Name: Salem: Balancing Act - Falls, Fatigue, Exercise and You. (In-Person)
Start: 2025-09-10T12:00:00-07:00
End: 2025-09-10T16:00:00-07:00
Location: Days Inn by Wyndham Black Bear

Salem: Balancing Act - Falls, Fatigue, Exercise and You. (In-Person)

Parkinson's impacts balance. It leads to falls and causes fatigue. Come learn about these links and the steps to take to reduce your risk.
About this Event

This forum has a nominal registration fee of $10 per participant, additional donations welcome but not required.

Scholarships are available and are available until event capacity is reached- please call PRO at 800-426-6806 to request a scholarship.

Event Agenda:

11:00am - Doors will open for check-in, light lunch served.

12:00 - Opening Remarks and "Parkinson's and Your Balance"

Parkinson's affects balance and the ease and fluidity of movement - attributes that are pivitol to preventing falls. Physical Therapist Deborah Jones, DPT, will explain why Parkinson's affects balance and increases risk of falling, and most importantly, what you can do to reduce this risk.

1:00-2:00 - "Understanding the Parkinson's/Fatigue Connection and Strategies for Energy Conservation"

Experiencing fatigue is a commonly shared experience for those with Parkinson’s Disease. Exercise can help reduce fatigue, but sometimes it can also be a contributor to it. Bruce Coy, PT and Gail Hudson, OT will explore Parkinson's associated fatigue and share practical tips on how to incorporate energy conservations strategies into your daily routine.

2:00-2:30 - Break to socialize and visit with attending PRO Annual Sponsors and other invited vendors.

2:30-3:15 - "Exercise - Improving Balance and Reducing Falls"

Today, exercise stands alone as the only intervention proven to slow the progression and symptoms of Parkinson's Disease. Therefore, when battling PD, a comprehensive, Parkinson-specific exercise program is necessary. Sue Scott will explore exercise options that improve balance and reduce fall risks. You’ll learn activities that showcase flexibility and posture, build strength and endurance, and enhance coordination and brain power. These activities are the kinds that help PWP maintain physical and cognitive abilities more effectively. You’ll leave inspired, informed, and eager to try new activities.

3:15-4:00 - Panel Discussion

We will have time to answer questions not addressed during the individual presentations, as well as pose new ones to our panel of experts.

4:00 - Closing Comments and Adjourn

Our Presenters

Deborah Jones, DPT

Deborah Jones is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a board-certified clinical specialist in geriatrics. Dr. Jones has additional certifications in balance and falls, as well as pelvic health. She also has extensive training and experience treating vestibular conditions.

Bruce Coy, PT, ATP, Salem Health

Bruce Coy is a physical therapist who has been practicing with people with neurological conditions for 23 years. He is PWR (Parkinson’s Wellness and Recovery) and LSVT BIG (Lee Silverman Vocal Technique BIG) certified. He has been a lead therapist working with clients with Parkinson’s Disease for the past 9 years.

Gail Hudson, OT, Salem Health

Gail Hudson is an occupational therapist who has worked with people with neurological disorders for over 30 years. She has 10 years of experience working in various settings with people and families experiencing Parkinson’s disease. She became PWR (Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery) certified two years ago and since then has been the lead occupational therapist working with people with Parkinson’s at Salem Health in outpatient therapy.

Sue Scott, BS, MS, Author and Owner of Renewable Fitness LLC

Sue Scott earned her B.S. in Exercise Science and a M.S. in Exercise Science and Sports Research from Portland State University. Sue is the owner of Renewable Fitness, LLC which specializes in exercise training for individuals and groups to improve balance, mobility, and brain health. Her nearly 40 years of experience in the exercise field includes extensive collaboration with researchers at OHSU’s Neurological Sciences Institute, as well as other institutions. Sue is also the creator of ABLE Bodies Balance Training, a unique, evidence-based balance and mobility training curriculum designed for retirement and assisted living communities and/or for individuals with compromised balance. Sue is an author and has contributed to many published research articles. Additionally, she is an ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist.