A new arthritis campaign led by tennis legend Billie Jean King emphasizes regular exercise as the key to combating the condition, HealthDay reported Wednesday.
"If you have arthritis, don't think you should become sedentary. It's just the opposite -- think positively and make sure you move. Take a walk in the park, play tennis, or take a hike. Do whatever works for you but keep moving," King, 67, said in a news release.
The New Fight Arthritis Pain campaign, sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) and the Ad Council, debuted Wednesday at the U.S. Open. It emphasizes that that exercise can relieve pain and even delay the onset of symptoms.
King, who won 39 Grand Slam titles in her career and defeated Bobby Riggs in the famous 1973 "Battle of the Sexes" match, has had osteoarthritis since her 20s, and has had both knees replaced. Osteoarthritis affects 27 million Americans.
"Arthritis is common, costly, disabling and often thought to be a reality of the aging process that cannot be changed," Arthritis Foundation Chief External Relations Officer Debra Neuman said in the news release. "Through this campaign we aim to educate people that you can change the trajectory of osteoarthritis and the impact it has on your life."
