Evidence based studies on Parkinson’s clearly identify poling, with the proper training, as a healthy mode of physical activity suited for improving quality of life. Walking poles offer proven beneficial effects on general key health parameters such as balance and increased walking tolerance.
Learn about all the amazing benefits of using ACTIVATOR Poles for Parkinson’s and how to effectively use the poles! If you have poles of any kind please bring them.
INSTRUCTOR: Robyn Murrell, Certified ACTIVATOR Pole Instructor, Rock Steady Boxing Coach, Parkinson Wellness Recovery Certified Instructor, Personal Trainer, Founder, IMPACT Parkinson’s
REGISTER: Email info@impactparkinsons.com. Call 604-525-2631.
COST: $25.00/person or $40.00/couple
This Fraser Health one-on-one mobile clinic for people with Parkinson’s offers a multi-disciplinary approach to the prevention of falls and fall-related injuries.
In this FREE 90 min assessment session, participants have the opportunity to sit with health professionals (pharmacist, kinesiologist and physiotherapist).
DETAILS: Aspects of fall risk status will be assessed and interventions discussed. A detailed report of all the recommendations is provided to the participant and sent to the primary physician(s) and other members of your healthcare team upon your approval.
DATE: Friday, November 30 from 11:15am – 6:30pm
LOCATION: IMPACT PARKINSON’S, #103-450 E Columbia St, New Westminster
NOTE: Only 7 spots available.
REGISTER: Email info@impactparkinsons.com. Call 604-525-2631.
Due to the nature of symptoms of Parkinson’s, people with the disease are more at risk of falls. Parkinson’s disease affects the parts of the brain controlling balance and coordination.
Additionally, some drugs used to treat Parkinson’s can lower blood pressure, causing a feeling of faintness when getting up from a sitting or lying position (called Orthostatic Hypotension).
DETAILS: In this very important Parkinson’s specific workshop you will learn:
1. The 4 Pillars of Falls Prevention
2. Tips and Tricks for Falls Prevention
3. About Medial and Medication Alert Services available through Lifeline, Fraser Health
4. Improvement in Balance Study – Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation and its beneficial behavioral effects in Parkinson’s disease
DATE: Thursday, November 14 from 2:00pm – 4:00pm
LOCATION: IMPACT Parkinson’s, #103-450 E Columbia St, New West
SPEAKERS:
Ronda Field, Physiotherapist, Injury Prevention & Assessment, Fraser Health Shianne Bains, Coordinator, Injury Prevention & Assessment, Fraser Health Deana Burtnick, Lifeline Coordinator, Fraser Health
Michelle Doo, Clinical Research Coordinator & Linlin Gao, PhD Student, UBC Pacific Parkinson’s Research Centre
This workshop is intended for people living with Parkinson’s,
including family & friends.
COST: Registration is by donation to IMPACT Parkinson’s payable at the workshop. Suggested minimum $20.00/person. Thank you!
REGISTER: Email info@impactparkinsons.
Join IMPACT Parkinson’s for a new arts and crafts program for people with Parkinson’s and their family and friends. Enhancing life through creativity and expression, art making can also be used therapeutically to address specific symptoms of Parkinson’s.
DETAILS: Sign up for one or all three;
CLASS 1. Exploring Creativity using Collage/Mixed Media
ARTIST: Tatiana A. Bobko
DATE/TIME: Saturday, September 21, 10:00am – Noon.
COST: $30.00
CLASS 2. Poppy Felting with “The Poppy Project”
ARTIST: Anne Whitmore
DATE/TIME: Friday, October 18, 12:30pm – 2:00pm.
COST: FREE!
CLASS 3. Introduction into Neurographica
ARTIST: Alina Smolyansky
DATE/TIME: Saturday, November 16, 10:00am – noon.
COST: $30.00
REGISTER: Email info@impactparkinsons.
Let’s Talk Loud is group voice therapy sessions. Learn
about communication and swallowing concerns common in
Parkinson’s disease. Participate in voice training to help strengthen
voice and communication. These sessions are for those already
experiencing communication and swallowing challenges as well as
those who wish to be proactive in their treatment. One support
person is recommended and included for free.
INSTRUCTOR: Mia Mosters, Speech Language Pathologist, LSVT LOUD Certified
DETAILS: 6 Mondays, 12:30pm – 2:00pm, 5 minimum required
DATES: October 7 – November 25 (No class October 14 + November 11)
COST: $270.00 and free for one support person
NOTE: Monday, September 30, a 30 Minute Assessment is required for new clients – $40.00 on from 12:30pm onward. Must preregister.
REGISTER: Registration deadline is Wednesday, September 25. Email info@impactparkinsons.com. Call 604-525-2631.
IMPORTANT UPDATE: We have made some changes to this series to allow people to attend Part 1 if they can’t do all three. This includes costs.
Join IMPACT Parkinson’s with Founder, Robyn Murrell, Dr. Caroline Coombs, ND, and Wendy Wells, Dietician, RHN, BSc, MSc, for a 3-part practical series on healthy eating for people with Parkinson’s. This is intended for people with Parkinson’s and one support person OR the person in your home who does the majority of food shopping and cooking.
DETAILS: 3-part practical series includes;
PART 1 – LEARN about the diet/microbiome connection, testing available for people with Parkinson’s, eating a plant-focused diet, and how diet affects Parkinson’s symptoms and medication.
DATE: Saturday, September 28, 10:00am – Noon.
LOCATION: IMPACT Parkinson’s Society, 103-450 E Columbia St, New West
PART 2 – SHOP with a Nutrition Consultant at Choices Markets during a 90 minute Parkinson-specific group nutrition tour.
DATE: October dates to be announced.
LOCATION: Choices Markets, Burnaby Crest, 8683 10th Avenue, Burnaby
PART 3 – CREATE simple healthy dishes with the team from Amaranthus, a plant-focused restaurant. You will also share a full meal together (soup, salad and veggie burger) plus take home healthy recipes! ONLY 5 SPOTS LEFT!
DATE: Thursday, November 21, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
LOCATION: Amaranthus, 112-810 Quayside Drive, New West
COST: Fee: $115.00/person for all three sessions for maximum benefit OR $40.00/person or $70.00 for couple/pair for Part 1 and $75.00 for Part 3 (priority for those wanting all three sessions and only 20 spots available)
REGISTER: Email info@impactparkinsons.com. Call 604-525-2631.
T’ai Chi integrates balance and coordination with body awareness
and mental attention training. Studies have shown that individuals
with Parkinson’s who participate in these exercises experience
improvements in Parkinson’s related motor symptoms, balance and
mobility, as well as a reduced number of falls. Specifically, Yang
Style Short Form T’ai Chi will be offered during our seasons. This
involves two-person skills where students learn to preserve their
balance and mobility even when challenged by another person.
INSTRUCTORS: Diane Kehoe & John Eastman
DETAILS: 8 Fridays, 11:30am – 12:30pm, 8 minimum required
DATES: October 4 – November 29 (No class October 18)
COST: $120.00/person, family and friends welcome
DROP-IN: $18.00 space permitting & please preregister
REGISTER: Email info@impactparkinsons.com. Call 604-525-2631.
Yoga for Parkinson’s offers various movements focusing on
flexibility and balance, plus relaxation and meditation, as ways of
managing symptoms. Classes will include grounding and befriending
the body, breath work with the intention of reducing stress in the
body and mind, yoga movement in standing, seated on the earth, or
seated in a chair. Coming from a trauma-sensitive perspective,
classes will be about choice, paying attention to what each body,
mind, and spirit most need and that this practice will be unique to
each individual.
INSTRUCTOR: Kelly Ranford, RYT-200, MCP, M.Ed
DETAILS: 8 Tuesdays, 4:00pm – 5:00pm, 5 minimum required
DATES: October 1 – November 26 (No Class November 12)
COST: $120.00/person. Family and friends welcome
DROP-IN: $18.00 space permitting & please preregister
REGISTER: Email info@impactparkinsons.com. Call 604-525-2631.
Everybody can play the game of Lawn Bowls! It is a low impact game that is extremely accessible and great for any age. One of the best parts about the sport is that anyone can play no matter their skill level. You don’t have to be able to jump high or run fast to enjoy the sport. It is hand eye coordination and allows everyone to start at the same level. Friends and family are welcome!
Our session includes a lesson and demo from club members and lunch!
LUNCH INCLUDES: Burger or Veggie Burger, Salads, Dessert, Tea/Coffee, Cold Drink
COST:
Bowl + Lunch: $40.00
Bowl Only: $20.00
Lunch Only: $20.00
LOCATION: New Westminster Lawn Bowling Club, 710 8th St, New Westminster
REGISTER: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/lawn-bowling-lunch-for-parkinsons-tickets-63162443569
For info and questions email info@impactparkinsons.com. Call 604-525-2631.
Thank you to New West Lawn Bowling Club + New West Firefighters Charitable Society for supporting this event! Follow along on the Facebook Event Page here.
Huge thanks to Me-n-Ed’s Burnaby for partnering with IMPACT!
Thank you to everyone for supporting and ensuring IMPACT Parkinson’s has the resources in place to support existing programs in addition to develop and deliver new programming for individuals and families living with Parkinson’s!
Everyone welcome!
DINNER INCLUDES:
COST: $25.00 (includes tax + tip)
LOCATION: Me-n-Ed’s Burnaby, 7110 Hall Avenue, Burnaby
REGISTER: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/pizza-beerwine-fundraiser-for-impact-parkinsons-tickets-64404487556
For more info email info@impactparkinsons.com. Call 604-525-2631.
Huge thanks to Me-n-Ed’s Burnaby + Burnaby Firefighters Charitable Society for supporting this event. Plus all the individuals + local businesses for donations for the Silent Auction and Toonie Toss! Follow along on the Facebook Event Page here.
BOXING GYM HELPS PEOPLE LIVING WITH DISORDER. A gym tucked away in a New Westminster strip mall serves as more than just a place to work out -- it's a place where people with the debilitating disease can be themselves.
IMPACT PARKINSON’S ADDS ART WORKSHOPS TO ITS ‘MIND-BODY-SOUL’ APPROACH. Three workshops coming to Sapperton this fall are aimed at people with Parkinson’s and their family and friends. Enhancing life through creativity and expression. That’s what a new arts and crafts program offered by IMPACT Parkinson’s...
ME-N-ED'S IN BURNABY HOSTS PARKINSON'S FUNDRAISERBurnaby firefighters stepped up to donate $500 for IMPACT Parkinson's Society at a fundraiser held at the local Me-n-Ed's pizza parlour.
We are so grateful for the Rotary Club of New Westminster for supporting IMPACT Parkinson’s with a donation to our new Art Therapy for Parkinson’s program starting in Fall 2019… Thank you so much. Stay tuned for details!
“The team has also decided to donate partial proceeds from certain menu items to IMPACT Parkinson’s, a New Westminster-based non-profit that supports people living with Parkinson’s disease.” Metro Vancouver has a new plant-based restaurant to look forward to. Amaranthus is the name of the vegetarian and...
UBC Canada reports that one out of every 500 Canadians is diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, which equates to 100,000 people in the country. Leah Bolton from JoyTV visits IMPACT Parkinson’s and highlights Parkinson’s Awareness Month….
The City of New Westminster has proclaimed April as Parkinson’s Awareness Month and the new Parkinson's wellness centre in Sapperton has some special announcements, workshops and events planned. Starting with a new name, IMPACT Parkinson's, and website launching on World Parkinson's Day, April 11 (www.impactparkinsons.com) plus receiving their Incorporated Non-Profit Society status.
UBC Canada reports that one out of every 500 Canadians is diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, which equates to 100,000 people in the country. Leah Bolton highlights Parkinson's Awareness Month.
The City of New Westminster has proclaimed April as Parkinson’s Awareness Month and the new Parkinson's wellness centre in Sapperton has some special announcements, workshops and events planned. Starting with a new name, IMPACT Parkinson's, and website launching on World Parkinson's Day, April 11 (www.impactparkinsons.com) plus receiving their Incorporated Non-Profit Society status.
Interview with Robyn Murrell of Impact Parkinson's at the Festival de Bois on Tri-Cities TV.
After running a successful Rock Steady Boxing program in New Westminster for three years, and recently founding IMPACT Parkinson’s Society, Head Coach, Robyn Murrell, says “I am excited to be able to help more people living with Parkinson’s by bringing this program to Abbotsford in April 2019.
In this episode of When Life Gives You Parkinson’s I explore a variety of exercises in search of one or some that I can commit to. I lace up boxing gloves for a Rock Steady Boxing class in at Impact Parkinson’s in New Westminster. Trainer Robyn Murrell takes people with Parkinson’s through circuit training,
Robyn is the most supportive and caring trainer I've ever met! I'm fully benefiting from her fun and creative classes and always look forward to the next session. Her dedication and real concern for our wellbeing is impressive!
I remember it vividly five years ago - the neurologist saying, “It is Parkinson’s - but you won’t die from it”. After that, lots of tears and the “why me” question. I was looking for answers and found support from Parkinson’s Society BC. Through PSBC I found Robyn, the second person with the same attributes of understanding and kindness. She is our ROCK - she guides, challenges and makes us feel “normal” again. She puts her heart into this cause and we appreciate her. It will be three years now and I would not want to miss classes at IMPACT Parkinson's, especially the boxing, for anything! Thank you Robyn!
Tim and I would like to thank you very much for including us in the Parkinson's Falls Prevention clinic. The information we got from the home safety forms with suggestions for further safety will be very useful. The assessments at the three stations were very thoroughly and respectfully conducted and we learned a lot for going forward with Tim’s safety. Thank you so much for the concern you showed us.
Robyn is the ideal boxing coach for anyone with Parkinson's. She "gets us"! During class, Robyn has the ability to recognize a fighter's capability for that particular day and seamlessly adjust their workout or form as required. Classes flow at a perfect pace for all participants regardless of skill level or experience. We are truly proud and grateful to have her in our corner...
First time I tried Rock Steady Boxing with Robyn I was hooked! It has been nothing short of fantastic, improving my quality of life a ton. I'm healthier than I was ten years ago. Rock Steady has increased my mobility, my fitness, my cognitive thinking, my strength, my balance, flexibility and focus. I can't recommend the program any stronger. It is so much fun. I can't imagine a time when I won't be doing it. The people I've met are all top drawer too. I'm also thrilled that my wife Cathy is a volunteer in class!
We recently participated in the group voice therapy at IMPACT called Let's Talk Loud workshop. It was so informative. Mia who taught the class brought up things that hindered speech that I had never thought of before. I highly recommend caregivers taking it as well the PWP. Speech is so complex. I would recommend that people take this course before speech becomes a big problem…it is easier to work on it at that level. As a caregiver I now have a better idea how to help my husband.
I started volunteering with Rock Steady Boxing New West in January 2019 shortly after my wife’s Parkinson's diagnosis was confirmed. Originally I only wanted to support her, and that remains my primary concern, but it is now more than that. I have no previous experience with Parkinson’s or helping in a gym setting. I am learning something new every week being a volunteer in classes and I like to think I am being useful to the leaders and the fighters. More than anything, we meet great people and we have a lot of fun!
I’ve never joined a program specifically for people with Parkinson's before. I participated in the yoga class and have now signed up for more. Our guide, Kelly, creates a safe and supportive atmosphere. I swear I can feel my ‘noisy’ body become quiet after a session. Recommend it! Namaste!
I can’t say enough good things about Robyn and the IMPACT Parkinson’s Team. To say IMPACT Parkinson’s cares about its program users would be a huge understatement. They have truly created a loving, caring, supportive program environment. Such as their Rock Steady Boxing program that provides not only physical work out components matched to the individuals’ capabilities and needs, but also focuses on other PD challenges like dexterity and voice fluctuation. It’s also a great environment to bond with other PD individuals who share similar symptoms and understand what your daily challenges look like. I highly recommend IMPACT Parkinson's for all the “ the movers and the shakers” in our Parkinson’s world.
There is a life after Parkinson's and Robyn and Heidi helped me discover that. Rock Steady Boxing has helped me in every way to deal with a difficult diagnosis. Physically I am stronger. My balance and coordination have improved. I have developed a support network that has supported me emotionally. My neurologist is impressed with my progress and I contribute much of that to the individualized, self paced, respectful boxing program that Robyn offers. IMPACT offers a number of programs designed to support individuals living with Parkinson’s and I highly recommend them. To not participate in physical activity is to give into the disease and that is just wrong!
My husband and I participated in the Let's Talk Loud program at IMPACT. It was extremely helpful for me. I was reminded of the importance of speaking up: I just had to be aware. It was very useful to have lessons twice a week. Working with the others in the group created a real bond among us. I found it extremely rewarding.
I was diagnosed 10 years ago. I have been attending Rock Steady Boxing since Robyn started this program three years ago. It has helped me in keeping a positive attitude, good physical strength and balance. Robyn and her volunteers always make the classes fun to attend and, offer all of us, a lot of encouragement. This program also helps us to interact with many other people with Parkinson’s, so we can learn from each other, and create a support system. I think that this is a great program. Go Fighters!!!
I love all the programs at IMPACT! The programs have all been worth it - Urban Poling,Chronic Conditions Self-Management Program, Falls Prevention Workshop and Clinic,Yoga, T'ai Chi and Rock Steady Boxing. I've never felt pushed. Always giving it my all. I’ve met some awesome people. I love getting emails from Heidi. You never know what’s next! I’m in the Monday/Wednesday Rock Steady Boxing classes and I am keenly aware how much better I feel Monday to Thursday vs over the weekend. I couldn’t live without my Rock Steady boxing group!!!!
I think that it is altogether too easy for a person with Parkinson’s to lapse into a sedentary life style. In my case ,I was becoming addicted to movies. The only exercise that concerned me was getting out of my chair for meals or other biological needs. The family doctor suggested that I give something called “Rock Steady Boxing" for people with Parkinson’s a try. I was a little apprehensive at first. After all, the situation in my mind was “Me! : Boxing?!” Robyn Murrell, the person behind the Boxing program and Head Coach, quickly set me at ease and convinced me to give it a try. As it turned out, the boxing sessions consist of boxing techniques and exercises aimed at increasing strength, dexterity and balance. All this under the watchful eye of Robyn and an amazing group of very helpful volunteers. For me, one of the distinct plus's with this program is not having to be embarrassed in any way when the Parkinson’s symptoms show up. We all shake and stumble. We’re all in the same boat. One last comment re: Rock Steady Boxing.....IT’S FUN!!!!!
I have just completed a Let's Talk Loud session at IMPACT Parkinson's with Mia, Speech Language Pathologist. The group voice therapy is designed to allow us to speak LOUD. Mia is an amazing therapist -- she has the ideal balance of professionalism and being social. I was reticent at first to "AHHHH" at my strongest level, but Mia's way of presenting knowledge with humour made me "AHHHH" happily in no time!
I was introduced to Rock Steady Boxing in Arizona at a voice therapy group. When I returned to BC, I went to see the facility at IMPACT Parkinson's and discovered that in addition to boxing there were many other programs available from speech therapy to lawn bowling outings! Having now sold my home in AZ I expect this facility will become more important in slowing the progression of my PD and symptoms. They have a great group of staff and volunteers that really care.
We have read a lot about Parkinson’s and exercise of some sort is encouraged by most of the sources we have found so I have taken that to heart. I exercise five times a week which includes two days with Rock Steady Boxing New West at IMPACT Parkinson's. Also, I recently bought a set of walking poles, another way to exercise while enjoying the fresh air. Boxing helps me to maintain my balance and will help me to become stronger and more flexible. It is a great workout with caring, empathetic and knowledgeable leaders - but they don’t let us slack off, it is a workout after all! I also enjoy the company of the other fighters, we all have the same issues but their encouragement and camaraderie helps a lot. I have also participated and benefited in other programs at IMPACT such as Yoga and the Chronic Conditions Self Management Program. IMPACT Parkinson’s calls us fighters, not boxers. It would be so easy to stay home and think about this illness and do nothing, but with the love and help of our families, and the encouragement of others with PD we can push back and continue to enjoy ourselves and lead full lives. Keep Fighting!