With an estimated seven to 10 million people around the world suffering from Parkinson's disease - a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects the ability to walk, talk, balance and move - treatment is more important than ever. Enter Rock Steady Boxing, a nonprofit organization that uses the principles of boxing training to help those with the disease fight to stay as healthy as they can. A new book released by Dog Ear Publishing features the story of these inspiring fighters and how they have moved toward being "rock steady" in their lives.
"I Am Rock Steady: Fighting Back Against Parkinson's Disease" tells the story of Rock Steady Boxing (RSB), founded in 2006 in Indianapolis. RSB now has hundreds of affiliate locations around the country and the world, and it's still growing. Readers will be inspired by stories like RSB founder Scott Newman, a prosecutor who learned he had early onset Parkinson's when he was just 40, who began one-on-one boxing training and improved his physical health and daily functioning immensely.
Readers also hear about a young woman with Parkinson's disease who learned she was pregnant, a pastor who gains bodily strength and camaraderie during through boxing, an IBM software engineer who helped bring the Rock Steady program to New England and stories of others who have successfully battled Parkinson's with the help of Rock Steady Boxing.
Recent medical studies, including one at the Cleveland Clinic, focus on intense "forced" exercise and indicate that certain types of exercise are neuro-protective - they may actually slow the progression of disease. As described in the book, Rock Steady Boxing uses stretches to help with muscle stiffness, punching to steady tremors, voice activities to strengthen vocal chords and footwork to promote balance. Research shows the program can help delay, decrease or even reverse symptoms of Parkinson's. Ultimately, "I Am Rock Steady" provides a message of hope for those who have the disease or care for someone who does.
Author Julie Young is an award-winning freelance writer and author in the Indianapolis area. Her work has appeared in publications such as the "Indianapolis Star," "Indianapolis Monthly" and CNN.com. She has written two books for the Complete Idiot's Guide series, six books on local history, and a young adult novel: "Fifteen Minutes of Fame."
Marc Morrison, a professional photographer based in Austin, took the photographs highlighted in the book. He's been a worldwide advertising photographer for more than 20 years, shooting many advertising campaigns for major agencies such as Ogilvy & Mather and TMP Worldwide. His clients include Chevrolet, HBO, BP and United Airlines. Morrison has taken portrait photos of subjects such as Lil Wayne, Fortune 500 CEOs, world leaders and Merle Haggard, with his work published in "Time," "Rolling Stone," "Spin" and Sports Illustrated."
For additional information, please visit www.iamrocksteadybook.com
I Am Rock Steady: Fighting Against Parkinson's Disease
As Told to Julie Young
Dog Ear Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-4575-4890-1 158 pages $18.99 US
Available at Ingram, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble and fine bookstores everywhere.
About Dog Ear Publishing, LLC
Dog Ear Publishing offers completely customized self-publishing services for independent authors. We provide cost-effective, fast, and highly profitable services to publish and distribute independently published books. Our book publishing and distribution services reach worldwide. Dog Ear authors retain all rights and complete creative control throughout the entire self-publishing process. Dog Ear Publishing reviews services and other book marketing services are available to connect great content with interested readers. Self-publishing services are available globally at www.dogearpublishing.net and from our offices in Indianapolis.
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