Through the programs promoted by the SC DHEC Division of Healthy Aging and the Lt. Governor's Office on Aging people with arthritis can learn to manage their arthritis, reduce joint pain and live a healthy active life. Don't let arthritis keep you from living the life you want, take charge and show arthritis who is boss!
For more information on any of these programs, please call our toll free number 1-866-899-3663.
Walk With Ease (WWE ) is a walking program developed to encourage people with arthritis and other chronic diseases to get started walking and to stay motivated. The program focuses on motivational strategies including action planning, goal setting, social support and provides participants with information, tips and tools needed to develop a safe exercise routine that fits their unique needs and goals.
The program can either be held in a group setting or can be self-directed. Both the individual and group formats are set up as a structured six-week program. While walking is the central activity, Walk with Ease is a multi-component program that also includes health education, stretching, strengthening exercises, and motivational strategies. Group sessions include socialization time, pre-walk informational sessions, warm up and cool downs and a 10-35 minute walking period.
Walk With Ease participants following the self-directed version of the program use the WWE Guidebook, walk on their own and are encouraged to work up to walking at least 3 times a week for 6 weeks. Walk With Ease is supported by the SC DHEC Division of Healthy Aging and the Lt. Governor's Office on Aging.
- Find Walk With Ease tools
- Find a Class
- Start a Class
- On Line Training to Become a Leader
- WWE Leader Qualifications
Better Choices, Better Health (the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program) is a 6 week workshop that provides tools for living a healthy life with chronic health conditions, including diabetes, arthritis, asthma and heart disease.
Through weekly sessions, the workshop provides support for continuing normal daily activities and dealing with the emotions that chronic conditions may bring about. Better Choices, Better Health and Tomando Control de su Salud (the culturally appropriate Spanish version) are supported by the SC DHEC Division of Healthy Aging and the Lt. Governor's Office on Aging.
For more information:
- http://patienteducation.stanford.edu/programs/cdsmp.html
- http://patienteducation.stanford.edu/programs_spanish/tomando.html
Workshops are offered in various counties across South Carolina
- Find a Workshop
- Start a Class
- BCBH Leader Qualifications (pdf)
- BCBH Leader Training Schedule (pdf)
- BCBH Application for Leader Training (pdf)
Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program (AFEP) is a community based group exercise program developed by the Arthritis Foundation that can be modified to accommodate different levels of capability and can be done either standing or sitting. The class is led by a trained instructor who leads participants through endurance-building activities, balance exercises, relaxation techniques and health education. The components of the program are designed to help reduce pain and stiffness and help maintain or improve mobility, muscle strength and functional ability.
Note: For more information about starting a program or training leaders, please contact 1-866-899-3663
- Classes are currently being offered across the state. Find a AFEP class
Coming Soon
EnhanceFitness is a community based group exercise program designed to help older adults at all levels of fitness (from fit to frail) become more active, energized and empowered to sustain independent living. The class is led by certified EnhanceFitness instructors and meets three times a week for one hour. Each exercise can be done either standing or sitting and includes a warmup, cardiovascular section, strength training, balance exercises and stretching.
If you're interested in starting a class, please call our toll free number: 1-866-899-3663.