Spring Brings 'Rake Without the Ache'

March 28, 2008

 The Kansas Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation will host Rake Without the Ache on April 3 at the Sedgwick County Extension Education Center.  The free public forum will offer gardening tips to for people with Arthritis who feel challenged to continue their interest in growing things.

Master Gardener Theresa Johnson, M.D., will address the difficulties of gardening with a disability. Johnson, wheelchair bound herself, will focus on ways to make gardening easier by introducing adaptable tools.  Master Gardener Kathy Bagwell will give suggestions on the types of plants and shrubs that can be planted in shaded areas.  

“Ms. Bagwell’s presentation will be beneficial to those who have lupus or are on certain medications where staying out of the sun is essential,” said Valerie Fairchild, program director of the Kansas chapter of the Arthritis Foundation.  

The event is co-sponsored by Johnson’s Garden Centers.  Participants will have an opportunity to speak with a representative from Johnson’s about their gardening questions.    

Rake Without the Ache is an effort to encourage Kansan’s suffering from Arthritis to become involved in some form of physical activity.  Gardening is an excellent way to maintain bone density, joint flexibility, range of motion and quality of life overall.

“Gardening can be a great exercise and stress reducer,” said Fairchild.

The event begins at 3:30 p.m. in the Meadowlark room and pre-registration is necessary.  To pre-register, contact the Arthritis Foundation at 800.362.1108 or email your information to info.ks@arthritis.org.

As with any physical activity be sure to consult your doctor or physical therapist for any precautions that might be necessary.

The Sedgwick County Extension Education Center is located at 7001 W 21st St. North.

The Arthritis Foundation is the only nationwide, nonprofit health organization helping people take greater control of arthritis by leading efforts to prevent, control and cure arthritis and related diseases—the nation’s number one cause of disability. For free information about arthritis and its related disease, the public may contact the Arthritis Foundation at 1-800-283-7800 or on the Web site at www.arthrtitis.org.