According to www.arthritis.org, the number of Americans with arthritis or chronic joint symptoms has risen, with 35 million affected in 1985 and 46 million by 2006. This is one out of every five adults.
Arthritis, defined by wikipedia.com as a group of conditions involving damage to the joints of the body, is now one of the most prevalent chronic health problems and the nation’s leading cause of disability among Americans over age 15, second only to heart disease as a cause of work disability. Arthritis strikes women more often than men, more than half those affected are under age 65, and half of those Americans with arthritis don’t think anything can be done to help them.
The Arthritis Foundation, Northern & Southern New England and Benchmark Assisted Living operating at Academy Point in Mystic plan to make a difference by introducing the Arthritis Foundation Exercise ProgramSM, a free low-impact class designed specifically for those with arthritis. Together, the organizations will be starting an exercise program for the local public through a six-week course at Academy Point. Staff members at Academy Point and other Benchmark senior communities have been trained as certified leaders of the Arthritis Foundation Exercise ProgramSM.
A kickoff celebration for the class will take place at 3 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 30 with refreshments.
“We are extremely pleased to be working with an organization of the quality and caliber of Benchmark to help members of our community take control of arthritis,” said Stephen Evangelista, president and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation, Northern & Southern New England Chapter.
“We invite everyone with arthritis who’s interested in learning more about how this program can help them decrease pain and gain function to join us for the kickoff celebration,” said Academy Point at Mystic Executive Director Marikate Lynch. “We’re very excited to be teaming with the Arthritis Foundation on this worthwhile initiative.”
Benefits from the program include decreased pain, improved function, increased flexibility and range of motion, increased strength, improved overall health, and less frequent doctor and emergency room visits.
The exercise sessions will run Oct. 6 to Nov. 12, Mondays and Wednesdays between 2 and 3 p.m.; Oct. 22 to Nov. 26, Wednesdays and Fridays between 10 and 11 a.m.; and Nov. 11 to Dec. 18, Tuesdays and Thursdays between 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. Class participants may register by calling 860-536-1133.
The Arthritis Foundation is the leading health organization addressing the needs of some 46 million Americans living with arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation is the largest private, not-for-profit contributor to arthritis research in the world, funding more than $380 million in research grants since 1948. The foundation helps individuals take control of arthritis by providing public health education; pursuing public policy and legislation; and conducting evidence-based programs to improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis. For additional information, contact 800-541-8350 or www.arthritis.org.