By Paul Slomski
For the Sun Day
Warmer weather has Sun City residents heading outside to enjoy their favorite summer activities. Gardeners are planting vegetables and pruning colorful flowerbeds while golfers are hitting the links to enjoy a leisurely round. Seniors suffering from arthritis oftentimes had to give up these activities, believing it would only make matters worse. However, more and more seniors are listening to their doctors and the latest studies that show regular exercise and activity is a great antidote for aching joints, and with a few tips or adjustments, doesnât have to keep them from their active hobbies and passions.
The term arthritis refers to more than 100 different diseases that cause pain, swelling, and limited movement in joints or connective tissue. More than 45 million adults in the U.S., or one in six, suffer from some kind of arthritis, which is usually chronic and can drastically change the lifestyle and freedom of those afflicted with it.
For many years, general consensus was people with arthritis should not exercise, because it would further damage their joints. Now, doctors know that when the arthritis is under control, people with arthritis can improve their health and fitness through exercise, without hurting their joints.
In addition to the regular benefits of exercise, which include more energy, better sleep, a stronger heart and weight control, people with arthritis should exercise to keep their joints from becoming too stiff, keep the muscles around their joints strong, and maintain healthy bone and cartilage tissue.
Dr. Joseph Emmons, an Internist with Centegra Primary Care in Woodstock, recommends seniors struggling with arthritis stretch consistently while getting regular aerobic and anaerobic (muscle building) exercise to increase mobility.
âItâs been proven that activity improves arthritis versus being sedentary,â said Dr. Emmons. âRegular exercise will ensure you successfully enjoy your outdoor activities.â
Dr. Emmons even suggests taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory like Ibuprofen on a regular basis or before a planned activity to improve mobility but cautions it should all be discussed with a primary physician ahead of time.
IN THE GARDEN
Penny Wronski is the President of the Sunflower Garden Club in Sun City. She had both knees replaced in 2002 due to arthritis but hasnât let it keep her from her favorite activity.
âWe have flowerbeds all around our house,â said Wronski. âI just love seeing everything come up in the spring. Itâs a treat seeing all the pretty colors throughout the summer.â
Penny admits to letting her husband do all the heavy lifting, and she bought herself a portable gardening bench that allows her to get in the dirt to plant or weed.
Tips to overcome the frustrations and limitations imposed by arthritis to recapture the joy of gardening include:
Always being sure to stretch and warm up before working in the garden. This will help reduce stiffness and decrease your risk of injury.
Using raised flower beds that allow you to stand or sit comfortably while you work.
Searching for garden products that have been designed to be used by people with arthritis. Tools bearing an âarthritis friendlyâ logo have received a passing grade by an independent third-party research organization.
Using tools that have long handles to avoid bending or stooping. Handles should be as long as your own height.
Padding the handles of your hand tools with foam to enlarge the grip.
Wearing a carpenter’s apron with large pockets for carrying frequently-used tools.
Making sure your tools are sharp and well oiled. It will make them easier to use.
Switching tasks often and taking lots of breaks.
Using a rolling stool that you can move easily or placing some benches or chairs in the garden for rest.
If kneeling, using kneepads or a foam kneeling pad.
(Source: The Arthritis Society)
ON THE COURSE
Golfing is a great activity for people of all ages and helps increases coordination, strength, mobility, and range of motion. Tips to manage limitations imposed by arthritis and still remain competitive include:
Using clubs with lightweight graphite shafts to help absorb the shock better.
Building up the grip size on your clubs with tape to help hold them more easily.*
Always stretching and warming up properly before you play.
Always using tees to avoid striking the ground and jarring your joints.
Using a softer ball with a higher spin rate.
Wearing comfortable walking shoes or golf shoes without spikes. You may also want to wear cushioning in your shoes.
Taking only the clubs you will use and pulling your clubs rather than carrying them.
(Source: The Arthritis Society)
*The Whisper Creek Golf Pro Shop in Sun City caters to seniors with arthritis and carries Jumbo Max adaptive golf club grips for this particular purpose.
