Arthritis affects over 50 million people in the United States and Winston-salem, and it is a common complaint among many of the clients of Piedmont Home Care, for good reason. According to the CDC, an estimated 49.7 percent of adults 65 years old or older reported doctor diagnosed arthritis from 2010-2012.  Luckily there are some things you can do to help ease the symptoms, and walking is one of them. Getting regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and strengthens the muscles around the joints, both of which help lessen arthritis pain. Experts recommend walking 30-60 minutes every day, but if you can’t get out every day, try for at least three to five days a week. Before you start a walking routine, check with your doctor to make sure it is okay for you.

Walking Tips

• Wear good shoes. Make sure your shoes have good support and traction, so you won’t slip.
• Find a buddy. Your Piedmont Home Care caregiver is a good walking buddy, or a friend who also needs to exercise. It’s not only safer to walk with someone else, it helps you stay motivated to get out there.
• Stretch before and after. The Arthritis Foundation’s Walk with Ease program has a lot of videos with stretching exercises. It also provides a mobile app to track your progress.

Where to Walk

There are a lot of great places to walk right here in our own area, rain or shine, any day of the year!

Hanes Mall – Malls aren’t just for shopping! This is a great place to walk when it’s cold or rainy. Check out the mall walkers profiled in Forsyth Family.

Greenways – Winston-Salem is blessed with beautiful greenways just waiting to be explored.

City trails  – Whether you want a short track that’s quick and easy or something a little longer for more of a challenge, you’ll find just the right place to walk among Winston-Salem’s many walking trails.

Questions? Contact us, or call (336) 724-1197 to learn more about the services we provide. It might be just what you’re looking for in terms of caring for your loved ones.