Overcoming Arthritis: Health Story

Aired on Lifetime Television for Women
Sunday, October 15 and December 31
Show 326

Twelve years ago, Tina Wesson, winner of Survivor Outback, was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. "I couldn't get in and out of the bathtub by myself," she says. Rick Barry of the Basketball Hall of Fame suffers osteoarthritis of the knee. He says, "For me to sit still would be horrendous. I have to keep moving." Nearly 66 million Americans have arthritis. Dr. John Klippel, President and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation, says, "Arthritis is a serious disease that affects quality of life, but you don't have to live with the pain." "Even though there are new medicines and joint replacement, you can be your own best medicine," says Dr. Patience White of the Arthritis Foundation. "If you lose just 10 pounds you can reduce pain in your knees by 50 percent. The best remedy is to get moving." There are different types of arthritis. The most common is osteoarthritis where the bones and cartilage break down. In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks itself to cause swelling. But in both cases, lifestyle changes-- especially movement-- provide the most benefit. "Keeping active makes me feel better not only physically, but also emotionally," says Tina.