Julienne LaFitte Mireless, 64

I have always been active, so it was difficult for me to accept the news when my doctor told me that I had osteoarthritis. I was 42 years old, weighed close to 300 pounds and it was becoming more and more difficult and painful to move around. I also felt sad because I missed being active. I used to run, jump, roller skate and ride my bike.

At 50 years old, I had a right hip replacement. A year later I had my left hip replaced. At age 54, the right hip had to be replaced again because of arthritis. In 1988, my doctor told me I also had arthritis in my foot, hand and back. It got so bad he was giving me cortisone shots before my surgery and I was taking a number of pills daily.

In 2005, my doctor suggested I visit the Fitness Center at Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley. The Fitness Center offers classes as a part of the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program, including chair exercise for  clients with arthritis. Chair exercise was something I could do that didn't hurt too much, and the center also was a place where I could socialize.

I started attending chair exercise classes and I changed my diet. Then, I started taking short walks with the class. Before I knew it, I weighed 228 pounds. I felt lighter both mentally and physically and my joints didn't hurt as much. Previously, I was diagnosed with pre-diabetes. Since I have been going to the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program at the wellness center, I have yet to develop diabetes and believe that physical activity has contributed to my progress.

 In 2007, I had to have a knee replacement and arthroscopic surgery in 2008, but as soon as my doctor said it was OK, I was back in class. In fact, I haven't missed a class in four years and I CAN'T miss a class because I know they are important. I attend chair exercise classes at least two days a week, and I am still working to lose more weight.

Now, I am more active. I dance at the senior center and participate in the local Arthritis Walk. I also walk every week early in the morning at our wellness center. I have received awards for completing the walks with my walker. I know exercise made a difference in helping me feel better. I want to tell others that exercise is the best thing.  If you do a lot of dancing and walking, it does a lot of good.

Arthritis won't stop me. I keep on going!

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