How to Attend
The event is free and open to the public. Space may be limited, so an RSVP is encouraged.
RSVP to Tara Bonelli at Tbonelli @ Havensnj.com or text (732) 581-4147.
Event Details
- Date: April 22nd
- Time: 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Location: Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital, 14 Hospital Drive, Toms River, NJ 08755
April is recognized as National Parkinson’s Awareness Month. Here in Ocean County, a special afternoon has been organized to spotlight a program that is changing lives. On April 22nd, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., residents are invited to Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital at 14 Hospital Drive in Toms River for a presentation on Rock Steady Boxing.
This free event is being hosted by four local organizations. Seawind Health Advocacy Group, Rock Steady Boxing of Toms River, Encompass Health, and The Havens Assisted Living on Route 37 have all come together. The goal is simple. Ocean and Monmouth County families deserve to know about resources right in their own backyard.
What Is Rock Steady Boxing?
Rock Steady Boxing is a non-contact fitness program built around boxing-style drills. It was designed from the ground up for people living with Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders. Balance, coordination, hand-eye connection, core strength, and vocal projection are all targeted in each session.
The program is led locally by Tracey Rodriguez. Tracey is chief physical therapist at Atlantic Physical Therapy in Forked River. She is also the Coach who runs the Rock Steady Boxing program out of a gym on Iron Street in Toms River. Her presentation at this event will cover the signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s, how the body is affected, and how boxing-based exercise can make a real difference.
Why Boxing?
Movement is considered one of the most effective treatments for Parkinson’s and related conditions. Physical and occupational therapy are often recommended as first-line care. Rock Steady Boxing takes that a step further. Participants are pushed through footwork drills, heavy bag work, agility exercises, and stretching routines. Both the mind and body are engaged at the same time.
Isolation is also reduced through the program. A strong sense of community is built among participants who share similar challenges. Friendships are formed. Motivation is found in a group setting that simply can’t be replicated alone at home.
Encompass Health’s Parkinson’s Rehabilitation Program
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Toms River holds Joint Commission Disease-Specific Care Certification for its Parkinson’s program. Patients are provided with up to three hours per day of physical, occupational, and speech therapy during an intensive inpatient stay that typically lasts about one week.
An important detail is often overlooked by local families. A prior three-day hospital stay is not required for admission. Patients from the community can call and arrange to participate in the program directly. Coverage is handled through Medicare Part A premiums. Allie, an occupational therapist at Encompass, will be on hand at the event to explain the program and answer questions.
The Havens Assisted Living
The Havens, an independent living community located on Route 37 in Toms River, is also co-sponsoring this event. The community is open to all residents, not just those with specific care needs. Tara Bonelli, The Havens’ representative, has a personal family connection to Parkinson’s. Her involvement in this event comes from a place of genuine understanding.
For more information about Rock Steady Boxing of Toms River, visit the program’s directory page at rocksteadyboxing.org. To learn more about Encompass Health’s rehabilitation programs, visit encompasshealth.com. Information about The Havens can be found at havensnj.com.
If you or a loved one in Ocean or Monmouth County is living with Parkinson’s or a movement disorder, this afternoon could open doors to care and community you didn’t know existed. Seawind Health Advocacy Group is proud to be part of bringing it to Toms River.
call 732-245-0210 or contact us for a New Jersey
Patient Advocate consultation
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