This holiday season, The Arthritis Foundation will once again hold its annual Jingle Bell Walk/Run to raise funds and awareness for the nation’s leading cause of disability. In more than 150 cities across America, thousands of people will take to the streets in honor of the 50 million adults and 300,000 children living with arthritis in the United States.
Since 1984, the Jingle Bell Run/Walk has been an outlet for nearly two million participants across the country to help raise funds for arthritis research, education and community programs. Participants in the Jingle Bell Run range from families, neighbors and co-workers who wear holiday-inspired attire for 3.1 miles of running and walking.
While some may think it strange to have a run/walk for people with arthritis, most experts agree that movement is the best medicine to prevent and limit the impact of arthritis, the nation’s leading cause of disability. And while the winter months are not the most ideal for staying active, The Arthritis Foundation strategically schedules the Jingle Bell Run/Walk each year at the beginning of winter to encourage everyone to keep moving even when the weather turns cold.
The Arthritis Foundation recommends 30 minutes of daily exercise to prevent or control arthritis pain. A few activities to consider include:
- Swimming
- Cycling
- Walking
Exercise helps strengthen muscles around joints, thereby providing better joint support and protection, as well as enhancing flexibility. Walking alone contributes to healthier joints, heart, and lungs. Additionally, walking can help manage weight and delay or prevent the onset of arthritis in the knee. In fact, the loss of one pound of weight reduces four pounds of pressure from each knee.
While arthritis can mean chronic pain and discomfort for some, many sufferers have learned techniques to live with their condition and continue to lead healthy and productive lives.
Leave A Comment