YMCA personal trainer helping Forest City man battle Parkinson's disease

Ron Haugen doesn't consider being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease four years ago a highlight in his life. Far from it.

But for the 79-year-old Forest City man, what has come of the life-altering news has been a renewed dedication to keeping his body fit and fighting the disease on his own terms.

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Ron Haugen, a 79-year-old Forest City man with Parkinson's disease, works out on Wednesday at the Forest City YMCA.

Jerry Smith
According to the Parkinson's Foundation, exercise can improve many symptoms associated with the disease. Haugen buys into the notion and has made it an everyday part of his life.  

Helping in his battle is Betsy Marmaras, a small group personal fitness trainer at the Forest City YMCA who has helped Haugen put together a workout regimen that has "made a world of difference."

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