Arthritis

The New Hampshire Arthritis program connects people to the programs and agencies that improve community health, increases the capacity of providers to offer these programs, and collects and analyzes data to report results.

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Arthritis

CDC offers educational information on the basics, types, risk factors, and how to care for yourself with arthritis.

 

Physical Activity Programs

Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program (AFAP)

AFAP is a water exercise program created by the Arthritis Foundation and the Y-USA for people with arthritis and related conditions. The classes are conducted by a trained instructor and include joint range of motion, stretching, breathing, and light aerobic activities. The classes typically meet two or three times per week for one hour for six to 10 weeks.  

 

EnhanceFitness® (EF)

EnhanceFitness® (formerly Lifetime Fitness) is a community-based physical activity program proven to increase strength, boost activity levels, and elevate mood. EF instructors are trained and certified to offer this program that focuses on stretching, flexibility, balance, low impact aerobics, and strength training exercises. Typically classes meet three times a week for one hour. 

 

Walk with Ease (WWE)–Group

Walk with Ease (WWE)–Group is a community-based walking program developed by the Arthritis Foundation. WWE group sessions meet three times per week for 6 weeks.  Trained group exercise leaders begin each session with a pre-walk discussion covering a specified topic related to exercise and arthritis, followed by a 10- to 40-minute walk that includes a warm-up and a cool-down period.

 

Walk With Ease (WWE)–Self-directed

The Walk With Ease (WWE)–Self-directed program is a walking program developed by the Arthritis Foundation that can be done outside of a group setting, by an individual, using the WWE materials. This 6 week program helps people learn to walk safely and develop the habit of walking regularly.  WWE is offered in a group format or a self-directed format. In the self-directed format, people read the WWE book and walk on their own.

 

Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance

This is an evidence-based balance training and fall prevention program for community-dwelling older adults. The program consists of an 8-form routine core with built-in exercise variations and a subroutine of integrated therapeutic movements, which, collectively, comprise a set of simple yet functional Tai Ji Quan-based moves. This approach represents a significant enhancement of traditional Tai Ji Quan by transforming the movements into therapeutic training for postural control, daily functioning and clinical rehabilitation for older adults and individuals with physical limitations.  

 

Self-Management Programs

These programs teach you how to cope with arthritis symptoms and maintain healthy behaviors. They can help you manage fatigue, stress, and decisions about your health.