“Living Well With Parkinson’s” …a name apropos for RVNAhealth’s first annual Parkinson’s Symposium, was held at the RVNAhealth Ridgefield office on Friday, January 26th. With over 60 attendees and nearly 20 healthcare experts presenting or hosting information tables, the three hour event successfully delivered an agenda packed with information for both newly and existing diagnosed Parkinson’s patients, loved ones and care partners.

The Parkinson’s Symposium was the brainchild of Dr. Kate Campbell, Director of RVNAhealth’s Parkinson’s Center and Outpatient Rehabilitation. “After nearly a year since the launch of our Parkinson’s Center, I wanted to create an opportunity to bring together some of the best local experts from within RVNAhealth and other healthcare institutions. Our goals was to give the Parkinson’s community an afternoon to gather in one place and immerse themselves in learning and helpful discussion,” said Campbell. Main stage presentations included topics on the benefits of exercise, awake versus asleep deep brain stimulation, the importance of Movement Disorder Specialists, and the role of sleep in Parkinson’s. Breakout sessions gave participants an opportunity to customize their afternoon of PD learning. These options ranged from exercise demos, and cooking and nutrition, to information on clinical trials, mental health tips, and an overview from an organization dedicated to hiking trips for people with PD.

RVNAhealth would like to thank our visiting presenters:  Dr. Zion Zibly and Dr. Sophie Holmes and Sophie Elliott, Yale School of Medicine, Dr. Sarah Buckingham, Stamford Health, and Dr. Leon Meytin, Hartford Healthcare. We would also like to add a tremendous thanks to our RVNAhealth Parkinson’s Center staff who lead presentations, exercise classes, nutrition discussions, and more! Finally, we thank our sponsors who helped to make this event possible: Abbott, Abbvie, APDA of Connecticut, Medtronic, and Supernus.

With a successful first Parkinson’s Symposium complete, there is little downtime for Campbell as she continues with plans for the Parkinson’s Center’s second year in operation. “There’s a lot to be excited about at the Parkinson’s Center – we are taking more of our presentations out into the community, we are testing out new and more exercise class options, and we are soon kicking off our second Parkinson’s Bootcamp cohort, where we’ll work intensely with about 10 individuals over the course of 8 weeks. If you haven’t heard about Bootcamp, you should! We are making real life change and enabling individuals with powerful tools to take control of their Parkinson’s diagnosis–contact us to learn more!” says Campbell. “We are passionate about offering these resources to the Parkinson’s community – we are a place for community, compassion, health and wellness, and a partner in the fight against Parkinson’s disease.”

For more information about the RVNAhealth Parkinson’s Center, check out our webpage, call 203-438-5555 ext 1082 or email ParkinsonsCenterLeaders@rvnahealth.org.

On October 9th six brave Parkinson’s Warriors completed RVNAhealth’s first Parkinson’s disease (PD) Bootcamp program. These six clients spent eight weeks coming to our Ridgefield Center of Excellence twice a week to participate in our innovative PD Bootcamp. An intensive eight-week program, PD Bootcamp only takes six participants at a time, providing Parkinson’s patients with in-depth education about their disease, disease management, and exposing them to over sixteen different types of exercise. This first group of ‘bootcampers’ was funded by a grant from the Connecticut Chapter of the APDA. Graduates they are, but we like to call them “warriors!” Read on learn why…

About the RVNAhealth Parkinson’s Disease Center

Since the Parkinson’s Center launched in April of this year, the response from the Parkinson’s community has been overwhelmingly rewarding. “It’s been an amazing experience creating a formal program to provide vital Parkinson’s disease education, exercise programs, and support and resources. I am grateful to the entire Parkinson’s Center team for their tireless dedication. And of course, my congratulations go out to our first Bootcamp warriors who trusted in us and our program,” said Gigi Weiss, Director of RVNAhealth Rehabilitation Services and the Parkinson’s Center.

If you haven’t already heard about the Parkinson’s Center, check out our website and watch our spotlight video below!

PD Bootcamp…Dedication, Commitment, and Tools for Life

PD Bootcamp is designed as a small, intensive education and exercise program for those affected by Parkinson’s disease. Participants met together, with our RVNAhealth trained Parkinson’s specialists twice per week over the course of eight weeks. Our goal is to create relationships with our participants, deliver personalized education and plans, and equip them with the tools needed to live their best life.

Participants attended two exercise classes each week, with each class introducing them to a new type of exercise. Exercise classes included dance, boxing, Pilates, strength training, high intensity interval training, tai chi, and more! The goal in introducing so many different types of exercises is to help individuals find the exercise they enjoy most. “The only medically proven method of delaying the progression of Parkinson’s disease is exercise. So, what’s the best exercise to do? The one you enjoy and will keep up with!” says Kate Campbell, Doctor of Physical Therapy and Parkinson’s Center Program Manager. “Through our format, we really get to know these individuals and can best educate and guide them toward living their best life and taking control against their Parkinson’s.”

Bootcamp participants also attended a weekly educational session covering topics such as sleep, mental health, medication management, speech and cognition, and nutrition. PD Bootcamp workbooks provided reference materials and worksheets for individualized learning plans.

In the Words of Our Parkinson’s Disease Bootcamp “Warriors”

Thank you and congratulations to our first Bootcamp Warriors. We are grateful to share a few parting words from some of our graduates about their experience. If you have any questions about the Parkinson’s Center or its programs, please visit the RVNAhealth Parkinson’s Center website, join our newsletter subscription list, or email us at PCinfo@rvnahealth.org.

“Over the last year my PD has accelerated rapidly. Perhaps it is not noticed by others, but I can feel the loss of muscle, the exhaustion, each slur of words, every scuff of foot, forgetfulness, constant pain, and confused action. The only hope a Parkinson’s patient has to forestall a total and deliberate, debilitating decline into dependency is exercise. Fortunately, this RVNAhealth Bootcamp program addresses this and more! The RVNAhealth Parkinson’s Center and its PD Bootcamp program demonstrates how to interweave exercise and information into your daily schedule. It is a lot to do – but it gives you control, and a confidence you cannot find elsewhere! This program helps guide those diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease through the myriad of symptoms they must confront and gives them the knowledge and defensive tools needed to continue on and live a purposeful life.” – Barbara

“I just finished the PD Bootcamp at the RVNAhealth Parkinson’s Center. What a great program and what a great experience for someone like me who is relatively newly diagnosed. Kate, Andrea, and Meg led a thorough program that kept me engaged for the entirety of the program. You were so visionary in designing and offering this program. I am now more aware of my disease what I can expect and the things I can do to help me cope with the Curveballs of Parkinson’s. I hope you are able to include this in your regular programming because it is so needed.” – Joe.

Congratulations again to all of our first Bootcamp Warriors!

While Valentine’s Day has past, it’s never too late to gift yourself time with a friend or loved one! And while you’re at it, why not consider adding a healthy element to your time together? Kate Campbell, DPT, RVNAhealth Rehabilitation & Wellness Outpatient Practice Manager and Physical Therapist, recently shared a special “Valentine’s Day-edition” sample exercise program than can be done with a partner.

Why partner exercise? Partner exercise can be a great way to improve your physical and mental health, while also having fun and building a stronger bond with your partner. It drives benefits such as improved motivation and accountability, better results with partner help and encouragement, a boost in mood and mental health, and exercising with a partner can be more fun and enjoyable than exercising alone!

Campbell emphasizes the physical connection aspect of partner exercise. “Any kind of touch — skin to skin, hugging — anything like that does great things for our body. It lowers negative stress hormones like cortisol and norepinephrine. And it increases your oxytocin levels, which is that bonding hormone that makes moms and babies feel really close together. This in turn stimulates other feel good hormones like dopamine and serotonin and endorphins. Everyone wants those endorphins. It makes you feel good and happy, and it can even reduce pain. All of this can happen in your brain – just by simple touch!”

Checkout Campbell’s partner exercise video sampling here! (Spoiler alert, Kate still looks amazing in her wedding dress!)

In the end, it’s all about getting your body moving and enjoying the enhanced physical and mental health benefits of spending time with another person. And as the spring season and nice weather approach, don’t forget the benefits of a simple walk, hand in hand, of course!

P.S. – Kate would love to see your partner exercise posts on social media (Facebook or Instagram) or via email (kcampbell@rvnahealth.org)!
P.P.S – If you would enjoy receiving weekly communications on fitness topics, such as this, and other nutrition topics, you may subscribe HERE.

If we learned two things from the pandemic, it’s the importance of accommodation and flexibility. We all have busy and complex schedules which can make in-person healthcare appointments difficult – especially if they are only offered during work hours. During the pandemic, many practitioners adapted creative ways to still see patients out of necessity. It is these alternative appointment options, such as telehealth visits and extended hours, that keep many of us healthier today – even in a post-pandemic world!

According to the Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Journal, telehealth, especially for physical therapy, has worked wonders for patients. Gone are the days when you would have to cancel an appointment due to weather challenges, not having a ride to your appointment, or other obstacles preventing you from receiving care. Telehealth appointments have allowed patients to have quicker access to care and have allowed practitioners to treat patients within a larger radius of the office.

Research shows that, on average, patients travel about 34 minutes for a healthcare appointment and, as a result, spend 90 fewer minutes working on appointment days. This can be a burden to some, especially if a practitioner recommends multiple appointments. The addition of telehealth and extended hours not only eliminates these obstacles but can improve a patient’s health outcomes without negatively affecting the quality of care received.

RVNAhealth’s Rehabilitation and Wellness Center offers extended hours Monday through Thursday (open from 8:20 am to 7:00 pm) as well as telehealth and hybrid (both in-person and telehealth) options to help you get well regardless of scheduling obstacles. To schedule an appointment or inquire about therapy services, please call: 203.438.7862 or email: rehabcenter@rvnahealth.org.

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.