10th Anniversary Boston Arthritis Walk: AF seeking walkers

[Guest guest]

Arthritis Foundation seeking walkers

Thursday, August 3, 2006

http://www2.townonline.com/bedford/artsLifestyle/view.bg?articleid=547182

The Arthritis Foundation is seeking walkers of all ages from Bedford to form

teams for the 10th Anniversary Boston Arthritis Walk. The Boston Arthritis

Walk will take place on Sunday, Sept. 17 at the Prudential Center.

Arthritis is the nation's leading cause of disability, affecting 66 million

Americans, or one in four adults. In addition, approximately 300,000

children suffer from Juvenile Arthritis. In Massachusetts alone, there are

more than 1.5 million people living with arthritis, and until a cure is

found, we need your help to give them a better quality of life. The funds

raised from the Arthritis Walk support the critical arthritis research at

Boston area hospitals and the community health programs that sustain these

efforts.

Participants in The Arthritis Walk can chose from a one-mile or three-mile

route from the Prudential Center to the River Esplanade.

Participants wearing blue hats are walkers who live with arthritis and are

taking control of their condition, while others might walk in honor of a

friend or family member with arthritis. All participants are encouraged to

form an Arthritis Walk team by recruiting friends, family members,

neighbors, co-workers or classmates.

As the only nationwide, nonprofit health organization helping people take

greater control of arthritis, the Arthritis Foundation leads efforts to

prevent, control and cure arthritis - the nation's leading cause of

disability. Many people affected with arthritis are taking control of their

condition and adding walking to their daily regimen. Walking helps

strengthen muscles while maintaining joint flexibility and boosting

endurance. The money raised from the Arthritis Walk funds research, public

health and public policy efforts, such as the promotion of a daily walk, to

help improve the lives of people with arthritis.

" Arthritis should not be seen as something that just comes with age, " said

Dr. H. Klippel, president and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation. " We can

take steps to prevent and control arthritis by doing things like exercising,

eating a balanced diet and educating ourselves on how to live a healthy

lifestyle. Participating in the Arthritis Walk is a step in the right

direction for anyone who wants to make a difference in the fight against

arthritis and improve their overall health. "

Events like the Arthritis Walk are perfect starting points for people who

are committed to taking steps to improve their health and limit the impact

of arthritis. They can get moving, learn more about arthritis and find

information from the Arthritis Foundation on how leading a healthy lifestyle

can benefit overall health. Walking is a great exercise for everyone,

especially people with arthritis. In fact, walking for just 30 minutes per

day can ease joint pain, improve joint mobility and reduce fatigue. The

Arthritis Foundation is making it easy for people to jumpstart their walking

program with the 10th Annual Boston Arthritis Walk.

To participate in the Boston Arthritis Walk call Halpin at the

Arthritis Foundation at 1-800-766-9449 x134 or via e-mail at

mhalpin@... or visit www.bostonarthritiswalk.kintera.org