During our 3rd Annual Health & Wellness Expo webinar, participants could choose to attend two of six live wellness program demonstrations or discussion sessions, helping them discover their own "swagger" - the art of moving with purpose and embracing the possibility of living confidently and unapologetically about the way they move in the world. 

Breakout Session Presenters & Programs: 

Dancing with Parkinson's offers free in-person and online dance and movement classes for people living with Parkinson's disease across Canada and around the world. Join them at 11:00 a.m. EST, 365 days a year from wherever you are to connect to community and experience the joy and benefits of dance! Visit Dancing with Parkinson’s for more information and to register. 

Singing with Parkinson’s was to address vocal issues associated with Parkinson’s using exercises and warm-ups gleaned from Paula Wolfson's musical theatre career, and swallowing muscle exercises borrowed from professional vocal therapists. Voices, both speaking and singing, grow stronger; breath is better controlled through specific exercise; there is a deep sense of belonging and communal support for people who might otherwise isolate; there is pride in feeling a sense of accomplishment as the brain is engaged with learning new songs and vocal techniques. Some participants even report sleeping better after a class. To learn more, visit Singing with Parkinson’s or send Paula an email. 

For people with Parkinson's, Nordic pole walking helps improve posture and coordination, keeps the walker more upright with longer, quicker strides and promotes a steady walking pace. Additionally, using poles engages both the arms and legs, help reduce stress on the knees and joints, and stretches the walker’s limbs. Visit One Step Ahead Mobility for more information. Urban Poling Inc. is offering 20% off all poles and accessories. Use code PDHW20. Code expires Oct 31, 2024. 

Improv for Parkinson's is designed to introduce students with Parkinson’s to the foundations of improvisation and apply improv skills to life with Parkinson’s. Participants will build community, learn new skills, work together, tell stories, and laugh! Family members and care partners are encouraged to attend with participants, as many games can be played at home after class. The program's core themes such as presence, celebrating mistakes and teamwork offers an impactful creative outlet for the Parkinson’s community. To learn more, visit Improv for Wellness or send them an email. 

Empower-U by U-Turn Parkinson’s is a fun, upbeat, Parkinson’s-specific program for anyone living with Parkinson’s. The class provides a full-body workout combining functional strength training, stretching, range of motion, coordination, balance, boxing and agility exercises. Empower-U is offered free-of-charge in-person and online, and is suitable for all levels of ability. In-person classes are offered on Mondays at 10:00 AM CST and Fridays at 10:00 AM & 1:00 PM CST at 525 Beresford Avenue, Winnipeg. Online classes are offered on Fridays at 11:30 AM CST on Zoom. To register, create an account online here or call 204-510-4869. 

Tai Chi by U-Turn Parkinson’s is a low-impact exercise that allows participants of all levels of ability to work on balance, coordination, and flexibility. In the class, you will be guided through a series of flowing movements that are designed to improve posture, decrease rigidity, and lower your risk of falls. You’ll learn how to coordinate your breath with your movements, promoting relaxation and mindfulness. Tai Chi is offered free-of-charge on Thursdays from 12:00 – 1:00 PM in-person at 525 Beresford Avenue in Winnipeg, and will be offered live-online very soon. To register for the in-person class, create an account online here or call 204-510-4869. To add your name to the waitlist for Tai Chi online class, fill out this form.  

Parkinson Canada’s Information and Referral team is available weekdays to answer your questions about Parkinson’s or care partnering, and can provide you with information in electronic or hard copy formats. Call 1-888-664-1974 or email [email protected].  

Get your copy of Every Victory Counts® Canadian Edition here. 

Interested in volunteering? Apply and learn more here. 

Parkinson Canada is happy to offer programs such as this webinar at no cost to the Parkinson’s community thanks to the generosity of our wonderful donors. Please visit parkinson.ca for more information, to get involved or to support Canadians affected by Parkinson’s by making a donation.