It's Time for Washington, D.C. To Get "Moving" For Parkinson's Disease

--Moving Day, A Walk for Parkinson's, to benefit the Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area and the National Parkinson Foundation--

WASHINGTON, Oct. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Parkinson Foundation (NPF) in partnership with Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area (PFNCA) is holding Moving Day, a fundraising walk for Parkinson's disease (PD) in Washington, D.C.   Moving Day will be held at Nationals Park on Sunday, November 4^th with gates opening at 8:30 AM.  The money the local community raises through Moving Day will help improve the lives of Parkinson's patients and families affected by the disease in the greater D.C. area.  

Each walk will feature a "Movement Pavilion," with activities such as yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, dance and much more. Studies show that movement is beneficial and proven to help manage the symptoms of PD, improving flexibility and mobility. The aim is to encourage people to stay active and move for better health.

Katie Couric joined Moving Day last year as honorary national chair to help spread awareness about the disease and promote NPF's goal of generating funds to support needed research for PD. Couric watched her father battle PD for years. "I am proud to be a part of this mission and in doing so, honor my wonderful father, who was a true profile in courage as he soldiered on every day to remain an active and vibrant part of the family he so loved," said Couric.

People who take part in Moving Day become part of a nationwide movement to beat Parkinson's by supporting education and outreach, cutting-edge research aimed at better treatment and care, advancement of clinical care through healthcare professional training and raising general awareness about the disease.  

Almost everyone is touched by Parkinson's in one way or another with an estimated 1 million people in the United States living with the disease. To learn more about Moving Day Washington, D.C. and how you, your family and friends can get involved, please visit www.movingdaydc.org.   

About Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative brain disorder that progresses slowly in most people with PD. When 60 to 80 percent of the dopamine-producing cells in the brain are damaged, and do not produce enough dopamine, the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease appear. In the United States, 50-60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, adding to the 1 million people who have Parkinson's disease.  It is estimated that 4 to 6 million people around the world have Parkinson's.

About The National Parkinson Foundation (NPF)
Founded in 1957, NPF's mission is to improve the quality of care for people with Parkinson's disease.  NPF has funded more than $164 million in care, research and support services.  For more information about NPF and the Moving Day event, please visit www.parkinson.org or call toll-free 1-800-4PD-INFO (473-4636).

About Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area (PFNCA)
PFNCA is the largest local provider of support, education and exercise programs for Parkinson's patients and their loved ones.  Exercise, Dance, Yoga, Pilates, Choir and Aerobics classes are available every week and there is no charge for Parkinson's community members to participate.  Connect with us by calling 703-734-1017 or visit www.parkinsonfoundation.org.

Contact:     
Lou Nistler
Executive Director
Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area
[email protected] 
703-734-1017

SOURCE National Parkinson Foundation