Latest news with #Parky
Los Angeles Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Los Angeles Times
Fighting Parkinson's one punch at a time
They pull giant boxing gloves over aging, sometimes shaking hands. They approach a black punching bag on weary, sometimes wobbly feet. Then they wail. Lord, do they wail. They hit the bag with a left-handed jab, a right-handed reverse, a hook, another hook, an uppercut, another jab, bam, bam, bam. They end the flurry with kicks, side kicks, thrust kicks, wild kicks, their legs suddenly strong and purposeful and fueled by a strength that once seemed impossible. Outside of this small gym in a nondescript office park in Monrovia, they are elderly people dealing with the motion-melting nightmare that is Parkinson's disease. But inside the walls of Kaizen Martial Arts & Fitness, in a program known as Kaizen Kinetics, they are heavyweight champs. Ranging in age from 50 to 90, spanning the spectrum of swift strides to wheelchairs, they are the most courageous athletes I've met. They show up here every couple of days hoping that they'll move enough to keep the evil Parky at bay. They're trying to punch him out, kick him off, scare him away, and they'll endure more than an hour of sometimes painful exercise to make this happen. They are frail women screaming, 'Jab!' and shaky men screaming, 'Hook!' and everyone counting with clenched teeth through 75 minutes that stretch the shrinking muscles and test the weary optimism. I am in awe of them, perhaps because I am one of them. I, too, am living with Parkinson's disease. The irony, huh? I've spent my entire career writing triumphant stories about athletes overcoming illness and adversity, only to reach the home stretch struggling to find a similar triumph in a story about me. It's not easy. Now I know what all those subjects of all those feel-good stories understood about the truth behind my positive prose. Degenerative disease sucks beyond any inspirational adjective. Incurable illness stinks beyond any hopeful headline. I've got Parkinson's, and it hurts to even say it. I'm still mobile, still active, I don't have the trademark tremors that distinguish the famously afflicted Michael J. Fox or the late Muhammad Ali but, damn it, I've got it. I was diagnosed four years ago after complaining of weakness in my right arm. That weakness has disappeared, but it's a constant struggle to keep everything else from slowly going to hell. Every day it feels like I've just run a marathon. I move well, my balance is fine, but I'm always tight, always creaking. The amount of medication required to keep me active is so immense, my pills come in gallon jugs and I spend entire Dodger games trying to discreetly swallow them in the press box. I move slower now. My fiancee Roxana qualifies for sainthood because whenever we go out, she must patiently wait for me to get dressed, which takes forever and is accompanied by the unholy sounds of struggle. I don't smile as much now. It's harder to smile when afflicted with the trademark Parkinson's masked face. When I FaceTime with my darling Daisy, I worry she won't see past my dour expression and never know how much her granddaddy loves her. Until now, my condition has only been known to my family. Not even my bosses knew. I didn't look like Parky, I didn't act like Parky, so why should I publicly reveal something so personal and embarrassing? Yeah, I was embarrassed. I felt humiliated in a way that made no sense and total sense. To me, Parkinson's implies frailty, Parkinson's implies weakness. But let me tell you, a 72-year-old woman pounding the living hell out of a punching bag ain't weak. And that's why I'm writing about this today. If my boxing classmates can have the strength to sweat through their tremors and wallop through their fears, then I can certainly have the strength to celebrate them without worrying what sort of light it casts on me. I'm proud to be one of them, and the purpose of this column is to reflect that pride and perhaps make it easier for other folks afflicted with Parkinson's to come out swinging. Officially, Parkinson's is a neurodegenerative disease impacting both motor and non-motor systems. Translated, the brain slowly stops producing dopamine, which is crucial for movement, and the loss of this neuro-transmitter affects everything from your stride to your speech. Roughly one million people in the United States have it, and there's no cure for it, and it generally gets worse as one gets older. As Michael J. Fox himself once said, it's the gift that keeps on taking. You don't die from it, but it can be hard to live with it, yet there is one thing that unquestionably helps slow its progression. Exercise. Movement. Pull your achy body off the couch every day and work those quivering muscles, stretch those tight joints, perhaps join one of the many Parkinson's programs in town that involve everything from dancing to hiking. 'For people living with Parkinson's disease, regular exercise can reduce symptoms, help treatments work better and potentially even slow the disease progression,' Rachel Dolhun, principal medical advisor at the Michael J. Fox Foundation, wrote in an e-mail. 'For some, exercise can look like participating in boxing classes. For others, it's water aerobics, dancing or playing pickleball. Just remember that any type of and amount of exercise can positively support your journey.' If you're like me and you just want to punch Parky in the face, boxing works best. The 83 tough souls who t pay $179 a month to battle in the Kaizen Kinetics program agree. 'I hit the bag really hard like I'm hitting Parkinson's,' said Rich Pumilia, 66, a lawyer from Monrovia. 'Hitting it back for what it's doing to me.' I became aware of Jody Hould's program, which she leads with the help of husband Tom, son Zac and Anthony Rutherford, shortly after I was diagnosed. I kept seeing their pamphlets in doctors offices and rehab centers. At the time, they were part of the popular Parkinson's-battling Rock Steady Boxing program that has several locations through southern California. By the time I worked up the courage to fully face my illness and call the number on the pamphlet two years ago, Kaizen had become an independent program with a similar focus on boxing. 'Boxing is balancing, posture, turning, pivoting, extension, range of motion, using your core, everything that's important to fighting the disease,' said Hould, who started the program nine years ago in memory of her late mother, Julie, who died of complications from Parkinson's. 'Plus, it's fun to punch something.' Hould and her team run a fast-moving program, barking out a series of punches and kicks while offering gentle reminders to those who hook when they should jab. 'Parkinson's doesn't take any vacations, it doesn't take any days off, we have to be on top of our game, we have to be proactive in our fight,' Hould said. 'Not only is it good for the spirit, it's good for the mind.' But it can be tough on the ego, as I quickly learned when a frail white-haired woman out-punched me one day while screaming at the bag. Another time an aging man with tremors and shuffled steps pounded the bag so hard it skidded into my feet. I once showed up with a cut on my left hand and informed Hould that I would not be boxing that day. 'You still have your right hand, don't you?' she said. 'So you box one-handed.' The 75-minute sessions are hard. Every exercise and maneuver are seemingly designed to do something I now have difficulty doing. Sometimes it hurts. Sometimes you want to be anywhere else. But it works. It can't kill Parky, but it can quiet him. Hould never promises a cure, but she sees some relief in those who join the battle. There was one boxer who eventually abandoned her walker. Others have seen a reduction in their tremors. Throughout the windowless gym there is real hope that this disease can be slowed. Pumilia is convinced his condition has improved after attending classes for eight weeks. 'When I was diagnosed, my doctor said you have five good years left before your life is going to be impacted,' said Pumilia. 'Now my doctor is basically saying, 'I don't know what you're doing, but keep doing it.'' Sharon Michaud, 65, a retired insurance executive who has also come to class for eight years, agrees. 'Without a doubt, it's helped me,' said Michaud, who is noticeable in the class because she moves like a gymnast. 'With Parkinson's it's easy to get into a funk and get depressed. You come here and it's nice to know there are other people like you. I'm amazed more people don't know there's places like this out here.' Maybe this story will shed some light on that. Maybe this story will inform a closeted Parkinson's patient about programs like Kaizen Kinetics and empower them to pick up the phone and join. If you decide to come to Monrovia, I'll be the breathless guy in the back still unable to deliver a knockout punch but continually inspired by fellow fighters to keep trading blows with my hardest of truths. I leave that gym sweaty and sore but uplifted with the reminder that I am blessed to still lead a wonderful active life filled with family and friends and work and travel and so, so much hope. I have Parkinson's. But, by God, it doesn't have me.
NZ Herald
09-05-2025
- Health
- NZ Herald
Sir Dave Dobbyn shares health update, how Parkinson's has changed his performing
Appearing today on RNZ's Afternoons show to play an acoustic session, the Welcome Home singer reflected on receiving his diagnosis, telling host Jesse Mulligan it was 'kind of a relief'. 'It was a relief to find out what it was, because my family couldn't really recognise me. During Covid I went right down the rabbit hole somewhere, I got quite lost. 'And there can be a slight personality change, it can become quite pronounced in some people. 'Thankfully for me, it wasn't too bad. I was rescued by my family, shall we say, and I was able to tackle it head-on.' Dobbyn said almost three years on from that life-changing diagnosis he was 'thrilled with my progress'. 'It does change you, it makes you more receptive, and humble, you find your place in it.' Dobbyn is also 'literally' fighting the progressive neurological disorder by taking up boxing. 'Twice a week I go and do my boxing with some other Parky people, that's what we call ourselves – the Parkies,' Dobbyn told Mulligan. Dobbyn said the combat exercise has helped him counteract many of the physical symptoms of the neurodegenerative disease. 'It [boxing] does wonders for your balance, because your balance is shot with Parkinson's. 'You get all these things that are taken away from you, your balance, the strength of your voice in terms of loudness, things like that become difficult. 'But if you're fighting it and you're doing some exercises, it's the best way to deal with it.' Dobbyn was in good spirits during the performance. He said he considers himself in 'good shape' at the moment but admitted his musicality has been affected by the disease. 'I play less. I can't shred anymore, not that I ever did really... things get taken away. I do less on the piano, which is probably a good idea, I do less on the guitar and focus on the vocal. 'Eventually, it takes your voice, so you sound like a slurring drunk. But I think I'm a few years away from that. I've already done the slurring drunk bit, and it didn't involve Parkinson's.' Dobbyn was knighted in 2020 and appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2003 for services to music. He is set to perform a show at the Auckland Town Hall on June 4. He said the thought of the performance 'scares the hell out of me right now, but I'm sure in doing it on the night it will just be glorious'.
Leader Live
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Leader Live
Wrexham fans would like to see Phil Parkinson get a statue
The Wrexham fairy-tale has often seen co-chairmen Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney steal the spotlight - and rightly so, for their contributions to club and community. The pair's influence has been so great on the football club and the city that they were awarded the 'Freedom of Wrexham' honour back in December 2022. But, there is another man who perhaps deserves even greater credit for having guided the football club and its players to three promotions in a row. Phil Parkinson took over as Wrexham manager in July 2021, having previously been with the likes of Sunderland, Bolton Wanderers and Bradford City. Since then, he has taken the Reds from the wilderness of the National League to playing in the second tier of English football next season. A 3-0 win over Charlton Athletic on Saturday (April 26) meant that Wrexham will be moving on up to the EFL Championship for 2025/26. And that level of success led us to asking our readers/Wrexham fans; 'Is it time for Parkinson to receive some sort of honour for his achievements with Wrexham?'. Here's what some of them had to say... Andy Smith said: "He needs a statue!" Cath Morris added: "Statue of Parky in the town centre." Rob Jones agreed, saying: "Or to the entrance of the new stand, no one will ever achieve this again." Jay Mansell said: "He should be given a knighthood. Not that I think that matters but if Gareth Southgate got one for winning nothing, Parky should be in with a shout." RELATED READING Paul Jackson said: "He's got legend status now whatever happens. But, his win rate in the championship is just 18 percent, it's going to be interesting to see how he does next season." Ian Evans added: "He has achieved what many people thought was impossible. His management of the players and belief in them has been proven right. "Great manager and deserves all the respect and recognition we can give him including the Freedom of the City!" Bryan Pritchard said: "Definitely name the the new Kop Stand after the man who made it happen." Speaking after the historic win on Saturday, Parkinson said: 'Everybody has been talking about making history all season, and right at the start, we knew what was at stake, and nobody can ever take that away from us. 'Every supporter, the owner and everybody connected with the club, such as the staff and players, these medals mean a lot and they're worth a lot. 'We created history today with these three promotions, and hard work has to go in. I go into every season thinking we can go in and achieve promotion, but to do it is amazing. 'The trajectory has been a rapid one. We have had to evolve continually, and I think this season we have evolved as a team.'
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Digital Health Market Size to Reach $946.04 Billion by 2030 at CAGR 22.2% - Grand View Research, Inc.
SAN FRANCISCO, April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The global digital health market size is expected to reach USD 946.04 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 22.2% from 2025 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The market growth is attributed to several factors, including the increasing adoption of mHealth apps with the rapid penetration of smartphones globally, a rise in preventive and personalized healthcare and favorable government infrastructure for telehealthcare. Moreover, a growing number of wearable devices that can track various health parameters and the affordable cost of digital healthcare have also fueled the market growth. Digital health tools assist patients in monitoring their health, adhering to treatment plans, and improving communication with healthcare providers. The rising costs of conventional healthcare, which may require physical visits to hospitals or diagnostic centers, are also a major factor in the increasing adoption of digital healthcare, leading to the growth of the market. The extensive use of mobile devices and tablets facilitates easy access to telemedicine services and health apps. This technological integration enables individuals to track their health and obtain medical consultations remotely. For instance, in Indonesia, Halodoc, a mobile-based platform partnering with the Indonesian Health Ministry, combines telemedicine and pharmacy delivery, offering video consultations with doctors and providing medication delivery within 40 minutes. The advantages of adopting digital health are numerous, such as remote monitoring, improved medication adherence, and enhanced communication between doctors and patients. Digital wearables allow patients to keep track of their vital signs or other critical health data in real time. To illustrate, in April 2025, Apple Inc. revealed plans to upgrade its AirPods with ambient light sensors that have health monitoring capabilities, such as motion detectors, temperature monitors, blood oxygen, and heart rate tracking. In addition, Parky, an Apple Watch app, monitors symptoms such as tremors and dyskinesia for Parkinson's disease. Request a free sample copy or view report summary - Digital Health Market The digital health industry is growing worldwide because it can make healthcare more accessible, affordable, and effective. Big companies are entering new markets, local startups are expanding, and technology is being adapted to different needs. To ensure smooth progress, teamwork, national plans, and solutions for issues such as data security, unequal access to technology, and comprehensive regulatory guidelines are essential. Government efforts to support digital healthcare worldwide are helping the industry expand significantly. For instance, the Federal Health IT Strategy (2024-2030) seeks to improve healthcare services via technology, with an emphasis on health equity, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and expanding broadband access. Read full market research report on Digital Health Market with TOC - Digital Health Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Technology (Healthcare Analytics, mHealth), By Component (Hardware, Software, Services), By Application, By End Use, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030 Digital Health Market Report Highlights: The ongoing advancements in the digital health industry are simplifying the adoption process of digital tools for both patients and physicians/healthcare providers. The services segment contributed the maximum revenue share of 37.9% in 2024. This large share is attributed to the demand for advanced software solutions and platforms, including Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) and Electronic Health Records (EHRs), as well as the growing need for updates and training necessary to utilize them effectively. The tele healthcare segment led the market with a revenue share of 45.0% in 2024. This growth is attributed to rising smartphone penetration, increasing adoption of these technologies by both patients and healthcare providers. The patient segment led the market with the largest revenue share of 34.5% in 2024, owing to more focused healthcare now on patient needs and increased awareness of managing health among individuals. North America dominated globally in terms of revenue share of 37.7%, owing to favorable government initiatives, increased healthcare IT expenditure, and emergence of startups, among others. Digital Health Market Segmentation Grand View Research has segmented the global digital health market based on technology, component, application, end use, and region: Digital Health Market - Technology Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030) Tele-healthcare Tele-care Activity Monitoring Remote Medication Management Tele-health LTC Monitoring Video Consultation mHealth Wearables & Connected Medical Devices Vital Sign Monitoring Devices Heart Rate Monitors Activity Monitors Electrocardiographs Pulse Oximeters Spirometers Blood Pressure Monitors Others Sleep Monitoring Devices Sleep trackers Wrist Actigraphs Polysomnographs Others Electrocardiographs Fetal & Obstetric Devices Neuromonitoring Devices Electroencephalographs Electromyographs Others mHealth Apps Medical Apps Women's Health Fitness & Nutrition Menstrual Health Pregnancy Tracking & Postpartum Care Menopause Disease Management Others Chronic Disease Management Apps Diabetes Management Apps Blood Pressure & ECG Monitoring Apps Mental Health Management Apps Cancer Management Apps Obesity Management Apps Other Chronic Disease Management Apps Personal Health Record Apps Medication Management Apps Diagnostic Apps Remote Monitoring Apps Others (Pill Reminder, Medical Reference, Professional Networking, Healthcare Education) Fitness Apps Exercise & Fitness Diet & Nutrition Lifestyle & Stress Services Monitoring Services Independent Aging Solutions Chronic Disease Management & Post-Acute Care Services Diagnosis Services Healthcare Systems Strengthening Services Others Digital Health Systems EHR E-prescribing Systems Healthcare Analytics Digital Health Market - Component Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030) Software Hardware Services Digital Health Market - Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030) Obesity Diabetes Cardiovascular Respiratory Diseases Others Digital Health Market - End Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030) Patients Providers Payers Others Digital Health Market - Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030) North America U.S. Canada Europe UK Germany France Italy Spain Sweden Denmark Norway Asia Pacific China India Japan Australia South Korea Singapore Latin America Brazil Mexico Argentina MEA South Africa Saudi Arabia UAE Kuwait List of Key Players in the Digital Health Market Telefónica S.A. Epic Systems Corporation QSI Management, LLC AT&T AirStrip Technologies Google, Inc. Hims & Hers Health, Inc. Orange Softserve Computer Programs and Systems, Inc. Vocera Communications IBM Corporation CISCO Systems, Inc. Apple Inc. Oracle Cerner Veradigm McKesson Corporation Hims & Hers Health, Inc. Vodafone Group Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Check out more related studies published by Grand View Research: Women's Digital Health Market - The global women's digital health market size is expected to reach USD 9.53 billion in 2030 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 20.5% from 2024 to 2030. The encouraging regulatory environment for digital solutions catering to women's fitness issues is expected to drive the growth of the market. Asia Pacific Digital Health Market - The Asia Pacific digital health market size is expected to reach USD 252.01 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 23.1% from 2024 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Several factors, such as mHealth app providers, strong domestic digital health market for telehealthcare platform developers, e-prescription systems, and wearable device manufacturers, drive market growth. Germany Digital Health Market - The Germany digital health market size is anticipated to reach USD 22.7 billion by 2030 and it is projected to grow at a CAGR of 15.8% from 2024 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Several factors have led to Germany's notable advancements in the field of digital health. The rising adoption of digital healthcare services such as telemedicine, remote monitoring, electronic health record systems, and others by healthcare service providers is anticipated to drive the market. U.S. Digital Health Market - The U.S. digital health market size is expected to reach USD 276.62 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 19.5% over the forecast period, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The improvement in internet coverage facilities and the innovation of smartphones are anticipated to drive the digitalization of healthcare organizations. The growing awareness regarding maintaining a healthy lifestyle is also driving the adoption of mHealth apps among consumers. The favorable technology-friendly consumer base looking forward to accessing healthcare and medical assistance through digital health solutions and the improved healthcare IT infrastructure in the U.S. is expected to accelerate the market growth. About Grand View Research Grand View Research, U.S.-based market research and consulting company, provides syndicated as well as customized research reports and consulting services. Registered in California and headquartered in San Francisco, the company comprises over 425 analysts and consultants, adding more than 1200 market research reports to its vast database each year. These reports offer in-depth analysis on 46 industries across 25 major countries worldwide. With the help of an interactive market intelligence platform, Grand View Research Helps Fortune 500 companies and renowned academic institutes understand the global and regional business environment and gauge the opportunities that lie ahead. Explore Horizon Databook – The world's most expansive market intelligence platform developed by Grand View Research. Gain insights from 30K+ Global & Regional Reports, 120K+ Country Reports, 1.2M+ Market Statistics, 200K+ Company Profiles, and 5 business solutions encompassing ESG and Sustainability Consulting, Procurement Intelligence, Pricing Index and Analysis, and Consumer Analytics. Contact:Sherry JamesCorporate Sales Specialist, USAGrand View Research, 1-415-349-0058Toll Free: 1-888-202-9519Email: sales@ Us: LinkedIn | Twitter Logo: View original content: SOURCE Grand View Research, Inc. Sign in to access your portfolio
Leader Live
26-04-2025
- Sport
- Leader Live
Fans send in messages of support ahead of huge Wrexham match
The Reds are on the verge of a historic third successive promotion - something no other English Football League team has ever done before. A win over Charlton Athletic, coupled with dropped points by Wycombe Wanderers in the earlier kick-off, would see Wrexham move on up to the EFL Championship next season. Earlier this week, we asked Reds fans/Leader readers to send in some messages of positivity to Phil Parkinson and his side. Here's what they had to say... Wrexham players applaud the fans following victory in the Sky Bet League One match at Bloomfield Road, Blackpool. Picture date: Monday April 21, 2025. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Blackpool. Photo credit: Richard Sellers/PA Paul Davies said: "Was there in '78, history is in our hands. Play as we did Monday on the front foot and we will win. Good luck Parky and the team." Ann Frostick said: "Please let Mullin take the field, even if it's at the 88th minute. He and Palmer laid the groundwork in getting Wrexham where it is today. They should be part of this historic season. Up the town!" Stephen Matthias told us: "Phil and team, you have done us proud since you've been here. This journey we are on is exciting and memorable. Give it everything you have and lets make some history." Jill Howell added: "All we ask is that you do your very best for yourselves, the club and fans, really hope to see you go up again but whatever the end of the game brings the town will be proud of our team, so onwards and upwards lads go on that pitch Saturday and play your hearts out!" Darren Edwards said: "I lost my dad (a supporter of over 70 years) at the start of this incredible journey, he would have been so proud of where we are today and it's a shame he is not here to see it. "Go out there on Saturday and show them the spirit of this club and get it over the line for the generations who we have lost and the generations to come. You are on the verge of something truly remarkable and we have as a team and community enjoyed the ride, we won't stop singing for the full 90 minutes - let's finish this." Paul Griffiths said: "To the fans, we must make the Cae Ras more hostile and louder than it has ever been before. Every stand needs to be rocking on Saturday not just the usual sections. Back the team to glory." Thommy Thomas added: "Parky, you've already made history, but now it's time to make legend. One more win, one more chapter in the greatest story in football. The whole town, the whole world is behind you. Let's finish the job—see you in the Championship!" RELATED READING Derek Oldfield said: "I was there in '78 with my son and told him 'savour this, it's once in a lifetime', the lads will prove me wrong." Some said that they will be supporting from the other side of the world, like Jon Hughes, who said: "Cheering you on from South Australia….". And even some fans of other teams will be backing Wrexham, like Patricia Sherer who told us: "Good luck for your last two games, play your hearts out. I'm a Swansea supporter and I have been following your journey for the last three years. "After I see how Swansea have got on in their game, I always check the Wrexham score, you are my adopted team. Fingers crossed that you will get automatic promotion."
