John Pepper, the maverick South African Parkinson’s disease campaigner, will be on Salt Spring on Thursday September 29 to speak and demonstrate about his unique way of managing Parkinson’s symptoms. This talk will be of interest to those who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, as well as their care givers, and anyone else who wishes to learn innovative healthful daily living techniques.
The meeting is part of a two month North American speaking and book tour. His book, Reversing Parkinson’s, details his personal journey, and the unique lifestyle modification protocol, diet and exercises he uses.
Mr. Pepper, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1992 when he was 58, has spent the past 13 years travelling the world promoting his non-medical technique of managing Parkinson’s symptoms.
After being diagnosed, Mr. Pepper took up the challenge of managing his symptoms by focusing his mind on his walking action. This has changed the neurological pathways in his brain, corrected the typical Parkinson’s shuffle and reduced his hand tremors.
“After some difficult years of trial and error my symptoms have become less obvious,” Mr. Pepper said
“I have not needed to take any medication or see a neurologist for the past 13 years and I am now at the stage where, despite having had Parkinson’s for almost 25 years, the symptoms are barely noticeable.”
Mr. Pepper’s success has been highlighted by renowned Canadian psychiatrist, Dr Norman Doidge who, in his latest book The Brain’s Way of Healing, dedicated chapter two to John Pepper’s management technique.
He has had numerous endorsements from other Parkinson’s sufferers and international recognition for his revolutionary techniques.
In his talk, he will tell the story surrounding a natural chemical substance called GDNF (Glial Derived Neurotrophic Factor), which is manufactured in the brain and which repairs damaged brain cells. Neurotrophic means Nerve repair. It is capable of reversing some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. He will also demonstrate Conscious Control of Movement and Fast Walking techniques. Mr. Pepper is clear to emphasize that it is not a cure but a strategy to reduce Parkinson’s symptoms. Fast Walking can also help many other conditions.
John Pepper, at age 81, will be speaking at the Salt Spring Library on Thursday September 29, 3-5 pm.
John Pepper on Salt Spring is presented in partnership by SSICS Seniors’ Wellness, SSI Public Library, Anna Haltrecht of Bones Forever and the Feldenkrais Guild of North America.
Information and Registration: SSICS Seniors’ Wellness, seniors@ssics.ca or by phone 250-537-4607
