Apply heat to sore joints.

Stretch and warm up with range-of-motion exercises.

Start strengthening exercises slowly with small weights (a 1 or 2 pound weight can make a big difference).

Progress slowly.

Use cold packs after exercising.

Add aerobic exercise.

Ease off if joints become painful, inflamed, or red and work with your doctor to find cause and eliminate it.

Like any exercise program, choose a program you enjoy and make it a habit.

Range-of-motion exercises should be done at least every other day. Strengthening exercises also should be done at least every other day unless you have severe pain or swelling in your joints. Endurance exercises should be done for 20 to 30 minutes three times a week unless you have severe pain or swelling in your joints.

Additional information on arthritis and exercise can be found at following resources:

Arthritis Foundation The Foundation publishes a free pamphlet on exercise and arthritis and a monthly magazine for members that provides up-to-date information on all forms of arthritis. http://www.arthritis.org

About Arthritis Today Information on causes, symptoms, and treatments of arthritis. http://www.aboutarthritistoday.com/arthritisexercise/

Spondylitis Association of America (SAA) SAA sells books, posters, videotapes, and audiotapes about exercises for people who have arthritis of spine. http://www.spondylitis.org

American College of Rheumatology/Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals This association provides referrals to physical therapists who have experience designing exercise programs for people with arthritis. The organization also provides exercise guidelines developed by American College of Rheumatology. http://www.rheumatology.org

Medical experts say that celery is good for people with circulation problems because celery fights fat. Serious circulatory problems can be caused by too much cholesterol in blood. Heart attacks and strokes are two most common complications caused by hardening and blockage of arteries. Celery contains chemicals that stimulate elimination of fat throughout body says a physician at University of Italy in Milan.

Celery is high in calcium. High calcium intake invigorates endocrine system which releases hormones that break down fatty buildup in cells. The adrenal and thyroid glands secrete hormone adrenaline and thyroxine respectively, which help to burn accumulated fats in body cells. The pituitary gland secretes at least nine known hormones which influence body weight gain and loss.

By aiding body's processes in dissolving already accumulated cholesterol on interior walls of arteries, known as plaque, and helping liver to metabolize and prevent additional formation of cholesterol, celery is an excellent food for cholesterol control.

For more information about celery and cholesterol and other health benefits visit:

http://www.apluswriting.net/health/celerych.htm