Help My Hurt

Company’s calling - Olympic cyclist Kristin Armstrong talks about her osteoarthritis

by Marijke Durning, RN on April 21st, 2008

I was going to introduce our visitor today as a special visitor - but then again, everyone who stops by Company’s calling is special, right? But today, we do have an extra special visitor. Someone who works with World Champion cyclist Kristin Armstrong noticed Help My Hurt and offered to put us in touch. Kristin wrote this to share with Help My Hurt’s visitors. Thanks Kristin and good luck!

Putting a New Spin on Arthritis

My name is Kristin Armstrong; I’m 34 and a World Champion cyclist. I was also diagnosed with osteoarthritis nearly seven years ago. Before my diagnosis I was an accomplished tri-athlete, but my doctors thought such intense exercise would be too hard on my joints. Slowing down was not an option so I turned to cycling which is great for people with arthritis. Through a lot of hard work and determination, I am now preparing to compete as a cyclist in the upcoming 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China. This year, I am also supporting the Arthritis Foundation’s annual Arthritis Walk events and Team TripleFlex by sharing my personal success story.

My goal is to inspire and motivate those with arthritis to stay fit and do the things you love whether it’s playing with your children or grandchildren, gardening or hiking your favorite trail.

Here are my top five tips for being active and maintaining joint health.

* Fuel It Up – Experts agree there is a special connection between nutrition and joints. A balanced diet high in antioxidants containing citrus fruits, green, leafy vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids such as those found in salmon provides active adults with the nutrients they need to maintain joint health. A balanced diet also gives you the energy you need for your favorite activities.

 

* Walk It Out – Research shows that physical activity is one of the best ways to keep joints in top shape as it helps maintain weight and build strength, which aids shock absorption and injury prevention. Walking and biking are two of the best exercises to maintain joint health.

 

* Boost It Up – For an extra boost in joint health, glucosamine and chondroitin supplements can also help. Studies show that glucosamine and chondroitin promote joint comfort and elasticity. I actually stopped taking my prescription drugs a few years ago and have adopted a natural treatment plan that works for me.

 

* Keep It Down – A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that people who lost just 11 pounds cut their risk of osteoarthritis in half. Combine portion-controlled meals and plenty of exercise most days of the week to help keep weight in check. Don’t forget that walking through the mall and cleaning the house both count as exercise!

 

* Take It Further – The Arthritis Foundation’s Arthritis Walk events are held in communities across the nation to raise public awareness and funds to help people living with arthritis lead active, mobile lives. Nationally sponsored by Nature Made TripleFlex, walkers can sign-up as a team and come out to support a family member or friend.

 

Be sure to talk to your doctor before starting a new health regimen. To follow me on the road to Beijing, visit www.kristinarmstrongUSA.com. For more information on joint health options, visit www.tripleflex.com. To find an Arthritis Walk in your area, go to www.arthritis.org.

Thanks again Kristin. I’m Canadian so I’ll be a bit torn as to who to root for, but I will be hoping only the best for you. Please come by and let us know how you are doing.

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POSTED IN: Company's Calling, Exercise, Osteoarthritis, Pain Management, Young adults