5th Annual North Shore Arthritis Walk May 18

BEVERLY – Nearly one out of seven people in the country are affected by some form of arthritis and are forced to endure a medley of stiff and achy joints.Often referred to as an older person?s disease, the condition is beginning to stake claims in the younger generation as well, with roughly 300,000 children suffering on a daily basis.While living with the debilitating disease can be frustrating and difficult to cope with, exercise has proven to play a critical role in managing the condition. Combined with the power of communicating with others who have arthritis, the results can be life changing.On May 18, those who have arthritis, have a friend or family member with it, or just want to show support, will have the chance to walk for a cure during the 5th annual North Shore Arthritis Walk at Lynch Park at 10:30 a.m.Participants can choose from either a one- or three-mile seaside stroll during the rain or shine event.Saugus resident Carolyn Brown, who suffers from the autoimmune disorder rheumatoid arthritis, will lace up her running shoes for a fourth year to show her support for others battling the disease and to raise money for research.Carolyn?s Clan, a group made up of family members and friends, will join Carolyn on the walk.?Until you have to deal with the disease yourself, you just aren?t aware of what people go through,” she said. “People think, ?Oh, you look normal enough, maybe you?re just lazy.? But they just don?t understand.”Brown said arthritis runs in her family and has recently manifested itself in her niece?s tiny 2-year-old body.?It just breaks my heart to see the younger kids have to go through this,” she said. “And I worry about my four sons and daughter, because I don?t know if I?ve passed on the genetic link to them.”Despite her daily fatigue and achy joints, Brown said she looks to the participants in wheelchairs and the youngsters in the walk for strength.?I?ve always been a walker, but I recently went to a nutritionist and lost 61 pounds, and I feel so much better,” she said. “So I?m planning on walking the three miles.”Mary Halpin, vice president of development for the Arthritis Foundation Massachusetts Chapter said despite what some may think, exercise and arthritis actually go hand in hand.?Regular, moderate physical activity like walking, offers a whole host of benefits to people with arthritis,” she said. “As walking strengthens the muscles and tissues surrounding joints, it helps to better protect those joints and keep them ready for daily activities.”Halpin said exercise also helps those afflicted with arthritis to sleep better at night, control their weight, decrease depression and provide self-esteem, and can help ward off other health problems such as osteoporosis and heart disease.?Starting a walking program can seem like a daunting proposition, but the important thing is to remember to start slow and make it fun,” she said. “The arthritis walk is a great way to kick off a new walking habit while raising much needed funds for arthritis research and community health programs and services.”After the walk, a post party will take place at Lynch Park, with North Shore 104.9, a HiTop Magic show, food, entertainment, and a health fair.?Do the walk for a family member, friend, or do it for yourself!” she said. “You will be making a difference in the lives of so many that suffer in pain everyday.”Halpin said proceeds from the walk will help fund arthritis research and programs.Fore more information, to register for the walk or make a donation in support of the walk, visit www.northshorearthritiswalk.kintera.org or contact Halpin at 800-766-9449, ext. 134.