Bill Heimiller got to take the GRIT Freedom Chair for the first time last week and his reaction was amazing. Bill said “Lets take this puppy out and try her in the snow!”, so we did. It was cold but was also beautiful and sunny. Dressed for the weather, we enjoyed a 2.5 Km walk on the snowy trail, with Bill working away to be as much self propelled as possible. Although Bill has a number of health concerns, the exercising in the Freedom chair has already elevated his blood pressure and making him more steady on his feet making him less reliant on walking aids when inside. He also likes to walk behind the chair, using it as a very stable outdoor walker. To be wheel chair bond in your own house would definitely be the worst case scenario as they say “Sitting is the new smoking”. Keeping our mobility through exercise is the best thing we can do for ourselves. Plus the fresh air, fitness and conversation with friends ads to our quality of life. If Bill at 80 years old can try something new, why not you!
To help get more people with advanced Parkinson’s into this new exercise routine contact Joe van Koeverden at 705-868-2659 or e-mail at joevank53@gmail.com or go to www.joewithpd.com for more info.
To help get more people like Bill into the New GRIT Freedom Chair
Bill and Joe are on the TransCanada Trail in Jackson Park, Peterborough, Ontario