Funny Dancing Video from Stopain & Arthritis Foundation

I just saw this funny dancing video from Stopain and the Arthritis Foundation.  It makes you laugh and want to get up and get moving!  Enjoy!

Note: As of this post, Stopain is offering a $5 rebate on their products.  If you decide to try it, don’t forget to get the rebate.

Struggling with Your Computer Keyboard? Try This Instead!

Trying to type on your computer keyboard can be excruciating with stiff or deformed arthritic hands and fingers.  If you have tried an ergonomic keyboard (such as the one mentioned in our post: Try This Keyboard for Arthritic Fingers) with no success, then consider trying speech recognition software.

Speech recognition software allows you to navigate the internet by talking to your computer.  For example, tazti Speech Recognition Software allows you to perform internet searches, turn on and operate iTunes, log in to and navigate Facebook and MySpace, search bookmarked pages, create your own voice commands, etc.

Watch this short video to see tazti in action:

Right now, tazti is offering its speech recognition software for free for people with arthritis.  That’s right…FREE.  Download tazti Speech Recognition Software, use it and tell Voice Tech Group, Inc. (the creator of tazti) what you think about it.

Share your comments with us too!

Try Tai Chi for Arthritis Exercise!

To keep those arthritic joints moving, you may want to try Tai Chi.  Dr. Paul Lam, a practicing physician and Tai Chi master for more than 30 years, has created a program for people with arthritis.  He began using Tai Chi himself to help him with his own arthritis.  Dr. Paul Lam now shares his knowledge of Tai Chi with those who have arthritis so they too can enjoy the benefits.

If you are a beginner to Tai Chi, then try the Tai Chi for Arthritis program - 12 Lessons with Dr. Paul Lam.  It consists of a 2-disc dvd set that is 4 hours in duration.  It provides Tai Chi priniciples and instruction.  The program is easy on the joints and you will feel like you are in his class.

Here is a sample clip of the program:

 

If you have taken the Tai Chi for Arthritis – 12 Lessons with Dr. Paul Lam program and would like more of a challenge, then you may want to try Tai Chi for Arthritis Part II – 6 Lessons with Dr. Paul Lam.  It is a 2-hour sequel that provides 9 new movements.

Here is a sample clip of the program:

If you have difficulty standing, then you may want to try Seated Tai Chi for Arthritis -  6 Lessons with Dr. Paul Lam.  It is a modified form of Tai Chi for Arthritis, but the program is designed to be performed while sitting.  It is 85 minutes in duration.

Here is a sample clip of the program:

There you have it.  There are three options to choose from to help you exercise those arthritic joints with Tai Chi. 

Good luck!

Looking for a Summer Camp for Your Child?

If you have a child of school age, you are probably inundated with information about summer camps.  But what do you do if your child has arthritis?

Many camps have activities that are just too much for a child with arthritis.  Instead of having your child feel isolated from the “healthy” group of kids at camp, try sending your child to an arthritis camp.

Arthritis camps are for children with arthritis and they have arthritis-friendly activities.  With about 300,000 children in the U.S. diagnosed with juvenile arthritis, your child may not know any other children with the disease (or any chronic disease for that matter).

An arthritis camp is a great way for your child to meet and connect with other kids who have some form of arthritis.  They will know they are not alone and have the support of friends going through the same thing.

 Check out this video about Camp Milagros, an arthritis camp in California:

If you are not sure if there is an arthritis camp close to you or within driving distance, check with your local Arthritis Foundation chapter.  They should know if there are any arthritis camps in the area. 

If there aren’t any camps in your region yet, then this is an opportunity for your Arthritis Foundation chapter to know there is interest in it.  You might even consider volunteering to help get a camp organized.

If Nothing Else, Try Exercising in Water

If you struggle with exercising because of stiff and painful joints, you are not alone.  Many people with arthritis know they need to exercise, but doing it is another story.

Some exercise programs are too intense and full of high impact movements.  Even though the exercise would be beneficial, using one of those programs may just be harmful to your joints.  So what is an arthritic to do?

Try a water exercise program instead!  Exercising in a pool allows you to be weightless and, if done properly, does not cause any impact on your joints.  Check out this news video about a water exercise program in California.

Please note that in the second part of the news video (below), they do show someone jumping up and down in the shallow end of the pool.  I would not recommend doing an exercise like that if you have arthritis in your feet or ankles.

To find water exercise programs in your area, contact your local Arthritis Foundation chapter, fitness gyms or rehabilitation centers.

Good luck!

Exercise Those Arthritic Joints for Free!

When you have arthritis, it is important to keep moving those stiff joints.  One way to do that is through regular exercise.  Usually, a non-impact form of exercise is best.

 However, exercise videos can cost $15-$20 each and gym memberships can cost a lot more.  What if those costs are just not in your budget right now?  Well, here is an answer to that.

ExerciseTVoffers FREE full-length videos and mini-workouts.  They have videos for stretching, yoga, pilates and many other forms of exercise.  However, if you are looking for exercise that will not impact the joints, I would recommend sticking with stretching, yoga and pilates.

Check out the FREE videos on ExerciseTV.  You do not need to register in order to watch them.  Just select the video you are interested in and get ready to exercise.  It’s that simple!

If you decide you like the full-length video, then keep going back to the site on a regular basis to watch it or download it instead.  If you prefer to download it, there is a small charge.  The video I watched was $1.99 to purchase the download.  That is by far a much more reasonable price to work into your budget.

I do not believe that you can download the mini-workouts.  You may just have to keep going back to ExerciseTV to watch those.  Either way, it’s still FREE!

Enjoy!

Do You Think You Have Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Are your joints red, swollen and painful?  Do your affected joints feel stiff in the morning?  Do you feel fatigued or have muscle aches?  These are common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis affects 1.3 million people in the United States.  It is an autoimmune disease which must be diagnosed as early as possible to prevent joint damage.

If you think you may have rheumatoid arthritis, watch the educational video below.  Then make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.

You may also want to write down your symptoms, how long the symptoms last, where the pain is located, etc.  This information will be helpful to your doctor or rheumatologist.

Arthritis & Health Related Videos

Ok, we officially live in an on-demand society.  Did you know that you can purchase videos from Amazon for immediate download?  I sure didn’t.  Below is just a sample of the videos I found.

These videos need to be either purchased or rented in order to view them.  If the videos above don’t strike your fancy, checkout their other videos.

From time to time, I will add links to new videos that are arthritis or health related.  You never know, it could lead to answers you’ve been looking for.