Living a healthy life with arthritis and other chronic conditions is possible with physical activity and good self-management!
How can you have an illness and live a healthy life at the same time? There is no cure for arthritis, diabetes or heart disease, but with reliable information and some simple management tools, it is possible to find relief and re-activate your lifestyle.
If you don't let your condition stop you now, chances are good it won't slow you down later in life. Take some simple steps today to become a good self-manager.
More than 46 million Americans live with arthritis, and many of them are discovering that moderate exercise improves the way they feel. You can do it, too. Here are some suggestions on how to get started.
Is arthritis keeping you from living the life you want? In Missouri, there are more than 1.4 million people living with arthritis; yet many do not know that regular moderate exercise can help them take charge and show arthritis who's boss. It's true!
"For many years, everyone thought that people with arthritis should rest to spare their joints. In fact, just the opposite is true. Recent studies show that becoming more active can help people with arthritis feel better," said Beth Richards, Director of the Department of Health and Senior Services - Missouri Arthritis and Osteoporosis Program.
Is arthritis keeping you from living the life you want? Then take charge with moderate physical activity. Studies show that getting your heart rate up and keeping it up, at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week (for a total of 2.5 a week), helps reduce the pain, fatigue and stiffness from arthritis. If 30 minutes at one time is too much, try 10 minutes at a time, 3 times a day.
Most people who stick with a program of regular physical activity Begin to feel better within 4 to 6 weeks. Sure, it's not easy, especially when your joints hurt or you haven't been active for a while. But the sooner you start, the sooner you'll feel better.
Arthritis resources are available throughout Missouri. Whether you're a patient, family member or volunteer, this site will help you understand and locate those resources.
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Watch this for suggestions about which pages to visit on this website.
Dr. Wendell Bronson talks about why the MAOP is a good fit for many of his patients.
CEMRAC Leader, Amber Phelps, talks about the many ways participants can benefit from classes.
Class participant, Suzanne Pfeffer, explains why she's stayed with the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program for a decade.
Orvie Prewitt went from participant to leader to program coordinator.
Margaret Lindsey discusses the many benefits of participating in physical activity and self-management classes.
Doris Fountain reveals the newest arthritis program, The Arthritis Toolkit.
Learn How CDSMP Works - If you are interested in learning more about a CDSMP workshop in Missouri, please contact your local Regional Arthritis Center or email us at moarthritis@gmail.com!
