Monday, August 10, 2026

Parkinson's Fitness Ability-based Exercise, Arts and Movement Programs

August Newsletter and Class Schedule 8/10 - 8/16

Dear Friends:


SPECIAL NOTICE!

Dianna's Thursday Gloucester class will NOT be held this week. If you usually attend this class or know someone who does who may not see this notice, PLEASE share the information.



The heat is on! As a reminder, some of our fitness spaces are quite warm lately, please remember to wear lighter layers and to bring water so you can stay hydrated. It is important to drink enough non-caffeinated liquids to ensure your body and especially your medication are working as they should.


Try this refreshing Strawberry-Basil Infused Water recipe from Real Simple to help you meet your daily fluid goals without any added sugar. Strawberries and lemons are both packed with natural water content, making them excellent hydrating ingredients while providing a subtle, refreshing taste.

Ingredients

1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced

10 fresh basil leaves, torn

1 lemon, sliced

2 quarts (about 8 cups) fresh water

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher.

Stir gently to release the flavors.

Refrigerate for at least 2 to 4 hours before serving so the flavors can infuse.


Thanks for continuing to show up for our in person fitness classes. We know that every bit of movement helps to make it easier to manage your Parkinson's symptoms.


Thank you!

Linda

In-Person Parkinson's Fitness Classes

This list details our in-person classes. Click on the underlined address to access a map and directions. Look to the blue box under this section for links to our Zoom and recorded classes. 


Mondays at 10am In-Person

Strength with Kim at Marblehead Council on Aging, 10 Humphrey Street in Marblehead. To confirm class will be held, please call the COA at 781-631-6225


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Wednesdays at 11am In-Person

Strength this week with Janice at Marblehead Council on Aging, 10 Humphrey Street in Marblehead. To confirm class will be held, please call the COA at 781-631-6225


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No Class this Thursday with Dianna in Gloucester

Dianna's Gloucester class will NOT be held this week. If you usually attend this class or know someone who does who may not see this notice, PLEASE share the information.


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Thursdays at 12:30pm In-Person

Strength this week with Sally at Salem Council on Aging, 401 Bridge Street in Salem. To confirm class will be held, please call the COA at 978-744-0924.


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Fridays at 10:30am In-Person

Balance and Strength Class with Sally at Lynnfield Council on Aging, 525 Salem Street in Lynnfield. To confirm class will be held, please call the COA at 781-598-1078.


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Fridays at 1pm In-Person and Also on Zoom

Balance in Motion Class with Dianna at Danvers Council on Aging, 25 Stone Street in Danvers. To confirm class will be held, please call the COA at 978-762-0208. 

Can't make it in? Join from home with this link: Click Here Meeting ID: 824 0247 5688. Passcode: 12345


Parkinson's Fitness At Home Exercise

Try these pre-taped classes that you can do at home at any time. Do what feels best for your body and clear the area around you so your arms and legs can move freely. Drink plenty of water. All times listed are US Eastern Standard Time. Click here to convert to your time zone.


Tuesday at 1pm Balance in Motion with Dianna on Zoom

Click Here

Meeting ID: 824 0247 5688 Passcode: 12345


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Wednesday at 1pm Breathe and Stretch Yoga with Dianna

Click Here

Meeting ID: 818 8748 2663 Passcode: 12345


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Friday at 1pm Balance in Motion with Dianna on Zoom

Click Here

Meeting ID: 824 0247 5688 Passcode: 12345


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Looking for More Workouts?

Try one of our Recorded Video Classes




Click for Dianna’s channel of videos


Click for a recorded workout with Kim


Click to access Parkinson's Foundation Fitness Friday videos



News, Articles, & More

SAVE THE DATES!

October 24th—Parkinson's Fitness Expo at Danvers YMCA


November 22nd—Parkinson's Fitness Fundraiser at the Marblehead VFW

More info to come—Let's keep this organization thriving!

Webinar: Parkinson's and the Gut-Brain Connection—Wednesday, August 12th at 3pm

Explore how Parkinson’s impacts the body's gut-brain connection with Dr. Bianca Palushaj. During this presentation, she will discuss how the digestive system and brain communicate, and why this relationship may play an important role in Parkinson’s disease. Click to Register.

Webinar: Lesser Known Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease—Wednesday, August 12th at 1pm

Many non-motor symptoms (symptoms that you can’t see) are commonly associated with Parkinson’s, including depression, constipation, and problems with blood pressure regulation. However, PD can also involve a range of lesser-known non-motor symptoms that aren’t frequently talked about. Join us and we will explore often-overlooked symptoms, such as:

Runny nose, Pain, Weight loss, Visual problems, And more!

We’ll discuss how these symptoms can affect people with PD, along with ways to combat them to improve how you’re feeling. Bring your questions because we’ll answer them live during the program. Click to Register.

Parkinson's Roadmap for Education and Support Services (PRESS™) is an 8 week support series: Wednesdays, Sep 2nd – Oct 21st, from 3:00 - 4:30PM

PRESS is an 8 week support series on Zoom with tailored content to address the psychosocial needs of those who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s within the last five year. PRESS provides an opportunity for people with PD and one care partner or family member to meet with others facing a similar experience and share coping strategies regarding day-to-day issues related to living with Parkinson’s. For many people with PD, the program is a gateway to education, support services, and community-based advocacy. PRESS is a place to share their experiences, feelings, and strategies for coping with the disease. 

Facilitator: Terri Trafas, LICSW; Contact: Cathi Thomas MS, RN at the APDA Information & Referral Center at Boston University Medical Campus at 800-651-8466 or apdama@apdaparkinson.org. Click to Register.

Article to Read: Six Tips for Managing Daily Life with Advancing Parkinson’s

The course of Parkinson’s diseaseis different for everyone. However, as symptoms advance, managing routines and moving safely through your day can become more challenging. Care partners also find their roles evolving as the needs of their loved ones change. These useful tips found in Parkinsons Foundation's new Practical Pointers Guide can help you manage everyday movement, personal care and daily life with greater ease throughout your journey with Parkinson’s. Click to Read.

Webinar: Coffee and Conversations—Psychosis and Hallucinations: Wednesday, August 19th at 1PM

Not everyone with Parkinson’s will experience psychosis or hallucinations, but when they do occur, they can be confusing, distressing, or even frightening for both the person with Parkinson’s and their loved ones. In this open conversation, Dr. Sneha Mantri and a guest expert invite you to bring your questions about what these experiences mean, why they happen, how to recognize them, and how to respond with compassion and calm.

Your questions will guide the discussion as our experts share clear, trustworthy insights and practical strategies to support safety, understanding, and emotional well-being. Click to Register.