Parkinson's is a degenerative neurological disease that physically, mentally, and emotionally affects hundreds of thousands of people in the United States. The initial steps in treating it are awareness and education.

That's the goal of the Lititz recCenter's fourth annual Parkinson's Program Meet & Mingle. Planned as a way of teaching and breaking down barriers, the free event will be held on Saturday, April 15, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Lititz recCenter, 301 Maple St., Lititz.

Visitors can meet Parkinson's disease warriors and current participants in the Lititz recCenter's Rock Steady Boxing program, as well as doctors, a speech therapist, a registered dietitian, and a massage therapist. The Parkinson's Program Meet & Mingle will address challenges in motor skills, coordination and balance, nutrition and diet, and speech.

"The goal is to spread the word about our boxing program," said Erica Wolgemuth Johnson, coach of the Rock Steady Boxing program. "People are aware that Parkinson's exists, but they may not be aware of how prevalent it is in the world or in the local community. What we're doing in this class is not keeping it in the forefront as much in your daily life. Hopefully, we're giving you a chance to have a higher-functioning life."

Currently, about 30 local residents, ranging in age from their early 60s to their early 80s, are enrolled in the Lititz recCenter's Rock Steady Boxing program.

"They come from all walks of life - doctors, accountants, schoolteachers, farmers, veterinarians," said Johnson. "Parkinson's is not reversible, and it gets worse over time. But one way to slow the progression of the disease is exercise, and one of the exercises that works best is boxing." She added, "When you pair exercise with a regiment of medication, you're going to knock it out of the park."

Symptoms of Parkinson's disease may start slowly and can include tremors, loss of balance, stiffness in muscles and slurred speech, and they can worsen over time. Because its cause is unknown, Parkinson's disease can't be prevented.

"The thing with Parkinson's is that everyone is different," said Johnson. "There are broad symptoms. There's a saying that goes, 'If you meet one person with Parkinson's, you met one person with Parkinson's.' There's really no known causes of (Parkinson's), but there's speculation about chemicals."

There exists strength in numbers.

"If you're somebody with Parkinson's, there's help and there's a community here," said Johnson. "We have built a family here. What that means is that there's a group of people who know what you're going through. It's a tough disease to manage."

For additional information about or to register for the Parkinson's Program Meet & Mingle or the Rock Steady Boxing program, dial 717-626-5096, ext. 225, or email fitness@lititzrec.com.