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Parkinson's Disease affects nearly 2,000 people in South Santa Barbara County and the Parkinson Association in Santa Barbara is working to help ease the lives of those suffering from the disease.
When Craig Palonen was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, he couldn't move the way he used to.
"Balance is an issue," says Palonen. "Getting in and out of bed is very difficult. Getting out of a chair is difficult. I used to be a lot better dancer."
He joined the Parkinson Association of Santa Barbara which he is now president of. The non-profit offers comradery, caregiver sessions and free exercise classes every Tuesday at Grace Lutheran Church in Santa Barbara.
Dance instructor Leslie Sack says with every turn and stroke, these patients stimulate their bodies and minds.
"The movement activities that we are doing are just helping register in the brain 'Oh tell the body what to do!' says Sack.
"And that pathway and understanding of the body gets a little clearer."
The class uses music, Tai Chi, tennis balls and stretching tools for patients to strengthen their bodies and have a little fun while they're at it.
"There's just a lot of socializing that goes on," says Palonen. "With people who have the same difficulties and that some how makes you feel better. It's like you're not alone in this fight!"
And for Palonen, each class brings back that spring in his step.
To find out how you can donate or sign up for the classes, please visit www.mypasb.org.
