Regional Arthritis Centers (RACs)

“I became much more aware of what movements are helpful and what I needed to be careful of. The instructors kept reminding me to push your shoulder blades together. I try to remember those thoughts as I’m pushing a grocery cart & realizing I’m bending/slouching over the cart.”

“But the best part was it has helped in my driving comfort as my neck allows me to see much more and better when turning and backing the car. I don’t like missing class.”

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“Thank you, thank you, thank you for having this training class, also for the great instructors who showed interest in each of the class mates. I truly have enjoyed the six weeks of training but more important have confidence in my walking. Even my son noticed and congratulated me in waking and other actions around the house.

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CEMRAC Success Stories

Two years ago I was diagnosed with severe arthritis in the feet and ankles.  The doctor non-chalantly advised ” get into a heated swimming pool and take an arthritis exercise class.”  Living in Keyteville that proved to be a bit of a challenge.  I called the YMCA in Moberly and was delighted to learn they offered both classes.  For nearly 2 years now, I have b een driving to Moberly YMCA about 3 times a week to attend those classes and especially for the arthritis exercises.  While obviously, I will never be cured of this malady, my flexibility, stamina, strength, and mental attitude has improved greatly.  I also took the “Walk with Ease” class and since I had not walked with ease for at least 3 years before joining the “Y”.  The first session when it ws ascertained exactly how far we could walk doing laps around the gym, I could barely make it 7 laps.  After I was taught the various warm up and stretching exercises and started untilizing them, I was able to increase to 18 laps and sometimes 24 laps( which is 1 mile and a third).  The ability to walk better is a great morale booster.  I would tell anyone who wants to help themselves cope with arthritis to join the Randolph Area YMCA and stick with their programs.  You will definitely benefit!  

Janet Weaver-Keytesville, MO

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I am 76 years old and I own a small herd of dairy goats which I hand milked for 26 years.  Ten years ago I purchased a milking machine which is all well and good until the goats have been dried up in the fall.  No doe produces milk over this period of time maybe as much as 4 months.  In the early spring when they have baby kids agin, one at a time, I must resume hand milking.  The barn is too cold for the machine to work well.  In previous years, I have had a lot of hand pain and not much strength.  This time-no hand pain and more strength than usual.  I attibute this to the arthritis exercise class at the “Y” which Rita Davis teaches using stretching and strengthening exercies for the hands and wrists. I really appreciate them.   

Sandy L-Cairo, MO

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I have arthritis in my back and hips and walk with a limp, therefore my balance is not very good.  As I was visiting with my orthopaedic doctor, he commented on how my balance had improved and wanted to know what I was doing.  I explained the arthritis exercise and Walk with Ease class and he said for me to keep it up.  I was doing the right thing for my problems, I recommend these classes whenever I can.   

Sandy S   Moberly, MO

Testimonials submitted by Richard Davis

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Kattie Blankenship

What are the most important factors for why the Evidence Based Program you selected above was successful?

I became much more aware of what movements were helpful and what I needed to be careful of. The instructors kept reminding me/us to push your shoulder blades together. I try to remember these thoughts as I’m pushing a grocery cart and realizing I’m bending/slouching over the cart.

Would you recommend the Evidence Based Program you selected above to other individuals?

I had shoulder surgery and I was trying to extend my recovery mobility. The class has helped in pushing my extension.

But the best part was it has helped in my driving comfort as my neck allows me to see much more and better when turning and backing the car. I don’t like missing class.

 January 2013

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David and Barbara West

Why did you choose to participate with the Evidence Based Program you selected above?

Barbara has MS and wanted to improve walking skills and build some endurance.

David had been ill for a number of months and wanted to get back into exercising.

What are the most important factors for why the Evidence Based Program you selected above was successful?

We had wonderful instructors who worked with us. With Barbara they were very caring and helpful making sure she did not fall or trip. They also gave her much encouragement.

List any lessons learned as a result of participating in the Evidence Base Program you selected above.

If you are willing to work at it you can become stronger and build yourself up.

January 2013

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To: Walk with Ease Programmer

From: Ralph MC Elvain

Thank you, thank you, thank you for having this training class, also for the great instructors who showed interest in each of the class mates. I truly have enjoyed the six weeks of training but more important have confidence in my walking. Even my son noticed and congratulate me in walking and other actions around the house.

The instructors are Reed, Johnson, and Beeden. All took a personal interest in my well being and progress, I thank them for their interest.

Jaunary 2013

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Tom Gilpin

What are the most important factors for why the Evidence Based Program you selected above was successful?

Instructors/participants worked as a group — instructors made it clear why it was important. First day made two laps, had to sit in middle-age — next time made 9 complete laps!! After 5 weeks I did 3 miles. Success.

List any lessons learned as a result of participating in the Evidence Based Program you selected above.

Most important — instructor told me I needed to roll my foot and stop limping — impressed me and it was helpful to me.

Would you recommend the Evidence Based Program you selected above to other individuals?

It was very helpful to me — joined water aerobics to increase stamina for heart and arthritis. This was due to the book and what I learned about exercising.

January 2013

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Helen Lee

Walk with Ease

Why did you choose to participate with the Evidence Based Program you selected above?

The need for more exercise and to prepare for further strengthening of walking ability.

What are the most important factors for why the Evidence Based Program you selected above was successful?

First and foremost our instructors, Dorothy Johnson, Darlene Reed and Melanie Loaiza. They are very motivating and encouraging, taking a personal interest in all of u. They built a friendship among the participants which made the lessons and exercise fun. It made us want to continue on the path they laid out for us.

List any lessons learned as a result of participating in the Evidence Based Program you selected above.

Results that I could see and promise that I could continue to do better in the future participation of 30 minute walking intervals.

January 2013

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Clara Bolden

It’s hard to believe this is our last week with “Walk With Ease”.

I was just getting over a bout with bronchitis and hesitated to start the program for fear of being too weak to continue. I’m thankful I did, though; the three mentors, Dorothy, Darlene and Melanie encouraged and motivated us along very well.

The informational talks each week and the camaraderie of the group moved me right along to finish and I hope to keep going in the future.

Thanks.

January 2013