Monday, April 6, 2026

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

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Newsletter and Class Schedule 4/13 - 4/19

Dear Friends:


April Awareness Month increases understanding about Parkinson’s by encouraging early detection, raising recognition about the symptoms and finding support for managing them, and highlighting the need for continued research. It also provides an opportunity to honor caregivers, families, and medical professionals who make a difference every day.


During Parkinson’s Awareness Month, we invite you to join us for open house sessions held during our regularly scheduled classes, led by each of our instructors.


Friday, April 17th at 10:30am: Drumming with Sally A blend of rhythm, repetition, coordination and full-brain engagement  Lynnfield Council on Aging


Wednesday, April 29th at 11am: Strength with Kim  Exercise designed to help to slow functional decline, improve safety, and enhance quality of life Marblehead Council on Aging

 

Have a great week, come join us and try a different, additional class during April…you’ll be welcomed wherever you go!

Linda



Instructor Spotlight —Balance and Strength instructor Sally Zagnoli Augustin


“Sally is very upbeat and motivating. Meeting up with others like me gives me the strength to keep going forward despite the challenges day to day. Sally is very supportive and very, very inspirational!” —from a class participant


Friday, April 17th, experience instructor Sally Augustin's 10:30 AM Balance and Strength class at the Lynnfield COA, 525 Salem Street. 


Aerobic exercises can help improve heart and lung function, enhance overall mobility, and cognitively help to reduce motor symptoms. Along with her energetic and wonderful sense of humor while leading class, Sally often includes circle drumming! Drumming is especially effective for people with Parkinson’s because it combines rhythm, repetition, coordination, and full-brain engagement in a way that directly targets the symptoms of the condition. It works so well because it gives the brain something Parkinson’s tries to take away: a reliable internal rhythm - and then trains the body to move with it.


“Sally’s classes are geared for our needs. She combines brain and strength exercise, combined with music. I really appreciate the opportunity for personal interactions…Sally’s encouragement is motivating!” —from a class participant


Click here to learn more about Sally and her work experience and devotion for motivating people of all ages to engage in healthy lifestyles.


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


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Thursdays at 11am In-Person

Balance in Motion Class with Dianna at MAGMA (Movement Arts Gloucester), 186 Main Street in GloucesterTo confirm class will be held, please call Dianna at 857-488-7880.


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Thursdays at 1:20pm In-Person

Strength this week with Sally at Salem Council on Aging, 401 Bridge Street in SalemTo 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 LynnfieldTo 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 DanversTo 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

Webinar: Speaking & Swallowing in Parkinson’s: Wednesday, April 15th at 1pm

Speech and swallowing changes are common in Parkinson’s disease and can significantly affect communication, nutrition, and quality of life. We will learn why voice and swallowing challenges occur in Parkinson’s and how they may progress over time. The session will highlight the essential role of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in identifying, assessing, and managing these changes. Practical strategies, therapeutic approaches, and supportive tools will be shared to help people with Parkinson’s and care partners feel more confident and empowered in daily communication and eating. Click to Register.

Article: Tremor, Shakes & Everything in Between: Tackling Parkinson's Motor Symptoms

From shaking and stiffness to muscle cramping and difficulty walking, challenges with movement (motor) symptoms can affect all aspects of daily life when it comes to Parkinson’s. Discover how exercise, medications and other strategies can help you move easier. Click to Read.

Webinar: Expert Briefing: Artificial Intelligence & Parkinson’s: Wednesday, May 13th at 1pm

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly shaping how health care information is shared and used—including for people living with Parkinson’s and their care partners. But what exactly is AI, and how does it differ from augmented intelligence, which is designed to support (not replace) human judgment? In this Parkinson's Foundation Expert Briefing, our speaker will provide a clear, practical overview of AI’s role in the delivery of care for people with Parkinson’s. Click to Register.