Join the club. Unfortunately, our bodies don’t come with a lifetime warranty, and as we age, many of us will face the challenge of dealing with osteoarthritis. You have two choices when joint pain starts affecting your life: let it control you, or maintain your control. Your doctor will surely have suggestions about how to manage your condition, and while medication may be involved, it’s a good bet that exercise will also be prescribed.
As an Arthritis Foundation Certified Instructor, I’ve received in-depth training on how to work with arthritis sufferers. I can tell you with no reservation that one of the worst things arthritics can do is fail to be physically active. That doesn’t mean you need to exercise like a fiend, but regularly participating in moderate physical activity will help decrease fatigue, strengthen muscles and bones, and increase flexibility and stamina…not to mention improve your general sense of well-being.
Your exercise program should include three types of activity:
- Flexibility (stretching, range-of-motion) exercises…like mild yoga
- Strengthening (resistance) exercises…using weights or resistance bands to make your muscles work harder
- Cardiovascular (aerobic) exercises…like walking, dancing, swimming and biking
Before you get started, it’s a good idea to consult with your doctor to determine which exercises are most appropriate for you, or work with a trained professional like me to ensure your exercise program is designed with your specific needs in mind. You can learn more about the importance of exercise for arthritics at the Arthritis Foundation’s website, http://www.arthritis.org/
Arthritis Walk Update
Since May is National Arthritis Month, the Arthritis Foundation has scheduled Arthritis Walks throughout the country to raise awareness and funds for research. I’m involved with the Los Angeles County Arthritis Walk on May 19 (in Santa Monica). Santa Barbara also holds its walk on that day, while the Orange County event (in Irvine) takes place on May 20. The North Valley Arthritis Walk will be held on Sunday, June 3rd at Magic Mountain! Learn more at http://www.arthritis.org.
Honoring Older Americans
“Never Too Old to Play” is the theme of the U.S. Administration on Aging’s 2012 campaign to encourage older Americans to stay engaged, active, and involved. During May, which is Older Americans Month, the AoA will honor and recognize older adults’ contributions to their families, communities and society in general.