Arthritis Action, April 2010

ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION • 615 N. ALABAMA, SUITE 430 • INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46204 • 317. 879.0321

INSIDE April 2010

Central IN Update . . . . . . . 3

Southern IN Update . . . . . 4

Northeastern IN Update . . 5

Northern IN Update . . . . . 6

Dinner & Gala Team . . . . . 7

Indiana Arthritis Walks . . . 8

AgrAbility . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Health Promotion . . . . . . . 13

Aquatics Programs . . . . . . 14

Exercise Programs . . . . . . 15

Arthritis Action is Now an E-Newsletter

We are proud to be going green. To save paper and reduce cost we are offering our chapter newsletter, Arthritis Action, in an electronic format. Please email [email protected] to

begin receiving your newsletter in your email in-box. The newsletter contains all upcoming

programs, special events and arthritis news you can use.

Fight Arthritis PainExpanding waistlines, inactivity and an aging population are contributing toward an arthritis epidemic that will impact the lives and wallets of all Americans. Already the nation’s most common cause of disability, the impact of the disease is yet to be realized. Nearly one in five U.S. adults (46 million people) has arthritis and an estimated 67 million people will be affected by 2030.

Osteoarthritis (OA), the most common type of arthritis, currently affects nearly 27 million people in the U.S. More over, because of the link between osteoarthritis and inactivity, more than half of adults with diabetes or heart disease also have arthritis, and these numbers are expected to increase as rates of osteoarthritis skyrocket.

DID YOU KNOW:• Arthritis is not only a disease that affects the elderly. Symptoms of

osteoarthritis can begin as early as age 40 and progress slowly.• Being overweight and physically inactive can increase your risk of

developing osteoarthritis by two-thirds in your lifetime.• Even small amounts of weight loss and physical activity can decrease

the pain and disability of osteoarthritis.• For every one pound of weight loss, there is a four-pound reduction in

the load exerted on each knee.• Physical activity keeps joints flexible and maintains or improves

muscle strength.• Osteoarthritis typically affects only certain joints, such as the hips,

hands, knees, lower back and neck.

For information about Fight Arthritis Pain go to www.fightarthritispain.org. Fight Arthritis Pain was developed in a partnership with the Arthritis Foundation and the AdCouncil focusing on reaching adults 55+ who are currently living with or are at risk for osteoarthritis, and empowering them to take simple steps that can change the course of the disease and improve the quality of their lives.

A REGULAR PUBLICATION OF THE INDIANA ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION

Arthritis Action • Indiana Arthritis Foundation2

Social MediaThe Indiana Arthritis Foundation is

on Facebook, Twitter and Scribd!FacebookThe Indianapolis Arthritis Foundation is celebrating the one-year an-niversary of its Facebook Fan Page. The fan page is a place where event pictures and updates are posted. To become a fan of the foundation simply search Arthritis Foundation, Indiana Chapter on Facebook or find a link on the Indiana Arthritis Foundation website.

ChairPatricia Milner

Vice ChairRichard Seaver, CFP

SecretaryMarianne Marsh

Immediate Past ChairmanKevin Mandrell, CLU, RHU

Board MembersAmy HavensGordon Hughes, MDJane Keller, RNStan Phariss

Diana RuschhauptBill StaplesTodd Vare Steven Warner, CPA

PresidentMike RupprechtVice President

Gregg UtleySecretary

Diane MastersonBoard Members

Dan BarfieldLeAnn CooperTina DensleyBrenda EgbertCharlie HallGary KnowlesJane Hormuth, MD

Charlene LaibDebbie Poole, RNBarb ReynoldsStephanie RobertsBrian TaylorRoss Whitacre, MDJoe Yeckering

Executive DirectorJenny Conder

Director of DevelopmentB.J. Farrell

AgrAbility CoordinatorAmber Wolfe

Branch Director, Southern RegionVicki Eichmiller

Branch Director, Northeastern RegionMarni Mastbaum

Branch Director, Northern RegionBeth Harsch

Gail Altekruse, PTWilliam Berghoff, MDDavid Campbell, MDDarlene DegenerMissy GarmanGeoff Gephart, RNNancy GethersKim Harris, RNTom Hayhurst, MDJames Khan

Tom Lazoff, MDVictor MartinCookie MastbaumJessica MasugaShelly MillerVicki MorrealeSharon MyersTricia NeffGregg SalserTreva Strasen, RNBonnie WackerBruce Wright

ChairDiana Hensch

SecretaryMelissa HelmanBoard Members

TwitterTweet, tweet, the Indiana Arthritis Foundation is now on Twitter! You now can follow AFIndiana on Twitter for the latest Founda-tion updates. Find links to useful information about arthritis and upcoming events.

ScribdWhat is Scribd? Scribd is the largest social publishing company in the world. The Indianapolis Ar-thritis Foundation uses Scribd to post monthly event e-newsletters including the Indinapolis Arthritis iMove and the Indianapolis Jingle Bell Run/Walk’s Shoestring. Starting in April, Arthritis Action, the Indiana Arthritis Foundation’s newsletter, will also be posted here. To subscribe to the Founda-tion’s posts on Scribd, search for AFIndiana from the Scribd home page.

If you have any questions about the Indiana Arthritis Foundation’s social networks please contact Kendall Rich at [email protected] or 317.879.0321 ext. 207.

ChairJudd McNally

Vice ChairJill Donnelly

SecretaryJinny LongbrakeBoard Members

Natali Balog, MDBarry BilgerRon Clark, MDShawn ConeryJim FrainJerry LangleyDave McCaffrey

Cindie McPhieJoe McPhieLisa ReddenAmy SmithDoris VanAuken, PhDJeff Yergler, MD

On Sunday, March 28th, 211 people from Purdue University raised more than $8,000 during the 4th annual Purdue Arthritis Walk with money still being collected. Participation in this years walk increased 215 percent from 2009. The Arthritis Walk is the Arthritis Foundation’s nationwide signature event that supports public awareness and raises funds to fight arthritis, the nation’s most common cause of disability.

This once-a-year opportunity helps improve the lives of the 46 million adults and nearly 300,000 children living with arthritis in the U.S. By 2030, it is projected that

the number of Americans with arthritis will surpass 67 million. In addition to causing pain, this serious and sometimes deadly disease costs the U.S. economy $128 billion each year.

“We are so grateful for companies, organizations and individuals who came together at the Purdue Arthritis Walk to honor their loved ones and help raise funds needed to find a cure for arthritis,” said Dr. Kim Plake, APHA-ASP Purdue Arthritis Walk Faculty Advisor. “The funds raised during the Purdue Arthritis Walk help support critical Arthritis Foundation research and programs to improve the quality of life for people living with arthritis.”

The Purdue Arthritis Walk was planned by Purdue University Pharmacy Students. Thank you Tasha Woodall, Event Chair; Alex Kubat, Sponsorship Chair; Veronica Vernon, Logistics Chair; Kristin Muccigrosso, Public Relations Chair; Jaclyn Myers, Team Recruitment Chair; Katie Jacobs, Event Day Chair; and Kim Plake, Faculty Advisor!

Amgen and Pfizer are the national presenting sponsors of the Arthritis Walk. Other national sponsors include Nature Made, Biomet, Tylenol Arthritis Pain and Arthritis Today. Local sponsors include Family Pharma Care Center, Inc.; Clarian Arnett Health; The Plake Family, Michael, Kim, Katy and Anna; CVS Pharmacy; Pfizer; SuperValu; Humana MARKETPOINT; Casey’s General Store; Kroger; Marsh; Purdue Employees Federal Credit Union; Steven F. Farrell, CPA, ABV, CFF; AOII; Arni’s Restaurant; Lafayette Orthopaedic Clinic; Nature’s Pharm; St. Vincent Health and Walgreen’s.

You can still donate money to the Purdue Arthritis Walk by going to http://AWPurdue.kintera.org.

317.879.0321 • indiana.arthritis.org • Arthritis Action 3

Central IN BranchBoilermakers ‘Boiler Up’

The EventBeware: The Arthritis Foundation’s second Bone Bash presented by Humana MarketPOINT event will take place on Friday, October 29, 2010. This event is the newest, hippest fundraising music event for Halloween weekend. The costumed affair will be entertained by Henle and the Loops. Close your eyes and imagine… monstrous decorations, costume awards, fortune teller and rockin’ entertainment to dance the night away.

Continued on page 7.

2010 Indianapolis Bone Bash


Southern IN BranchFirst Annual Evansville

The Arthritis Foundation’s first annual Evansville Bone Bash event will take place on Friday, October 15, 2010 at Kirby’s. This event is the newest, hippest fundraising music event for Halloween. Close your eyes and imagine… monstrous decorations, costume awards, fortuneteller, silent and live auctions and rockin’ entertainment by Avery’s Ride to dance the night away.

This event is set to honor Dr. Whitacre who specializes in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. After graduating from medical school at West Virginia University, he completed an internship in general surgery at St. Joseph’s Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He then completed residency training at the University of Michigan. His interests include electrodiagnostics and musculoskeletal medicine with special attention to minimally invasive techniques to treat disorders of the spine. Dr. Whitacre is board certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. He is also a member of the International Spine Intervention Society, Physiatric Association of Sports, Spine, and Occupational Rehabilitation, and the American Medical Society. When not at

work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and sons, travel and sports of all kinds. Dr. Whitacre has been on the Southern Indiana Arthritis Foundation Board for the past three years.

The Evansville Bone Bash committee is currently seeking sponsors and auction donations. Individual tickets are set to go on sale in July. For more information about this haunted event please contact Vicki Eichmiller at 812.474.1381 or [email protected].

Evansville

Presented by Alcoa Warrick Operations and Marshall Safety and Environmental

Arthritis Advocacy and Kids SummitDorie Taylor and family recently attended the Arthritis Advocacy and Kids Summit. While in D.C., she was able to meet with Rep. Ellsworth’s aide (left), Sen. Bayh’s aide Patrick Miller (center) and Sen. Lugar’s aid (right).


Northeastern IN BranchThe Northeast Indiana Branch is proud to present their 9th annual Celebration of Wine and auction event. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, October 9th, at Biaggi’s Ristorante at Jefferson Pointe in Fort Wayne. The committee is currently working on obtaining new and exciting items for both the live and silent auction. This is a must see event—save the date and stay tuned for further details!

9th Annual Celebration of WineFt. Wayne

• Sunday May 16th- Fort Wayne Arthritis Walk• Saturday May 22nd- Warsaw Arthritis Walk• Saturday October 9th- Celebration of Wine• Sunday November 7th- Fort Wayne Jingle Bell Run• Saturday November 13th- Warsaw Jingle Bell Run

Upcoming Events!

Meetings in 2010 will be held on the third Tuesday of every month at the Parkview Women’s Health Center, 11123 Parkview Plaza Drive, Suite 200. Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m., last anywhere between an hour and an hour and a half, and are of conversational nature. No reservations necessary. All are welcome! For additional information contact [email protected]

Arthritis & Fibromyalgia Support

You asked and we listened... . Back by popular demand, we will soon be offering Tai Chi classes again in the Fort Wayne area. We are actively working with Kingston Care Center and Parkview Women’s Health Center, and are in the final stages of solidifying both days and times. For more information contact Marni Mastbaum at 260.672.6570 or email inquiries to [email protected]

Tai Chi Update

When you choose the “To Your Health” license plate, you are supporting eight Indiana health organizations. What a healthy way to support our community!

Available at all Indiana license branches.

For more information call 1.866.644.4007 or visit www.healthlicenseplate.com.

This license plate supports the Arthritis Foundation, Indiana Chapter, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Lung Association of Indiana, American Red Cross, Hemophilia Indiana, Indiana AIDS Fund and the National Kidney Foundation of Indiana.

Here’s to your Health


Northern IN BranchNight at the Cove

Join us for a night of Silver Hawks baseball on Friday, May 28th at 7pm at the Cove in South Bend. Stay after the game for Friday Fireworks! Tickets are $6 each. Proceeds benefit the Arthritis Foundation. Call 574.251.1424 to purchase tickets.

Golf FORE! Healthy Joints Wednesday, June 23 Knollwood Country Club, Granger

Lunch at 12noon – 12:30pm Shotgun

Take a swing at arthritis and join us on the beautiful Knollwood Country Club golf course. Cost is $250 per player. Team of four is $1,000. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Call 574.251.1424 or email [email protected] for more information.

Tailgate Party & Auction at Notre DameSaturday, September 18

ND v MSU

Watch the Fighting Irish take on the Michigan State Spartans on the big screen, enjoy tailgate food and bid on exciting auction items. Items on the auction block this year: • Jamaican vacation• ND Football Tickets• Golf Packages• Dinner Party in Your Home• Shopping Sprees and much, much more. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Have an item to donate? Call 574.251.1424 or email [email protected] with donations, to purchase tickets or for more information.

Lunch & LearnTo help companies increase productivity and reduce insurance costs, the Arthritis Foundation offers a complimentary lunch and learn program. The topic is “Promoting Wellness: Keeping Arthritis From Affecting Your Bottom Line” (additional topics may also be chosen – we are happy to work with you to find the perfect fit). The session is free for you and your employees. We only ask that you provide a place and time for employees to participate. The objectives of the one-hour session are to:

• Recognize the signs and symptoms of arthritis, carpal tunnel, and other related diseases • Discuss the treatment options and resources available for people with arthritis • Identify prevention and management strategies for better living with arthritis

If you’re interested in scheduling a Lunch & Learn in the South Bend / Elkhart area, or simply want to learn more about it, contact Beth at 574.251.1424 or [email protected]. Employees can brown bag-it or the company can provide lunch.

South Bend

B.J. Farrell, Director of Development for the Indiana Arthritis Foundation, was named one of six Arthritis Foundation employees nationally to be on the 2010 Dinner and Gala Team.

The Dinner and Gala Team is a dynamic and living think tank designed to create new ideas and develop practices and strategies to foster financial growth and carry out the mission of the Arthritis Foundation.

Farrell not only was asked to be on the team but also was asked to be the Bone Bash lead along with Tracy Preston, National Office Cause Development Director. As the Bone Bash lead, Farrell will develop national Bone Bash resources and materials for chapters to use and look for ways to improve Bone Bash branding, concept, materials, resources and sponsorship.

Farrell has been with the Indiana Arthritis Foundation for five years as an Evansville Board Member, the Evansville Branch Director and currently the Director of Development for Indiana.

The four other people on the 2010 Dinner and Gala Team with Farrell and Preston include: Nancy Johns, Wisconsin Chapter Director of Development, Marketing and PR; Rudy Breedy, New York Chapter Vice President of Development; Jan Bignall, Eastern Missouri Chapter Director of Development and Barry McBride, Tennessee Chapter Director of Development MS/TN.


Indiana Dir. of Development on National Dinner & Gala Team!

2010 Honoree Frank R. Kolisek, MDDr. Kolisek received his bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Indiana in 1982. He received his medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria in Peoria, Illinois in 1986. After graduation, Dr. Kolisek completed an internship in General Surgery at University Medical Center in Jacksonville, Florida and a residency in Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Florida Health Science Center. Dr. Kolisek also completed a one year fellowship in Arthritic Reconstructive Surgery of the Hip and Knee at Emory University and the Peachtree Orthopaedic Clinic in Atlanta, Georgia in 1992.

Dr. Kolisek has given numerous regional, national and international presentations on hip and knee arthroplasty and serves as faculty at instructional courses. He is involved in clinical research, serves as a principle investigator for several clinical studies and is involved in the design of hip and knee implants and instrumentation.

He routinely uses minimally invasive surgical techniques in his practice, as well as computer assisted surgical techniques. He has published several scientific articles in peer reviewed orthopaedic journals.

Dr. Kolisek serves as the President of OrthoIndy and is a member of many professional societies, including: the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the Indiana Orthopaedic Society, the Indiana State Medical Society, the Mid-America Orthopaedic Society, the Indianapolis Medical Society and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons.

Practice FocusComputer Assisted Surgery Hip and Knee Arthritis Surgery Minimally Invasive Surgery Total Joint Replacement Partial Joint Resurfacing President OrthoIndy 2005-present

2010 Indianapolis Bone Bash Cont.


South Bend - May 2nd Potawatomi Park (Near IUSB) Registration Opens at 12:30 p.m. Walk Begins at 1:30 p.m.

Earn PrizesRaise $100 – Get the Arthritis Walk T-Shirt Raise $250+ – You pick from great prizes!Top Fundraisers will receive additional prizes. Get more info at www.ArthritisWalkPrizes.org

Get Free StuffFrom food to valuable health information and neat giveaways. Fun includes balloon magic, HealthWorks! Hummer, face painting, and more!

Local Sponsors: Sounth Bend Clinic, UCB, Memorial Hospital, South Bend Medical Foundation, Ameri-can Nursing Care, Humana MarketPOINT, Press Ganey and SBO

Evansville - May 8thWesselman Woods Nature Preserve

551 N Boeke Rd Evansville, Indiana 47711(all times are Central)

7:30 a.m. Registration Table Open8 a.m. Home Depot Kids Shop begins8:45 a.m. Heidi from Bob’s Gym starts warm up with Zumba9 a.m. Congressman Brad Ellsworth will officially start the walk

This year’s honree is Payton Pierce. At six-years-old Pierce was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Ar-thritis. Payton’s symptoms included stiff joints, difficulty making it up and down stairs, fever and a lower growth rate, just to name a few.

Ft. Wayne - May 16thFranke Park

1:45 p.m.

The 2010 Fort Wayne Walk for Arthritis (1 or 3 mile course) is scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 16th. Given the number of registered walk participants grew from 39 in 2008 to 213 in 2009, we are excited to share that we are moving our event to the larger Franke Park Pavilion (#1), so as to adequately accommodate for our growth. On-site registration begins at 1 p.m., with a walk start time of 1:45 p.m. Canine companions are welcome. We are looking forward to having an even bigger and better event in 2010, so lace up those sneakers and Let’s Move Together!

For more information contatct Marni at [email protected] or call 260.672.6570. You can register online at arthritiswalkfortwayne.kintera.org.


Warsaw - May 22Winona Lake Senior Center

1:45 p.m.

The 2010 Warsaw Walk for Arthritis (1 or 3 mile course) is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 22nd, at the Winona Lake Senior Center. On-site registration begins at 1 p.m., with a walk start time of 1:45 p.m. Canine companions are welcome. Grab a friend, start a team, and Let’s Move Together to increase arthritis awareness in your community!

For more information contatct Marni at [email protected] or call 260.672.6570. You can register online at arthritiswalkwarsaw.kintera.org.

Indianapolis - June 5thRegistration begins at 6 p.m. Walk begins at 7 p.m. New Location! Admiral Spruance Basin

Bring your family and friends out to the Indianpolis Arthritis Walk. The first 100 kids at the walk will get to do a craft with the Southport Home Depot. You can walk as little as you like or complete the entire 5K. Raise $100 in donations to receive your offical Arthritis Walk t-shirt. The 2010 Honoree is Lexi Freeman, five-year-old, who has Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Local sponsors include Conseco, St. Francis Joint and Spine Center, Greenwood Orthopaedics, St. Vin-cent Health, Marsh, The Indianapolis Foundation, AARP, Southport Home Depot, Indiana Members Credit Union, Humana MarketPOINT, Merchandise Warehouse, Robin Run Village, P & P Golf Car Rental, Party Time Rental, Eagle Trident, IPL, Grand Rental Station, My 107.9!, Larry Blake Wedding Photography, AOII, Steven F. Farrell, CPA, ABV, CFF, Biogen Idec, Mason Family Chiropractic & Wellness, Circle City Chiropractic, Rheumatology Associates, P.C., The Scoop, UCB and Biomet Heartland.

Dubois - September 11thJohn Bohnert Park

7:30 a.m. Registration Table Open8:45 a.m. Warm Up9 a.m. Walk Starts

This walk will honor Terry Andry and family. Look for more information about the Dubois County Walk in the future on arthritis.org keyword: Indiana. You can also contact Vicki Eichmiller at 812.474.1381 or [email protected] for informaton.


The Indiana Arthritis Foundation is committed to being involved as a nonprofit, disability related partner supporting the mission of the USDA National AgrAbility Project.

Our goal is to provide education and support of agricultural professionals and their families who have been affected by arthritis so that a farmer, rancher, or farm worker may continue to

live a productive life in agriculture.

As the spring season begins, keep in mind a few simple solutions that can be implemented to help control joint stress and pain in farming situations: wearing quality, non-slip footwear; using appropriate assistive aids; proper posture when sitting for long periods of time in tractors; using the largest joint possible to complete a task; avoid gripping and grasping for long periods of time; simplify jobs and tasks and pace the amount of time working throughout the day; avoid jumping off of tractors or wagons.

Indiana AgrAbility

Upcoming Educational Events• Shipshewana Auction Opening Week Celebration- May 5-7, Shipshewana, IN• Indiana Rural Health Association Annual Conference- June 15-16, Indianapolis, IN

For more information about the Arthritis and Agriculture Program please contact Amber Wolfe, AgrAbility Project Coordinator at 1.800.783.2342 or [email protected]. You can

also visit www.arthritis-ag.org for more information!

For more information about the Indiana AgrAbility Program, please contact the Purdue University Breaking New Ground Resource Center 1.800.825.4264 or www.breakingnewground.info.


Farmer Scholarships Available!The National AgrAbility Program hosts an annual workshop for AgrAbility staff, clients, professional partners, farmers, ranchers, and family caregivers. Topics of discussion include assistive technology, arthritis, disability awareness, prosthetic devices, mobility, medicaid, social security, business planning and more.

The 2010 Workshop is being held from October 11-14th in Wilmington, North Carolina.

The Arthritis and Agriculture program has farmer scholarships available for a farmer or rancher to attend this workshop at no cost! Please call Amber Wolfe at 1.800.783.2342, or email [email protected] for more information or to obtain an application. This scholarship opportunity is open to any farmer or rancher across the US that has been affected by arthritis.

National AgrAbility

The vision of AgrAbility is to enable a lifestyle of high quality for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural workers with disabilities, so that they, their families, and their

communities continue to succeed in rural America.

Arthritis and Agriculture Website! WWW.ARTHRITIS-AG.ORG This website focuses on the issues of farming, ranching, and working in other agricultural careers while suffering from the effects of arthritis. Please visit this site for information regarding monthly health tips, resources, a calendar of events, and more!

Upcoming Educational Events• Vermont Arthritis and Agriculture Workshops- April 14-15• Maryland Arthritis and Agriculture Workshops- April 29-30• National Rural Health Association Annual Conference- May 18-21, Savannah, GA• National Institute of Farm Safety Annual Conference- June 26-31, Wilmington, NC

For more information about the National AgrAbility Program please call 1-800-825-4264, email [email protected], or visit www.agrability.org for more information!


Honor your loved ones with a gift to the Arthritis Foundation and help others at the same time. Your meaningful gift…• Funds vital arthritis research in many institutions across the country. The Arthritis Foundation is the only

nationwide, nonprofit health organization helping people take greater control of arthritis by leading ef-forts to prevent, control and cure arthritis and related diseases – the nation’s leading cause of disability.

• Is used to efficiently fund arthritis research and to provide vital community programs and services.• Supports multiple services such as education programs, toll-free information line, exercise programs,

advocacy on arthritis issues and more.• Gifts received from caring friends like you are used to help people right in your community. Your gift

funds research and community services needed to help fight America’s leading cause of disability. Thank you for your support.

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At no charge, please send me information on: Wills and Bequest Arthritis Foundation Membership

Arthritis Foundation Programs Special Events


Health PromotionLiving with arthritis and maintaining one’s independence can be a challenge for many of the 46 million people living with the disease. Routine tasks around the house from cleaning to doing laundry can prove especially problematic. Through its Ease-of-Use program, the Arthritis Foundation is recognizing companies that provide solutions to this dilemma.

When it comes to chores like laundry, simply loading and unloading clothes can prove too hard for people with arthritis. Whirlpool’s Duet washer and dryers received the Arthritis Foundation Ease-of-Use commendation for easier access for loading, unloading and filling dispensers. Optional pedestals also offer optimal ergonomic access while reducing bending.

Housework like vacuuming and cleaning bathrooms and kitchens can also be made easier thanks to Ease-of-Use products. The Oreck XL® upright vacuums can ease the strain on hands and wrists and make it much easier to keep carpets clean. When it comes to scrubbing those problem areas in and around the house, SonicScrubbers® hand-held household cleaning products can reduce the amount of effort it takes.

Learn about other products that can make life with arthritis easier with arthritis by visiting www.arthritis.org or by calling your local chapter at 800.783.2342.

Tools to Make Household Chores Easier

You probably know being overweight can lead to a number of medical conditions, including heart disease and diabetes. However, have you ever thought about how obesity affects your bones and joints?

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, more than 60 percent of American women are overweight. Obesity can cause difficulties with exercising and performing normal activities, such as getting in and out of a car. This, in turn, places a person at risk of putting excessive wear and tear on the joints.

“As you can imagine, being overweight greatly impacts your joints,” said James Bicos, M.D., board-certified orthopedic surgeon with St.Vincent Orthopedics. “This type of joint destruction happens most often in women who have a genetic predisposition to osteoarthritis and who aren’t getting enough calcium in their diet.”

Repairing the DamageDespite many scientific advancements, medical research has not produced medicines to cure people of deterioration associated with arthritis. Fortunately, painful symptoms can be managed with injections of cortisone—an anti-inflammatory medication. However, the most valuable preventive treatment can come through regular exercise and weight loss.

“Weight loss and exercise are excellent methods to help slow down the deterioration,” Dr. Bicos said. “Always consult your physician before starting an exercise regimen or special diet.”

The Arthritis Foundation appreciates the support of St. Vincent Health and for providing the information in this article. For more information about this article visit www.stvincent.org or call 317.415.5885. For more information about the Arthritis Foundation visit indiana.arthritis.org or call 317.879.0321.

Is Your Joint Pain Tied to Weight?


Elkhart Elkhart General Hospital

574.523.3242

Ft. WayneParkview Hospital

260.672.6570

IndianapolisWestview Healthplex

317.920.7468

PlymouthFitness Forum574.936.2333

South BendMemorial Health Discovery Ctr

574.647.2131

Self-Help Programs

Aquatics ProgramsAngolaYMCA of Stuben County260.668.3607

BatesvilleSoutheastern Indiana YMCA 812.934.6006

Beech Grove Benedict Inn317.788.7581

BloomingtonMonroe County YMCA 812.332.5555Garden Villa 812.330.6715

BlufftonBluffton Regional Medical Ctr. 260.824.3500

CarmelThe Bridgewater Club 317.399.2446Prime Life Enrichment 317.815.7008Riverview Rehab & Fitness317.705.4350

CrawfordsvilleCrawfordsville Aquatic Center 765.364.3247

EvansvilleYMCA of SW Indiana812.423.9622Dunigan Family YMCA 812.401.9622YWCA 812.422.1191Bob’s Gym 812.490.2627

FishersFishers YMCA317.595.9622

Fort Wayne Turnstone Center 260.483.2100Spiece Fitness 260.483.1415

FW Orthopedics 260.436.8686Kingston Care260.489.2552Jorgensen YMCA260.432.8953YMCA-Central Branch260.422.6486

FrankfortClinton County YMCA 765.654.9622

GreensburgDecatur County YMCA 812.663.9622

GoshenGoshen College574.535.7500

HobartFamily YMCA219.942.2183

IndianapolisHill Top Pool 317.259.5275Baxter YMCA 317.881.9347Jewish Community Center 317.251.9467Krannert Community Center 317.327.7375Ft. Ben Harrison YMCA 317.547.9622Northeast Fitness Center 317.257.1004Rehab Hospital of Indiana 317.329.2000Westview Healthplex 317.920.7516Ransburg YMCA 317.357.8441Thatcher Pool 317.327.7390Select Physical Therapy317.298.9746

Kokomo Family YMCA765.457.4447Kokomo Sports Center765.455.0167

LafayetteYMCA 765.474.3448

LaPorteLaPorte County YMCA 219.325.9622

Michigan CityYMCA 219.872.9622

MishawakaSt. Joseph Regn. Medical Ctr. 574.237.7800

Mooresville St. Francis Physical Therapy 317.831.9333

MuncieMotion Analysis Ther. Complex 765.751.2555

New AlbanyYMCA of Southern IN812.283.9622

NoblesvilleRiverview Rehab & Fitness 317.776.7225

PlainfieldPlainfield Parks & Recreation 317.839.7665

PlymouthFitness Forum 574.936.2333

RochesterFulton County Wellness 574.223.3657

South Bend Pro Health 547.232.3034

ValparaisoYMCA 219.462.4185


BatesvilleWaters of Batesville 812.934.9389

BedfordWestview West Therapy Clinic 812.275.5593

ButlerLaurels of Dekalb 260.868.2164

Carmel Prime Life Enrichment 317.815.7008Sunrise Senior Living317.810.0276

EvansvilleS.W.I.R.C.A 812.464.7804

Fort WaynePACE Fitness 260.497.7223

FrankfortPaul Phillippe Resource Center 765.659.4060

IndianapolisChristamore House 317.635.7211Indy in Motion 317.221.2000Crestwood Village 317.273.8800

OdonParkview Village317.636.6000

PlymouthFitness Forum 574.936.2333

WilliamsportWaters of Williamsport765.762.6111

ZionsvilleZionsville Physical Therapy 317.273.2033

BedfordGarden Villa 812.277.3730

Tai Chi For Arthritis

Exercise Programs

Beech GroveHornet Park Fitness Ctr. 317.788.4986

CarmelPrime Life Enrichment 317.815.7008Riverview Rehab & Fitness 317.705.4350

Danville Sr. Services of Hendricks Co. 317.745.4303

DillsboroLifetime Resources 812.265.5376

ElkhartFirst Presbyterian Church 574.264.3109

GreenwoodSacred Space Healing Ctr 317.881.YOGA

IndianapolisPleasant View Lutheran Church 317.253.0872St. Vincent Women’s Hospital 317.415.8160Crestwood Village 317.271.6475Mary Riggs Center 317.639.6106George Goodwin Center 317.247.5201National Inst. For Fitness/Sports317.274.3432Westview Helthplex317.920.7468Zion United Church317.891.0312Millers Senior Living317.834.6892

KokomoKokomo Sports Center765.455.0167

MooresvilleSt. Francis Physical Therapy 317.831.9333

MuncieBall State Work Well Center765.285.9355

The Arthritis Foundation offers a variety of programs for people in the community with arthritis. Join us and see how we can help improve living with arthritis.

Aquatic ProgramsThese warm water classes are a great way to stretch, and soothe stiff, sore joints. No swimming is required and you’ll enjoy yourself while we make exercise fun! Call the numbers listed for class times and cost.

Exercise ProgramsThese are gentle recreational-based exercise programs that let you go at your own pace to help increase joint flexibility, muscle strength, and improve range of motion.

Arthritis Self-Help ProgramsThe Arthritis Self-Help Program (6 weeks) is a disease management course focused on arthritis and fibromyalgia. Classes meet for 2 hours once a week and cover a variety of topics, including pain and stress management, exercise, relaxation techniques, medications, and communicating with your health care team for more effective treatment.

Tai Chi for ArthritisAn easy to learn, effective and safe exercise program developed specifically for those with arthritis. Tai Chi improves strength physically and mentally.

To request informationCall 317.879.0321 or 800.783.2342

Or Visit www.arthritis.org

Exercise Programs

Tai Chi For Arthritis

Tai Chi For ArthritisNoblesvilleRiverview Rehab & Fitness317.776.7225

OdonKetcham Memorial 812,636.4920North Davies Fitness 812.636.2019

South BendYMCA of Michiana574.287.9622Holly Cross College574.239.8364

ZionsvilleZionsville Meadows317.873.5205


Southern Region700 N. WeinbachSuite 102Evansville, IN 47711Phone 817.474.1381Fax 817. 474.1390

Northern RegionP.O. Box 8345South Bend, IN 46660Phone 574.251.1424Fax 574.251.1425

Northeastern Region11123 Parkview Plaza Dr.Suite 206Ft. Wayne, IN 46845Phone 260.672.6570Fax 260.672.6571

Central Indiana615 N. Alabama, Suite 430Indianapolis, IN 46204Phone 1.800.783.2342Fax 317.876.5608

indiana.arthritis.org

Arthritis Action, April 2010

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