Garden State Times

On Thursday, the Board of Commissioners presented a proclamation to the Parkinson’s Connection at the Katz JCC. The program offers fitness classes, wellness events, education, and support for individuals with Parkinson’s and their families.

“Parkinson’s is a tough diagnosis to navigate, but the Parkinson’s Connection at the Katz JCC is a powerful program that provides support and guidance to those who have the disease,” stated Commissioner Virginia Betteridge, who serves as a liaison to the Health Department. “We are incredibly grateful to the Parkinson’s Connection for all the work they do and expect even greater things from them in the future.”

Nearly one million people in the United States are currently living with Parkinson’s disease, a number projected to rise to 1.2 million by 2030. Parkinson’s ranks as the second-most common neurodegenerative disease, following Alzheimer’s disease.

April is recognized as Parkinson’s Awareness Month, accompanied by campaigns focusing on educating the public about the disease’s numerous symptoms and ways to address them. The awareness efforts also aim to help people identify early signs, which can lead to an earlier diagnosis and an improved quality of life.