Parks Department Aims to Help Citizens with Parkinson’s

The parks department in a Tennessee city is hoping it can do its part to help citizens suffering from Parkinson’s disease.

The Johnson City Parks and Recreation Department will hold a program for seniors that is aimed at helping reduce the progression of Parkinson’s disease. 

The six-week class is called “Delay the Disease”, according to News Channel 11, and is being taught at the local community center. 

Seniors enrolled attend classes two days a week to learn physical and mental exercises that are proven to help delay the worst symptoms of Parkinson’s.

“The evidence based exercise program is designed specifically to empower people with Parkinson’s to take control of their disease and help delay the progression of symptoms. Exercises are aimed at promoting greater mobility, improved balance, flexibility, strength, independence and hope!” reads a listing describing the class on the parks department website.

“We’re trying to delay the disease progress for Parkinson’s disease,” said Debbie Fogle, senior services manager for the Johnson City Parks and Recreation Department. “We don’t cure it, by any means, but we are trying to improve their balance, trying to improve their voice projection, and keep them moving and keep them active through the disease process.”