Kansas Chapter

Welcome

Thank you for visiting the website of the Arthritis Foundation, Kansas Chapter, and for your interest in our organization. Feel free to contact us anytime from within the state on our toll-free helpline at 1-800-362-1108 or by email.
We invite you to take control of your arthritis by getting involved with the Kansas Chapter! 

• Take advantage of our Programs and Services, specifically designed for people with arthritis.
• Receive the award-winning Arthritis Today magazine as part of an Arthitis Foundation Membership.
• Have fun at Special Events to benefit Kansans with arthritis, or Volunteer your services.
• Become an Advocate for legislation to help people with arthritis -- right from your computer.
• Your gifts of time and resources will make a difference for the 563,000 Kansans with arthritis.

 Find an office in your area!

View photos from our special events!

Tai Chi Classes Forming in Salina, Topeka, Wichita

Feel Great, Stay Fit and Keep Moving

Join a new, joint-safe activity from a trusted source -- The Arthritis Foundation Tai Chi Program.   It's a fun way for people of all ages to enjoy life and meet new friends, while taking control of their physical, emotional and mental health.  To find a class location... 

EMPLOYERS:  Contact our Program Staff to bring Tai Chi to your workplace as an employee wellness activity.  (800) 362-1108.

Take Control with the Life Improvement Series!

For many years it was thought that persons with arthritis should not exercise because it would damage their joints. Today, doctors and therapists know that exercise can improve health without hurting joints.

The Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program is designed specifically for individuals with arthritis and uses gentle activities to help increase joint flexibility and range of motion, and helps maintain muscle strength. 

Find a class in your area!

 
The Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program takes our Excerise Program to the water, to help alleviate pressure and pain felt in joints as a result of standing. It also provides socialitzation and education to thousands of participants each day.

Find a class in Sedgwick County or the rest of the state!

The Arthritis Foundation Self-Help Program is a group education program designed to help you learn and practice the different skills needed to build your own individualized self-management program, and gain the confidence to carry it out. Anyone with any type of arthritis or fibromyalgia can attend. It is a course series taught over six consecutive weeks by a trained instructor.

Find a support group in your area! 

View the 2009 Instructor/Leader training schedule!

Topeka Branch Information

Executive Director: Patty Dick

Administrative  Assistant: Ivory Mazur

5339 SW 22nd Place
Topeka, KS 66614
Phone: 785-272-8461
Fax: 785-273-9573
Office Hours: Central

Information Request

Topeka Golf 

Join the Arthritis Foundation for a round of golf at Topeka's challenging Shawnee Country Club, Monday, June 22.   Spots are still open for Individual and four-person teams.  Contact our NE Kansas Office for details or to enter: (785) 272-8461, pattyd@arthritis.org.

Learn More About Arthritis

Every month the Kansas Chapter holds First Hand informational presentations open to the public. Come learn about the Arthritis Foundation and the work we do throughout the state. You can also learn about programs and services we provide as well as get information on how to cope with your arthritis. Join us in Wichita or Topeka.

Not all pain relief comes in a bottle

  A new Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program will be offered in South East Kansas beginning in March.  This program is a fun, safe way for people with arthritis to stay fit.  Participants are encouraged to check with their doctor or physical therapist prior to enrolling in the class and should not use the program to replace treatment prescribed by health care professionals.  Some of the individuals who complete the program enjoy benefits such as:

• Decreased pain
• Improved overall health status
• Increased flexibility and range of motion
• Increased energy
• Better, more relaxed sleep
• Improved outlook

Time:    6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Learn to say "know" to arthritis

A new self-help class will be offered beginning in March.  Throughout this class participants will:

• be taught the latest pain management techniques,                                                      
• develop individualized exercise programs,
• learn how to manage fatigue and stress more effectively,
• discuss the purposes and effective use of medications,
• find solutions to problems caused by arthritis,
• identify ways to deal with anger, fear, frustration and depression,
• discuss the role of nutrition in arthritis management,
• learn new ways to communicate with family and friends and how to form a partnership with your health-care team.

Direct Assistance Program Available

The Kansas Chapter helps individuals within its service area acquire equipment and personal care items that will enable them to take control of their arthritis. Assistance is not available to cover the cost of prescription drugs, doctor bills or medical treatments. This program is open to anyone living in the 103 counties served by the Kansas Chapter. Residents of Johnson and Wyandotte counties should contact the Western Missouri office.

Download a copy of our Direct Assistance informational sheet and application. You may mail or fax us your completed form and all required attachments, using the contact information at the bottom of the page. Applications are reviewed monthly by a team of arthritis professionals. Contact us for more information!