HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County government announced on Dec. 29, the Arthritis Foundation “Walk With Ease” Program will be offered starting Jan. 18, 2023, at the Elmdale Senior Center and at the Hutchinson YMCA.
Walk With Ease is a structured walking program that teaches participants how to safely make physical activity part of their everyday life. The program is designed to help people living with arthritis better manage their pain and is also ideal for people without arthritis who want to make walking a daily habit.
Individuals can join others in this free, six-week group series led by a certified leader.
The structured walking program will meet at a designated time on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays for a brief lesson about related topics on arthritis, exercise, walking safely and comfortably, as well as motivational strategies and group sharing.
This is followed by warm-ups and stretches, a 10 to 30-minute walk, then a cooldown and stretches.
All participants will receive a textbook full of helpful information.
“Research shows that walking is not only good for joints, but also helps improve the health of the heart,lungs and bones,” Diane Swinney, program leader at the Reno County Health Department, said. “Walking can also help manage weight which can reduce one’s risk for heart disease, diabetes and arthritis in the knees. If you can be on your feet for 10 minutes without increased pain, you will most likely have success with Walk With Ease, but it’s always a good idea to check with your physician before starting any exercise program.”
Benefits of the program include an increase in balance, strength and walking pace, as well as reducing the pain and discomfort of arthritis.
The program is also shown to build participant confidence to be physically active and improve overall health.
Pre-registration for the Walk With Ease Program is necessary, as class size is limited.
There will be two six-week winter sessions.
The first at the Hutchinson YMCA with classes from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., starting Jan. 18 through March 1, each Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Sign-up is at the Hutchinson YMCA located at 716 E 13th Ave., or you can call (620) 665-8882.
The second class is at the Elmdale Senior Center with classes from 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., starting Jan. 18 through March 1, each Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Sign up by calling the Elmdale Senior Center at (620) 663-2811.
Participants should be over age 60 to participate in the class at the Elmdale Senior Center located at 400 East Ave. E.
For more information on the free program, call Diane Swinney with the Reno County Health Department at (620) 665-8882 or email at [email protected].
This program is funded by a Kansas Department of Health and Environment Chronic Disease Risk Reduction grant.
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