Launched in 2013 by the Cleveland Foundation, Encore Cleveland helps to connect and fund a network of organizations to provide experienced Greater Clevelanders an array of meaningful opportunities in the community upon retirement or near the end of their primary careers. In our “Spotlight Encore Cleveland” guest blog series, we go behind-the-scenes to explore the many opportunities available through Encore Cleveland. In this blog, Fairhill Partners shares information about its Walk with Ease® program:
Walking regularly can be a great exercise program for almost anyone. But what if it hurts or even just feels uncomfortable? Would you be more likely to try it if you could Walk with Ease®?
Of course, we know that exercise is good for us. Exercise can help manage many chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, depression, and others. It can decrease the risk of developing heart disease and help maintain and build muscle mass.
Did you know? Research has shown that exercise can also help manage many kinds of pain. Regular physical activity can reduce inflammation, which typically comes with aging, down to the cellular level.
Arthritis is a chronic condition that causes many of us pain. Today, doctor-diagnosed arthritis affects almost 60 million people in the United States, often limiting our ability to do the things we want to do in our daily lives. By 2040, it’s projected that more than 75 million will have arthritis.
About Walk with Ease®
What can we do to help? – The Arthritis Foundation has developed Walk with Ease®, a simple, six-week walking and exercise program that can make a difference. Endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control as an evidence-based arthritis intervention, Walk with Ease® has been shown to reduce the pain and discomfort of arthritis; increase balance, strength and walking pace; build participants’ confidence in the ability to be physically active; and improve overall self-rated health.
With a small grant from the Osteoarthritis Action Alliance, Fairhill Partners and its community partners have begun offering two versions of Walk with Ease®: the group, instructor-led version and the self-directed (on your own) version.
Become a Walk with Ease® Workshop Leader
Fairhill Partners is providing the materials and leader training for up to 15 volunteers who want to lead Walk with Ease® workshops. The training is online, and we can coach you through the process. In partnership with the Buckeye HEAL Coalition, which already sponsors dozens of fitness programs in our neighborhood, and the Cleveland Council of Black Nurses, we will also be offering free CPR/AED training to volunteer leaders.
Fairhill Partners will offer the program in several locations, at various days and times. We are also providing participant workbooks for the first 200 workshop participants.
Do you want to become a Walk with Ease® leader? Or participate in a Walk with Ease® workshop? Please call 216-421-1350 or email programs@fairhillpartners.org to sign up.
