Home insteadwhat is arthritis

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints where people experience pain and fatigue in doing everyday things, like making a cup of tea, tying their shoelaces or opening the front door.

What are the benefits of physical activity for Arthritis?
Exercise can help you improve your health and fitness without hurting your joints.  Did you know you’re “feeding” your joints when you’re active.  Cartilage depends on joint movement to absorb nutrients and remove waste.

Maintaining a healthy body weight is another important part of arthritis management.  Do you know that losing 1kg of excess weight decreases stress on your knees by 4kg?  By increasing physical activity, you can make a difference to your joints and overall health.

Along with your current treatment programme, regular, moderate exercise offers a whole host of benefits, including:
-Reduces your joint pain and stiffness
-Strengthens the muscles, ligaments and cartilage around your joints
-Helps you maintain bone strength and quality
-Increases your joint range of motion and joint mobility
-Improves your balance
-Gives you more strength and energy to get through the day
-Helps you control your weight
-Makes it easier to get a good night’s sleep
-Makes you feel better about yourself and improves your sense of well-being.
-Improves your ability to manage stress
-Reduces the risk of other chronic conditions
-Promotes stronger heart and lungs
-Lowers your blood pressure and cholesterol

If you need some motivation to get active or would like to find out more about walking  groups or events in your area contact Arthritis Ireland’s National Arthritis Helpline:  LoCall 1890 252 846, helplien@arthritisireland.ie or log on to www.arthritisireland.ie.

Caring for a Person with Arthritis:
Arthritis Ireland and Home Instead Senior Care developed a very useful booklet, Caring Hands: Caring for a Person with Arthritis, which is available free from charge from Arthritis Ireland or from Home Instead Senior Care.   To request a copy of the booklet, contact LoCall 1890 252 846 or visit www.arthritisireland.ie or call Home Instead Senior Care at 044 93 85260.  Visit www.homeinstead.ie.   

Please feel free to call into us at our Marlinstown Offices at any time or email us at: j.acton@homeinsteadm.ie.  Telephone 04493 85269