Elks Grant Helps Scantic Valley YMCA Offer Movement-disorder Fitness Program

WILBRAHAM — The Ludlow Elks awarded the Scantic Valley YMCA a $3,500 Beacon Grant from the Elks National Foundation to help the Y launch MOVE2Function, a movement-disorder fitness program.

When people think of a movement disorder, Parkinson’s disease comes to mind. While this is a movement disorder, there are others in which a supported functional exercise program can have positive results aimed at improving quality of life for those affected.

Movement disorders may include Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, Guillain-Barre syndrome, Huntington’s disease, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophym, and stroke.

The MOVE2Function trainers, health and fitness professionals backed by the clinical expertise of the staff at Alternatives in Physical Therapy, will offer MOVE2Function at the Scantic Valley branch of the YMCA of Greater Springfield. A maximum of eight people will be enrolled for a 10-week session for a total of 20 one-hour classes. Caregivers are encouraged to attend. The focus will be on transfers and flexibility, balance and muscle endurance, and cardiovascular endurance

For more information or to register, call Dawn Lapierre, Healthy Living director at the Scantic Valley YMCA, at (413) 596-2749, ext. 3107.