Health and Wellness

The Arthritis Foundation and the Virginia Chapter want you to stay healthy. Exercising is one of the most beneficial ways to improve your overall mental and physical health. The Virginia Chapter supports the use of exercise through our Life Improvement Series. LIS promotes aquatic and land exercise, including Tai-Chi, as well as our self-help program, designed to help you learn how to manage and reduce the pain and stress of arthritis and related diseases. To take a LIS class in your area, visit your local wellness partner (participating fitness facilities).

Exercise Rx Heading to Roanoke

Wednesday, December 3, 2008, Exercise Rx will be in Roanoke, VA at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in the 6th floor auditorium. The workshop will be held from noon - 2 PM. The workshop features Rheumatologist, Dr. Robert Johsnon, who will speak on the benefits of exercising with arthritis and one of our very own local exercise instructors. This free session will also include no cost health screenings. If you live in the Roanoke or surrounding areas and you would like to attend, contact Carilion at 800. 422. 8482, to reserve your space.

Free Arthritis Health Brochures

Get up to three informational brochures at no cost. Please call 800.456.4687. ext 301 or send an e-mail.

Written Just for You!

Want to stay informed and up to date? Whether you have osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, lupus or any other related condition, Arthritis Today, gives you the essential information you need.

A full year's subscription (6 issues) cost just $12.95, a savings of 45% off the newsstand price. Every issue of Arthritis Today is packed with benefits to help you live well. This invaluable resource helps you keep up with the latest medical advancements and introduces you to top experts in the field and people who face challenges like yours.

Let’s Move Together is a nationwide movement that kicked off in May 2008 in conjunction with the Arthritis Walks and Arthritis Awareness month. Led by the Arthritis Foundation, it encourages people to MOVE to prevent or treat arthritis, the nation’s most common cause of disability. It is an exciting campaign that will engage individuals and communities to join a year-round conversation about arthritis by extending the Arthritis Walk beyond a one-day event. To find out more or to join the movement, check out the Let's Move Together Website.

November's Healthy Tip

Active Adults and Older Adults Recommended Amount of Activity per Week
For substantial health benefits	Aerobic activity = 150 minutes of moderate intensity OR 75 minutes of vigorous intensity* OR an equivalent combination of both moderate and vigorous intensity activity. Activity should be at least 10 minute episodes and preferably spread throughout the week. AND Muscle strengthening activities at least 2 days per week
For additional health benefits	Aerobic activity = 300 minutes of moderate intensity OR 150 minutes of vigorous intensity* OR an equivalent combination of both moderate and vigorous intensity activity. Activity should be at least 10 minute episodes and preferably spread throughout the week. AND Muscle strengthening activities at least 2 days per week
* A general rule is that 1 minute of vigorous intensity activity = 2 minutes of moderate intensity activity.

Any activity is better than none
Activity should be in addition to doing baseline daily activitiese
Activity can be done in episodes of at least 10 minutes duration, preferably spread throughout the week
More health benefits are gained with more activity
The benefits of physical activity far outweigh the risks