Pickleball, a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, has gained recognition for its numerous benefits, particularly for individuals dealing with Parkinson’s disease. Several advantages of the sport include:
- Increased mobility
- Enhanced balance and coordination
- Cardiovascular health
- Social interaction
- Community support
Read on to learn about the creation of Pickleball Friday’s at the JCC.
Peter Obermeyer, Nashville Parkinson’s Support Group founder / volunteer and former racquetball enthusiast stated his journey with sports took an unexpected turn when an orthopedic specialist advised him to step away due to potential joint issues. However, the love for the game persisted, and when he discovered pickleball a new chapter began.
“Upon joining regular games at the Gordon Jewish Community Center (JCC), my initial apprehensions surfaced. Battling Parkinson’s, I felt a certain awkwardness that hindered my participation. Recognizing a need for inclusive play, I spearheaded an initiative to secure dedicated court time for individuals like me, coordinating with Harriet Shirley, the JCC “Fitness Manager” along with her assistant Diamond Battle. During this same time, John Tso and Robin Gordon were organizing a pickleball community for the Active With Parkinson’s Group (AWP) at the Sevier Park Community Center.
Then the Peterson Foundation for Parkinson’s provided an unexpected gift for the first year, by providing instructor and coach, Bo Sacks.
The Pickleball group now thrives every Friday from 2:00 to 4:00 at the JCC, with the invaluable presence of Bo Sacks, a Senior Olympic winner and a top-ranked player in Tennessee. Bo brings not just expertise, but a patient and compassionate coaching approach tailored to individual skill levels.
All are welcome to join the group, however RSVP’s are encouraged for efficient coordination, ensuring ample courts, paddles, and balls for all participants. If you are interested email Phillip Vest at phillip.vest@gmail.com. Non-members of the JCC can participate for a nominal fee of $11.00, which covers all Pickleball accessories.
This journey embodies the transformative power of pickleball, fostering camaraderie, skill development, and resilience in the face of Parkinson’s. As we celebrate our second year, the progress witnessed among participants reflects the success of a collaborative vision. Join us in redefining possibilities and embracing the joy of pickleball for those with Parkinson’s.
When it comes to fruits, blueberries are particularly beneficial for individuals with Parkinson’s. These small, antioxidant-rich berries offer a host of advantages.
individuals living with Parkinson’s disease. These vibrant greens are loaded with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support brain health and overall well-being.
Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and lemons not only add a burst of flavor to your meals but also provide valuable benefits for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease. These brightly colored fruits are renowned for their high vitamin C content and other beneficial compounds.
For many, the holidays are a joyful time to gather with loved ones and friends, reflect on the past year and think about what’s to come. But for some with recently diagnosed or progressing Parkinson’s or with depression or anxiety, it can be a stressful or lonely time. Visiting with others can bring worry or increased symptoms, and not attending social events can bring feelings of isolation. These are natural and common reactions.
“PFP has been the most important resource I have,” said Dan Bell when discussing his Parkinson’s Journey. His wife, Gwen (an employee at Vanderbilt) heard about the Peterson Foundation for Parkinson’s Active with Parkinson’s support group one day at work shortly after Dan was diagnosed. After a decade of experiencing executive skills and memory issues, Dan was officially diagnosed in 2018 with Parkinson’s. Dan does not experience rest tremors, instead he says his greatest issues include weakness and pain in his feet, and many of the typical non-motor symptoms such as acting out dreams in his sleep or having overall stiffness throughout his body during dopamine medicine off times.