FOR RELEASE: October 21, 2003
CONTACT: Pamela Williams
Office of Communications
405/271-5601

OKC Doesn’t Sit Still for Arthritis Event Scheduled November 15

The Oklahoma Arthritis Network (OAN) is challenging people with arthritis to get up and get moving by sponsoring an event called OKC Doesn’t Sit Still for Arthritis.

The event will be Saturday, Nov. 15, from 8 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., at the OSU-OKC campus, 900 N. Portland, Oklahoma City. There will be workshops, exhibits and door prizes.

"We realize that many working individuals don't have time to participate in events like this because they usually are scheduled during the week. We hope that by having this event on the weekend, people with busy lifestyles will take this opportunity to discover different methods of physical activity that may relieve or reduce chronic joint pain," said Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) Arthritis Prevention and Education Program Coordinator Marisa New. “Bring your friends and family; not only will you learn something new but you will have fun!”

Workshops and interactive demonstrations will inform people about the importance of physical activity as it relates to arthritis and the types of physical activities available in the Oklahoma City area.

Event highlights include:

• Speaker: Karen Ross, MD, Donald W. Reynolds Department of Geriatric Medicine, speaking on the topic “The Importance of Physical Activity”
• Success Stories
• Interactive Demonstrations: Tai Chi, Yoga, Zendo-Ryu; Arthritis Foundation overviews of their exercise-oriented programs, People with Arthritis Can Exercise (PACE) and Aquatics.
• Panel presentation: "Where are the Movers and Shakers in OKC" by presenters Kristy Potter, OKC Parks and Recreation and Russ Calhoun, OSU-OKC, Circle of Life.

The pre-registration deadline is November 10 and there is a $5.00 fee. Please mail checks payable to: Cynthia Trent, Registration Coordinator, 12401 Trail Oaks Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73120. Event on-site registration is $7.00.

For more information, call 405/650-8381 or the OSDH Arthritis Prevention and Education Program Coordinator Marisa New at 405/271-9444, ext. 56410. Discounts are available by visiting Woodson Park before Nov. 10 and asking for Doug Paulsen. Collaborative partners include Quail Ridge Assisted Living, Oklahoma City-County Health Department, Don W. Reynolds Department of Geriatric Medicine, and the OSDH.
 

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