There is no cure for arthritis, but with reliable information and some simple management tools, it is possible to find relief from joint pain and re-activate your lifestyle. Don't let arthritis keep you from living the life you want, take charge and show arthritis who's boss!
Learn more about how you can take charge of your arthritis through the physical activity and self-management programs offered by the Regional Arthritis Centers. Click on a region to view a list of classes near you: Central Eastern Kansas City Northwest Northeast Southeast Southwest
Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program uses gentle activities to help increase joint flexibility and range-of-motion. All of the exercises can be modified to meet participants needs. Trained instructors also include relaxation techniques and health education topics. Classes typically meet for 1 hour 2 -3 times per week.
Walk With Ease is a program provided in both group and individual formats that offers support, information and tools to help you make walking a regular part of your life. The program will help you build up to at least 30 minutes of walking. You'll learn how to warm-up and stretch before you walk and cool-down and stretch after you have finished walking. You'll also learn how to safely pace yourself and monitor your progress. Participants meet as a group or work independently 3 times a week for 45 - 90 minutes.
Chronic Disease Self-Management Program teaches skills to manage common problems related to having a chronic condition such as arthritis, diabetes, lung disease, and heart disease but is useful for managing a variety of chronic diseases. Classes meet 2 1/2 hours, once a week for 6 weeks.Tomando Control de su Salud (Spanish Chronic Disease Self-Management Program) cover subjects similiar to the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, but they are presented in ways that are culturally appropriate. This program is not a direct translation but developed separately in Spanish. All workshops are given in Spanish without translators.
Better Choices, Better Health is a six week online version of the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program. You can participate anytime and anywhere you have Internet access. Online workshops let you choose days and times convenient to your schedule. These workshops allow you to log on two to three times per week for about two hours each week. It is designed for people living with one or more health problem such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, chronic pain, anxiety or any other long-term health problem.
The Arthritis Toolkit includes the basic building blocks needed to create a personal approach to managing arthritis and related conditions, including osteoporisis and fibromyalgia, at home. The toolkit includes The Arthritis Helpbook, exercise & relaxation CDs, and information packets that encourage goal-setting & action-planning. The toolkits can be checked out for 6 weeks through your local Regional Arthritis Center.
