Congratulations to the members of the ‘Y’ Team who received the team trophy for raising the most funds for the Fourth Annual Chilton County Arthritis Walk on Oct. 4. The team members worked hard and for a good cause and are grateful for the support and generosity of friends, family and community.

Arthritis is one of the nation’s leading causes of disability and affects 46 million people. One in five adults and nearly 300,000 children have arthritis, costing the U.S. economy more than $128 billion annually. At present there is no cure for arthritis. The monies collected will be used for research to find a cure and ways to control the toll of disability and suffering of those with arthritis.

A recent study conducted at the Thurston Arthritis Research Center, University of North Carolina, revealed that pain and other symptoms of arthritis improved with moderate exercise.

“Physical activity can actually reduce pain naturally and decrease dependence on pain medication,” said Patience White, M.D., chief public health officer of the Arthritis Foundation.

The Chilton County YMCA and other facilities are doing their part to help by offering exercise classes that are recognized by the National Arthritis Foundation, called The Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program, (formerly known as P.A.C.E.). Classes at the YMCA are open to the community free of charge and are led by leaders and instructors who have been certified by the Arthritis Foundation.

The goals are to relieve stiffness, restore or maintain joint range of motion, increase flexibility of the structures surrounding the joint, restore and maintain muscle strength, improve posture, and increase endurance. We especially seek to improve performance of daily activities and provide an enjoyable, safe exercise program. We do have fun and would like to invite anyone interested.

Classes are held each Tuesday and Thursday from 10-11 a.m. Many of the exercises are performed seated and there is no age limit.

–from staff reports