Every movement matters – now more than ever

THE COVID-19 emergency has had a huge effect on everyone, but for those who live with arthritis – for whom movement is of vital importance – lockdown has posed even keener challenges.

With that in mind, National Arthritis Week will encourage sufferers to be as proactive as they can be about getting themselves moving – and that’s as true for Kerry as it is anywhere else, local Arthritis Ireland branch chairperson Tom Barrett told The Kerryman.

National Arthritis Week began on Monday and continues until Sunday, and while it’s currently not possible for the branch to carry out its many activities in a ‘ live’ setting, they’re determined to push beyond that – and, perhaps, give potential future members a taste of what’s in store once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

“I was in touch with a few branch members – either they rang me or I rang them – over Easter, and it’s clear the current lock-down is causing complications,” Tom said.

“A common theme emerged: people are feeling stiffer, more sore, but they’re also feeling a bit more socially isolated because the activities we would have at the club have come to a halt for now. They miss the camaraderie.

“Movement is vitally important, you see, and that’s why our branch provides activities such as hydrotherapy, aqua-jogging, dancing, gym sessions, that kind of thing.

“Over the week, we’ll be posting highlights of those activities on our Facebook pages, and we’d be hoping people could join in that way.”

The week’s online offerings will also include material from fitness, yoga, meditation, and medical professionals.

“We hope the lock-down doesn’t last too long and normality can return, but we’d also be hopeful that people who suffer with arthritis, but aren’t club members yet, could see what we’re about and would think about joining us in future,” Tom added.

To keep abreast of things, visit the ‘Arthritis Ireland Kerry Branch’ Facebook page.