LAKE FOREST HEALTH & FITNESS NEWS/BLOG

Member’s Inspiring Journey with Parkinson’s

By: Lake Forest Staff

June 28, 2023, 10:00 am - Categories: Health News

Member Becomes Stronger, Finds Motivation and Inspiration in Parkinson’s Program

Lucia retired from her job as a system analyst and was quite healthy, but her daughters noticed she was speaking and moving slower. After seeing a neurologist, Lucia was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in November 2021. Then the following summer she had a right hip replacement to correct a bone condition.

“I started voice therapy in June 2022 at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Health & Fitness Center and was introduced to Linda who gave me the information on the Parkinson’s exercise program. As soon as I was cleared from my surgeon and physical therapist, I signed up for the Parkinson’s exercise classes in October 2022,” says Lucia.

Lucia was really getting depressed with her Parkinson’s diagnosis, thinking it was the end of her independence. Meeting the people in the classes inspired her to work hard and helped her realize that it was up to her to lead a productive life.

“The instructors are all trained to work with individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s, and they have a lot of patience. They all know the type of exercises to target the areas of weakness caused by the disease. I’ve met some inspiring individuals in the classes. I’ve found out that some have the disease for 20 years and they are still living independently and taking level 1-2 classes. It is up to me to do the work and live the life I envision for myself. I began to think more positively.”

Lucia works out every day. She goes to Lake Forest Health & Fitness Center four days a week and completes home exercises the rest of the week.

“The staff and trainers in the center are the best. They are patient, kind, caring and encouraging. I was amazed that they all knew my name right away, making me feel so welcomed and special. I don’t limit myself to taking only Parkinson’s exercise classes but also taking other group exercise classes that benefit me and my needs. I lost my belly fat and can fit into my old pants again.”

Parkinson’s Support Group and Friendships

Lucia has made some really good friends with other members of the center. She has even interacted socially with them outside of the center. As they are all traveling the same journey, she feels they have so much to share and can help each other. She participates in the Parkinson’s support group meeting once a month. She hasn’t missed one meeting and finds them to be very helpful and informational.

“After starting at Lake Forest Health & Fitness Center, I find that I can still live an independent life as long as I work hard, eat right and think positively. The rest is up to God. I think the Parkinson’s program at Lake Forest Health & Fitness Center is the best, but other classes at the center are outstanding too. I would encourage others to join as health is the most important priority in life. Without health, life is not worth living and money can’t buy health. It is worth paying more for the club membership if it will help improve your health.”