Get Ready for Arthritis Walk

Intro:

For the Arthritis Foundation, the Arthritis Walk is our biggest opportunity to impact the lives of people with arthritis. This spring, we will kick off the 2009 Arthritis Walk season, and people around the nation will walk together to raise awareness and funds to fight arthritis, the nation’s most common cause of disability. It is a tremendous opportunity to help improve the lives of the 46 million men, women and children with doctor-diagnosed arthritis.

Chelle:

Hello, my name is Chelle Precht and I am the 2009 Arthritis Walk Chair. Your participation in the Arthritis Walk is so important to us. You are the key to the success and to everything the Arthritis Foundation hopes to accomplish. We hope that by joining Let’s Move Together you have also made the commitment to participate in your local 2009 Arthritis Walk and help us find a cure for arthritis!
Today, I am excited to offer information on how you can start to get involved and join in the fight against arthritis.

First, let’s get moving

The vision of the Arthritis Foundation is a world free of arthritis pain. We strive for a place where daily exercise helps to reduce the pain of millions of adults and children. By walking just 30 minutes a day, you can prepare for your local Arthritis Walk by easing joint pain, improving your mobility and reducing fatigue often associated with arthritis. Physical activity also can reduce your risk of developing certain forms of arthritis. If walking 30 minutes is too much, try 10 or 15 minutes at a time throughout the day.

Next, think about building a team

This year, get your company involved or recruit friends and family members to form a team and make the commitment to move daily for better health and to walk in your local 2009 Arthritis Walk.

Put money on the line

Start by setting a fundraising goal for yourself. Aim high – think about all the creative ways in which you can raise money, and have fun with it! Remember the more money you raise, the more you are helping those living with arthritis. Also, dedicate your personal or team fundraising efforts to an individual living with arthri­tis. Walk and raise funds in their honor. Your honoree can be a co-worker, friend or family member with arthritis.

Lastly, if you are not ready to walk this year, volunteer!

The Arthritis Walk is led by volunteers all across the country! Contact your local Arthritis Foundation chapter to see how you can help. Chapters are always welcoming volunteers to motivate, encourage and inspire walkers during the Walk.
Now, these are just a few ways you can begin to gear up for the 2009 Arthritis Walk. I encourage you to contact your local Arthritis Foundation to find out more ways to get involved. You can also sign up to join Let’s Move Together and the 2009 Arthritis Walk in your area at www.letsmovetogether.org. Use the tools available on the site to help motivate you and find out more about ways to keep moving everyday!

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