Mt. Carmel Regional Medical Center will again offer the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program, beginning on Sept. 9.
Developed by physical therapists specifically for people with arthritis, this low-impact, joint-safe exercise program has been documented to help decrease arthritis pain and relieve stiffness while increasing flexibility and range of motion.
Arthritis Foundation certified instructors, each of whom have completed in-depth training on arthritis and the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program, teach the program.
During the six-week session, participants will go through a series of gentle movements and activities designed to increase mobility and range of motion. This low-impact class is suitable for every fitness level and can be taken either sitting down or standing.
“In addition to reducing pain and stiffness, the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program helps people with arthritis keep joints flexible, maintain muscle strength and build overall stamina,” said Valerie Fairchild, Kansas Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation.
Results are backed by research studies, officials say. In one study, individuals who attended the class for four months reduced their pain by 24 percent and increased confidence in their Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program ability to continue activities by 22 percent.
Hour-long classes will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning at 10 a.m. Cost is $30 with a $5 discount for Mt. Carmel Regional Medical Center Wellness members. For more information contact Laura Klusener, Director of Rehabilitation Services, at 232-0125. Before starting any exercise program, always check with your physician.
The Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program is one of several arthritis health education and exercise programs in the Life Improvement Series offered by the Arthritis Foundation to help people take greater control of arthritis. For a listing of programs in your community contact the Arthritis Foundation at (800) 362-1108 or visit the Arthritis Foundation web site at www.arthritis.org.
The Arthritis Foundation is the only nation-wide, nonprofit health organization helping people take greater control of arthritis by leading efforts to prevent, control and cure arthritis and related diseases — the nation’s most common form of disability. If you think you have arthritis, the Arthritis Foundation urges you to seek an early and specific diagnosis. With more than 100 forms of arthritis and related diseases, a specific diagnosis is critical because each form requires a different treatment plan.
PITTSBURG —
