SAN DIEGO — According to the Parkinson's Foundation, nearly 90,000 Americans are diagnosed with the disease every year. In this Zevely Zone, I learned how patients are hoping ping pong can slow the progression of Parkinson's Disease.
For more than two decades, 59-year old Rick Kay has battled Parkinson's. He was diagnosed at 36-years old.
"I knew something was wrong. I didn't know what. I was trying to figure out what the problem was," said Rick. He is a husband and father of three who strongly believes activities like ping pong are good for his health.
The exact cause of Parkinson's Disease remains unknown but when it comes to fighting the disease all sorts of great ideas are welcome to the table.
"I just love to see the energy of the players and the jokes. We are always laughing," said Ingrid Johnson. She is the owner of Rock Steady Encinitas. In 2016, we featured Rocky Steady Escondido where people with Parkinson's engaged in exercise that keep the brain and body connected.
Ingrid's non-profit Punching for Life opened a new chapter of what's called Parkinson Ping Pong which is spreading throughout the world. She says ping pong forces people to stay in the moment.
"When you play ping pong that is the only thing you can focus on and that is healthy for your brain to be focused. You have no past, you have no future. You have no regrets, you have no fears," said Ingrid. She dreams about opening a Parkinson's Athletic Center where patients can stay active and find emotional support.
"That's actually what I enjoy the most," said Rick. "The community and the comradery. It keeps me going."
Parkinson's is a back and forth struggle for Rick Kay which is why he hopes others fighting the disease will pick up a paddle. "The only thing I would say is when I was first diagnosed I just tried to deal with it on my own, now after 22 years I need this support group," said Rick. "This is like a ping pong party, we just have fun, we laugh," said Ingrid.
Ping Pong Parkinson is dedicated to promoting the positive benefits that playing ping pong can bring to those diagnosed with PD as well as to the elderly population. The organization believes playing ping pong helps build neurons, and could be aiding in the rehabilitation of neuro-degenerative diseases before and after diagnosis.
If you'd like to learn more about building a Parkinson's Athletic Center or Parkinson Ping Pong, click here.