Moving Is The Best Medicine For Osteoarthritis (NAPSA)}—Moving maybe the answer whenyou're looking for ways to minimize the effects of arthritis. As the nation’s most common causeofdisability, arthritis affects oneinfive adults (46 million people) in the U.S. andit’s estimated that 67 million people will be affected by 2030. While osteoarthri- tis, the most common form of arthritis, can make the simplest activities difficult, the limiting effects can be minimized with an action plan that includes physical activity. “Too often, people mistakenly believe that the aches and pains associated with osteoarthritis are Moving is just one of the simple steps you can take to fight arthritis pain. Small amounts of weight loss and physical activity can decrease the pain and disabil- ity of osteoarthritis. For every 1 pound of weight an inevitable part of aging that loss, there is a 4-pound reduction John H. Klippel, M_D., president * Physical activity keeps joints flexible and maintains or improves they must learn to live with,” said and CEO of the Arthritis Founda- in the load exerted on each knee. tion, which recently launched a muscle strength. newinitiative with the Ad Council to spread awareness and encour- *Osteoarthritis typically affects only certain joints, such as get moving. the hips, hands, knees, lower back and neck. not know about osteoarthritis: Arthritis is not just an old evenif you only add a daily walk age those with osteoarthritis to Here are a few facts you may person’s disease; symptoms of osteoarthritis can begin as early as age 40 and progress slowly. To fight arthritis pain, incorporate exercise into your dailylife, of 15 to 30 minutes. If pain or being overweight makes it difficult to exercise, try the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program or and being physically active can pre- the Walk With Ease program. vent or decrease the progression of For more information, visit * Maintaining a healthy weight osteoarthritis. www-fightarthritispain.org.
