The Arthritis Foundation Walk With Ease Program will be offered through MU Extension, starting September 16th at Hume R-8 School. Walk With Ease is a structured walking program that teaches participants how to safely make physical activity part of their everyday life. The program is designed to help people living with arthritis better manage their pain and is also ideal for people without arthritis who want to make walking a daily habit.
Walk With Ease is a structured walking program that offers support, information and tools to help participants develop successful exercise routines. Individuals can choose to do the program on their own with the help of a workbook or can join others in a six-week group series led by a certified leader. During the program, participants will learn proper stretching and pain management techniques, as well as build stamina and walking pace. The program can even be modified to meet the needs of individual participants so that each person can develop an exercise routine that fits their unique goals.
“Research shows that walking is not only good for joints, but also helps improve the health of the heart, lungs and bones,” said Sara Bridgewater, Nutrition and Health Specialist for MU Extension. “Walking can also help manage weight which can reduce one’s risk for arthritis in the knee, heart disease and diabetes. If you can be on your feet for 10 minutes without increased pain, you will most likely have success withWalk With Ease.”
The information and strategies taught in the Arthritis Foundation Walk With Ease Program are based on research and tested programs in exercise science, behavior change and arthritis management. Updated and evaluated by the Thurston Arthritis Research Center and the Institute on Aging of the University of North Carolina, Walk With Ease is shown to increase balance, strength and walking pace, as well as reduce the pain and discomfort of arthritis. The program is also shown to build participant confidence to be physically active and improve overall health.
Pre-registration for the Arthritis Foundation Walk With Ease Program is necessary. For more information, contact Hume School 660-643-7411. Before starting any exercise program, always check with your physician.
