Mill Creek YMCA has a program modeled on a Seattle woman’s success in managing her disease.

In February 2008, at age 62, Nan Little was diagnosed with a mild case of Parkinson’s disease. Little researched the disease, including work by Dr. Jay Alberts at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. He documented how fast-paced bicycling helps with Parkinson’s symptoms.

According to the clinic, Parkinson’s disease is caused by a breakdown in nerve cells in the brain. The affected nerve cells do not produce enough dopamine, which affects a person’s ability to move the way they want to. Tremors, stiff muscles, slow movement, and trouble with balance or walking are all symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

In time, Parkinson’s affects muscles throughout the body, leading to difficulty swallowing, digestion, facial movements and sometimes dementia.

Research at the Cleveland Clinic showed a 35 percent reduction in symptoms after pedaling a bicycle at a rapid pace.

Fast pedaling is not a cure for Parkinson’s, but there is evidence to show that it does make a difference for many. It’s safe on a stationary bike.

The Mill Creek Family YMCA, 13723 Puget Park Drive, offers an eight-week Pedaling for Parkinson’s program beginning at 1 p.m. July 11. Classes will be held Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Registration and medical clearance is required.

Nan Little rode up to four hours a day, several times each week, at the prescribed cadence and heart rate.

“At the end of May 2009, my doctor proclaimed that he would not be able to tell that I have Parkinson’s if he did not already know,” she said. “We were all astonished.”

For more information on this program, call Cindy Mascari at the Mill Creek Family YMCA at 425 357 3024 or go to http:// ymca-snoco.org/millcreek.

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This is a serious request. A reader would like to hear from someone qualified to perform an exorcism. She lives in Everett and her Baptist church doesn’t have a qualified person, she says.

Call 425-339-3451 for more information.

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Those who walk to school in one Mountlake Terrace neighborhood should be happy. The city received word from the state that it will receive “Safe Routes to Schools Funding” in the amount of $330,304 that will go towards the 54th Avenue West Sidewalk Improvement Project.

The project was a high priority in the city’s requests for both state and federal funding, says spokeswoman Penny Merkley.

The city plans to add curbs, gutters and a sidewalk that will connect existing sections of sidewalk.

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Wanted, table tennis players. You know, Ping Pong. Howard Grossman says they are seeking players at the Carl Gipson Senior Center in Everett. The gang plays from noon to 4 p.m. Mondays, 12:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, and 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturdays. The center is located at 3025 Lombard Ave. in Everett.

Those age 50 and older are invited to play. For more information, call 425-257-8780.

Kristi O’Harran: 425-339-3451, oharran@heraldnet.com.