Next week is National Arthritis Week (NAW) and this year's theme is 'Physical Activity'.

And as part of the week from Monday April 24-28, the Kerry Branch are doing a free taster session - exercise programme, a prelude to NAW this Sunday (April 23) in the Kerry Sports Academy Gym and Hydro Pool.

At 1.30pm there'll be an introduction to walking with arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions using Activator and Nordic Walking Poles.

From 2pm to 3pm the focus will be on strength and conditioning using Thera Resistance Bands; balance and mobility, and aerobic dance exercise class. People will have the option of doing this class sitting on a chair. Then at 3.30pm to 4.15pm there'll be hydrotherapy exercise class. This event is tailored for people who are living with any form of arthritis to come and sample our exercise programmes.

The Kerry Branch of Arthritis Ireland (KBAI) message for NAW is 'KNOWLEDGE is everything'.

"The more you know about your condition the better and the quicker you can improve your quality of life," Tom Barrett, Chairman of KBAI, said.

"The Kerry Branch Facebook page and Arthritis Ireland's web page is a good source of relevant, current and up to date information. Arthritis Ireland's 'Living Well With Arthritis’, ‘Breaking The Pain Cycle’ and ‘Behind The Pain’ courses are once again back face to face and now are also online.

''Movement is the best medicine’ - once your medication treatment plan is in place and working, then exercise is the next best thing to help you regain lost strength and function which no doubt your disease has stolen from you.

"‘Little things make a big difference’ - a combination of medication, exercise, diet and knowledge etc all combine and add up to help you back on your feet."

'It's never too late to take back control’.

"The sooner you take action, the sooner you can reap the rewards of a better quality of life. Just remember the only person who can make that decision is you. Trust me, it will be one of the best decisions you will ever make."

For more information on NAW events check out The Kerry Branch of Arthritis Ireland Facebook page.