Parkinson’s patients regain strength and confidence at Novant Health class

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY-TV) — Parkinson’s disease impacts the lives of over 1.1 million people in the U.S., according to the Parkinson’s Foundation. While there is no known cure to the disease Novant Health has partnered with Beat Parkinson’s Today for a daily exercise course proven to help improve balance, strength and cognitive skills.

Michelle Hespeler, founder of Beat Parkinson’s Today was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at 40 years old and she said the program is great for all levels of fitness and disease progression.

“It’s amazing, when people come to the program within a week they feel better and they gain that self-confidence and it empowers them that have control over the disease,” Hespeler said.

According to a Yale University study, classes similar to Beat Parkinson’s Today can even help slow the progression of the disease. Deirdre Connelly one of the attendees was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in March and said before the classes she was frequently using a cane.

“I’m not using the cane anymore, my balance is a little bit better, doing more things around the house and I’m not as shaky,” Connelly said.

The program is offered seven days a week at Novant Health’s Jack Barton Team Fitness Center.