Programme
Below we provide a summary of the programme to give you an idea of the subjects and areas we are going to cover.
You can see the programme schedule on the What We Do page.
Programme overview
This section provides an overview of the contents of the Fighting Fit programme.
Information pack
Prior to arrival you will receive a full information pack comprising joining instructions, advice on what to wear and directions to the venue.
Keeping moving
No-one likes sitting still for very long and so throughout the programme we will be stopping for breaks and introducing exercise and other activities.
Over the weekend we offer a range of 45 minute exercise ‘taster’ sessions such as Pilates, PD Power, Yoga and Boxercise as well as activities that are known to help people with Parkinson’s such as dancing and singing.
Introductions
We want to make everyone feel at their ease and so we will use the opening session to explain the running order and objectives of the programme and enable everyone to start to get to know each other.
Self-help – what’s out there?
This is an opportunity to discuss the many and varied sources of reliable information for people with Parkinson’s.
We will share details of organisations that offer regular newsletters and provide web forums and self-help ideas.
Hopes and Fears
We would like you to have thought about what you want to get out of the programme before arrival. We will have a short session on sharing Hopes & Fears so that we can understand how we may be able to support each other.
Exercise and neuroplasticity
Exercise is good for you. And it’s especially good for you if you have Parkinson’s.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach and the best exercise to do will depend on the way Parkinson’s affects you.
In the last few years, it has been observed that exercise leads to improved blood flow and a healthier immune system. Exercise has also been shown to help to create the optimal environment for neuroplasticity to repair the injured brain.
Living your best life
In this session we plan to raise awareness of various challenges and potential coping mechanisms that can assist you in all aspects of your daily life. We will use scenarios as a way to explore new approaches.
We will discuss practical, physical issues such as writing, speech, movement, expression and tiredness as well as the mental and emotional aspects involved in completing everyday tasks.
Wellbeing and relationships
Apathy is common in people with Parkinson’s. Studies suggest it may affect up to 70% of people with the condition. So what’s to do about it? We will explore how simple steps can help you to take control.
Parkinson’s can affect your relationships with partners, family, friends and work colleagues. There are things you can do to adapt to these changes and fit them into your life and we will explore some of the issues involved.
Research update
You will learn about the research that is taking place around the world to help to deal with a wide range of the symptoms associated with Parkinson’s as well as the work that it is hoped will stop the progression of the condition. We will outline why being a member of the Parkinson’s UK Research Support Network is worthwhile and describe how you can get involved in research trials.
Nutrition, complementary treatments and medication
In addition to all of the other points we have covered there are important life-style choices you can take to help you to improve daily life. These include things like diet and nutrition as well as medication.
We will discuss some of the options and provide sign-posting to information sources for you to follow up.
Personal Planning
At the end of the weekend we will invite you to think about a personal plan in order to document the new things you are going to do as a result of the weekend and the information sources you plan to follow up on.
Next: Taking Control