Body Design

07/08/2025

This is Parkinson’s Dystonia. Stiffness, rigidity and tightness of the muscles in my body.
I used to get dystonia in my left foot but now it's moved to my right foot. It doesn't really hurt but it can make my walking awkward. It's always there in the morning but it can reappear during the day. Wearing sandals can be tricky!
I get dystonia in my neck, too. It's different. It's painful and distracting.
My meds don't make my dystonia better. I'm hoping the adjustments to my DBS stimulator will help on Friday.

06/21/2025

Body Design team meeting!

Jeannie Daniels
Elan Rickard Boyd
Nancy Barnett

Missing Marcie Servinis

06/18/2025

Registration is open for our Summer Yoga and Small Group Training classes!
To register, go to https://www.bodydesign.ca/be-fit/class-schedule/

06/16/2025

Registration is open for our Summer Yoga and Small Group Training classes.
Go to www.bodydesign.ca to register.
Classes start week of July 7th.

04/06/2025

Fort Lauderdale morning. Boarding our cruise ship today! Bon Voyage!

03/14/2025

Technology has enhanced my life!
In 2023, when my Parkinson's progressed very quickly, I had to stop seeing in-person personal training clients. I was able to continue working with clients online.
When Covid hit in March of 2000, we moved our fitness classes and training clients online. I still see my own personal trainer and do our Small Group Training classes online. (Body Design now offers both in-person and online classes).
I am the co-facilitator of the Parkinson Canada DBS Support group. We meet online with people from across Canada to provide support and information.
I regularly attend online Parkinson's educational webinars to stay current on what's new in "parkieland".
Without technology, my life would be very isolated, and it would be a challenge to stay connected and informed.

02/26/2025

Under my balaclava, I had a smile of anticipation, but my tears came later.
Today, I tried skiing again after a 6 year hiatus. Covid and Parkinson’s got in the way.
I've skied since high school, and I loved it. I thought I would be able to get back to it.
I signed up for an adaptive ski lesson, knowing my balance was going to be an issue.
But after an hour on the hill, I knew my balance was the least of my problems. My brain could not process all of the commands I was asking of it consciously and unconsciously to make my body move as it should. The left side of my body was on its own agenda.
My instructor, Tash, was so patient and kind. She even offered a hug when I broke down crying midway down the hill.
My ski days are over. I'm sad and disappointed. However, I'm so grateful that I got the opportunity to try. I'm grateful for where I am as it's so much better than where I was over a year ago when I was using a walker and a wheelchair.
Life is Good!

09/30/2024

I was honored to be interviewed by George Ackerman who is advocating and raising awareness of Parkinson's Disease. See the interview below.

An interview with Kim Mortson: Body Design on September 26, 2024. Biography I’m 64 and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s January

09/16/2024

Giving back to help others with Parkinson’s.
Today, I attended a day-long Parkinson’s Support Group Facilitator Training session in King City.
Not only did I learn more about the programs that Parkinson’s Canada is launching to connect people with Parkinson’s, but I met some amazing volunteers who are also leading support groups throughout Southern Ontario and across Canada.
I'm looking forward to taking back what I learned to my DBS support group

07/22/2024

So excited to be a guest speaker on the July Parkinson's Canada, Under Pressure: Stress and Parkinson’s webinar! Check it out!

During our July webinar, “Under Pressure: Stress and Parkinson’s,” we heard from Dr. Rick Helmich about whether a link exists between stress and the onset of...

04/24/2024

The scars on my head from my DBS surgery are a testament to my power and resilience.
My scars remind me that life is short and to take nothing for granted.
My scars are part of my story. I wear them with pride and I'm not going to hide them.