Parkinsons Bootcamp 2013

Parkinson’s Boot Camp Draws 600 Attendees

More than 600 people attended the Fifth Annual Northeast Ohio Parkinson’s Boot CampTM on Saturday, Sept. 7, at the John S. Knight Center in Akron, Ohio.

The first Boot Camp in 2010 drew just over 200 attendees and the event has grown significantly in popularity. In addition to attendees from all over Ohio, this free event brought people with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers from as far away as Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Tennessee, Florida and North Dakota.

Spearheaded by Benjamin Walter, MD, Director of University Hospitals Neurological Institute’s Neuromuscular Center and Medical Director of the Deep Brain Stimulation Program, the boot camp teaches exercise techniques, mind and body wellness practices, and invigorating skills to help people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers better manage the disease.

In addition to hands-on instruction, attendees also saw presentations from Monique Giroux, MD, Medical Director, Movement & Neuroperformance Center Colorado; Sierra Farris, PA-C, Deep Brain Stimulation Services Director, Movement & Neuroperformance Center Colorado; and David Zid, BA, ACE, APG-certified personal and functional fitness trainer.

Topics covered included the benefits of exercise, yoga, Parkinson’s research, latest Parkinson’s therapeutic options, dance and special caregiver instruction.