LSVT Therapy is Changing Lives of Parkinson’s Patients in Arizona
By June C. Hussey
Parkinson’s disease, the incurable, progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects movement for thousands of Arizonans, has met a formidable new enemy in Arizona and elsewhere. The enemy is not a drug. It comes in the form of speech and physical therapies known as LSVT BIG and LSVT LOUD. While not cures, these therapies are proving successful in restoring considerable function in patients who receive the treatments.
Pioneered in part at the University of Arizona by LSVT Global’s co-founder Dr. Cynthia Fox, these therapies are giving Parkinson’s patients right here in Arizona and around the U.S. new hope as more and more therapists become LSVT-certified to provide the therapy as part of skilled home care services.
Watermark at Home, with offices in Scottsdale and Southern Arizona, recently became the first home care agency in Arizona -- and one of the first in the nation -- to offer these breakthrough treatments for Parkinson’s patients at home. Using LSVT therapies (an acronym for Lee Silverman Voice Treatment), Watermark at Home’s specially-trained and certified speech, physical and occupational therapists are now producing life-changing results for home care patients like Roberto.
Roberto, who lives in Mesa AZ, was 67 when his bout with Parkinson’s began three years ago. The early signs of Parkinson’s can be difficult to assess. As with Roberto, they usually begin with a tremor in one hand. Other signs, such as change in muscle tone, facial “freezing,” problems walking, a soft voice and unsteady posture become clearer as the illness progresses.
Parkinson’s is one of the most common nervous system disorders of the elderly. It most often develops after age 50 though sometimes it occurs in younger adults. Many know it as the disease that forever changed the bright acting career of Michael J. Fox, who was first diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease in 1991 at the age of 30.
Once diagnosed with Parkinson’s, patients like Roberto are usually prescribed medications designed to quiet their symptoms. Until recently, medications have provided the only hope. Like others affected by the disease, Roberto and his family felt otherwise helpless as they watched their loved one’s condition deteriorate. Within two years, Roberto could no longer get himself out of a chair or out of bed without the assistance of his wife or a family member.
In the summer of 2011, Roberto and his family enlisted the support of Watermark at Home. Larry Bates, one of Watermark at Home’s first LSVT-certified physical therapists, began treating Roberto in his home four times a week. He progressed so rapidly that his family was amazed. Less than two weeks into his therapy sessions, Tresa Stapleton, RN, Watermark at Home’s Clinical Supervisor, accompanied Larry to Roberto’s home to observe his progress in person. Here’s what she witnessed.
When I arrived with Larry, I noticed a large number of cars parked in the driveway. As we walked inside, we were greeted by a group of friendly family members who had come to support their father during his LSVT BIG treatment session. Larry was almost two weeks into his treatment plan which is four times per week for four weeks with Roberto. Directly after Larry and Roberto were given some bottled water, I was directed to my place on the couch to watch the session. There was an air of excitement among the family members. They were eager to see how well their husband and father would do, since they were noticing improvements in his mobility.
Facing each other while sitting on chairs, Larry called out “1, 2, 3.” to Roberto. Roberto parroted back. Together, therapist and patient did the exercise in unison. They extended their arms out in front, gently rocked forward to a standing position while keeping their arms outstretched for balance, and returned to a sitting position on the chair. During the previous visit, Roberto was able to do this three times. Today he did it ten times. With each successfully completed sequence, the members of the family cheered and clapped. As Larry went through the exercises, I was impressed with the loving involvement of Roberto’s family. His son and son-in-law stood by, one on the left and one on his right, as he was making the sweeping BIG arm gestures, in case he lost his balance. They gently coached, “higher” while he was reaching over to his right then left sides. His daughter was holding his 11-month old grandson who was watching all of the activity with shy attentiveness. His wife was watching from the kitchen, smiling and noticing every improvement with loving pride.
Since commencing his LSVT BIG Therapy, Roberto’s quality of life has improved immensely. In fact, he is moving so much better that his doctor has reduced his medications. His wife commented to Stapleton, “He is now able to go in and out of the kitchen onto the patio by himself. And recently he is able to sit on the leather couch and get himself up for the first time in several years.” The family cheered with this comment, and Roberto made a BIG smile, something Larry says they work on to improve facial muscles.
As Roberto’s session with Larry continued, Stapleton observed Roberto’s son walking backwards down the hallway, facing his father. He kept in step while his father marched BIG, lifting his feet and moving his arms in rhythm to Larry’s “left, (pause) left, (pause) left right left.”
Stapleton couldn’t help but notice the BIG poster hanging on the wall, decorated brightly to remind Roberto to make all of his movements BIG. The family was quick to credit the posters around the house to Roberto’s daughter, who managed to put her little son’s hand prints on the posters to make them “extra special.”
Clearly this was a family effort – and a family victory. It was very obvious how much the family appreciated the therapy Watermark at Home was providing for Roberto. There is no doubt that the LSVT BIG program is changing lives, one therapy treatment at a time.
About Watermark at Home
Watermark at Home is an Arizona licensed home care agency committed to helping people thrive throughout metropolitan Phoenix and Southern Arizona. For more information, visit www.watermarkathome.com or call Watermark at Home at 480-946-4145.
LSVTR BIG therapy contributes to:
Reduced risk of falls
Improved balance
Focused larger movements
Faster walking with bigger steps
Quality and safety in walking
Better balance
Increased trunk flexion
LSVTR LOUD therapy contributes to:
Increased vocal intensity
Improved swallowing
Enhanced voice quality
Improved facial expression
Improved communication
Improved quality of life
Suggested Pullout: Parkinson’s is one of the most common nervous system disorders of the elderly. It most often develops after age 50 though sometimes it occurs in younger adults. Many know it as the disease that forever changed the bright acting career of Michael J. Fox, who was first diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease in 1991 at the age of 30. While there’s still no cure for Parkinson’s, LSVT Therapy, pioneered in Arizona, is giving patients relief.
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 Life Isn’t Over, Just Different
MS Society Runner Finds Shared Cause at P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona
Megan White was always a runner.
“I love to run and always have. I am able to clear my mind with only the road and the music in my head,” she says.
Her MS diagnosis at the age of 37 was devastating at first. It was not what she had imagined for her life. She thought of the burden she would become to her family, the loss of her independence. Struck with fear, Megan picked up the phone and called the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, seeking answers.
“The woman on the other end told me my life wasn’t over, it was just different,” she recalls. Since then, Megan hasn’t stopped running. In fact, she has run the P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon every year since 2009, raising critical funds for the National MS Society each time, and running decked out in their signature color, orange.
On January 15, 2012, Megan will be in good company. As the benefiting charity of the P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon & Half Marathon, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society will be represented by a team of MS Rockstars, runners like Megan who will raise money to create a world free of MS. Each team member will raise a minimum of $1,750; benefits of participating on the MS Rockstar team include a personalized 12-week training program and VIP treatment on race day. The money they raise directly supports research for a cure and local programs that support those living with MS.
“I look forward to looking all around me and seeing orange,” adds Megan. “I am so tickled that such a well run marathon has chosen the Society to be the benefiting charity. I only run one marathon a year; I choose P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona because I get so charged up by the spectators, the bands and the atmosphere that I forget the pain – I am free of MS for just the day. I want others to be free of MS as well.”
To learn more visit MS Rock Stars or Runrocknroll.competitor.com
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Rogue Fitness Publisher Dives Naked Into Chocolate
What would possess the publisher of a fitness magazine to launch a chocolate company?
“Friends pushed me into it,” said Sue Berliner, owner and publisher of the health and fitness publication SWEAT Magazine. “I have always had a passion for good food, cooking and chocolate. Eating well for optimal health and performance has long been a priority and I am not one to sacrifice taste or flavor.”
“I started playing with a chocolate truffle recipe that had no refined sugar and a few simple ingredients. I began sharing them with other foodies, athletic and health conscious friends and associates. Everyone insisted I start selling them. The rich but not sweet taste drew rave reviews from the get-go. They were dubbed b Naked Chocolates due to their simplicity and absence of processed sugar, dairy, gluten and soy. And frankly, the name is fun.”
The truffles are made with three ingredients: cashews, organic cacao (raw chocolate) and maple syrup. The organic cacao, in its unadulterated and most healthful state, packs a pleasing chocolate oomph. Spices are added to create a palate of flavors. Hand rolling the truffles in cacao nibs, dried coconut or almonds finishes the luscious dark chocolates. Ten flavors are currently offered. Fan favorites include The Naked Truth, Ocean Dive, Slow Burn, Mystic Mint Mayhem, Ginger Spice & Everything Nice with more in development.
While one or two truffles makes the perfect fix for any chocolate lover, b Naked is filling a unique niche needed among vegans and vegetarians.
In addition to providing the marketplace with a rich but healthful chocolate, Berliner, 52, is inspiring and teaching the community to live healthfully with her Chocolate Chats. Available topics include Fabulously Fit at 40, 50 or Any Age, Eating Well, Finding Fitness and more.
You can find Berliner and her artisan b Naked Chocolates at the Old Town Scottsdale Farmer’s Market every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The company is also available to supply chocolates for parties, events, weddings and caterers. The chocolates ship well, make great gifts or party favors and can be ordered on line at bnakedchocolates.com.
High res images are available upon request. For more info, call 480-947-3900 or visit .bnakedchocolates.com
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b Naked Chocolates ●P.O. Box 1686 Scottsdale, AZ 85252●480-947-3900●bnakedchocolates.com
At 84 Dorothy Brunker likes to brag about being the Iron Girl over 80 though diagnosed with Parkinson’s two years ago.
“It has slowed me down,” said Brunker. “But I haven’t quit! I’ve always been active as I hiked the Grand Canyon for my 65th birthday. It was after that when I decided to walk in the many charity events. For my 75th birthday I went to Dublin, Ireland as a member of Team “D” (Diabetes) and walked a full marathon. What an awesome time I had and received a check from the Bank of Ireland for placing 3rd in my age group.” Two years ago she broke her hip in a fall and that is when the doctors diagnosed her Parkinson’s.
To read the whole story see Dorothy Brunker. For more info on the Dec 11 Iron Girl Scottsdale visit IronGirl.com
At 84 Dorothy Brunker likes to brag about being the Iron Girl over 80 though diagnosed with Parkinson’s two years ago.
“It has slowed me down,” said Brunker. “But I haven’t quit! I’ve always been active as I hiked the Grand Canyon for my 65th birthday. It was after that when I decided to walk in the many charity events. For my 75th birthday I went to Dublin, Ireland as a member of Team “D” (Diabetes) and walked a full marathon. What an awesome time I had and received a check from the Bank of Ireland for placing 3rd in my age group.” Two years ago she broke her hip in a fall and that is when the doctors diagnosed her Parkinson’s.
For her 85th birthday in March she plans on being vertical and walking in a charity event. “I just counted all the medals I have and that total is 75, so I must have walked about that many races as a medal is usually given at each event. I have several other awards and race trophies my husband [90] calls dust catchers.”
What she loves most about participating are the great people she has met, helping the charities and helping to keep her body strong by staying active. “My Parkinson’s doctor can’t get over how good I am and says it is due to my exercise,” said Brunker.
Being the social person that she is, she was thrilled when she was accepted into the Q-Teas Chapter of the Red Hat Society. She took the name Duchess of Walks-A-Lot. Born in Michigan, she moved west to San Diego and eventually bought a home in Scottsdale in 1972. In 1981 her oldest daughter was killed at 30 by a drunk driver and for 15 years she did a lot of public speaking. Then a close friend died from diabetes and she had some relatives with it. So she joined Team “D,” started walking and hasn’t stopped yet.
“My youngest daughter, now 57, lives nearby and had 3 boys. I am now a great grandma to two adorable little girls,” said Brunker. The spunky Brunker looks forward to defending her title at the Iron Girl 10k and 5k at DC Ranch in North Scottsdale on December 11. To learn more about the event visit irongirl.com.
Completing a marathon or triathlon (no matter what the distance) is challenge enough for most of us. Imagine completing an Ironman while pushing your son in a wheelchair the entire race. On November 15th UCP of Central Arizona is hosting an “Evening of Inspiration and motivation with Dick Hoyt” at the Doubletree Resort in Scottsdale. Dick Hoyt will tell the inspirational story of how he and his son Rick, who has cerebral palsy, compete together in marathons and triathlons across the country.
It all started in the spring of 1977, when Rick told his father that he wanted to participate in a 5-mile benefit run for a Lacrosse player who had been paralyzed in an accident. Far from being a long-distance runner, Dick agreed to push Rick in his wheelchair and they finished all 5 miles, coming in next to last. That night, Rick told his father, "Dad, when I'm running, it feels like I'm not handicapped."
This realization was just the beginning of what would become over 1,000 races completed, including marathons, duathlons and triathlons (6 of them being Ironman competitions). Together they formed a foundation, Team Hoyt, which strives to help those who are physically disabled become active members of the community.
The event is open to the general public and whether or not you’re a running a enthusiast it’s a great story with a universal message! And again, all proceeds go to helping UCP provide vital services in the community every day. To buy a ticket to this wonderful event just go to ucpofcentralaz.org/currentevents. This is a great opportunity to be inspired and meet this amazing father-son dynamic duo!
—Sophie O'Keefe-Zelman
Need some motivation? You can win a free entry into H.A.G. — Hybrid Adventure Games on October 15 at McDowell Mountain Park. It combines five different events for a great challenge and tons of fun. Tell us "how much an empty keg weighs" and you can win. Post your answer at the Sweat Magazine Fan Page.
Want some inspiration? Check out Living the Tough Life - Chris Rutz. You will get all the details on H.A.G and meet a great guy.
Hubert Noethen
83
Scottsdale, Arizona
Family: Married 61 years to Susan, 3 children, 3 grand children, 1 great grandchild
Sport: Hiking
If you have hiked Camelback Mountain in the last 40-plus years, you have likely seen or met Hubert Noethen, In 1960 Hubert (as he is commonly referred to) left the frosty winter weather of Worcester, Mass. and set his roots down with wife Susan in sunny Scottsdale. read more
Creator and founder of livethetoughlife.com, Chris Rutz is a wellness coach who strives to surround himself with a healthy lifestyle and helps others do the same- “Live the Tough Life”. – Tough Training.
When asked what “What does ‘living the tough life’ mean,” Rutz responsed, “I am often asked ‘Isn’t it tough to eat paleo?’ ‘Isn’t it tough to eat clean when you travel? ‘How do you balance work, training, family? That must be tough.”
The wellness coach elaborates, “For me it is not tough. This is the way I choose to live and it is the way I hope to inspire you to live.” Rutz explains, “Living the tough life is not only about training well for high profile mud runs; it is really a lifestyle.” This lifestyle is built off of what Rutz calls the four pillars of being tough- training, nutrition, recover, and equipment.
Rutz finished first at a Tough Mudder competition in Wisconsin in July of this year and he truly lives the tough life on and off the obstacle courses. In his free time, he maintains his strength through CrossFit. Rutz is physically groomed as one the toughest human beings but is even more than prepared mentally.
During the past 20 years, Rutz has been dedicated to achieving a high level of fitness. His passions over that time have included triathlons, bike racing, yoga, surfing, canyoneering, rock climbing, crossfit and backpacking. His most recent endeavor is the upcoming Hybrid Adventure Games (H.A.G.) taking place at McDowell Mountain Regional Park on October 15th, 2011.
The Hybrid Adventure Games puts a new spin on the up and coming phenomenon of adventure racing. This one-day event consists of five different challenges. You begin with a 5-mile adventure run, leading into a 400-meter obstacle course, and then move onto a keg toss challenge, tractor tire flip, and an archery range shootout. Each event is scored the same; therefore, it’s the all-around athlete that is going to succeed. A little bit of strength, a little bit of speed, and hand-eye coordination- the hybrid athlete. The best part about this event is about having fun and competing plus participants are giving back to local charities.
Rutz was asked why he was excited about H.A.G. and why he thought this race would be different than the others. His answer? “The race format. It is not a ‘runners’ race. You compete in 5 different events all scored on their own. HAG rewards the all around athlete. It brings out a different type of athlete, one that is well rounded and able to excel in more than one discipline. It will also be fun to watch your competition during each event. It is a lot like ‘Wipe-out’ in that you can learn from watching the mistakes of others that went before you and probably get a good laugh in as well.”
“Being fit and knowing that I am ready to take on life’s tough challenges is one of the greatest feelings in the world. My goal is to share my passion for fitness and life with others,” said Rutz.
Featured in health and fitness magazine across the state, Rutz provides an alternative to what is historically know as hard. “Its easy to live the tough life, said Rutz. "All you have to do is push yourself further than you think you can. Be resourceful. Training tough prepares one for life – it's tough, but you will always be ready for what’s next!”
—Molly McCluskey
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