Healthy Aging NC

04/03/2026

Living with osteoarthritis? Movement can help.

When joints feel stiff or painful, it’s easy to think rest is best—but staying active is actually one of the most effective ways to manage osteoarthritis. Regular movement can help reduce pain, improve joint function, and make everyday activities feel easier.

Even small amounts of activity can boost circulation and support a healthy weight, which helps take pressure off joints like the knees and hips.

📌 Check out the resource below from the Osteoarthritis Action Alliance for simple ways to get started and keep moving safely.

View the online PDF version here:
https://oaaction.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/623/2021/03/OAAA_Stay-Active-with-Osteoarthritis_WEB.pdf

03/24/2026

When it comes to staying steady on your feet, variety isn't just the spice of life—it’s your best defense! The Institute on Aging - NIH highlights three key types of exercise that older adults should mix into their routine - aerobic, muscle-strengthening, and balance exercises. The good news - you don’t have to do these separately! Many activities like gardening, Tai Chi, or water aerobics combine all three types of exercise recommended in one activity.

Learn from about exercise from the NIH at https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/exercise-and-physical-activity/three-types-exercise-can-improve-your-health-and-physical

03/23/2026

🥗 March is National Nutrition Month!

Eating well is an important part of managing arthritis—but time in the kitchen shouldn’t come at the expense of your joints.

Chef and cookbook author Melinda Winner, who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for over 25 years, shares 10 practical cooking tips to help make meal prep easier, safer, and more comfortable.

👉 Check out these arthritis-friendly kitchen tips from the Arthritis Foundation article: https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/daily-living/life-hacks-tips/10-arthritis-friendly-cooking-tips

03/17/2026

🌷 Stretch before you step! 🚶‍♀️

As the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time to get outside and get walking—but don’t skip your stretches!

Gentle stretching before and after your walk can help wake up your muscles, reduce soreness, and lower your risk of injury—so you can move with more confidence and ease.

Looking for simple ways to get started? Check out the Arthritis Foundation’s tips for stretching before and after your walk:

https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/physical-activity/walking/stretching-basics-for-walking

03/08/2026

Did you know? Women are more likely than men to develop osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia—conditions that can impact daily life, mobility, and overall well-being.

This Women’s History Month, let’s recognize the strength of women living with arthritis and raise awareness about the risk factors that can help with early detection and prevention.

Want to learn more? Check out other arthritis risk factors from the CDC.

Risk of arthritis increases due to certain characteristics, experiences, and behaviors.

03/06/2026

March is Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month!

This month helps shine a light on autoimmune conditions — including autoimmune forms of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile arthritis and more.

➕ Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells.
➕ Autoimmune arthritis can cause pain, swelling and stiffness that impact daily life.
➕ Early diagnosis and appropriate care can make a meaningful difference.
➕ Awareness and support help reduce isolation and improve understanding.

Learn about autoimmune forms of arthritis and why awareness matters. https://arthr.org/3yDXFF7

02/17/2026

❄️ Winter is here, and cold weather can aggravate arthritis pain. ❄️

Check out the Arthritis Foundation's 10 Tips for Cold Weather Exercise for information on how you can stay active on cold winter days to ease your arthritis.

Link: https://info.arthritis.org/10exercisetipsforcold/

02/11/2026

❄️ Winter is here, and cold weather can aggravate arthritis pain. ❄️
Check out the Arthritis Foundation's Arthritis Index tool! Enter your zip code to see how today's weather might affect your pain level.

The webpage discusses the impact of weather on arthritis symptoms, including how changes in temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure can affect joint pain. It provides tips for managing arthritis during different weather conditions, such as staying active, dressing appropriately, and using hea...

02/03/2026

Arthritis Foundation Webinar - Finding Hope Through Movement
7:00 – 8:15 p.m. ET, Thursday, Feb. 26

If you have arthritis, movement can boost your physical strength and emotional well-being — helping you feel more confident, capable and in control. Join the Arthritis Foundation's expert-led webinar to learn how.

Register at the link below!

01/31/2026

Did you know that arthritis includes more than 100 different conditions that affect the joints and surrounding tissue?

If you or someone you know has arthritis, check out the infographic below to learn more.

01/30/2026

Basi-what? Did you know that a fear of falling even has a name: “basiphobia?” Basi- or Baso- coming from the Greek “ basis ,” “ step ,” or “ foundation ” and - phobia meaning “ fear. ” Fear of losing our foundation! A fear of falling can also impact our “foundation of life” -...

01/27/2026

The J. Smith Young YMCA is hosting an upcoming Walk With Ease workshop! This 6-week program is designed to help you ease into walking while building confidence through education, gentle stretching, and motivational support.

📅 Details are in the flyer below
📝 Register in person or online here:
https://operations.daxko.com/programs/redirector.aspx?cid=5219&pid=9223&sid=422013

A great opportunity to get moving safely and stay active with support from your local YMCA! 💙