Parkinson's patients get moving to ease symptoms

Janice Seabrooks, left, helps Tony Greco of West Manchester Township stretch during an exercise class for people who have Parkinson's disease at HealthSouth. Jennifer Harlacher, a senior therapist there, said fear of falling, embarrassment and depression sometimes prevent people from staying active after they've been diagnosed. ( DAILY RECORD/SUNDAY NEWS - KATE PENN)

York, PA -

While sitting in his wheelchair, Dale McCoy faced his son Craig in the family's Hellam Township living room.

"Hands out," Craig McCoy said while demonstrating the movements. "Down to the floor."

With wide, concentrated eyes and slow stiff movements, Dale McCoy, 81, extended his arms in front of his body, bent at his waist and lowered his hands to the floor. While still in his wheelchair, he returned his torso to an upright position.

Craig McCoy asked his dad to do it again.

Dale McCoy has Parkinson's disease, a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. The stretching exercise is one of many he does to help retain his mobility.

In recent years, experts have started encouraging Parkinson's patients to move more because studies have shown that regular physical activity can improve their quality of life.

Jennifer Harlacher, senior therapist for HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital in West Manchester Township, said fear of falling, embarrassment and depression sometimes prevent people from staying active after they've been diagnosed.

"People stop doing what they enjoy," she said.

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Parkinson's patients get moving to ease symptoms