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Walking in Water
Arthritis sufferer finds relief in the warm waters of a swimming
pool.
When Claudine heard about the Arthritis Foundation Aquatics Program,
she was skeptical at first. Claudine’s mother had suffered from
rheumatoid arthritis, and Claudine herself battled five different types
of arthritis. She was hesitant to try something new like water exercise,
but changed her mind when a friend told her, "Claudine, you can’t afford
not to go."
Diving In
That was over twenty years ago when Claudine first stepped into the
pool at the YMCA, and she has gone nearly every week since then. The
arthritis aquatics program is supported by United Way of the Plains
through the Arthritis Foundation, which trains instructors to meet
certification standards. The program is held one to three times per week
at numerous pools across the community, including more than 30 classes
at the Greater Wichita YMCA.
"The program sells itself," said Valerie Fairchild, Arthritis
Foundation Kansas Chapter program director, "If you go regularly, we
guarantee that you will see results."
"On a fitness level, I have seen more lives changed by arthritis
water exercise classes than any other program," said Jessica Stuhlsatz,
YMCA Metropolitan Fitness & Health Director.
High-Quality Water
The arthritis aquatics program is designed to improve the quality of
life of those suffering from arthritis by providing a safe, soothing
environment for them to exercise in. Water is an excellent medium in
which to exercise and stretch because of the buoyancy, warmth, and
resistance. The pools used for the arthritis aquatics program have to be
between eighty-three and eighty-eight degrees, a temperature that allows
for the blood vessels to dilate and increase circulation.
The water also supports the joint, which allows for a wider range of
motion. This enables participants to increase flexibility, and build
muscle strength.
"You can do things in water that you cannot do on land," said
Claudine.
Bouyant Buddies
Participants receive more than just a good workout when they attend
regularly. They can also meet and make friends with other people who
share their condition. Claudine and others have formed a tight-knit
circle of friends and advocates, who strongly believe in the benefits of
the arthritis aquatics program.
Claudine has reaped the many benefits of the program and has enjoyed
a happier, more productive life. "I noticed immediately that the
swelling in my ankles had gone down. I also sleep better on the days I
go exercise. On the days I don’t go, I have to get up three to four
times a night," said Claudine.
Claudine’s improved quality of life is most evident by her ability to
work longer than she had expected. "I would have had to retire ten years
earlier if I hadn’t gone," said Claudine.
See column at right to find out
more about how your support of United Way of the
Plains is helping our community. More Stories:
click here. |
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Fostering Health and Independence
Issue: Individuals suffering from arthritis
need a safe and effective way to exercise to remain active and
independent.
United Way Actions: United Way partners with
the Arthritis Foundation that trains aquatics program instructors at the
YMCA and other community pool sites to provide special exercise classes.
Results: Arthritis sufferers are able to
improve their quality of life by attending water exercise classes.
United Way impacts issues that matter:
For more information:
See other programs funded in the
"Fostering Health and Independence" impact area:
click here. |
