April 28, 2020 Posted by Bob Bachman, CLIMB trainer at Parkview Health and Fitness in Ft. Wayne, IN BlogGratefulnessParkinson's DiseaseThe CLIMB

Parkinsons Patient’s: Always Grateful

During this time of uncertainty, when many of us are feeling disoriented, overwhelmed and scared, I hope everyone in our Parkinson’s family throughout the state is keeping safe and secure.

As one of the instructors of The Climb program at Parkview Health & Fitness Center in Fort Wayne, IN, I have come to realize that Parkinson’s patients are a grateful family. Even when faced with illness, your gratitude shines through day after day.

As an instructor, this gratitude is rewarding and appreciated, but please realize it is beneficial for your own wellness as well. Research shows there is a strong correlation between gratitude and well-being. Researchers have found that individuals who express gratitude have a greater level of positive emotions, such as happiness, optimism and joy. At the same time, they have a lower level of anger, distress and depression.

So, keep showing the gratitude! Even in times of turmoil it is important for all of us to find ways to be grateful and express those feelings. Stay strong, we will get through this together.

Bob Bachman, Exercise Specialist
Parkview Health & Fitness Center
Fort Wayne, Indiana

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Tags: #InThisTogther, #ParkinsonsAwarenessMonth, #StoriesofGratitude

April 27, 2020 Posted by Addie Cunningham, Program Director Indiana Parkinson Foundation BlogGratefulnessParkinson's Disease

Start Each Day with a Grateful Heart

They say it takes 21 days to create a habit. What if for the next 21 days, you created a new practice in your life, one that is life-changing and life-giving…the gift of a life full of gratitude. I don’t know about you, but when I focus on things that I am grateful for, it changes my perspective and allows me to view things through a different set of lens. About 2 years ago, I bought a brand new pair of sunglasses. Now I never spend too much money on a pair of sunglasses cause they will most likely get broken or lost at some point. On my way home from purchasing my new sunglasses, I realized how much clearer I could see. I noticed more details in the things around me, the grass seemed greener and the sky bluer, but over time those glasses got dropped, scratched up and it is harder to see things as clear as I used to.

Isn’t this true about our lives sometimes? There are times when things are going well and we can clearly see the path God has for us and then over time, doubt and fears creep in and we wonder where we are going and if God is really in control. Our perspective gets cloudy and without changing our lens and fixing our eyes on Him then we continue down a path of uncertainty.

Let me show you how this practice of gratitude looks in my life. Gratitude is a practice that I start my day off with, it’s a choice that I move towards each day. I center my mind on God’s truth found in His Scriptures and jot down 5 things that I am prompted that day that I am grateful for. Some days, the things come easy for me to write down, other days they are tough things like the loss of a loved one or for Parkinson’s Disease. These don’t sound like things to be thankful for, but when I see what God has done in my life through these hard things, I am grateful.

My dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2008 and I would say it’s the last thing I am thankful for, however, the Lord through his diagnosis has allowed lots of people to connect through the CLIMB and the CLIMB provides hope and for that I am grateful.

One of my favorite verses which is posted on a sign in my house as a reminder is 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in ALL circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

So will you make the choice towards gratitude and start each day with a grateful heart with me???

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Tags: #InThisTogther, #ParkinsonsAwarenessMonth, #StoriesofGratitude

April 25, 2020 Posted by Kim Williams and Addie Cunningham, BlogGratefulnessParkinson's DiseaseThe CLIMB

#StoriesofGratitude Campaign

Today, Saturday, April 25th, 2020 the Indiana Parkinson Foundation is proud to participate in #ParkinsonsAwarenessMonth through our #StoriesofGratitude campaign.

As many of you know, our biggest event of the year, Choose to Move Race to beat Parkinson’s was scheduled for today and has been postponed to Saturday, September 12th. This annual event continues to grow and brings awareness for Parkinson’s to our community.

Since we are unable to “come together” for our race, we are launching a #StoriesofGratitude so we can “come together” in a different way. In the next several days, you will be connected with the faces of the Indiana Parkinson Foundation, showing their gratitude and joy through pictures, videos and blogs.

During these difficult times, we are choosing to find JOY in everything and see how focusing on the good will create more happiness. The Indiana Parkinson Foundation provides The CLIMB exercise program throughout the state, multiple support groups and free educational events. At this time we are doing our best to stay connected and continue our services through online calls, classes and support groups. We find JOY in staying connected to our community. Please consider supporting our efforts to continue connecting those with Parkinson’s with needed resources.

Will you donate to our cause, making a difference in the lives of those living with Parkinson’s disease?

On May 5th, 2020 #GivingTuesdayNow, a global day of giving and unity is set as an emergency response to the unprecedented need brought about by COVID-19. The Indiana Parkinson Foundation is excited to conclude the #StoriesofGratitude campaign on this global day of giving.

We invite you to participate in giving back and creating change in the lives of those living with Parkinson’s Disease through our mission of providing needed resources for the Parkinson’s community.

Nearly one million people will be living with Parkinson’s in the US in 2020, with approximately 60,000 diagnosed each year. The Indiana Parkinson Foundation is committed to improving the lives of those with Parkinson’s through research based exercise and support systems.

Will you partner with us as we continue our mission?

JOIN US AS WE FOCUS ON JOY AND IN EVERYTHING GIVE THANKS!

Tags: #InThisTogther, #ParkinsonsAwarenessMonth, #StoriesofGratitude