ACV Announces Parkinson's Expo on April 12
2025 Wellness Expo for Parkinson’s Awareness
Rancho Mirage, CA Feb.19,2025 April is recognized nationally as Parkinson’s Awareness Month – a time dedicated to raising awareness about Parkinson’s Disease – a degenerative neurological and movement disorder which can cause deterioration of motor skills, balance, speech, and sensory function.
Awareness is key when it comes to the management of Parkinson’s Disease as well as understanding the resources available locally. The public is invited to a Wellness Expo for Parkinson’s Awareness on Saturday, April 12 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The event will be held at the Annenberg Health Sciences Building located at Eisenhower Health (39000 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage). For more information or to register for the Wellness Expo, please visit or call www.cvalzheimers.org at 760-776-3100.
A range of local resources from Parkinson’s support groups, movement-disorder specialists, speech therapists and music-based instructors will be joining this year’s Wellness Expo for Parkinson’s Awareness:
See the list below for expo participants:
ACV Parkinson’s Support Group: A proactive support group for people living with Parkinson’s, patients, care partners and loved ones. The group is affiliated with Alzheimer’s Coachella Valley and is facilitated by Dee Wieringa and Laurel Lipkin. It provides emotional support, practical advice and insights on managing Parkinson’s Disease in a safe, confidential and judgement-free environment. www.cvalzheimers.org
SongShine: A music-based program for those challenged by neurological disorders or aging voices. SongShine classes focus on full conscious breathing, body alignment, diction articulation, creative imagination, singing exercises, songs and role play. Taught by Dr. Ruthanna Metzgar and professional actor Peter Harris. www.SongShineforparkinsons.org
John D. Legge, MD: Dr. Legge is board certified in neurology and is fellowship trained in Movement Disorders. His growing practice for the Parkinson’s community in the Coachella Valley is motivated by his passion to provide quality and comprehensive care to his patients.
Lisa Manning, Certified Cardiovascular Technologist and Exercise Specialist: Lisa Manning specializes in movement disorders and conducts Eisenhower Health’s PD In Motion, which incorporates exercise that focuses on maintaining motor function, increasing muscle strength and improving balance, posture and gait.
Lauren Rein, M.S, CCP-SLP: SPEAK OUT! is an evidence based program for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease that was developed by the Parkinson’s Voice Project. The program focuses on regaining and maintaining speaking abilities. It emphasizes speaking with intent and converts speech from an automatic function to an intentional act.
Toni Pimentel, PT, DPT, NCS: LSVT Big is an intensive, amplitude-focused physical and occupational therapy approach. LSVT Loud is the first speech treatment with level 1 evidence and established efficacy for treating voice and speech disorders in people with Parkinson’s Disease.
Chris Boni, Rock Steady Boxing Desert Cities is a non-contact, boxing-inspired fitness program designed to improve strength, balance and mobility, and fight back against Parkinson’s disease. www.desertcities@rsbaffiliate.com
