Recently I have spent more and more time swimming and have seen many different ways that it has improved my life. For starters I feel healthier both inside and on the outside of my body. I have also noticed that as I’ve strengthened the core of my body as well as my legs I have noticed that I do not lose my balance as often. This is an important part of treating diseases like Parkinson’s because they are more prone to losing their balance and falling. Swimming isn’t the only way one may be able to improve their balance.
Ballroom dancing, tai chi, karate and many other past-times are now being used to strengthen balance and fight Parkinson’s disease. A couple of months ago I wrote about a couple that decided to take up ballroom dancing to improve some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Since they have begun ballroom dancing they have found improvement in tremors and other symptoms of Parkinson’s. A recent article from Michael J. Fox’s site explains that, “It becomes even more important if you have problems like joint pain and dizziness due to illness, or have Parkinson’s disease or diabetes or have suffered a stroke. With balance training, you’ll move more freely and confidently, especially if you’ve fallen. Training also will give you more energy and strength.”
“The body’s balance system is not easily measured and is influenced by genetics, so it’s hard to predict those most apt to fall, he said. However… physical activity, such as dancing, tai chi, yoga or strength training, is the most powerful intervention.”
Not only is it a powerful intervention but, in my mind, a necessary intervention. Now I know there are some cases where such activities like yoga, dancing and tai chi may be too difficult, but there is always some type of exercise or activity that can be therapeutic. I say this because I have seen the effects of it in my own life. I know, firsthand, that dedicating ones life, even for a short amount of time each day, can bring greater balance not only physically but in all aspects of life.
