Fight pain of arthritis with a few easy moves

Arthritis sufferers often get caught in a downward spiral when it comes to exercise. Painful joints reduce the desire to move, which ultimately results in even more discomfort and pain. But even simple exercises and stretches can help keep joints pliable and muscles strong, reducing pain. The book "Exercises for Arthritis" (Hatherleigh Press, 2004) illustrates several easy warm-ups and workouts.

"Exercises for Arthritis": This comprehensive book has extensive information on osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia, including causes, medications, treatments and current research. Exercises start with basic breathing techniques and range-of-motion movements, and progress to isometrics for strength training and aquatic exercise. Most are illustrated with photographs and use simple accessories such as a sponge, rubber bands and light dumbbells. After the approval of a physician, the exercises can be done by people who are out of shape as well as those who exercise regularly but still suffer the effects of arthritis.

Author Erin O'Driscoll is a Southampton, N.Y.-based registered nurse and exercise physiologist who has seen first-hand the deleterious effects of lack of exercise.

"Most people with arthritis know they should move," she says, "but they don't want to because it's uncomfortable. Immobility can cause a cascade of things to happen, such as lack of muscular strength. It's never too late [to start exercising], you just need to go slowly."

Price: $15.95; available at major bookstores.

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-- Jeannine Stein