(Parkinson Association of Alberta/Facebook)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

INTERNATIONAL AWARENESS MONTH

PUSH for Parkinson’s this April

Mar 27, 2025 | 10:13 AM

Internationally, April is recognized as Parkinson Awareness Month.

According to the Parkinson Association of Alberta, more than 110,000 Canadians live with Parkinson disease and Atypical Parkinsonism, about 15,000 of them Albertans. Plus, every day, 18 more people are diagnosed; this means in April alone, more than 550 Canadians may learn they have the disease.

Parkinson Awareness Month is an opportunity for the public to expand their understanding of the disease and the impact it has on those with a diagnosis, as well as the loved ones that support them. The Association also wants to celebrate the diagnosed community’s strength, resilience, passion and perseverance.

Throughout the month, the Association will offer educational opportunities focused on Alberta-based Parkinson’s research. The organization also hopes to get and keep people moving through its Sit n’ Stand challenge.

Sitting and standing is exactly what it sounds like and is a great exercise for people with Parkinson disease and Atypical Parkinsonism. The Parkinson Association of Alberta hopes to see 100,000 Sit n’ Stands from the community over the course of the month.

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This year, the Association also wants the community to #PUSH for Parkinson’s. It wants to see individuals stride froward with purpose and intention, whether it’s conquering a walk around the block, finishing a crossword or making new connections; as long as you give yourself a little push.

PUSH represents actionable steps: Preparation, Uniqueness, Safety and Health, all crucial elements to consider when preparing to achieve an objective. The Association says to get ready, focus on your goals, prioritize safety and enjoy the health benefits as you stay active this awareness month and push toward your Sit n’ Stand goal.

To help achieve this collective goal, the organization is hosting events on April 7 in Calgary and April 11 in Edmonton. Individuals with Parkinson disease and Atypical Parkinsonism, and the people that love and support them, are invited to participate in a variety of fun, physical, cognitive and speech activities, plus enjoy guest speakers, prizes, coffee and treats.

• Stand Up to Parkinson’s Calgary: HRIC Atrium — Foothills Medical Centre (University of Calgary) – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Stand Up to Parkinson’s Edmonton: West Edmonton Mall Phase IV — 10 a.m. to noon