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Aching, throbbing, sharp pain. However you describe it, arthritis hurts. As yet, there's no cure for arthritis, a disease that causes joint inflammation. For many, it's an inevitable part of aging, but recent research has found that lifestyle changes can help you manage arthritis, and, in doing so, significantly lessen your pain and discomfort. One of the most important things you can do to control the pain of arthritis is to lose weight, certainly one of the benefits of the Pritikin Program. Excess weight puts added stress on the joints in your back, hips, knees, and feet — all places where arthritis pain is commonly felt. When you rid your body of excess pounds, you may very likely be ridding yourself of pain.
Regular exercise — one of the hallmarks of the Pritikin Program — can help combat the two most common problems for people with arthritis: pain and fatigue. Walking at least 30 minutes daily will certainly promote weight loss as well. Daily exercise can also increase strength and stability in weakened muscles and joints.
At the Pritikin Longevity Center, too, you'll learn relaxation techniques that can help decrease muscle tension and pain.
You may, in fact, discover more strength and endurance than you ever thought possible. Twenty-nine years ago, plagued by claudication and arthritis, Julius Spielberg, age 72, attended the Pritikin Longevity Center. Today, at a very robust 101 years, Julius remains virtually medication-free and is race-walking competitively in the Senior Olympics Competitions at the state, national, and international level. Since 1986, Julius has received 20 Gold Medals in both the 1,500 meter and 5,000 meter events. "Don't slow up, I always tell my friends and family," says the centenarian. "Give it all you've got. I know I wouldn't be here today if it weren't for the discipline — and inspiration! — I learned at Pritikin 29 years ago."
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