Kerry Launch of National Arthritis Week is taking place between the 24th-28th April
National Arthritis Week is taking place between the 24th-28th April . This year’s theme is Physical Activity or Let’s Get Physical. Current research has shown that movement and exercise has a positive and beneficial effect on the management of a persons arthritis, once the person is on a medication treatment plan for their arthritis.
Arthritis is the greatest cause of disability in Ireland affecting 1 in every 5 people and causing the greatest number of GP visits, greatest days of work resulting on a great drain on the social welfare system. There is still no known cure.
People living with arthritis find it difficult to do the basic things that healthy people take for granted like tying buttons and shoe laces, carrying grocery bags and cooking utensils. Arthritis also steals a persons social life as your too tired and fatigued at the end of the day to socialise with family and friends as well as not being able to stand, walk or go shopping for long periods.
Arthritis Ireland and its local branch network have a wide range of events planned over the five days. The Kerry Branch are doing a FREE TASTER SESSION—Exercise Programme, a prelude to NAW on Sunday April 23rd in the Kerry Sports Academy Gym and Hydro Pool. 1.30 pm-Introduction to walking with arthritis and other Musculoskeletal Conditions using Activator and Nordic Walking Poles. 2 pm to 3 pm- Strength & Conditioning (using Thera Resistance Bands), Balance, Mobility & Aerobic Dance Exercise Class. A person has the option of doing this class sitting on a chair. 3.30 pm to 4.15 pm-Hydrotherapy Exercise Class in the KSA Hydro Pool. This event is tailored for people who are living with any form of arthritis to come and sample our exercise programmes. For more information on NAW Events check out The Kerry Branch of Arthritis Ireland Facebook Page. If a person is interested in attending it’s advised that they book a slot on 0876723442 as space is limited.
The KBAI message for NAW is; ‘’KNOWLEDGE is everything’’-the more you know about your condition the better and the quicker you can improve your quality of life. The Kerry Branch’s Facebook Page and Arthritis Irelands Web Page is a good source of relevant, current and up to date information. Arthritis Irelands ‘’Living Well With Arthritis’’, ‘’Breaking The Pain Cycle’’ and ‘’Behind The Pain’’ Courses are once again back Face to Face and now are also Online.
‘’MOVEMENT is the best medicine’’-once your medication treatment plan is in place and working, then exercise is the next best thing to help you regain lost strength and function which no doubt your disease has stolen from you.
‘’LITTLE THINGS make a big difference’’- A combination of medication, exercise, diet and knowledge etc all combine and add up to help you back on your feet.
‘’IT’S NEVER TOO LATE to take back control’’-The sooner you take action, the sooner you can reap the rewards of a better quality of life. Just remember the only person who can make that decision is you. Trust me, it will be one of the best decisions you will ever make.
All info. and videos are up on the Kerry Branch of Arthritis Ireland Facebook Page.
