 |
 |
Dear Barbara, >Date: Sat, 14 Nov 1998 16:28:02 EST >From: Barbara Blake-Krebs <[log in to unmask]> >Subject: Nov. Rotarian mag.- PWP Execise Video > "Wally FIschmann and Henry Tseng of the Rotary Club of Westwood >Village, CA,>USA, have produced an exercise video for people with >Parkinson's, a > Is anyone on the list familiar with this video? This generous group of Rotarians worked together with Dr. Jeff Bronstein, Director of the UCLA Movement Disorders Program, and Rachel McCoy, an exercise instructor and personal trainer. Dr. Bronstein gave us 2 copies for our support group's lending library. It's a very good video. Rachel is irresistable and irrepressible, with her charming English accent. They use that as the "story" of the video -- how she compels 4 people with Parkinson's off the couch and keeps them moving for an hour, covering the full range of motion. The facial exercises are of course the most fun, including puckering up. She uses a lot of sensible techniques, like doing "push-ups" standing against the well rather than doing them on the floor. One of the 4 PWP is always seated, so the sit-down version of each exercise is shown. Once you're familiar with the tape, it's possible to see how to break it up into segments. Otherwise I'd imagine the hour would be a bit long even for people who are in fairly good shape. Then there's the age factor. All four people with Parkinson's do very well but they're no spring chickens. I'd hesitate to recommend this to newly-diagnosed young people with Parkinson's because they might see the tremor and slowness as discouraging, rather than marvel as I did at how well the four former couch potatoes are doing. And Rachel speaks in a strong, loud voice, which is appropriate for a class where some people might have a problem with hearing. There's a "Sit and be Fit" video for people with Parkinson's which is also very good, but not nearly as fun nor as comprehensive as Rachel's. As you mentioned in your message, you can order a tape through Anna Panzazarino at the Westside Family YMCA, 11311 La Grange Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90025. telephone: 310/477-1511. She will send you an order form. They're selling them at cost plus shipping for a total of $7.00. (the usual disclaimer: I'm not connected with this project and I'm not going to profit from telling you about it.) Barbara, thanks to your sharp eye for noticing it in the Rotarian magazine! Mary [log in to unmask] 50/diag.1990/sinemet,tasmar,mirapex/ T'ai Chi & singing lessons/recovering couch potato