Community members with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners are invited to Powell Wellness Center on April 8 for a free open house to learn about the center’s programs supporting those with Parkinson’s disease, including the programs offered by UVA Health Therapy Services located at Powell. 

11:30 am: Occupational therapist Leigh Ann Richardson of UVA Health Therapy Services will discuss self care independence and adaptive equipment. She will also share information on Parkinson’s support programs such as LSVT for speech and movement therapy, currently available through Therapy Services, as well as the Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery Program, which will soon be available. 

1:00 pm: PWC offers Rock Steady Boxing (RSB), a non-contact boxing-based fitness curriculum designed to improve the quality of life for people with Parkinson’s disease. Open house attendees are welcome to observe or participate in the regular RSB class (if participating, comfortable clothing and athletic footwear are recommended). Studies suggest that intense exercise classes such as boxing can be neuro-protective and work to delay the progression of symptoms. Rock Steady Boxing began as a personal journey for its founder and has evolved into a international network of health professionals and fitness professionals offering Rock Steady Boxing programs in over 800 Affiliate locations in every state and 14 countries worldwide. PWC holds four RSB classes weekly; these fee-based classes are open to the public. PWC also hosts a monthly Parkinson’s support group, open to the public, on the second Wednesday of each month.

Questions about the April 8 open house may be directed to PWC aquatic & fitness program manager Karen Irvin, kirvin@culpeperwellness.org or 540-445-5388

Inquiries about Rock Steady Boxing may be directed to PWC RSB coach Bobby Zajkowski, bzajkowski@culpeperwellness.org