HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Health Department and the Arthritis Foundation is once again offering the Walk With Ease program for people over the age of 60 starting Sept. 19 at the Delos V. Smith Senior Center. 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.
“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 of the Reno County Health Department, said. “Walking can also help manage weight, which can reduce one’s risk for arthritis in the knee, heart disease and diabetes. 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.”
The information and strategies taught in the Arthritis Foundation Walk With Ease program are based on research and tested programs in exercise science, behavior change and arthritis management. Updated and evaluated by the Thurston Arthritis Research Center and the Institute on Aging of the University of North Carolina, Walk With Ease is shown to increase balance, strength and walking pace, as well as reduce 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. For more information, contact the Delos V. Smith Senior Center at 620-662-0111.
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