ADA, Okla. – The Arthritis Foundation Exercise ProgramSM will be offered starting November 6, 2006 at The Chickasaw Nation Family Life Center. Developed by physical therapists specifically for people with arthritis, this low-impact, jointsafe aquatics program has been documented to help decrease arthritis pain and relieve stiffness while increasing flexibility and range of motion.

The program is taught by Arthritis Foundation certified instructors, each of whom have completed in-depth training on arthritis and the Arthritis Foundation Aquatics Program.

Classes are open to the public and there is no charge to participants.

During the eight-week program, participants will go through a series of gentle movements and activities designed to increase mobility and range of motion. This low-impact class is suitable for every fitness level and can be taken either sitting down or standing.

“In addition to reducing pain and stiffness, the Arthritis Foundation Aquatics Program helps people with arthritis keep joints flexible, maintain muscle strength and build overall stamina,” said Shona Lennon of the Oklahoma Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation.

Results are backed by research studies. In one study, individuals who attended the class for four months reduced their pain by 24 percent and increased confidence in their ability to continue activities by 22 percent.

If you think you have arthritis, the Arthritis Foundation urges you to seek an early and specific diagnosis. With more that 100 forms of arthritis and related diseases, a specific diagnosis is critical because each form requires a different treatment plan.

Pre-registration for the Arthritis Foundation Aquatics Program is necessary and enrollment is limited. Classes will be conducted Monday through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to noon.

While the registration deadline for the complete eight-week session is November 3, participants will be admitted if space is available. For more information, contact Melinda Ward or Erica Berryman at 580-310-9661. Before starting any exercise program, always check with your physician.

The Arthritis Foundation Aquatics Program is one of several arthritis health education and exercise programs in the Life Improvement series offered by the Arthritis Foundation to help people take greater control of arthritis. For a listing of programs in your community, contact the Arthritis Foundation at 405-936-3366 or 800- 627-5486 or visit the Arthritis Foundation Web site at www.arthritis.org.

The Arthritis Foundation is the only nationwide, nonprofit health organization helping people take greater control of arthritis by leading efforts to prevent, control and cure arthritis and related diseases – the nation’s number one cause of disability.