The Missouri Arthritis and Osteoporosis Program (MAOP) focuses on the support and expansion of evidence-based lifestyle management programs to help improve the health and quality of life of adults with arthritis. MAOP offers proven physical activity programs and self-management education workshops. They also work in partnership with several other organizations to help bring these lifestyle management programs to underserved and rural areas. MAOP also aims to increase counseling and referrals to lifestyle management programs by health care providers.

Register for one of our walking classes or self-management classes to help you better manage your health!

Regional Arthritis Centers (RACs)

Missouri has seven Regional Arthritis Centers (RACs) that are part of a statewide network run by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Service’s Arthritis and Osteoporosis Program (MAOP). The RACs have been in place since 1984 and are established by Missouri legislation. These seven centers are located around the state and partner with local agencies to provide education and community-based services for people with arthritis and related conditions, and to reduce the disability of rheumatic disease and improve quality of life. 

RAC map

Class Descriptions

Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP)​

Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP)

A Chronic Disease Self-Management course is ideal for people with ongoing health conditions like arthritis, heart disease, depression, and diabetes. You can choose how to participate by selecting a class that meets your needs. The class meets either in-personMeets in-person in a group setting for 2.5 hours once a week for six weeks total, onlineMeets online via zoom with a group for 2.5 hours once a week for six weeks total or by toolkitThe mailed tool kit is held six weeks for 45-60 minute via small group during phone call sessions. You will learn skills to help you have increased energy & physical activity; decreased pain, fatigue, depression, & health distress; and fewer social limitations.

Diabetes Self-Management Program (DSMP)​

Diabetes Self-Management Program (DSMP)

A Diabetes Self-Management course is for people with Type 2 Diabetes. The class meets either in-personMeets in-person in a group setting for 2.5 hours once a week for six weeks total, onlineMeets online via zoom with a group for 2.5 hours once a week for six weeks total or by toolkitThe mailed tool kit is held six weeks for 45-60 minute via small group during phone call sessions. You will gain tools to manage diabetes including developing action plans and learning ways to balance and control blood sugar, read food labels, and how to communicate with Healthcare Providers.

Walk With Ease - Group​

Walk With Ease - Group

Walk With Ease – Group is offered in a group setting with a trained instructor, either in-personMeets in-person in a group for 1 hour three times per week for six weeks total, onlineMeets online once or more times per week for the education piece of the classes and discuss walking goals or a hybrid formatA mix of meeting in-person and online or via zoom or conference call or 1:1 with the class leader. A physical activity course designed to help you manage your arthritis by developing a walking plan that fits your specific needs. However, you do not have to have arthritis to benefit from the program. It is beneficial for anyone who wants to make walking a daily habit, especially if you have diabetes, heart disease, or other ongoing health conditions.

Walk With Ease - Individual​

Walk With Ease - Individual

Walk With Ease – Individual is offered in a self-led format (no instructor; don't have to walk with others, though we recommend the buddy system!). A physical activity program designed to help you manage your arthritis by developing a walking plan that fits your specific needs. However, you do not have to have arthritis to benefit from the program. It is beneficial for anyone who wants to make walking a daily habit, especially if you have diabetes, heart disease, or other ongoing health conditions.

Chronic Pain Self Management Program​

Chronic Pain Self Management Program

Chronic Pain Self Management Program is ideal for people with chronic pain conditions, such as back pain, arthritis, and headaches or pain from any chronic condition that you are seek help. The class meets either in-personMeets in-person in a group setting for 2.5 hours once a week for six weeks total, onlineMeets online via zoom with a group for 2.5 hours once a week for six weeks total or by toolkitThe mailed tool kit is held six weeks for 45-60 minute via small group during phone call sessions. You will learn techniques to deal with symptoms of chronic pain such as fatigue, sleeplessness, stress and emotional problems such as depression, anger, fear, and frustration, with emphasis on cognitive behavioral therapy techniques for managing pain.

Central

Central Missouri Regional Arthritis Center
University of Missouri-School of Health Professions
1205 University Place; Suite 200
Columbia, MO 65211
Phone: (573) 882-1498
Fax: (573) 884-5768
E-Mail: [email protected]

Northwest

Northwest Missouri Regional Arthritis Center
(Arthritis Community Services)
Mosaic Life Care – Plaza I
802 N. Riverside, Suite 140
St. Joseph, Missouri 64507
Phone: (816) 271-7057 or 1-800-443-8858
Fax: (816) 271-7409
E-Mail: [email protected]

Kansas City Area

KC Area Regional Arthritis Center
Saint Luke’s Hospital
4401 Wornall Road M4
Kansas City, Missouri 64111-3238
Phone: (816) 932-2351
Cell Phone: (816) 305-4009
Fax: (816) 932-6211
Email: [email protected]

Southeast

Southeast Missouri Regional Arthritis Center
Mississippi County Health Department
1200 East Marshall
Charleston, MO 63834
Phone: (573) 683-2191
E-Mail: [email protected]

Eastern

Eastern Missouri Regional Arthritis Center
Washington University School of Medicine
4444 Forest Park Ave.
Campus Box 8505
St. Louis, Missouri 63108
Program of Occupational Therapy
Phone: (314) 286-1625
Fax: (314) 286-1601
E-Mail: [email protected]

Southwest

Southwest Missouri Regional Arthritis Center
Mercy Clinic – SCG
Arthritis Center
3231 S. National, Suite 400
Springfield, Missouri 65807
Phone: (417) 888-6787
Fax: (417) 888-6786
E-Mail: [email protected]

Northeast

Northeast Missouri Regional Arthritis Center
A.T. Still University
800 West Jefferson Street
Kirksville, Missouri 63501-1497
Phone: (660) 626-2049 or 1-866-626-2878 ext. 2049
Fax: (660) 626-2928
E-Mail: [email protected]

State-Wide

Missouri Arthritis & Osteoporosis Program
University of Missouri-School of Medicine
1205 University Avenue; Suite 200
Columbia, Missouri 65211
Local Phone: (573) 884-1220
E-Mail: [email protected]

Become a Leader

Current Class Leaders

RAC COORDINATORS

Are you interested in becoming a Steps to Better Health class leader?

  • Fill out an application to become a CDSMP/DSMP Leader
  • Click here to contact your Regional Arthritis Center for more information on how to become a Walk With Ease Group leader!

Are you a current Leader and/or Master Trainer?

  • Click here to access the Leaders Only Password Protected Site for more information on adding classes and trainings to the webpage. You can also access program paperwork, marketing materials and more!
 
If you are a RAC Coordinator, access the RAC Resource Site here.

Testimonials

“I became much more aware of what movements are helpful and what I needed to be careful of. The instructors kept reminding me to push your shoulder blades together. I try to remember those thoughts as I’m pushing a grocery cart & realizing I’m bending/slouching over the cart.”

“But the best part was it has helped in my driving comfort as my neck allows me to see much more and better when turning and backing the car. I don’t like missing class.”

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“Thank you, thank you, thank you for having this training class, also for the great instructors who showed interest in each of the class mates. I truly have enjoyed the six weeks of training but more important have confidence in my walking. Even my son noticed and congratulated me in waking and other actions around the house.

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CEMRAC Success Stories

Two years ago I was diagnosed with severe arthritis in the feet and ankles.  The doctor non-chalantly advised ” get into a heated swimming pool and take an arthritis exercise class.”  Living in Keyteville that proved to be a bit of a challenge.  I called the YMCA in Moberly and was delighted to learn they offered both classes.  For nearly 2 years now, I have b een driving to Moberly YMCA about 3 times a week to attend those classes and especially for the arthritis exercises.  While obviously, I will never be cured of this malady, my flexibility, stamina, strength, and mental attitude has improved greatly.  I also took the “Walk with Ease” class and since I had not walked with ease for at least 3 years before joining the “Y”.  The first session when it ws ascertained exactly how far we could walk doing laps around the gym, I could barely make it 7 laps.  After I was taught the various warm up and stretching exercises and started untilizing them, I was able to increase to 18 laps and sometimes 24 laps( which is 1 mile and a third).  The ability to walk better is a great morale booster.  I would tell anyone who wants to help themselves cope with arthritis to join the Randolph Area YMCA and stick with their programs.  You will definitely benefit!  

Janet Weaver-Keytesville, MO

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I am 76 years old and I own a small herd of dairy goats which I hand milked for 26 years.  Ten years ago I purchased a milking machine which is all well and good until the goats have been dried up in the fall.  No doe produces milk over this period of time maybe as much as 4 months.  In the early spring when they have baby kids agin, one at a time, I must resume hand milking.  The barn is too cold for the machine to work well.  In previous years, I have had a lot of hand pain and not much strength.  This time-no hand pain and more strength than usual.  I attibute this to the arthritis exercise class at the “Y” which Rita Davis teaches using stretching and strengthening exercies for the hands and wrists. I really appreciate them.   

Sandy L-Cairo, MO

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I have arthritis in my back and hips and walk with a limp, therefore my balance is not very good.  As I was visiting with my orthopaedic doctor, he commented on how my balance had improved and wanted to know what I was doing.  I explained the arthritis exercise and Walk with Ease class and he said for me to keep it up.  I was doing the right thing for my problems, I recommend these classes whenever I can.   

Sandy S   Moberly, MO

Testimonials submitted by Richard Davis

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Kattie Blankenship

What are the most important factors for why the Evidence Based Program you selected above was successful?

I became much more aware of what movements were helpful and what I needed to be careful of. The instructors kept reminding me/us to push your shoulder blades together. I try to remember these thoughts as I’m pushing a grocery cart and realizing I’m bending/slouching over the cart.

Would you recommend the Evidence Based Program you selected above to other individuals?

I had shoulder surgery and I was trying to extend my recovery mobility. The class has helped in pushing my extension.

But the best part was it has helped in my driving comfort as my neck allows me to see much more and better when turning and backing the car. I don’t like missing class.

 January 2013

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David and Barbara West

Why did you choose to participate with the Evidence Based Program you selected above?

Barbara has MS and wanted to improve walking skills and build some endurance.

David had been ill for a number of months and wanted to get back into exercising.

What are the most important factors for why the Evidence Based Program you selected above was successful?

We had wonderful instructors who worked with us. With Barbara they were very caring and helpful making sure she did not fall or trip. They also gave her much encouragement.

List any lessons learned as a result of participating in the Evidence Base Program you selected above.

If you are willing to work at it you can become stronger and build yourself up.

January 2013

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To: Walk with Ease Programmer

From: Ralph MC Elvain

Thank you, thank you, thank you for having this training class, also for the great instructors who showed interest in each of the class mates. I truly have enjoyed the six weeks of training but more important have confidence in my walking. Even my son noticed and congratulate me in walking and other actions around the house.

The instructors are Reed, Johnson, and Beeden. All took a personal interest in my well being and progress, I thank them for their interest.

Jaunary 2013

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Tom Gilpin

What are the most important factors for why the Evidence Based Program you selected above was successful?

Instructors/participants worked as a group — instructors made it clear why it was important. First day made two laps, had to sit in middle-age — next time made 9 complete laps!! After 5 weeks I did 3 miles. Success.

List any lessons learned as a result of participating in the Evidence Based Program you selected above.

Most important — instructor told me I needed to roll my foot and stop limping — impressed me and it was helpful to me.

Would you recommend the Evidence Based Program you selected above to other individuals?

It was very helpful to me — joined water aerobics to increase stamina for heart and arthritis. This was due to the book and what I learned about exercising.

January 2013

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Helen Lee

Walk with Ease

Why did you choose to participate with the Evidence Based Program you selected above?

The need for more exercise and to prepare for further strengthening of walking ability.

What are the most important factors for why the Evidence Based Program you selected above was successful?

First and foremost our instructors, Dorothy Johnson, Darlene Reed and Melanie Loaiza. They are very motivating and encouraging, taking a personal interest in all of u. They built a friendship among the participants which made the lessons and exercise fun. It made us want to continue on the path they laid out for us.

List any lessons learned as a result of participating in the Evidence Based Program you selected above.

Results that I could see and promise that I could continue to do better in the future participation of 30 minute walking intervals.

January 2013

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Clara Bolden

It’s hard to believe this is our last week with “Walk With Ease”.

I was just getting over a bout with bronchitis and hesitated to start the program for fear of being too weak to continue. I’m thankful I did, though; the three mentors, Dorothy, Darlene and Melanie encouraged and motivated us along very well.

The informational talks each week and the camaraderie of the group moved me right along to finish and I hope to keep going in the future.

Thanks.

January 2013

 

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