(HealthNewsDigest.com) – ATLANTA, Dec. 8, 2011 — People with arthritis are significantly more likely to be physically inactive than those without the disease despite the proven benefits of physical activity for arthritis management, cites new CDC data released today. According to the Arthritis Foundation, the study underscores the need to address arthritis-specific barriers and to expand the reach of effective arthritis-appropriate physical activity programs.
The study, published in the December 9 issue of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, found that a substantial portion (25 to 47 percent) of inactive adults in every state are adults with arthritis. In a typical state, approximately one-third of the inactive adults reported arthritis.
In addition, the rate of no leisure-time physical activity is 25 to 84 percent higher among adults with arthritis compared to those without. In a typical state, the prevalence of no leisure time physical activity is 53 percent higher among those with arthritis than those without arthritis.
“People with arthritis have specific barriers to being physically active, such as fear of increasing pain or making their symptoms worse,” says Arthritis Foundation Vice President of Public Health, Dr. Patience White. “However, arthritis-appropriate physical activity helps reduce the risk of developing other health problems, and helps manage the disease. No matter your ability level, you can engage in activity to help fight arthritis pain and symptoms.”
Arthritis Foundation Physical Activity Tips
— Incorporating a mix of different activities will not only keep you
moving, but can enhance your enjoyment of your exercise time. Consider
including in your routine exercise like jogging, swimming or yoga.
— Aim for 30 minutes a day, five days a week which will achieve the
recommended 2.5 hours of at least moderate-intensity aerobic activity
each week. You should do at least 10 minutes at a time and spread your
activity throughout the week. Do muscle strengthening activities at
least two days per week.
— If you’ve been sedentary, starting out gently is essential. Talk to your
doctor about what types of activities will be appropriate for your
mobility level. He or she may advise you to begin with simple,
low-impact exercises, such as walking or water aerobics.
For information about arthritis and physical activity, including programs specifically for people with arthritis, visit www.arthritis.org.
About the Arthritis FoundationStriking one in every five adults and 300,000 children, arthritis is the nation’s leading cause of disability. 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 Foundation funds life-changing research that has restored mobility in patients for more than six decades; fights for health care policies that improve the lives of the millions who live with arthritis; and partners with families to provide empowering programs and information.
Web Site: http://www.arthritis.org
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