Arthritis Awareness Month
Believe it or not — years ago, if someone (who most likely had rheumatoid arthritis) complained that it hurt to move their arms or legs, they were advised to wear a splint — so it didn’t hurt. Unfortunately, the lack of movement led to people’s knee and elbow joints being fused together — resulting in even LESS mobility. 😳
Of course, we now know that exercise is GOOD for people with arthritis. And it doesn’t have to be anything strenuous; just whatever you’re capable of doing — yoga, water aerobics, or even just taking a walk around the yard.
For me, walking for an extended period of time can be painful… so I do a variety of no-impact exercise — like riding my recumbent stationary bike, hopping on the elliptical machine for a few minutes, or working out on my Total Gym (yes, the one that Chuck Norris and Christie Brinkley used to sell on those late-night infomercials!) 😄 It uses my own body weight to test resistance, and gives me a complete, full-body workout! 💪
Does it still hurt? Well, of course it does! But not necessarily in a “bad” way…
Fellow arthritis warrior and 2018 Columbus Walk to Cure Arthritis honoree Fernanda “Fe” Aler (who lives with Behçet’s disease but still competes in Ironman triathlons!) once told me: “If I’m going to be in pain anyway, I might as well do it to myself — and make it a GOOD kind of pain.” You know — the kind of pain that means you’re getting stronger. The kind that says you’re not going to let arthritis win.
The kind that says — I will never give up.
Living with chronic pain is tough. But changing your perspective on how you look at your pain — can make a huge difference.
Its all about shifting your focus. I lost a TON of weight from being sick earlier this year. Now that I know I’m going to be OK, I look at that as sort of a blessing — a chance to rebuild myself — stronger and healthier. 💚
So keep moving, friends — even if it hurts! And never give up. 🙏♥️
P.S. The fact that my hair still looks like that — even after working out — shows you just how strong my “News Anchor” Hurricane Hold pomade really is! 🤣
#PSNeverGiveUp
#ArthritisAwarenessMonth #RAwarrior #ChronicPain
