Galway's arthritis sufferers urged to take exercise

By SIOBHÃÂN HOLLIMAN GALWAY sufferers of arthritis are being encouraged to help improve their condition through exercise. Arthritis Ireland will hold a special seminar will be held in the city next month, which will provide simple but practical advice on how to get moving with arthritis. The event, in the Galway Bay Hotel on Tuesday, April 3, will feature a number of expert speakers, including Operation Transformation psychologist Dr Eddie Murphy. [private] Exercising painful, damaged joints is proven to be one of the best ways to manage arthritis pain. However, Arthritis Ireland points out that getting started can be daunting as often people with the condition do not have confidence in their ability to walk even short distances. At the seminar Dr Eddie Murphy, who has over 20 years experience working as a clinical psychologist with the HSE, will talk about helpful ways to overcome the psychological factors that prevent people from exercising regularly. 'We all know exercise is good for us, particularly if you have arthritis, but it's not always easy to get started and stay motivated. 'My job is to focus on adopting the right attitude and I'm certain that people will leave feeling motivated and confident in their ability to achieve their exercise goal, while also being equipped to deal with the occasional setback along the way,' commented Dr Murphy. The seminar will also hear about the most beneficial types of exercise from Galway physiotherapist Joan Moynihan, which is followed by a short exercise demonstration that everyone can join in. Those attending will also have the opportunity to have their blood pressure and BMI checked, have a foot scan and find out additional information about arthritis itself. Mary McLaughlin (38), from Shantalla, was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis five years ago. Recently she started walking twice a week and has been very encouraged by the difference it's made to her condition. 'Before I started walking regularly, I never believed that being active and moving my joints could actually make them feel less painful,' she said. 'Eventually, I reluctantly started to do small, gentle walks and quickly realised that it made a real difference. Now I view exercise as a vital part of controlling my arthritis symptoms and I really notice a deterioration if I go without my walks for too long.' The seminar begins at 7.30 pm and is free of charge. [/private]