Grant Will Allow Residents with Arthritis to Participate in Free Life Improvement Exercise Programs

The Directors of the Desert Healthcare District approved a grant award of $87,000 to the Arthritis Foundation to support the Life Improvement Series Programs (LIS).

The LIS Programs consist of warm water exercise; classroom exercise; Tai Chi; self-help course; and “Walk With Ease.” The Arthritis Foundation has partnered with the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) to show that the LIS programs are evidence-based to help relieve the devastating effects, debilitating pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. The programs are also physician recommended.

Currently these programs serve approximately 3,000 residents. The grant will increase the organization’s capacity to serve an additional 500 District residents.

The funding will add 10 self-help programs, 10 “Walk With Ease” programs, and two each of warm water exercise, classroom exercise, and Tai Chi. Additionally, 10 instructors will be recertified as “Train the Trainers.”

The Arthritis Foundation is committed to raising awareness and reducing the impact of arthritis. In support of their mission, the Foundation offers education, research grants, advocacy and other vital programs and services to improve the lives of those with arthritis and related diseases.

May is Arthritis Awareness Month and local events from the Arthritis Foundation include a Walk With Ease Program starting on May 7th at the Demuth Community Center and Park and the Foundation’s National Senior Health and Fitness Day Expo on May 30th at the Joslyn Center in Palm Desert from 9a- 2p. This is a day filled with education, action, food and fun. Call the Arthritis Foundation for more information and to RSVP: 760-773-3076.

Desert Healthcare District is a government agency, established by the state of California in 1948, to improve and support community health programs within a 457-square mile service area in the Coachella Valley. The District also owns and oversees the lease of Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs