10 Tips for World Arthritis Day on October 12

World Arthritis Day is October 12, 2012 and the Arthritis Foundation has partnered with the Ad Council, to raise awareness about their Fight Arthritis Pain campaign. The Arthritis Foundation is encouraging readers to understand the power of “movement” for those already fighting arthritis as well as those who simply want to take preventative steps to reduce the impact on their joints.

The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, an ailment suffered by 27 million Americans. There is no cure but you can make simple steps to reduce pain, increase mobility and slow the progression.

In Chester County, there are many ways to get moving but here are a few helpful hints to get you started:

1. Get a physical to make sure everything inside your body is working smoothly and to make your doctor aware of your renewed physical workout.

2. Go to weapons.fightarthritispain.org, to see what weapons other users have suggested to fight arthritis.

3. Research running trails, local gyms or invest in your own workout equipment (and make sure you actually use them).

4.  For arthritis symptoms, check out the website: FightArthritisPain.org. 

5. For a more aggressive work-out, check out Active.com which lists local events, runs, races, team sports and more.

6. Sign up if you like and start training by taking it slow and building up your athletic skills in the area of choice.

7. Whatever you do, make sure your athletic gear is up-to-date and your shoes are in top-top shape with proper arch support.

8. If you aren’t sure if you’re at risk of developing Osteoarthritis (OA), you can take a free risk assessment.

9. Find tips on how to manage osteoarthritis pain or how to delay or even avoid the onset of OA symptoms at the Pain Tip App (tipshare.fightarthritispain.org).

10. Join the #WorldArthritisDay conversation on Twitter or on Facebook.com/Arthritis.org

The Arthritis Foundation (www.arthritis.org) is committed to raising awareness and reducing the unacceptable impact of this serious and painful disease, which can severely damage joints and rob people of living life to its fullest. The Ad Council supports  non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas “such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being and strengthening families.”