For those of us challenged by arthritis, good news from the Arthritis Foundation! Hey, get your swimming suits out, grab a towel and head for the nearest Arthritis Foundation (AF) warm water pool.

The AF now have trained and expert instructors to help us ease the pain of arthritic joints in our area and throughout the state. The benefits are enormous…as are the friendships gained through sharing a common interest and the fun and laughter of moving stiff limbs through the warm water – arthritis walking the easy way.

Arthritis Foundation offers several local exercise programs this year, including my favorite, the Aquatic Program. Admittedly, it is my favorite because I like to float in warm water.

Some of the following I have taken directly from the AF website and from handouts from the recent public program.

1. The Aquatic Program allows you to exercise without putting excess strain on your joints and muscles. The gentle activities in warm water, with guidance from a trained instructor, will help you gain strength and flexibility. Participants enjoy as decreased pain and stiffness.
This social interaction can help decrease feelings of depression and isolation. Progress in the aquatic activities can lead to independence and improved self-esteem.

Co-developed by the Arthritis Foundation and the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), the program is offered in pools throughout the United States.

2. The Arthritis Foundation Tai Chi Program® is designed to improve the quality of life for people with arthritis using Sun style Tai Chi, one of the four major recognized styles of Tai Chi. This style includes agile steps and exercises that may improve mobility, breathing and relaxation. The movements don’t require deep bending or squatting, which makes it easier and more comfortable to learn. This program was derived and adapted from the Tai Chi for Arthritis program and includes copyrighted materials belonging to Dr. Paul Lam and Tai Chi Productions.

3. Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program is an exercise program designed specifically for people with arthritis that uses gentle activities to help increase joint flexibility and range of motion and help maintain muscle strength.
Different classes are available to fit your fitness level – with exercises done while sitting, standing or on the floor.
Class instructors undergo special Arthritis Foundation instructor-training workshop conduct classes. The exercises you learn in the program, however, should not replace therapeutic exercises prescribed for you by a therapist.
Participants previously enrolled in the program have experienced such benefits as increased functional ability, increased self-care behaviors, decreased pain and decreased depression.

Olympic Aquatic Center – Aquatics
7070 Stampede Blvd
Bremerton, WA 98311
360-662-2886

Clearbrook Inn Living Center – Aquatics and AF Exercise Program
12295 Schold Pl NW
Silverdale, WA 98383
360-692-1228

Crista Shores Retirement – AF Exercise Program
1600 NW Crista Shores Lane
Silverdale, WA 98383
360-613-3510

William Shore Memorial Pool – Aquatic Program
225 E 5th Street
Port Angeles, WA 9862
360-417-4595

I’m not sure how Port Townsend and Sequim were skipped…they’re both great places and retirement gems and cycling adventure towns. They SHOULD have such programs available.

For additional information contact The PNW Chapter Arthritis Answers Line 1-800-542-0295 www.arthritis.org

If requested, I will be happy to list the program locations throughout the state///just ask.

Otherwise, thanks for listening… Sharon O’Hara