ARTHRITIS IRELAND A walk for people with arthritis in aid of people with arthritis

12 Feb 2009

"The most dangerous exercise a person can do for their arthritis is no exercise at all"

Prof. Kate Lorig, Founder of Arthritis Self-Management, Stanford University

"I'm delighted to be supporting such an important exercise initiative. Keeping your Joints in Motion is definitely the best way to stay healthy and feeling young!"

John Treacy, Olympic Medalist & CEO of the Irish Sports Council

Arthritis Ireland have a fantastic new walking challenge that will not only help you get fit and active but will help make a significant difference to the lives of other people living with arthritis. So join the hundreds of other walkers who will have fun talking part in the Arthritis Ireland Get Your Joints in Motion Sponsored Walk in the Phoenix Park at 12 noon on Saturday 2nd May 2009.


What is it?

The Arthritis Ireland Get Your Joints in Motion Walking Challenge is a sponsored walk uniquely designed for people with arthritis in aid of people with arthritis. This walk is unique because we understand everyone's ability varies, so you get to choose a final target of either 2.5km or 5km for the walk in the Phoenix Park. We will give you everything else you need to succeed - all you need to do is 'Commit to Get Fit'!


How to Get Involved:

Register today by calling Arthritis Ireland on 01 6618188, email fundraising@arthritisireland.ie or download a registration form here. Once registered, we will send you your walking challenge pack including a walking plan, pedometer, wall-hanging tracker, fundraising tips and sponsorship cards. Each person simply pays a registration fee of just €10 which also includes your finisher's pack of a walking challenge t-shirt, certificate of achievement and goodie bag, not forgetting a great sense of personal achievement.

Once registered, you just follow the really simple 6 step plan below to improve your health and complete your challenge.


Step 1 - Commit to Get Fit

We will send you a Get your Joints in Motion Walking Challenge contract. Make the commitment to yourself by signing it today!


Step 2 - Find a Walking Buddy

One of the best ways to maintain a regular walking program is to have a 'buddy' to train with and participate in the walk. Sign up a friend to keep you focused and make walking fun!


Step 3 - Set your Walking Goal

You set your own goal. Everyone's ability varies, so choose a final target of either 2.5km or 5km for the walk in the Phoenix Park.


Step 4 - Stay Motivated

Make sure your goals are SMART....Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-Oriented.


Step 5 - Fundraise

Get sponsored and help people with arthritis, just like you, live their best lives.


Step 6 - Have Fun walking...

The Arthritis Ireland Get Your Joints in Motion Sponsored Walk in the Phoenix Park at 12 noon on Saturday 2nd May 2009.


It couldn't be easier! 'Commit to Get Fit' TODAY and together we can make a real and significant difference to your life and those, just like you, affected by arthritis.

Why should this challenge be the one to change YOUR life?

Exercise is vital to keep your joints healthy and supple. For people with arthritis it is linked to:

  • reduced pain
  • improved function
  • mental health
  • a better quality of life


Only 33% of adults with arthritis do enough exercise - so 67% of people with arthritis are nearly doubling the rate at which they lose function.


Why walking?

Walking is a fantastic form of exercise. It's low impact, low cost, can be done anywhere and all you need is a good pair of walking shoes.


By walking regularly, you help to:

  • keep your joints supple
  • build up your muscles
  • keep your weight down
  • boost your general health by strengthening your heart, increasing lung function, reducing blood pressure and giving you more stamina
  • improve your mood, relieve tension and stress thus helping you to sleep better


Research has proven:

  • Losing weight decreases stress on your joints and will reduce risk of needing a joint replacement
  • Exercise keeps you young - the more physically fit and active you are, the fewer inflammatory chemicals your body produces


Fundraising - a walk for people with arthritis in aid of people with arthritis

Arthritis Ireland is working towards a future where everyone with arthritis and those caring for them are empowered to take positive action to manage the effects of their disease by providing the practical and emotional support needed to help people take back control of their disease and their life.


Take a step in the right direction by raising funds to dramatically increase the range and frequency of the services we offer. Here is how the funds you raise can make a difference;

  • €250 will pay for our trained Helpline volunteers to provide vital support to 20 people affected by arthritis.
  • €500 will dramatically improve the quality of life of a person with arthritis by enabling them to attend one of our life changing self-management programmes.
  • €625 will help children and their families see a brighter future by specifically addressing the problems assoociated with growing up with arthritis via our Juvenile Arthritis Programmes.


To help make reaching your fundraising goal easier, you can set up your own personal online fundraising page, just visit http://sponsorme.arthritisireland.ie. Or if you have any questions, call 01 661 8188 or email fundraising@arthritisireland.ie

 

Download

JIM Walk A4 Poster

Walk Web Registration Form