Exercise means more than just keeping fit for the more than 40 million Americans affected by some form of arthritis–it means taking charge of their condition.
During May, which is National Arthritis Month, the Arthritis Foundation is encouraging people to get an early diagnosis of the type of arthritis they have, followed by appropriate treatment and physical activity. This process can reduce the pain and increase mobility. We are asking people: Make this the year you get active.
People will be surprised to find out that regular, moderate activity can help people with all forms of arthritis increase their energy, flexibility and stamina–and their general health and sense of well-being. After two to three months of exercising, most people with arthritis also report less pain and anxiety.
The Arthritis Foundation offers a number of exercise programs to help make this the year you get active. I encourage everyone who has arthritis or knows someone with some form of the disease to contact the Arthritis Foundation today at 312-616-3470 or to visit the Foundation’s World Wide Web site at http://www.arthritis. org.
