This guy is giving Parkinson’s disease a fight. You can come find out how.

Photo courtesy of Southern Utah University, St. George News

CEDAR CITY — April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month. To increase and raise public awareness regarding this neurodegenerative disease, Southern Utah University, along with the Southwest Parkinson’s Disease Support Group, is hosting a Parkinson’s disease awareness event Wednesday from 2-4 p.m. at Snap Fitness in Cedar City. The event is free and open to the public.

Jens Howe, Cedar City, Utah, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Southern Utah University, St. George News

Last fall, Jens Howe, a pre-physical therapy student at SUU, helped launch a noncontact boxing clinic for Iron County residents who are struggling with the disease. In the last six months, Howe has seen improvements in participant’s coordination, balance, flexibility and overall well-being. The boxing program isn’t a cure, but it helps slow the disease’s progression.

The goal of this event is to provide information to the community about Parkinson’s disease and educate people about SUU’s successful Rock Steady Boxing program, which is managed by student volunteers, the Southwest Parkinson’s Disease Fitness Alliance and SUU’s Rural Health Scholars program. The event will showcase the progress participants have made since October, feature information from Intermountain Healthcare, Mike’s Running Store, Brookdale Senior Living and Memory Care and the Parkinson’s Disease Support Group.

The Southwest Parkinson’s Disease Fitness Alliance was created through SUU’s Rural Health Scholars program and a retired faculty member.

Dan Dail, past department chair of agriculture and nutrition science at SUU, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2009 and struggled to find an effective activity that helped reduce his symptoms. With a drive to stay positive, Dail explored different therapy options.

“An out of town physical therapist brought boxing gloves to a session one day,” Dail said. “Afterwards, he told me I was one of the fastest guys he’s worked with, and I was hooked.”

Dail researched Parkinson’s disease boxing programs in Utah, but the closest facility was located more than 200 miles away.  Seeing a need in his community, he brought his idea to the Rural Health Scholars program and was connected with Howe.

In early 2017, Howe trained with the international organization Rock Steady Boxing and was certified as a noncontact boxing trainer. He learned how Parkinson’s disease affects people and that forced exercise is one of the most effective ways to delay the progression of the disease.

“I want people locally to know that we’re offering those affected by Parkinson’s disease a way to fight back,” Howe said. “We are committed to providing the help and resources that can be difficult to find in rural communities like ours.”

Boxing-inspired exercise programs are growing in popularity with men and women of all abilities. Research shows these exercises slow the progression of the disease thus enhancing walking ability, flexibility, balance and overall well-being. To date, no medication has been able to do this.

“Jens (Howe) is one of those rare people who has found the true reward in helping others,” Dail said. “He helps out when no one is looking, with no expectation of receiving recognition. He exemplifies the difference between involvement and commitment and will be remembered for his contribution to people with PD in our community and SUU Rural Health Scholars.”

Howe will graduate this spring with plans to enroll in physical therapy school. However, the foundation he’s created for the daily boxing classes will continue. Four students from Rural Health Scholars will be trained and certified through the national Rock Steady Boxing program with certification costs being covered by the program to ensure the fitness courses’ future success.

“Opportunities to create community-based health programs that our students can manage and operate are vital to the mission our department,” Karen Ganss, Rural Health Scholars assistant director, said. “The Southwest Parkinson Disease Fitness Alliance gives students an inside view of what their future will look like working in the medical field. This improves their technical skills, prepares them for admission into graduate healthcare programs and increases their empathy and coping skills while working with individuals suffering from illnesses or long-term disease.”

Currently, classes are offered every day for an hour and a half with a goal to double the class offerings to meet growing demand. Daily fitness courses involve noncontact boxing and the Lee Silverman Voice Technique-based physical therapy program. Future courses could include yoga and stationary cycling as well as lectures on topics like nutrition.

Event details

  • What: Parkinson’s disease awareness event.
  • When: Wednesday, April 4, 2-4 p.m.
  • Where: Snap Fitness, 145 N. Main St., Cedar City.
  • Details: Free and open to the public.

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1 Comment

  • shoraierikson April 10, 2018 at 6:24 am

    Parkinson’s symptoms first appeared when I was 68. I noticed a vibration in right foot and then right hand. After about 18 months a shake and/or tremor. Twelve months later, shaking. My neurologist. Started me on entacapone,levodopa, carbidopa, and pramipexole to reduce symptoms and slow down progression but I could not tolerate them for long due to severe side effects. I decided to adopt a more natural approach and started on Parkinson’s Disease Herbal formula from Green House Herbal Clinic, the PD natural formula immensely helped my condition, i had a total recovery from Parkinson’s disease with this natural herbal formula treatment. Visit Green House Herbal Clinic official web site I feel alive again! The tremors, Shaking, Joint Stiffness and other symptoms has subsided.  I am very pleased with this treatment. I feel very well now and exercise regularly, sometimes i totally forget i ever had Parkinson’s, My family are amazed at the change and rapid recovery from PD. since the procedure I enjoy walking the dog for my daily exercise. DON’T GIVE UP HOPE!!!

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