Upper Valley Programs for Parkinson's
Serving the Parkinson's Communities of Vermont and New Hampshire
Upper Valley Programs for Parkinson’s supports, organizes and produces programs of structured physical and social activity specific to the needs of the Parkinson’s community.
Classes are held at the Upper Valley Aquatic Center, with the exception of the Dance for Parkinson's class, which takes place at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center.
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Our Mission
The mission of the Upper Valley Programs for Parkinson's is to offer affordable, specifically designed exercise programs and resources for people with Parkinson's Disease. Our goal is to provide evidence based classes, led by professionals with the purpose of combating the progression of Parkinson's Disease, therefore optimizing the quality of life of those affected. In addition, we also provide opportunities for social gatherings and community support resources.
Why Exercise Matters for Parkinson’s
Exercise is a crucial component in managing Parkinson’s Disease. Here’s why:
Improve Confidence and Self-Management
Regular physical activity helps individuals with Parkinson’s gain confidence in their abilities and enhances their capacity to manage their condition. It fosters a sense of empowerment, enabling them to take control of their health.
Reduce the Severity of Symptoms
Exercise helps ease Parkinson's symptoms like tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia, which causes slow movement. It also boosts mental health, lessening anxiety and depression, leading to a better quality of life for those with Parkinson's disease.
Enhance Mobility and Flexibility
Engaging in regular physical activity has been shown to greatly benefit individuals with Parkinson's disease by enhancing their balance, coordination, and flexibility, all of which can become compromised as the disease progresses.
These improvements not only contribute to better posture but also play a crucial role in reducing the risk of potentially dangerous falls, ultimately promoting overall well-being and quality of life for those living with Parkinson's.
Perform Daily Activities with Greater Ease
Enhanced strength and endurance gained through consistent physical activity not only make everyday tasks easier to perform, but also significantly improve overall functionality. This boost in physical capability contributes to a heightened sense of independence and leads to a better quality of life, as individuals are able to navigate through daily activities with more ease and confidence.
Looking for support after a Parkinson's diagnosis?
Feeling overwhelmed and need someone to talk to?
Are you a care partner seeking advice from someone who truly understands?
The PASD Mentor Program connects you with mentors who have been where you are. Schedule a call and get the guidance you need from someone who has experienced it firsthand.
Rock Steady Boxing
Rock Steady Boxing is a health and wellness program designed for people with Parkinson’s Disease, a neurological condition that affects balance, strength, walking, and especially confidence. It’s based on a foundation of non-contact boxing, and it’s very effective for improving all of the symptoms that people with PD typically experience.
When:
Mondays:
(Stages 1-2) 12:30pm – 2:00pm
Fridays:
(Stages 1-2) 12:30pm – 2:00pm
(Stages 3-4) 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Where: Upper Valley Aquatic Center
No classes on Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year's.
Learn more about Rock Steady Boxing
Dance for Parkinson's
For individuals living with Parkinson’s, performing daily tasks can become increasingly difficult as the disease affects their mobility and stability. Engaging in regular exercise is a highly effective method for reducing the progression of these symptoms. This is why those with Parkinson’s, along with their companions, have found great success at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon every Tuesday to participate in a dance class that occurs weekly.
No dance experience necessary.
When: Tuesdays at 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Where: DHMC Auditorium C/D, Lebanon, NH
Learn more about Dance for Parkinson's
Questions about Dance for Parkinson's?
Pedaling for Parkinson's
The Pedaling for Parkinson’s™ program is inspired by research showing that cycling, especially at a steady pace, can help ease Parkinson’s symptoms. Some participants have even seen up to a 35% improvement after biking three times a week for just eight weeks!
Pedaling for Parkinson's is a class specifically designed for People with Parkinson's Disease (PWPD). The format is a 10 min warm up, 40 minutes of pedaling at 80% of your maximum heart rate and then 10 min cool down. This format has been shown to reduce symptoms of PD if done three times a week (this could be done with any exercise that gets your heart rate up to 80% max). Of course, unless you are already working out regularly, you will need to work up to this. People are encouraged to slow down and or take rests when beginning this program.
For convenience, this program is offered on indoor, stationary bikes.
When:
Wednesdays from 11:30am-12:30pm
Where: Upper Valley Aquatic Center
Up Ending™ Rock Climbing for Parkinson's
Upper Valley Programs for Parkinson's and The Notch rock climbing gym are excited to announce UpEnding: Rock Climbing for people with Parkinson's as seen on CBS Sunday morning news with Leslie Stahl.
UpEnding is a Rock Climbing program created by Molly Donelan-Cupka in Alexandria, VA in 2021 and is now located all across America. Check out their website at
upendingparkinsons.org. No experience needed. We will also welcome others to volunteer to belay the participants. Training will be provided.
When: Thursdays from 11:00 am -12:30 pm
Where: The Notch Climbing Gym
Learn More about the benefits of Up Ending™ Rock Climbing for Parkinson's
Transform Your Health with Online Exercise Classes
Boost Your Wellbeing and Stay Active with Expert-Guided Virtual Workouts
Embrace the convenience of online exercise classes designed specifically for the Parkinson's community. These virtual sessions offer a range of activities to improve your strength, flexibility, and balance from the comfort of your home. Join a supportive network and get motivated by professional trainers dedicated to helping you achieve your fitness goals.
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