ANYTIME, ANYWHERE, HELP US REACH EVERYONE!

At the Center for Movement Challenges, we believe in the power of movement to transform lives, particularly for those living with Parkinson's disease. We make a difference every day. For over a decade we have successfully provided innovative programs, compassionate care, and a supportive community to help individuals regain strength, independence, and hope. From specialized exercise classes, to tele-health, to personalized therapies and emotional support, we empower people nationwide to face the challenges of Parkinson's with resilience and confidence. Our classes are accessible in-person, live virtual and online, with the reach of ANYTIME, ANYWHERE, FOR EVERYONE!

But we can’t do it alone. Your donation directly fuels these life-changing efforts, giving individuals the tools to slow disease progression, improve motor and non-motor symptoms, reclaim their quality of life and pursue their passions. As a 501 (c) *(3) all donations are fully tax deductible.*

**Be the Difference**

When you donate to the Center for Movement Challenges, you’re investing in more than a program—you’re investing in people. Your contribution helps us provide accessible, high-quality programs and services to those in need, ensuring cost is never a barrier to care.  With your support, we can expand our reach, engage in groundbreaking research, and create new opportunities for healing and growth. Please reach inside your hearts and donate. Be the difference! Together, we can break down barriers and offer hope to thousands affected by Parkinson's. Help us give the gifts of friendship, support and LIFE nationwide, gifting people living with Parkinson’s the tools to live the best life possible to its fullest potential.

Join us in this vital mission—your generosity can change lives today.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Denise Formisano

CFMC CEO

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Speech Maintenance and Cognitive Wellness Class Two with Coach Valeria

Enhance your vocal strength and cognitive sharpness with targeted exercises for posture, voice, and memory.

Preparing for a Strong Voice

  • Introduction: Trainer Valeria leads a speech and cognitive exercise, emphasizing posture and vocal readiness. Needed items: a chair and water.
  • Posture Check:
    • Feet flat on the floor, weight even on your bottom.
    • Align shoulders and ears; roll shoulders forward and backward in big circles to release tension.
    • Stretch arms wide, give yourself a hug, and repeat for a few cycles to open the chest.
    • March in place with arms moving up and down, like a "toy soldier."

Neck and Jaw Warm-Up

  • Neck Stretches:
    • Look over the left shoulder, return to the center, then look over the right.
    • Tilt your head so the ear moves towards the shoulder. Roll the chin to the chest, alternating sides.
    • Perform a deeper stretch by turning your head to the side, lowering your chin, and using your arm to gently enhance the stretch.
  • Jaw Stretches:
    • Perform big, exaggerated chewing motions in one direction, then the other.
    • Open and close the mouth wide to loosen jaw muscles.

Voice Warm-Up

  • Counting Exercise:
    • Count from 1 to 20 using a loud, strong voice.
    • Repeat counting, alternating between a low pitch for odd numbers and a high pitch for even numbers.
  • "Ah" Exercises:
    • Take a deep breath, open the mouth wide, and sustain the "ah" sound for 10 repetitions.
    • Focus on a comfortable pitch and maintaining a strong, resonant tone.

Vocal Cord Flexibility

  • Stretching Up:
    • Glide from a middle note to the highest note possible, emphasizing clear and steady sound. Repeat five times.
  • Contracting Down:
    • Start with a middle note and glide to a low note without straining. Perform five repetitions.
  • Combined Exercise:
    • Glide from a low note to a high note and back to a low note, mimicking a siren sound. Repeat five times.

Cognitive Challenges with Numbers

  • Repeating Numbers:
    • Listen to a sequence of numbers and repeat them back in a loud, clear voice.
  • Reversing Numbers:
    • Hear a string of numbers and say them backward, focusing on accuracy and vocal projection.
  • Advanced Number Challenges:
    • Repeat progressively longer sequences or reverse their order to engage memory and cognitive skills.

Cool-Down

  • Yawn and Sigh:
    • Perform three exaggerated yawns, opening the throat and chest, followed by a gentle, breathy sigh to relax the vocal cords and body.
  • Closing Note: Maintain the strong voice throughout the day and continue practicing for improved speech and cognitive wellness.

Key takeaways

  • Strong posture and warm-ups enhance vocal power.
  • Voice and memory exercises improve focus.
  • Practice boosts vocal clarity and flexibility.

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