Arthritis Foundation Jingle Bell Run and Walk

Would you believe the Arthritis Foundation's annual Jingle Bell Run and Walk launches in the North Pole, in July? I guess with Santa's busy schedule he and the elves needed a head start. For the rest of us this nationwide celebration of cheer, friendship and philanthropy occurs as you would expect, during the months of November and December.

The Jingle Bell Run and Walk event encourages participants to ho-ho-ho it up on an existing team or by forming a team with friends, neighbors, family, co-workers and their dogs! Yep, the health benefits of four-footed walking buddies, from fighting depression and isolation to reducing joint pain and promoting heart healthy activity, is applauded by the Arthritis Foundation and others.

According to rheumatologist, Virginia Byers-Draus, M.D., "pets help people fight pain and enjoy more activity. In fact this friendship acts "like Valium" without the side effects." Furthermore, Dr. Byers-Draus states, "people with severe arthritis move even less than sedentary people. Pets bring activity, and from activity springs health."

HealthyWomen.org reported that dog owners walk an average of 300 minutes a week compared to 168 minutes for those without a dog. For the record, that's under an hour a day of bonding with your pup, getting to know your neighbors, smelling flowers and releasing frustrations, anxieties and stress. How far will these minutes take you? Add a pedometer and find out.

Gale Berkowitz of the renowned Harvard Medical School's Nurses Health Study says, "The more friends women had, the less likely they were to develop physical impairments as they age, and the more likely they were to be leading a joyful life." A decline in the number of friends is a sad trend among Americans. Walking is an activity that bridges most people's physical abilities and time restraints. To quote Nike, just do it!

The Jingle Bell 5 kilometer Run and Walk is just one of a series of events sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation. Others include: the Arthritis Walk, the Bone Bash, Joints in Motion, Golfing events, dinners, and galas.

For more information about the health benefits of fitness walking consult your doctor and check out the titles, Walking With Ease and Arthritis 101. To register for the Jingle Bell or any other Arthritis Foundation walking event, visit, Arthritis.organd click on the "Events & Programs" tab.

Funds raised by the Jingle Bell Run and Walk go toward raising awareness of our nation's most common cause of disability and improving the lives of some 46 million men, women and children diagnosed with arthritis. The fun raised and memories made by joining in ... that you get to take home with you.

Sources:

Exercise Goes to the Dogs - http://www.healthywomen.org/content/its-news-you-articles/exercise-goes-dogs

UCLA Study on Friendship Among Women by Gale Berkowitz - http://www.womensdigest.net/departments/healfit/hf0505d.html

The Arthritis Foundation, Jingle Bell Run and Walk -
http://www.arthritis.org/jingle-bell-run.php

Dr. Becker, Marty, The Healing Power of Pets (2002) p.101