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Take Charge Of Your Arthritis! Exercise Can Help

Is arthritis keeping you from living the life you want? You're not alone. One in five people or 46 million individuals live with the pain of arthritis. If you have arthritis, you've probably tried all kinds of things to relieve your arthritis pain and to help you feel better about yourself. As someone with arthritis, you may even have concerns about not being able to work for a living or take care of or provide for your family. It's true: arthritis impacts the everyday lives of many people and sometimes stops them from doing the things they once enjoyed. But it doesn't have to.

Take charge of your arthritis! Research shows that becoming more active can help. You need to walk, bike, swim, or choose an activity that gets your heart rate up for at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. You can even try 10 minutes at a time, 3 times a day. In just 4 to 6 weeks, you'll notice less pain and fatigue. It will also improve your mood, and you'll be staying strong – for yourself and those who matter.

"Physical Activity. The Arthritis Pain Reliever."

The Arthritis Foundation, Michigan Chapter and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have recently launched a campaign called "Physical Activity. The Arthritis Pain Reliever." You may have read about it in a newspaper or heard about it on the radio.

The goal of "Physical Activity. The Arthritis Pain Reliever." is to inform people with arthritis of ways to manage arthritis pain, increase function, choose appropriate physical activity, and develop confidence in one's ability to increase physical activity. Research shows that regular, moderate exercise can help you:

· Improve mood and feel more in control
· Move more easily and do more activities with friends and loved ones
· Feel more energetic and positive about yourself
· Improve your ability to take care of and provide for your family
· Stay stronger longer

 Local Resources

The Arthritis Foundation, Michigan Chapter has numerous resources to help people get active. Offerings include specially-designed, gentle exercise programs, exercise DVDs, brochures about exercise and arthritis, free education programs, an information and referral service, and more. For more information, and to receive a FREE physical activity starter kit, call the Arthritis Foundation Michigan Chapter at 1-800-968-3030 or click here to visit their website.

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