Gwinnett Parks Get 'Walk With Ease' Arthritis Grant

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA -- Gwinnett County's parks and recreation department was one of 10 agencies nationally to receive a grant aimed at helping people with arthritis.

The $4,000 grant supports a program from the Arthritis Foundation called Walk With Ease. County officials accepted the grant on Tuesday.

Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation will offer the Walk With Ease program through its Live Healthy Gwinnett initiative three times per week for six weeks.

Based on studies at the University of North Carolina, Walk With Ease has been shown to reduce pain and stiffness often associated with arthritis, increase balance and strength, and improve overall health, officials say.

The classes will be led by certified instructors and are suited for anyone interested in preventing or managing arthritis as well as for those looking for a regular, low-impact local exercise program.

Dates and times for the program will be announced soon online at www.livehealthygwinnett.com.

“Arthritis affects more than 52 million adults in the United States,” said Tina Fleming, division director of Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation, said in a news release. “This grant from the National Recreation and Park Association, the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will allow us to respond to those in our community who suffer from arthritis and adds a new way to help Gwinnett residents achieve a healthy lifestyle.”

Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation developed and launched Live Healthy Gwinnett in 2014 to encourage local residents to invest in personal wellness by making simple lifestyle choices such as eating more vegetables, increasing physical activity and reducing stress.