Parkinson’s Disease and Exercise – An Important Pairing

Approximately 1 million people in the U.S. are currently living with Parkinson’s Disease (PD), with 60,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Chances are you know someone with this degenerative condition. RVNAhealth Physical Therapist, and Outpatient Practice Manager, Kate Campbell, PT, DPT, SCS, Cert. MDT, CSCS, LSVT BIG is on a mission to spread the word about Parkinson’s treatment and early intervention techniques. “Many PD-diagnosed patients are not aware that exercise and physical activity can have tremendous positive impact on the symptoms and progress of Parkinson’s Disease,” says Campbell.

The Parkinson’s Foundation, along with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), recently published an updated recommendation for exercise and physical activity for those diagnosed with Parkinson’s. This recommendation includes exercise frequency, intensity, time, type, volume, and progression of exercises that are safe and effective. Its suggested activities span across aerobic activity, strength training, stretching, and balance, agility, and multitasking. It also recommends starting any physical activity program with a visit to a physical therapist specializing in Parkinson’s!

“RVNAhealth has invested in research-backed certifications and rehabilitation therapy and exercise programs for those affected by PD,” says Campbell. “We want people diagnosed with Parkinson’s to understand there are proactive steps they can take, within their control, to help slow the progression of the disease. An RVNAhealth Parkinson’s-specialized therapist can help customize and layout those recommended steps.”

RVNAhealth therapists are certified in LSVT BIG and LSVT LOUD – research-based, gold standard programs used in the evaluation and treatment of people with Parkinson’s. In addition to offering home-health treatment programs, we also offer treatment and exercise programs at our Ridgefield-based Rehabilitation & Wellness Center. “In alignment with the Parkinson’s Foundation and ACSM exercise recommendations, RVNAhealth offers many types of programs that can benefit anyone affected by PD.  Our weekly classes are open to anyone in the public that would like to register and drop in for a class. While we encourage anyone with PD to engage in healthy, stage-appropriate exercise routines, we really want to spread the word to encourage individuals to start a routine early and often following a PD diagnosis,” says Campbell.

More information about RVNAhealth’s Parkinson’s programs, please visit our website or contact us at 203.438.7862 or rehab@rvnahealth.org.

Learn More About Our Current Ongoing Class Offerings Open To The Public:

Balance and Beyond   – Every Tuesday & Thursday, 12 – 1pm. An ongoing drop-in class (come for one or come for all!) that focuses on building muscle, restoring balance, and improving your walk or jog, all while giving your brain a great workout! Location: RVNAhealth Rehabilitation & Wellness Center, 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield. Register here to attend. Nominal fee for each class.

Strength & Beyond – Every Tuesday & Thursday, 1 – 2pm. An ongoing drop-in class (come for one or come for all!) that focuses on building muscle and bones, improving cardiovascular fitness, flexibility and beyond!  Location: RVNAhealth Rehabilitation & Wellness Center, 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield. Register here to attend. Nominal fee for each class.

Living BIG – Ongoing weekly drop-in class. Living BIG addresses the problem of patients’ movements becoming smaller and more tentative as Parkinson’s Disease progresses. Each class, the therapist takes the patient through a series of whole-body LSVT BIG exercises aimed at improving strength, balance, flexibility, and coordination. Exercises are all exaggerated to reinforce that the patient needs to make his or her movements bigger. Location: RVNAhealth Rehabilitation & Wellness Center, 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield. Email RehabCenter@rvnahealth.org to sign up. Nominal fee for each class.

Living LOUD – Ongoing weekly drop-in class. Living LOUD tackles the soft voice, mumbled speech, monotone speech and hoarse voice that often afflict Parkinson’s patients. Structured activities that work the patient’s vocal range teach them to increase volume without straining their voices.  In each session, the therapist takes the class through a series of rigorous vocal exercises that alternate between loud and soft. Location: RVNAhealth Rehabilitation & Wellness Center, 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield. Email RehabCenter@rvnahealth.org to sign up.  Nominal fee for each class.

 

Living BIG Classes

Living BIG addresses the problem of patients’ movements becoming smaller and more tentative as Parkinson’s Disease progresses. Weekly activities will include group work as well as individual exercises with other participants facilitated by an LSVT BIG therapist. Classes take the patient through a series of whole-body LSVT BIG exercises aimed at improving strength, balance, flexibility and coordination. Exercises are all exaggerated to reinforce that the patient needs to make his or her movements bigger.

To learn more about the Living BIG program, please call (203) 438-7862   or email rehabcenter@rvnahealth.org.

Strength and Beyond

As an enhancement to RVNAhealth’s Balance & Beyond classes, we are pleased to present our new class, “Strength and Beyond”!

This class, a level up from our original Balance and Beyond class,  is designed to build strength, restore balance, improve your mobility all while giving your brain a great workout!

This higher intensity interval training class will have you moving through a series of upper and lower body strengthening, functional mobility, balance and cognitive stations all customized to meet your fitness level and goals.

This program is geared towards everyone with a focus of those finding it difficult to start an exercise program or those who need help progressing their current exercise program.  Exercises are also specific for osteoporosis treatment and prevention. What a great way to exercise in a group and meet new people. Bring your friends and exercise together!

Andrea de Lange is experienced Physical Therapist and certified LSVT BIG practitioner with a long history of working with the outpatient orthopedic and neurological population. She possesses a strong background in the treatment of spine, extremity injuries and pain, as well as neurological impairment, with a focus on people with Parkinson’s disease.

RVNAhealth’s Strength & Beyond classes are offered every Thursday from 1:30pm-2:30pm at RVNAhealth’s offsite class location – Steel Fitness – located at 62 Danbury Road, Ridgefield.

Class fees are $30 per class and registration is required in advance, as attendance is limited. Please call 203.438.7862 or email rehabcenter@rvnahealth.org to sign up in advance and facilitate payment and check-in.

1st TIME ATTENDEES PLEASE REGISTER HERE TO RECEIVE REQUIRED INFORMATION TO PARTICPATE.

For questions, please contact the RVNAhealth Rehabilitation & Wellness Center at 203.438.7862 or rehabcenter@rvnahealth.org.

In the Words of Our Patients and Loved Ones…

On November 13th, we will celebrate Caregiver Appreciation Day. What a better way to celebrate the talents and dedication of our amazing StayingWELL caregivers than by sharing a testimonial from one of our families…

“It is 9:30pm on Wednesday night, and I am home after meeting my mother-in-law’s night aide at 8pm. Danielle Taibi had stopped by her unit earlier, but I was unable to be there for that. My mother-in-law and her daughter, were raving about Danielle. They thought she was so helpful, knowledgeable, and understanding. Then Shannece S. came at 8pm and she had such a warm and lovely disposition. She turned to me and said, “go home and go to sleep”. It was the best thing someone said to me all week!”

– Client family member, Jodi Stewart

Caregiving is often described as a labor of love for those providing care for a family member or friend. When the decision is made to bring in RVNAhealth’s StayingWELL caregiving team to help, we know how important it is to understand the needs of both our clients AND their loved ones. Rest is one of those needs that are essential to the health and well-being of familial caregivers. Our caregiving teams work every day to provide outstanding care and service to our clients along with empathy and assurance to loved ones.  “Go home and go to sleep” is a simple but meaningful phrase that will resonate for those that understand the labor of love that is caregiving. Thank you Shannece and Danielle for demonstrating the best of RVNAhealth caregiving! And thank you to all of our StayingWELL caregiving team — you remind us every day, through moments like the above, the impact and meaningfulness of our work!

RVNAhealth’s StayingWELL services provide hourly and live-in personal caregivers to assist individuals with maintaining independence and living safely wherever they reside. If you would like more information please contact us at 203.438.5555 or visit our website.

Balance & Beyond

Register for Balance & Beyond HERE

RVNAhealth is excited to announce the introduction of its new public fitness class, “Balance & Beyond.”  An ongoing weekly drop-in class (come for one or come for all!) that focuses on building muscle, restoring balance and improving your walk or jog, all while giving your brain a great workout!

Balance can be a life essential to preventing falls and keeping daily activities of life within our control. The old adage of “use it or lose it’ doesn’t ring more true when it comes to strength.  This is why Andrea de Lange, RVNAhealth Physical Therapist, is so passionate about bringing balance and strength classes to the public.

“This program is beneficial for so many people — whether you are just looking to improve your strength or balance to improve quality of life, or you are looking for a customized fitness program to assist with medical conditions such as Parkinson’s, arthritis, or autoimmune disorders,” says de Lange. “This circuit training class will have you moving through a series of stations including boxing, agility training, and functional mobility conditioning – all customized to meet your fitness levels and goals. And there is plenty of time for questions and personalized instruction and feedback!”

Andrea deLange is an experienced Physical Therapist and certified LSVT BIG practitioner with a long history of working with the outpatient orthopedic and neurological population. She possesses a strong background in the treatment of spine, extremity injuries and pain, as well as neurological impairment, with a focus on people with Parkinson’s disease.

RVNAhealth’s Balance & Beyond classes are offered every Monday and Thursday from 12:00pm-1:00pm at the RVNAhealth Rehabilitation & Wellness Center located at 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield. Class fees are $30 per class and registration is required in advance, as attendance is limited.  For questions, please contact the RVNAhealth Rehabilitation & Wellness Center at 203.438.7862 or rehabcenter@rvnahealth.org.

<< FIRST TIME ATTENDEES MUST REGISTER HERE TO RECEIVE REQUIRED FORMS >>

An Autumn Dinner to Remember

On September 24th RVNAhealth hosted its annual Autumn Dinner at the Amber Room Colonnade in Danbury. Friends, supporters, clients, and clinical staff came together to celebrate the agency’s work providing exceptional health and wellness care for individuals of all ages.

Guest speaker, Joseph Pastore, shared his personal experience with the care his family received from RVNAhealth when their twins were born, one with a life-threating health concern. Twenty years later, he called upon RVNAhealth again when he suffered a stroke at age 53. Mr. Pastore has spent the past two years working with the RVNAhealth Rehab team and has successfully regained his strength and mobility.

President & CEO, Theresa Santoro, spoke about the increase in demand for home health and hospice care following the peak of COVID-19. “We surpassed quite a milestone this year, caring for more than 5,000 patients in their homes. That’s three times our patient count of 5 years ago.”

RVNAhealth cares for people across all stages of life in 35+ Connecticut communities, from first-time mothers and uninsured children to older patients with varying medical needs and people needing end-of-life care.

Mrs. Santoro noted the challenge of meeting the increasingly complex needs of patients in the context of the work force shortage. “RVNAhealth must remain a competitive and appealing employer through innovation and technology, education, and skills training.”

The evening featured a bourbon tasting sponsored by Ancona’s Wines & Liquors, live music by singer/songwriter, Nick DePuy, and autumnal centerpieces donated by Mary Jones at Rodier Flowers. Popular entertainer, Tom Pesce, led the guests through a spirited live auction and paddle raise to fund the RVNAhealth mission.

On behalf of the Board of Directors and RVNAhealth staff, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to Joseph Pastore for serving as the evening’s guest speaker, our sponsors and advertisers for supporting the agency, and every member of the Autumn Dinner committee for their time, enthusiasm, hard work and dedication in planning and organizing this memorable event.

 

Join RVNAhealth on October 13th in Support of Breast Cancer Awareness

For the 287,850 women the American Cancer Society estimates to be diagnosed in 2022 with invasive breast cancer, finding the care and support needed is often a sudden decision. RVNAhealth provides healthcare when and where it is needed, and breast cancer care and support is no different. In support of Breast Cancer Awareness month in October, we would like to encourage everyone to proactively support their health through nutrition, exercise, and regular checkups.  In the event that you or someone you love is facing a new breast cancer diagnosis, please explore RVNAhealth’s breast cancer care and support services here.

On a lighter note…join RVNAhealth in New Milford on October 13th in support of breast cancer awareness!

If you are looking for a fun way to celebrate and support breast cancer awareness, come join RVNAhealth at Candlewood Valley Health & Rehabilitation Center’s annual Breast Cancer Tent Event on Thursday, October 13th from 3:00-6:00pm.  RVNAhealth is a proud co-sponsor of this annual event, held at Candlewood Valley’s outdoor property at 30 Park Lane East, New Milford, CT. Attendees will enjoy an afternoon of food, drink, music, shopping, raffles and massage, along with many health and wellness information tables. And did we mention a gently-used designer handbag sale table?

A recommended $15 donation gets attendees one free drink and food (while supplies last) and 3 raffle tickets for various prizes offered at each of the 50+ vendor tables. There is something for everyone at this event! Stop by RVNAhealth’s table to say hi and support this great community event in support of all of those effected by breast cancer. 100% of the funds raised by the event goes to the American Cancer Society.

Rain date is scheduled for Thursday, October 20th.

RVNAhealth Flu Vaccine Options for the Whole Family!

If you are age 6 months or older, RVNAhealth has you covered for flu season! This year we are pleased to offer a variety of ways to get your flu shot. RVNAhealth Ridgefield and New Milford offices are offering convenient drive-thru clinics, as well as in-office appointments. There are also two community clinics in the town of Bethel open to anyone. A limited supply of the new Pfizer and Moderna COVID booster will also be on hand, available upon request and availability at the time of your flu shot.

Whether you are a regular in rolling up your sleeve, or you need a little more nudging, it’s always good to get the facts. Here’s a few facts to get you started!

  • The Flu vaccines are highly effective and adverse effects are rare. Even in a year where the flu shot is not a “good match” for the virus, vaccination still protects against severe illness.
  • You cannot get the flu from the flu shot.
  • You can receive a flu vaccine if you have an egg allergy. RVNAhealth offers egg and preservative-free vaccines.
  • Flu vaccines for all children in CT, age 18 and under, are provided at no cost regardless of insurance status.
  • And you can get the COVID-19 booster and flu shot at the same time!

Recommendations for this year’s flu season remain similar to last year. While timing and length of flu activity through the COVID pandemic has been less consistent with prior years, the CDC continues to recommend September and October as optimal times for flu vaccination. Vaccination after October is still recommended for providing valuable protection through the typical peak season.

For more information on available RVNAhealth flu clinics and appointments, please visit our flu webpage or call 203.438.5555.