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Just for Fun 

Wellness Classes

Join us for one of our fun classes that support emotional well-being for those diagnosed with Parkinson Disease, their families and care partners. Classes include Meditation, Drumming and Improv for PD. See our list of classes below.  
While there is no charge to participate there are significant costs to offer our programs and services​. 
​Participants are required to complete a membership application and participation waiver before participating in online and in person programs. Click the button to complete the application and waiver.

Wellness Classes Online

Saturdays

Saturday 11:00 am 
Improv for PD

Join Margot Escott, LCSW, virtually to learn improvisational theatre exercises that benefit emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing. After this class, participants find their stress levels have decreased while their laugh life increased! A student shared their thoughts on this class.
“All of us have PD at different levels and we’re all trying to accept our challenges. For some of us, communication can be embarrassing and this helps us learn to speak out and not be afraid to use our voices.”

​To read Margot Escott LCSW's article on applied improvisational therapy for PD CLICK HERE

Wednesday

Friday

Wednesday Noon
Drumming Class

Rhythmic drumming can make a difference in the lives of those affected by Parkinson’s Disease – so can you!

People affected with Parkinson’s experience shaking, tremors, muscle stiffness, and loss of balance. As we get older, memory loss, sleep deprivation, and loneliness slowly creep into our daily lives. The good news is these symptoms and more can be improved through rhythmic drumming.

The rhythmic motion of drumming improves motor skills, develops muscle tone, and stimulates brain functions. Drumming also increases dopamine and serotonin levels which helps to create an overall healthy emotional outlook. The social aspect of drumming in a group can decrease stress levels, regulate blood pressure, and improve sleep habits. Not to mention – it’s just plain fun!

Join us on Wednesdays at 12:00n via Zoom as Music Therapist, Kenneth Straub leads PASWFL's sponsored Drumming session.

Friday 9:00 am
Meditation on Facebook​

The benefits of meditation are plentiful for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease and their care partners. Meditation can boost feelings of control and resilience, reduce anxiety and depression, improve sleep and prevent mental decline. Join the virtual session led by Cynthia Sharpe, Certified Biofeedback Specialist. ​

On occasion unforeseen circumstances may cause meeting and event cancellations.
​We apologize in advance for any inconvenience.

While there is no charge to participate there are significants costs to offer our programs and services​. 
​Participants are required to complete a membership application and participation waiver before participating in online and in person programs. Click below to complete the required application online.

For your convenience the membership application is available to complete online, or if you would prefer printed forms, you can download them and return them to us by mail. Are you unsure if you completed a waiver or membership form? Call us at 239-417-3465 and we will be delighted to check for you. CLICK TO JOIN

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Did you know?

Improv was originally created for Self-development?

The improv games we now associate with comedy began in social work, when in 1939, an actress and educator Viola Spolin became a drama supervisor for the Works Progress Administration (WPA)  in Chicago through Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal. Together with social worker Neva Boyd, they developed games to assist  with language, cooperation, socialization, and other important skills. Today improv has come full circle and is being studied and used by leading therapists, psychiatrists and social workers as an effective tool to assist with mental health issues and more. 

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Why Online Classes?

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Online classes and groups offer our members the flexibility of attending our classes and support groups when they might be unable to attend in person or are not in Southwest Florida for a portion of the year.

While there is no charge to attend any of our classes or support groups, we request that you register before attending our online classes to ensure our online programming remains safe and secure. Please contact the office and they will be happy to provide you with the login information.

New to Zoom?

Zoom is an online meeting platform that is easy to use even if you have limited computer experience. Most laptops, desktop computers, tablets and phones have video, so all you need to do is click on the link under your class to get started.