Health Update: Health Update: Don’t miss the 2026 Wellness Expo for Parkinson’s awareness – What Experts Say– What Experts Say.
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Every year, April is recognized as National Parkinson’s Awareness Month — a time dedicated to raising awareness about Parkinson’s disease, a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder that often causes tremors, stiffness, slowness of movement and balance issues. It affects the central nervous system, with symptoms worsening over time.
Awareness is key when it comes to the management of Parkinson’s disease as well as understanding the local resources that are available.
Want to learn more about this condition? Members of the public are invited to a free Wellness Expo for Parkinson’s Awareness on April 11 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Annenberg Health Sciences Building on the Eisenhower Health campus, which is located at 39-000 Bob Hope Drive in Rancho Mirage.
The following local resources will be in attendance at this year’s expo:
ACV Parkinson’s Support Group
This 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 the disease in a safe, confidential and judgement-free environment.
SongShine
A music-based Arts in Healthcare 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 Peter Harris.
John D. Legge, MD, Eisenhower Health
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, Eisenhower Health
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.
Samantha Murphy, MS, CCC-SLP, Eisenhower Health
Speak Out! is an evidenced-based program for individuals that was developed by the Parkinson’s Voice Project. It 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, Eisenhower Health
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, Head Coach
Rock Steady Boxing Desert Cities is a non-contact, boxing inspired fitness program. Designed to improve strength, balance, mobility, and fight back against Parkinson’s disease.
To learn more or to sign up for the expo, visit cvalzheimers.org or call 760-776-3100.