An interview with Lisa Limper from Urban Poling: Walk Your Way to Better Health on May 6, 2024.
Biography/Please tell me a little about your background.
Urban Poling Managing Partner Diana Oliver is a dynamic business professional with an extensive background in marketing, sales and fitness. She has a passion for promoting the many health benefits of Urban Poling, which stems from her personal experience. Diana combined Urban Poling with other positive lifestyle choices to regain a healthy weight and improve her cardiovascular health following two strenuous pregnancies. Her positive recovery has instilled a drive to help change the face of health care in Canada. In 2012 she became a certified Urban Poling instructor and taught classes in her own Pilates business. In 2014, she became co-owner of Urban Poling and full owner in 2023.
Can you tell me more about your organization?
The Activator® and Urban poles were originally developed by an occupational therapist to help her patients with Parkinson’s and stroke. Urban Poling Inc is focused on increasing mobility and function for every age, ability and fitness level. Through our educational programs and uniquely designed poles, our mission is to help people realize that their full potential is not only achievable but also sustainable, by doing exactly what their body was designed to do – move.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
There are a number of studies which link pole walking to improved balance, coordination, and symptom reduction in people with Parkinson’s. Our evidence-based Activator® Poles are used by patients and therapists throughout the world.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when working with you?
Improved gait, stability, balance, and symptom reduction
What type of training and how long are the programs?
Four hour accredited continuing education courses for professionals – PD Wellness, private Rock Steady Boxing courses, as well as the Activator® on-demand course and other specialty courses.
What effect can it have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
Improved gait, stability, balance, and symptom reduction.
What would you like to see as a future goal for your programs?
Use of the Activator® poles to improve outcomes for people with PD.
What events do you participate in?
Instructors participate in events all around the world.
How does this also assist the caregivers?
Peace of mind; the ability of their loved one to be more active; safety and stability
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
www.urbanpoling.com
In your opinion what is the key to effective advocacy?
Visibility!
Why should people who don’t have Parkinson’s care about this?
Activator® poles and Urban poles are for everyone, regardless of age or abilities
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
Everyone who has been touched by Parkinson’s is such an inspiration to us. They are a huge part of why we do what we do every day.