The Parkinson's Exercise and Wellness Center

09/18/2026

It's Fall Friday!

This week, we’re talking about freezing and how to move through it safely. For people with Parkinson’s, freezing can make it difficult to get moving and increase the risk of a fall.

The Parkinson's Foundation offers some strategies that can help. If you feel yourself freeze:
1. Stop. Regain your balance. Then move.
2. Try widening your stance or shifting your weight.
3. Use a cue like counting, stepping over an imaginary line, or listening to a rhythm to help initiate your next step.
4. Build your strength. Strength training can help build the muscle needed for better balance, stability, and movement.

Read the full article on the Parkinson's Foundation blog: https://www.parkinson.org/blog/awareness/freezing-fall-prevention

Want to improve your strength, balance and mobility? Learn more about the PEWC's strength training and exercise classes: https://www.thepewc.org/

09/16/2026

Reminder alert! Our next Live Well event is coming up this Saturday, September 19th!

Live Well: Technology Matters will feature companies showcasing wellness products and services for PD fighters and care partners. Plus, we’ll be welcoming Dr. Muhammad from University of Kansas Medical Center, who will share the latest on new therapies and treatments for Parkinson’s disease.

Come learn, connect, and get inspired. Dr. Muhammad starts at 12:30 pm so don't miss it! This is a free event and open to the public.

Where: The Parkinson's Exercise & Wellness Center, 3660 W. 95th St, Leawood, KS 66206

09/11/2026

It’s Fall Friday!

September is Fall Prevention Month, and we’ll be sharing tips and techniques throughout the month to help you move safely and confidently. In today’s video, capstone student Taea Reiswig demonstrates safe options for bed mobility and movement - important everyday skills for maintaining mobility, balance and independence.

▶️ Watch the video and learn some simple techniques you can use at home!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLRRjOOv53c&t=7s

09/08/2026

💙 Don’t miss this Saturday!

Join us September 12th for an important conversation about the Parkinson’s Hospital Safety Guide, presented by Melissa Fortmann, OTR, Parkinson's Foundation Ambassador. This helpful guide is for PD Fighters, partners and family members.

Hear additional insights from Blake Spanjer, OTD, OTR/L, of PEWC and Lindsey Heidrick, CCC-SLP, of University of Kansas Medical Center.

📅 Saturday, Sept. 12 | 12:30–2:30 p.m.
🎟️ FREE & open to all
📘 Everyone receives a free Hospital Safety Guide!

If Parkinson’s is part of your life, this is a resource you’ll want to have. We hope to see you Saturday! 💙

09/04/2026

September is Fall Prevention Month! Each Friday we will be providing helpful tips, guidance and information on fall safety.

Today we have an instructional video from one of our previous Occupational Therapy capstone students, Taea, as she walks through 8 steps on how to safely get up after a fall. These techniques will help prevent injury and build confidence in a fall situation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zKgxO3ARG4&t=16s

08/26/2026

Join us on Saturday, September 12th as we welcome Melissa Fortmann, OTR, and Parkinson's Foundation Ambassador as she presents the Parkinson's Hospital Safety Guide, designed for PD fighters, care partners and family members. Additional speakers include Blake Spanjer, OTD,OTR/L from The PEWC and Lindsey Heidrick, CCC-SLP from University of Kansas Medical Center.

Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Location: The Parkinson's Exercise & Wellness Center, 3600 W. 95th St, Leawood, KS 66206
Time: 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
*Everyone receives a free Hospital Safety Guide

This is a free event and open to all who are interested. Don't miss it! 💙

08/23/2026

Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 19th! Our next Live Well event is coming up!

Live Well: Technology Matters will feature a variety of companies showcasing wellness products and services for PD fighters and care partners. Plus, we’re excited to welcome Dr. Muhammad, a crowd favorite, who will share the latest on new therapies and developments in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Come learn, connect, and get inspired.

Dr. Muhammad will begin speaking at 12:30 p.m. so don't miss it!

This is a free event and open to the public.

Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: 10:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. - companies showing products and services
Dr. Muhammad presentation: 12:30 p.m.
Location: The PEWC, 3660 W. 95th St, Leawood, KS 66206

08/14/2026

Join us for an Open House at PEWC on August 22!

Stop by for coffee and a doughnut, observe a Rock Steady Boxing class, meet our Fighters, care partners and coaches, tour our facility, and learn about support groups, resources, events, and exercise programs.

August 22 | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Parkinsons's Exercise & Wellness Center, 3600 W. 95th St, Leawood, KS 66206

Whether you’re new to PEWC or want to learn more about what we offer, we’d love to have you join us!

08/08/2026

Don't miss this FREE event on Saturday, August 15! Hear from Dr. Andrea Lee, Dr. Andrew Creed, and Dr. Kevin Au on Parkinson’s basics and causes, treatment options, dystonia management, deep brain stimulation (DBS) and more. Be sure to say hi to the PEWC team!

Come visit us Saturday, August 15, at the 18th Annual Parkinson’s Disease Symposium, hosted by the University of Kansas Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Center, a Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence. The Symposium runs 8 am to 1 pm at the Overland Park Marriott, and it's free and open to the public. We hope to see you there! 🩵 To register, call 913-588-0013 or click https://buff.ly/x6wB2NC

07/20/2026

Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 25th! We are having our annual fundraiser at Fiorella's Jack Stack Event Space and will also be celebrating 10 years of the PEWC! Tables and tickets coming soon!