YMCA & The Kensington Partner To Offer FREE Parkinson’s Disease Management Program

Beginning Wednesday, March 4th, 2020 the Fort Madison Family YMCA and The Kensington Senior Living & Memory Care will offer a brand new exercise class and support group session designed specifically for individuals with any level of Parkinson’s Disease.

Ryan Wilson, Director and Kathy Krogmeier, Assistant Director of the Fort Madison Family YMCA met with Victoria Matlock, The Kensington Senior Living Consultant to join forces and create a program to help benefit those within the community suffering from Parkinson’s Disease.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. Symptoms start gradually, sometimes starting with a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand. Tremors are common, but the disorder also commonly causes stiffness or slowing of movement.

The program will consist of a 30 to 40 minute exercise class followed by a focus group where participants of the program will have the opportunity to come together, socialize, share experiences, and support each other.

The exercise portion of the program will be lead by Fort Madison Family YMCA’s certified instructor and assistant director, Kathy Krogmeier. Exercises will focus on increasing participant’s strength, power, flexibility and speed. And to help improve range of motion, balance and posture.

The focus group portion will be lead by The Kensington’s Mindi Garcia, RN-BSN and Cindy Greer, Memory Care Manager.

“Our overall goal is to help individuals who suffer the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease gain physical, cognitive, and emotional skills to improve day-to-day functionality and enhance their quality of life”.

Classes will be held at the Fort Madison Family YMCA at 220 26th St. Fort Madison at 10:30am every Wednesday. This class is absolutely free for all participants with PD. First class will be held on Wednesday, March 4th.

To learn more about this program or if you have any questions please contact Kathy Krogmeier at 319.372.2403 or email Kathy.krogmeier@fortmadisony.org.