COLUMBUS, Miss., Sept. 3, 2009 – Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle recently donated $1,500 to benefit the Parkinson’s Aquatic Exercise program at the Frank P. Phillips YMCA in downtown Columbus, Miss.

“With this donation, we hope the YMCA will be able to continue to provide therapeutic assistance to help improve flexibility, balance and strength of individuals who suffer from Parkinson’s disease,” said Paul Cade, administrator of Baptist Golden Triangle.

Between 15 and 20 people currently participate in the Parkinson’s Aquatic Exercise class, which meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. A support group meets for lunch on the last Tuesday of the month.

“This class provides people suffering from Parkinson’s disease with support and fellowship with people who know what they are going through,” said Stephanie Gibson, director of ministries for the YMCA. “Participants have told me they feel the exercises help keep them limber and prevent falls, as well as make them feel more energetic.”

The Frank P. Phillips YMCA has been serving the people of Lowndes County for more than 75 years. Programs are offered throughout the year for youth and adults and include traditional sports activities, as well as art and drama classes. Aquatics are a major focus of the YMCA, and the heated pool at the main facility is open most of each day for water aerobics, lap swim and senior exercise.

With 328 beds, Baptist Golden Triangle is the largest regional hospital in the Baptist Memorial Health Care system. More than 100 physicians and surgeons represent almost every medical specialty practice at the hospital, which offers a full range of comprehensive medical care to patients of all ages.

In addition to the Baptist Centers for Cancer Care, the hospital offers a variety of services to the community, including hospice for the terminally ill, Baptist Behavioral Health Care-Willowbrook for those with behavioral and mental health problems, an emergency room with 24-hour ambulance service, an extensive rehabilitation department and educational programs. Baptist Golden Triangle employs more than 1,000 health care professionals.

For more information about the Parkinson’s Aquatic Exercise Program at the Frank P. Phillips YMCA, please contact Gibson at 662-328-7696 or visit www.columbus-ymca.com.

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