Every year about this time as Americans are in the midst of the Holiday season we are ever mindful of ringing in the new year with a health fitness program. 2009 is no exception. The only difference for me this year is I have learned that I need to make a real life change not just a new year’s resolution.

I have Osteoarthritis. At 56 years of age it is owning me. It is genetic so after emails flying back and forth with my siblings that are older and younger I have a clear picture of where I have been and what to expect for the future. Anyone reading this that has arthritis knows the challenges that are experienced on a day to day level. I think the biggest challenge for me is there is no outside visual affect that reminds me that yes, I feel like crap and no, it is not going away. You know, like if you have a physical disability that can be seen it just seems to add more weight to the limitations of life.

But alas, it is what it is and after grieving the loss of health and knowing the future requires I make adjustments I found after meeting with my health provider some ways I can personally slow down the process and hopefully maintain a better quality of life as things progress. So starting at the beginning there are a couple of things I am doing because no, I can’t make it go away so I have to make friends with arthritis and cohabit.

First I am taking medication that my health care provider and I feel works the best. Of course as anyone with arthritis knows winter is a poor gauge to use as to whether this is helping or not! There is nothing like a cold day to remind you how it hurts! Secondly, a good nutritional diet which for me needs to include cooking because I love to cook so I will be finding meals that are nutritional and yet not weight gaining. And thirdly, an exercise plan.

My doctor says except for the arthritis I am good shape so I have a good baseline to work from. So I went back to Curves. Their innovative, 30-minute fitness concept combined strength training and sustained cardiovascular activity is safe and effectiv and it works. What I like best is I don’t have to “think” about exercise I just go and move through the exercise plan for 30 minutes and leave. And the ladies that work there are helping me so that the joints that are affected the most are getting relief. The proof is in the pudding’! All I can say is if you ever thought about something to improve your health Curves is a simple effective way to go.

As I make life changes Curves is replaced with walking and Tai Chi for a gentler way to manage the pain.

And so to keep me motivated I am going to share with you my progress good or bad, whether I succeed or not. Arthritis is a great motivator however, the pain is a constant reminder that something must be done or be ruled by it. So my first adventure is on Monday, December 29th. I am going to see a doctor about my knee. I am not sure how bad is or if I will need a knee replacement yet but what I do know is that exercise will help me strengthen those muscles so whatever has to be done will be done better.

So come with me on my journey, if any of you dear readers have tried and true hints to work with arthritis share. Diet, exercise, pain management, you name it! I don’t have all the answers but I do know that I mean to make a success of this. I walk one mile in the morning and one in the afternoon weather permitting and practice relaxation techniques.

Okay I will keep you posted and you join in too. I would like to hear how others are living with arthritis as well!

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