DANCING with Parkinson’s Port Macquarie has celebrated its third birthday.
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Three years ago dance instructors, Sheila McDougall and Russell Wilkinson, established a weekly dance group in conjunction with the Port Macquarie Parkinson’s Support Group.
Over the three years the dance group has flourished and grown and many people living with Parkinson’s and other movement disorders have benefited greatly from the weekly sessions.
Parkinson’s Disease is a condition caused by a tiny part of a person’s brain failing to produce enough of a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine is a messenger chemical that helps nerves to communicate with each other and with muscles. People living with Parkinson’s disease often have a muscle tremor, or they have trouble walking and maintaining balance.
However, research has shown that people with the disease respond to dance music and can use the rhythm to help them to move. In particular, the rhythm of tango has been found to be especially effective.
Sheila and Russell have been joined by a team of volunteer assistants and the Support Group has contributed to skills development for the group leaders. As a result, the range of dance and specialised exercise routines has expanded, further increasing benefits for people participating. In particular, balance, core muscle control and general mobility are significantly improved, resulting in fewer falls, less muscle “freezing” and improved gait.
Each week the Dancing with Parkinson’s group gives people with the disease and their carers an hour and a half of safe exercise, interactive chair games, simple tango dance steps to promote balance and mobility, and morning tea together in a fun social atmosphere.
The group welcomes visitors, and anyone interested in visiting or participating in the Dancing For Parkinson’s Group is invited along on Wednesday mornings, from 9.30am to 11am at the Rotary Hall in Hamilton Green, 198 Hastings River Drive Port Macquarie.
For information phone Sheila and Russell on 65 838203 or 0438 849 964.
To enquire about the Parkinson’s Support Group, ring secretary, Mary on 65 855756 or visit the website at www.parkinsonspmq.org.au/contact
