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Strong Local Voice, Strong Local ChampionAnnette Brooke, Lib Dem MP for Mid Dorset & North Poole |
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Annette Brooke MP Backs Call to ‘Keep Moving’ to Help your Joints
July 5, 2012 4:55 PM
Annette Brooke, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, encouraged her constituents who are living with osteoarthritis, to find a form of physical activity they enjoy to help keep their joints healthy. Annette showed her support for people living with osteoarthritis, at a parliamentary event hosted by Arthritis Research UK on 3rd July 2012.
Eight million people in the UK live with the pain and disability caused by osteoarthritis. This condition affects the joints, causing pain and stiffness, and there is currently no cure for osteoarthritis. Treatments include pain killers and physiotherapy, and in some more severe cases joint replacement. Self-help measures such as a maintaining a healthy body-weight and regular physical activity play an important part in relieving joint pain and stiffness.
Annette attended the national medical research charity's event where speakers explained the impact of osteoarthritis on people's lives and how appropriate regular physical activity can help to improve the symptoms of the condition.
Commenting on the event, she said:
"The joint pain and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis can have a major impact on people's lives. I was interested to learn that at the right level exercise can ease stiffness, improve joint movement and strengthen muscles. I was delighted to learn that Arthritis Research UK is supporting people with osteoarthritis to 'keep moving' and it's all about finding the right type of physical activity for you."
Professor Alan Silman, Medical Director of Arthritis Research UK, said:
"It's vital to keep your joints moving to keep them supple and healthy. More than eight million people struggle with the pain and disability of osteoarthritis every day but this doesn't mean that they have to avoid physical activity and the exercise they enjoy."
"It's important for people with osteoarthritis to exercise at a level that suits them with activities that they find fun and that are appropriate for their condition. This could include incorporating stretching and strengthening exercises into their daily routine."
Liam O'Toole, Chief Executive of Arthritis Research UK, said:
"We are very pleased that Annette was able to attend our event. We hope she will help us reach more people affected by osteoarthritis, helping them to remain active and keep doing the things they love."
For more ways to improve your fitness through exercise, as well as exercise guidelines for specific conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, download or order a copy of Arthritis Research UK's 'keep moving' leaflet.