Shake, Rattle and Roll

By Daniel O'Connell

VillageSoup/Knox County Times Photographer

They meet to exercise, battle their disease and help support one another as they learn to live and cope with Parkinson's disease.

Nancy Akers gets strength training equipment out for Friday's class. (Photo by Daniel O'Connell)

The eight member group has dubbed itself "Shake, Rattle and Roll" and meets once a week during the summer and twice a week in other seasons with Optimum Performance owner Carol Woodbury to work on agility, strength and coordination.

Mary Bok, facing, and Nancy Akers loosen up as Friday's session begins. Bok is the only member of the group not afflicted with Parkinson's disease but is working on recovering from a stroke. (Photo by Daniel O'Connell)

Parkinson's disease is caused by damage to dopamine-producing cells in the brain. While the most widely known symptoms are hand and arm tremors, the disease can also affect a patient's ability to eat, speak and breathe and can commonly cause depression.

Woodbury's interest in helping out Parkinson's patients began after she attended a support group that meets once a month at Quarry Hill. Since then she has attended training and done extensive research to tailor her program to her patients' needs.

Paul Connell, front, and Gordon Guist work through a stretching and breathing exercise. (Photo by Daniel O'Connell)

"We're like family" is a familiar refrain from the group that often dines together after their exercise. Gordon Guist of Camden, who has dealt with Parkinson's for nine years, describes the difference the program makes in his life as "significant."

Gordon Guist, facing, and Nancy Akers work through a breathing exercise as Friday morning's session winds down. (Photo by Daniel O'Connell)

Session fees are $6 and may be covered by insurance if prescribed by a doctor.

The group is looking to increase awareness of its existence and gain new members. More information may be obtained by contacting Woodbury at 207-236-0844

Instructor Carol Woodbury massages the back of Mary Bok. (Photo by Daniel O'Connell)