Exercise Beats Arthritis: An Easy-to-Follow Program of Exercises » (3RD)

Valerie Sayce is the physical activities educator at the Australian Arthritis Foundation in Victoria, Australia. Ian Fraser is the author of numerous handbooks for teachers.

Based on the book that has sold more than 30,000 copies in Australia, "Exercise Beats Arthritis" offers an easy-to-follow daily regime of exercises designed to help arthritis sufferers keep their joints mobile, increase muscle strength, strengthen bones and ligaments, and improve overall quality of life. 200 photos. 41 illustrations.

Library Journal

Here are two fine additions to the recent literature on living with arthritis. Phillips's book follows through on its promise to offer ``meaningful, sound, and compassionate advice to those who must deal with osteoarthritis.'' Phillips covers the basics about the disease--what it is and how it is diagnosed and treated. He talks about day-to-day problems encountered by arthritis patients, such as pain and physical discomfort, changes in diet and choice of activities, and using medications. But what makes this book stand out as one to add to the stacks is that it addresses emotional concerns of arthritis patients--the guilt, anger, depression, stress, and fears they face on a daily basis--as well as how their disease affects their interactions with family, friends, and co-workers. Sayce and Fraser's book tackles arthritis from a purely physical standpoint. Illustrated exercises take the reader through morning workouts while still in bed to neck, arm, hand, hip, and feet exercises, and more (including chair exercises)--literally a head-to-toe workout. All are fashioned to counteract the pain and reduced mobility faced by arthritis patients. This book is already in publication in Australia; however, the exercises are pretty much the same as those recommended in this country. The prices on these books help make them attractive selections for public libraries.-- Carol Spiel man Lezak, General Learning Corp., Northbrook, Ill.