PD Active is a non-profit created by and for people with Parkinson's Disease (PD) their families, caregivers and friends. We believe we are our own best advocates, and that acting on our own behalf fosters independence, dignity and respect while preventing depression and isolation.
Together we develop and administer programs that bring exercise, fellowship, support, movement and laughter to the East Bay PD community. We offer a model of self-management, utilizing medical teams, volunteers with PD, caregivers, family and friends to help us continue to live independent, productive lives.
Yoga for PD began as a pilot program in October 2008 with 12 students. A grant from Yoga Dana Foundation enabled us to continue in 2009, expanding to 22 students with an active waiting list. This year, again with help from Yoga Dana, we are pleased to offer two classes a week to 30 students.
People with PD need to keep moving, and yoga brings both purposeful movement and mindfulness. We learn to look inward, quieting our mind and body, and to be active, stretching and bending, moving with confidence. Students practice asanas in a safe, comfortable environment with assistance and modifications available as needed. Our instructor, Vickie Russell Bell, and assistant Deborah Taylor are actively researching the challenges of PD and adjust their teaching to encourage fluid movement, flexibility, strength and balance. Breathing, meditation and restorative poses help alleviate the depression, anxiety and pain that accompany PD.
We are grateful to Yoga Dana for supporting our journey of healing as we practice the asanas that bring us energy, confidence and peace.
PD Active has been a grant recipient of Yoga Dana Foundation since 2009