An interview with Traci Aday: the importance of exercise and being your own Advocate on September 28, 2024.
Biography
My name is Traci Aday and I am a LPTA-NCS at the Parkinson’s Care Clinic in Madison, Alabama. I also coach five classes a week at Parkinson’s Dynamics in Huntsville, Alabama. I have advanced training in PD-specific exercise that includes LSVT Big, PWR! Moves, Urban Poling, Rock Steady Boxing, and Stick Mobility. I have been a speaker at the Parkinson Association of Alabama and Rock Steady Boxing Coach Con. I also train new RSB coaches yearly at our Regional Training site. I am a Parkinson’s Foundation Ambassador and will be attending Team Training in October. My father had Parkinson’s Disease, and that personal experience continues to be a driving force in my involvement in all things Parkinson’s.
Please tell me a little about your background.
I grew up in a small town in Tennessee. I attended the University of North Alabama and received a Bachelor of Science in Biology. I have always been interested in physical therapy and became an LPTA in 1998. I originally worked in the school system with special needs kids before transitioning over to Parkinson’s specific therapy. I currently work three days a week in the clinic seeing patients and two days a week coaching class. I recently finished the APTA requirements to become a Neurologic Certified Specialist.
Can you tell me more about your Advocacy?
We are very fortunate here in Huntsville to have so many services for the Parkinson’s community. Our Movement Disorder Specialist is very supportive of the Parkinson’s Care Clinic as well as Parkinson’s Dynamics and refers his patients for these services. We have support groups and a Parkinson’s Care Navigator to assist our patients with whatever they need. As I am at both places (the clinic and the gym), my goal is to make sure that all our people are getting the services they need. I refer boxers to physical therapy and encourage patients to participate in community exercise. Having support and a community is so important, and I want to make sure our Parkinson’s people are aware of all the opportunities we have here. Therapy is essential and so is exercise. I have been a RSB coach for over 5 years and I can tell you firsthand the value of a consistent exercise program. It is as important as taking medication. Keeping your body and mind active is key to slowing the progression of Parkinson’s. I really can’t say that enough.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
My dad was diagnosed with an essential tremor at 60. It was four more years before he got a Parkinson’s diagnosis, but he had most likely had PD for a long time. I think we were all a little naive in the beginning because he seemed fine. It wasn’t until about 10 years in that things really started to change, and we were unprepared for that shift. We made mistakes with his care and couldn’t find the services he needed. He did not have access to PD specific therapy or exercise and his neurologist was almost 2 hours away. There was also little in the way of outside assistance. That experience motivated me to make sure no one else has to fight PD alone. It is so important to educate yourself and be your own advocate. To start therapy and exercise early and build your team. Understanding your own journey with Parkinson’s is so important.
What type of training and how long are the programs?
We offer Parkinson’s based Physical, Occupational, and Speech therapy at two locations through the Parkinson’s Care Clinic. All of us have specialized training in PD. Parkinson’s Dynamics currently offers 22 classes a week for all levels as well as a comprehensive speech program. Care partners can attend most of our classes at no charge.
What effect can your Advocacy have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
I hope to show people the value of early intervention with therapy as well as community exercise. A Parkinson’s diagnosis can be overwhelming. You may feel shock, anger, denial, sadness, or a host of other emotions. It’s important to feel all of that but you don’t want to live there. Planning and building your team will give you some sense of control, which is important. I hope to empower people to be their own advocate. To find a plan that works for them. One that includes a doctor you trust, a therapy team, a PD specific exercise program and a supportive group of people in your corner.
What would you like to see as a future goal for your Advocacy?
I don’t have any big goals. I have been very fortunate to have a lot of great opportunities with a lot of different organizations in the last few years. I am looking forward to the Parkinson’s Foundation team training and becoming more involved with their programs.
What events do you participate in?
I am a part of the Michael J Fox PPMI study. I have also participated in our local PD research study. I attend the Parkinson’s Foundation symposium yearly as well. My classes and coursework have kept me busy the last year, so I am hoping to have more time in the future for other events. Also the Parkinson’s Association of Alabama.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
My email is traci.aday@gmail.com
Parkinson’s Dynamics website: https://www.parkinsonsdynamics.org/
How can others also become advocates for awareness?
Reach out to your state organization or the Parkinson’s Foundation.
Why should people who don’t have Parkinson’s care about this?
Parkinson’s is fast becoming a global pandemic. If you don’t have it, you most likely know someone who does. Most people assume that Parkinson’s is solely genetic. We now know that your environment plays a major role in PD and a multitude of other diseases. Educating yourself is vital to reducing your risk factors as well as caring for those you know that are affected.
If you had one song that would tell us more about you or represent your life, which song would it be?
I’ve actually asked this question in my boxing class. I have a few different answers, but I’ll go with Get Ready by the Temptations.
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
No one has to fight Parkinson’s alone! Find your people. Find your joy.