HAP offers free water aerobics classes in seven metro Detroit locations
DETROIT – June 3, 2008 – More than half of the 20.6 million American adults who have diabetes also have arthritis, which often keeps them from being active and controlling their disease. Health Alliance Plan (HAP) is encouraging metro Detroiters with arthritis and diabetes – and others who have trouble exercising on land – to give the pool a try this summer through HAP's free Moms in Motion and Senior Splash Bash classes.
Physical activity, such as water aerobics, can help control blood sugar levels and reduce joint pain; however, according to a report in the May 9 issue of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, people with diabetes and arthritis are more likely to be physically inactive (29.8%) compared to those with diabetes alone (20.1%).
Water aerobics can be ideal for people with arthritis because the buoyancy of the water reduces stress on joints, bones and muscles. Many of the pools participating in this HAP-sponsored program have zero-depth entry, which make it easier for anyone to enter and exit the pool.
In 2007, nearly 5,000 metro Detroiters participated in Moms in Motion and Senior Splash Bash classes, with an average daily participation of more than 500. HAP hopes to continue to grow participation this summer as it has done each year since the program began.
"Four years ago, when we launched our inaugural water aerobics class, we didn't expect the program to be as popular as it has grown to be today," said Chrystal Roberts, director of community relations at HAP. "Participants across metro Detroit are so pleased with the program that they have asked us to bring it back for another season."
While the program targets mothers and seniors, any adult may participate. Classes are not limited to HAP members.
For more information about classes, contact HAP at (313) 664-8420 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. or Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon.
A listing of class locations, dates and times is available at: http://www.hap.org/healthy_living/water_aerobics.php.
Registration is required. Some locations require on-site registration while others allow phone registration.
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