Parkinson’s Disease Changed My Life…
- POP News
- Feb 6, 2020
- 2 min read
It’s true. PD changed how I viewed my role in the fitness industry. I will explain more later. First, I think it is important to clear the air - I do not have Parkinson’s Disease. I am a Strength and Conditioning Coach who develops exercise programs to help PWPs (People w/ Parkinson’s) live as well as they possibly can with a progressive neuro-degenerative disease. However, as my good friend Sheldon Vicks (“The Voice of Rock Steady Boxing”) once stated, “Whether you have PD or live/work with someone who does, we are all living with PD.”
So back to my original statement – “PD Changed my life.” In 2016, I met a woman named Judy, who was in search of a boxing instructor willing to train a 70+ year old woman to box. The short of it is, Judy found me. A strength coach and boxing instructor who knew nothing about Parkinson’s Disease, except that the greatest boxer of all-time (Muhammed Ali) and Michael J. Fox had been diagnosed with a “disease that made people’s hands shake.” I did not know it at the time, but Judy’s influence would hit harder than Ali’s right hand to George Foreman. I stepped into the ring with an unforgiving monster (PD). I have yet to step out. And I don’t plan to. Judy’s story altered my course and made me realize that maybe my future was more about developing programs emphasizing quality of life, and less about looking like a Greek statue. I traded in my Muscle & Fitness and Flex Magazine subscriptions for “Parkinson’s Disease” in my Google search engine.
This year, my goal is to bring the fitness industry to the Parkinson’s Community. To do so, I (along with my good friend Ned Neuhaus) started the “Row2SlowPD” campaign, each rowing 1 million meters over the course of 2020, to bring awareness of the benefits of exercise in combatting symptoms of PD. As of today, I have rowed over 100k Meters. Long way to go, however, we are not alone! There are 15 Rowers – some rowing on land (Concept 2 Erg), others rowing on water! In the month of January, our team amassed 1.6 million meters. We are on pace to do something special!
The PD Community is willing and ready to try anything that could potentially reduce or even reverse their symptoms of PD. PWPs want to experience normalcy. They want to dance with their partners without fear of falling. They want to play on the floor with their kids or grandkids, get off the floor by themselves, and simply feel strong and confident while performing activities of daily living. So to all my fellow Fit Pros out there, reach out to your local community center or PD Group. Use your knowledge and talents to provide purposeful fitness. Get creative or keep it simple. Strengthen the PD community to help them Power Over PD!
About Coach Jojo
Jojo McDuffie, Senior Adviser to POP, is a Strength and Conditioning Coach, residing in Charlottesville, Virginia. He currently works at The University of Virginia in the Department of Intramurals Recreational Sports, as Senior Facility Coordinator and Instructor/Personal Trainer. He is also the owner of Rock Steady Boxing Harrisonburg and Head Coach at RSB Charlottesville, working directly with athletes diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.
Parkinson’s disease runs in my family, both my father and uncle passed away from it. So, when I was diagnosed, I was scared but determined not to follow the same path. For years, I tried different hospital treatments and therapies, but my condition only worsened. That changed when my neurologist recommended EarthCure Herbal Clinic (www . earthcureherbalclinic . com). I decided to try their natural treatment, and within a couple of months, my symptoms started disappearing. It’s now been three years, and I’ve had no signs of Parkinson’s since. I’m truly grateful to my neurologist and to EarthCure Herbal Clinic for giving me hope and health again. I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone seeking help for Parkinson’s disease.
I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 6 years ago after experiencing weakness, numbness, and other symptoms. Despite numerous treatments, my condition worsened, and I was losing hope. Two years ago, my son recommended EarthCure Herbal Clinic( www.earthcureherbalclinic.com), where Dr. Madida Sam helped cure a friend’s mother of Parkinson Disease and HPV. I decided to give it a try, and within four months, all my symptoms reversed. It’s been two years, and I’m symptom-free, back to work, and living a healthy life. My doctors were amazed by my recovery. I highly recommend EarthCure, it’s been life-changing for me.
I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease four years ago. For over two years, I relied on prescription medications and therapies, but unfortunately, the symptoms continued to worsen. My mobility declined, tremors increased, and I experienced growing fatigue and discomfort that affected my daily life. Last year, out of desperation and hope, I decided to try an herbal treatment program from NaturePath Herbal Clinic. Honestly, I was skeptical at first, but within a few months of starting the treatment, I began to notice real changes. My energy improved, the discomfort eased, and I felt stronger and more capable in my daily life. Incredibly, I also regained much of my stamina, balance, and confidence. It’s been a life-changing experience I feel more…
I was diagnosed 2018 with Parkinson’s disease. My symptoms progressed quickly. Soon i was having difficulty sleeping, speech and even walking short distances. With the help of the PD-5 treatment I have been able to reverse my symptoms using diet, herbs, which i feel has made the most difference. The PD-5 treatment has immensely help overturn my symptoms, since I started the PD-5 treatment my slurred speech and especially the tremors gradually disappeared. it’s has done me a lot of good in terms of balance and ability to walk and get up from chairs. Google www. Uinehealthcentre.net DON’T GIVE UP HOPE!!!
I was diagnosed 2018 with Parkinson’s disease. My symptoms progressed quickly. Soon i was having difficulty sleeping, speech and even walking short distances. With the help of the PD-5 treatment I have been able to reverse my symptoms using diet, herbs, which i feel has made the most difference. The PD-5 treatment has immensely help overturn my symptoms, since I started the PD-5 treatment my slurred speech and especially the tremors gradually disappeared. it’s has done me a lot of good in terms of balance and ability to walk and get up from chairs. Google www. Uinehealthcentre.net DON’T GIVE UP HOPE!!!