Grace Home Health and Wellness offers the Rock Steady Boxing program geared toward helping people navigating Parkinson’s

By Patricia Nugent

Working as an occupational therapy assistant for the past 15-plus years, Jessica Nadzam has seen her share of patients struggling with the debilitating effects of Parkinson’s disease. When she heard about the Rock Steady Boxing program—geared specifically toward the condition—she researched further, then underwent training to become certified. She’s one of a handful of trainers in the Cleveland area who offers it.

Founded by a non-profit organization, the non-contact workouts are aimed at improving balance, strength, coordination, core and agility.

“Recent studies from Cleveland Clinic have found that certain types of exercise may be neuro-protective and slow progression of this disease,” says Jessica, who as an advocate for senior safety founded Grace Home Health and Wellness in 2021. “I’ve seen tremendous improvement of symptoms and quality of life with the people I’ve trained.”

She notes that for Parkinson’s patients, fear of falling is a concern.

“Part of the program includes fall prevention, and what to do if you do fall and the safest way to get back up,” she says. “Whether a person is doing the exercise classes or not, as an occupational therapist, I’m also trained to assess their home environment and suggest ways to make it as safe as possible. I go room by room and offer recommendations such as adding grab bars in the shower or moving rugs or furniture. More people are choosing to stay in their homes. I can help them do that safely.”

Grace Home Health and Wellness is based in Broadview Heights. Sign up for Rock Steady Boxing classes at the Seven Hills Recreation Center, 7777 Summit View Drive, Seven Hills. Go to SevenHillsOhio.org for a schedule. For one-on-one sessions, or to schedule a home safety assessment from Jessica, contact her at 440-263-5083 or gracehomewellness@gmail.com.