CHICAGO -- Throughout March, participating YMCAs will help show adults how to reduce osteoarthritis (OA) pain through simple exercises, weight management and other lifestyle changes. Developed by the YMCA of the USA, Ys around the country will incorporate “Keep Moving” exercises and wellness tips into Ys’ existing activities for older adults.

Interested Y members will receive free exercise instruction and health information they can use at home to help in the management of OA pain. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, affecting more than 20 million people in the United States.

Keep Moving was developed to increase awareness that the right kinds of exercise can help lessen OA pain in knees and hips, and help the joints move more easily. The program also offers advice on weight loss and joint protection techniques, both of which can reduce stress on joints.

The program is in partnership with McNeil Consumer Healthcare, the maker of Tylenol Arthritis Pain.

“YMCAs have long been at the forefront of efforts to improve the health and wellness of individuals, families and communities,” Neil Nicoll, president and CEO of YMCA of the USA, says in a statement. “This new opportunity with McNeil will help us enhance our support of health and well-being to older adults, and provide them with more opportunities to get and stay physically active. We believe the Keep Moving program can have a real impact on helping them overcome some of the obstacles they may face to living a more active lifestyle.”

To learn more about the Keep Moving program, go to its Web site: www.justkeepmoving.com.

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