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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday March 21, 2008 - 35 People with Parkinson's flourish at the Y By Donna Papacosta D espite the snowy, bone-chilling weather one recent Monday morning, the atmosphere inside the Oakville YMCA was decidedly warm as the members of the Parkinson's group prepared for their therapeutic session. With the help of leaders Pat Broughton and Marcella Mailing, this brave group of 16 engages in exercise, mutual support and much laughter three times a week. Parkinson's is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that often impairs motor skills and speech. Special exercises can help counter such symptoms as shuffled walking and lack of balance. "Each person experiences the disease differently," says Broughton, "but everyone in our program says it has helped them not just physically, but emotionally too. It's a very caring, compassionate group with a delightful sense of humour. They've become close knit and are very supportive of each other." "Socialization is an important part of the program," says Mailing. First started six years ago, the Parkinson's program at the YMCA of Oakville runs on Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning. During the first half hour, the people with Parkinson's walk the track, performing fairly strenuous feats along the way ­ touching hand to heel, for example, in a move dubbed "the mosquito." During the second half hour, they'll perform chair exercises with bands, core work on the floor mats, or float around the pool. Mailing and Broughton add new activities, depending on the interests of the group. Recently, one member acquired Nordic waking poles, which help improve balance. "So we've been using poles in the multipurpose room," says Broughton. "We're looking forward to the nice weather, so we can take it outside." Parkinson's strikes people in all walks of live. Among those in the group at the Y, you'll find an engineer, electrician, film producer, pharmacist, teacher, university professor and a dispatcher, among others. Peter Sanci taught history and religion for 25 years. Five years ago he had to retire because of Parkinson's. Unwilling to let the disease get the best of him, he works hard at his program at the Y. "It gets me out of the house," he says, "and I definitely feel better on the days I come here. The program is helping me with my balance. And when I talk to the other people with Parkinson's, we understand each other. We feel better being together." He adds with a smile, "Pat and Marcella are great. They push us a little." Bob Smith, a service engineer who has traveled all over North and South America, says, "This program does me a world of good. I'm a lot more mobile than I was two years ago. When I first started walking the track, I had to hold the rail. I don't need to now." He has forged a friendship with Ed Gallagher, who used to work with children with learning disabilities. Gallagher joined the group for social reasons six years ago. "It's good to get out and do something," he says. Tony DeMeo a former electrician, is a relative newcomer, but he has quickly become known as DIANE HEMMINGTON / SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER the group's "master of the lunge," which is not an easy exercise. "I will try anything that helps" he quips. Many of the people with Parkinson's come to the Y to work out beyond the program; some have teamed up with a personal trainer. Offerings like this make the YMCA of Oakville a unique facility, where people with all different kinds of abilities can improve their physical condition, find new friends and make their spirits soar. The YMCA of Oakville is a charitable association open to all, dedicated to providing life-long opportunities for health enhancement and growth. -- Submitted by the YMCA of Oakville. TAKING PART: Bob Smith, left, has been with the Parkinson's group at the YMCA of Oakville for several years, while John Ayling just started in November. DOGS, CATS, BIRDS & REPTILES! Everything You Need For Your Pet Under One Roof! Easter's Family Pet Festival THE 15th Annual Think Green. Breathe Easy. HUGE CENTRAL AIR & FURNACE $ Up to 4700* MANUFACTURERS CASH BACK SALE BEST PRICES EVER! Cash Back AND NO PAYMENT! NO INTEREST! FOR 6 MONTHS *OAC Offer Ends March 31, 2008. UP TO UP TO UP TO $2400 + $1500 + $800 GOV. CASH BACK HYDRO CASH BACK *Call for details. 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The proposed boundary changes will be posted on the Halton District School Board website at www.hdsb.ca The meeting will provide an opportunity for members of the public to ask questions regarding the proposed boundary changes. Exclusive to Cobblestonembers FREE Upgrade Package Robert H. Peterson Co. European Engineering Combined With Traditional Workmanship Burnt Rustic Oak "Building on the Brightest Ideas Around Glass" Halton District School Board "MASONRY & FIREPLACE DESIGN SPECIALISTS" w w w. c o b b l e s t o n e m b e r s . c a 905.849.0266 406 SPEERS RD., OAKVILLE ACROSS FROM RONA LANSING 905-337-2066 2050 Guelph Line, PO Box 5005, Burlington, ON L7R 3Z2 (905) 335-3663 (905) 842-3014 (905) 878-8451 Fax: (905) 335-9802 www.hdsb.ca W. Joudrie Director of Education Gillian Tuck Kutarna Chair of the Board