Fight Arthritis with Brisk Walking, Swimming

The nation’s leading health experts predict the number of people suffering from arthritis to rise rapidly with the aging of the nation’s population. In fact, about 1 million people every year will be newly diagnosed with this debilitating disease.
Thankfully, there’s something they can do about it.
Exercise.
People with arthritis benefit from even small amounts of physical activity, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Not only does it improve mobility, but it reduces pain, increases balance and strength and improves overall health.
A recent report released by the Centers for the Disease Control and Prevention found that arthritis affects 53 million in the United States – costing the economy $128 billion annually.

“The number of U.S. adults with arthritis is increasing,” said Dr. Wayne H. Giles, director of the division of population health at the CDC. “This amounts to an average increase of approximately 2,400 individuals per day. Because arthritis occurs so often with other conditions like diabetes and heart disease, arthritis limitations may be interfering with the recommended management of those conditions, especially in regards to physical activity.”

Simple exercises such as brisk walking and swimming can help improve arthritis pain and help fight off the disease.

Federal health officials recommend adults exercise every week at a moderate intensity, such as brisk walking, for two and half hours.
“Being physically active is a giant step toward improving Americans’ health by lowering risk for arthritis, as well as other diseases such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and depression,” said Arthritis Foundation Vice President of Public Health Dr. Patience White.

Sources: Arthritis Foundation and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention news releases

+ Learn more about managing arthritis symptoms through arthritis rehabilitation at Bon Secours In Motion Sports Performance and Physical Therapy.