Many people living with arthritis avoid exercise because of the discomfort it can cause—but exercise can actually be beneficial for pain management. Older adults with arthritis are invited to learn how to exercise safely this September and October in LaBelle. The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida (AAASWFL) is offering a free eight-week workshop, theArthritis Foundation Exercise Program, in partnership with Hope Connections. Participants will meet at the L.J. Nobles Senior Center (E. Cowboy Way, LaBelle) Tuesday and Thursday mornings, starting September 11.
Because class size is limited, pre-registration is required for the eight-week workshop.
The Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program is specifically designed for people living with arthritis. It provides exercises that are gentle, fun, and easy to learn. A trained instructor leads every one-hour session to keep participants safe while also staying fit.
A recent survey by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) revealed that one in four adults in the United States has arthritis, and the risk of arthritis increases as we grow older. Exercise can reduce arthritis symptoms by as much as 40%.
“Joint-friendly exercise can help reduce pain, improve physical ability and mood, and increase quality of life for people with arthritis,” says Sherry Young, Health and Wellness Coordinator for AAASWFL. “Regular exercise can also help people with arthritis maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of other conditions like heart disease, and diabetes.”
The Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program helps participants develop successful exercise routine, including range-of-motion and endurance-building activities. Classes can be done either standing or while seated, depending on participants’ ability and activity level. In addition to learning new exercises, participants will discover relaxation techniques to better manage arthritis pain.
The Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program is shown to improve functional ability, decrease depression, and increase confidence in physical skills.
For more information or to register, contact Sherry Young at 866-413-5337 (866-41-ELDER) or sherry.young@aaaswfl.org. Before starting any exercise program, always check with your physician.
The Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program is one of several health education and self-management programs offered by the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida. Funding for wellness classes are provided by a grant for disease prevention and health promotion under the 2018 Older Americans Act (Title III-D) through the Florida Department of Elder Affairs.
No comments:
Post a Comment