Our Programs

Education/Support Group

The Cedar Rapids Parkinson's Association and the Iowa City Parkinson's Support Group host a monthly support/education meeting via Zoom on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 4:00pm. Meetings are not held in December.

Meetings are held in collaboration with the UIHC Parkinson's Center of Excellence and the Iowa City Parkinson's Support Group.

Guest speakers are invited each month to present on topics related to Parkinson's Disease, caregiving, and health/wellness. Please see our calendar below for dates, speakers, and registration link.

Wellness Programs

Moving with PD Exercise
Chair Yoga
Parkin-Singers Voice Class
PD Dance

Programs are currently held in-person at our studio located at 260 33rd Ave SW Suite G, and online via Zoom. The above pre-recorded videos are available to watch anytime on our YouTube channel.

Connect to YouTube

Class Descriptions (All Classes Via Zoom)

Moving with PD

Moving with PD is a 45-minute class held both seated in a chair and standing. Exercises consist of big movements, range of motion, strength, flexibility, postural stability, cognitive, balance, and gait. Care Partners are welcome to attend! Instructors: Kris Cameron & Shiho Fechhelm

Parkinsingers

Parkinsingers is a 45-minute vocal exercise group for those with Parkinson's. Caregivers are welcome to attend. There are MANY benefits to singing! These include: improving volume and clarity when speaking, strengthening muscles involved in swallowing and breathing, increasing mood, providing opportunities for self-expression, and of course having fun! Each class we begin with vocal warm ups and then sing through favorite songs. No previous singing experience required, and all are welcome! Instructor: Taught by a Board Certified-music therapist from West Music.

PD Dance

Dance appears to meet many, if not all, of the recommended components for exercise programs designed for individuals with PD. The benefits of dance include improved balance and gait function as well as improved quality of life. You do not need to be “a dancer” to participate in PD Dance. No experience or partner is needed but person with PD and care partner are both welcom. Come and learn some fun Latin and Ballroom line dances with a variety of music for great exercise!

Chair Yoga for PD & Care Partners

Yoga has been shown to improve overall health when practiced regularly. As with many forms of exercise, it can be modified for people of varying abilities. Chair yoga is a gentle form of yoga that can be done sitting on a chair or standing on the ground while using the chair for support. It is beneficial for people with limited mobility and for those who want to practice yoga at their workplace. Instructor: Patricia Vahanian, Certified Yoga Instructor