SINGERCISE OFFERED FREE FOR THOSE WITH PARKINSON’S
No-Charge program at the Greater Susquehanna Valley YMCA made possible by a Community Grant from the Parkinson’s FoundationLEWISBURG, Pa. – The Greater Susquehanna Valley YMCA has partnered with Bloomsburg Music Therapy to offer Singercise, a free, therapeutic class for people battling Parkinson’s disease. Singercise aims to improve speech intelligibility, increase vocal intensity, and improve respiration and swallowing, all while providing a source of social support in a fun and engaging setting. The program, offered completely free of charge to participants and their caregivers thanks to a community grant from the Parkinson’s Foundation, is currently being offered both in-person and virtually. In-person classes meet at the Lewisburg YMCA at the Miller Center every Monday from 2:30 to 3:30 pm now through June 27 and virtual classes meet via Zoom every Wednesday from 1 to 2 pm beginning April 13 and running through June 15.
Class is led by board-certified music therapist Alysha Suley, MM, MT-BC, a member of the American Music Therapy Association and the International Association for Music & Medicine. Singercise is open to individuals of all physical ability and fitness levels who are battling Parkinson’s disease.
Previous participants have seen marked improvements in their speech and breathing, with one participant saying, “A friend recently commented on how much better I was speaking and sounding.” Singercise has also proven to be an excellent outlet for socialization, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Another attendee remarked, “My husband and I find the program to be enjoyable, and both of us have seen some positive results. It also gives us something positive to do together relative to Parkinson’s rather than focusing on all the negatives that come with the disease.”
Registration is open now, and those interested can register at gsvymca.org, or by calling (570)316-1899. Registration is required.
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About the GSV YMCA
The Greater Susquehanna Valley YMCA aims to bring together those in our community who are committed to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. We’re more than just a gym – we are a community united under one mission: to aid in the spiritual, mental and physical development of each person enabling them to be beneficial and contributing members of our society. Locations include Sunbury, Milton, Mifflinburg and Lewisburg.
Greater Susquehanna Valley YMCA
Singercise Info
