Come ask questions. Meet others walking the same path. Learn what resources are available. Discover why exercise has become such an important part of Parkinson’s care.
Because while we may not yet have a cure for Parkinson’s disease, we do have something incredibly powerful.
We have hope--and it starts with movement.