225 S. University St.

 West Lafayette, IN 47907
 E-Mail: bng@ecn.purdue.edu
 Phone: (765) 494-5088
 Toll-Free: (800) 825-4264

Arthritis is one of America's most common chronic disease conditions, affecting one in every three individuals. Because of the physical nature of agricultural work, arthritis can have an especially disabling effect on farmers and ranchers.

The following resources provide helpful information on coping with the effects of arthritis:

Gaining Ground on Arthritis:
Managing Arthritis in the Agricultural Workplace

If you suffer from arthritis like millions of other agricultural workers across the country, you know that everyday farm and ranch tasks can put a lot of stress on your body. While there is no cure for arthritis, there are ways to manage the pain.

Gaining Ground on Arthritis, a collaborative DVD project from the Breaking New Ground Resource Center and the Arthritis Foundation, Indiana Chapter, helps you understand arthritis and gives practical tips on protecting your joints, managing stress, and modifying work practices through special tools and other means. Learn about these changes today to start improving your life tomorrow.

Click here to view clips from the DVD and access ordering information.

Gaining Ground reprint from Purdue's Agricultures Magazine

In fall 2007, Agricultures magazine, published by Purdue's College of Agriculture, carried an article called "Gaining Ground" about Breaking New Ground, our arthritis and agriculture initiative, and one of our clients with arthritis, Mike Williams. The story discusses problems faced by farmers with arthritis, assistive technology solutions, and resources from BNG. Download a copy of the article in PDF format (1.6 MB) here. For a single printed copy, call BNG at 800-825-4264.

Arthritis and Agriculture: A guide to Understanding and Living with Arthritis

A 23-page brochure focused on agricultural workers that discusses such topics as: common types of arthritis, managing arthritis, unproven arthritis remedies, and sources of assistance. Since this publication is designed specifically for agricultural workers, it gives advice on methods of modifying farm and ranch tasks to provide added protection to joints.

The publication also emphasizes proper diagnosis, exercise, medication, stress management, and working with a team of professionals to cope with arthritis. A variety of organizations are listed for those wanting further assistance with arthritis or disability-related issues.

Contact The Arthritis Foundation, Indiana Chapter at 800-783-2342 for pricing and ordering information. Click here for a PDF version of Arthritis and Agriculture (909 KB).

Plain Facts about Arthritis: A Guide to Understanding and Living with Arthritis in Plain Communities

A version of Arthritis and Agriculture geared toward the Amish and other Old Order groups, this publication contains many of the major headings found in the original version, such as common types of arthritis, managing arthritis, and sources of assistance. However, because of the unique cultural and technological aspects of Old Order communities, the text and graphics have been modified to be culturally sensitive to these groups. Photos show various aspects of Old Order life, and the text includes examples that illustrate such factors as the low-tech nature of Old Order societies and their heavy reliance on animals.

Contact The Arthritis Foundation, Indiana Chapter at 800-783-2342 for pricing and ordering information.

Movement is Medicine

This 39-page brochure addresses how physical activity can help relieve the symptoms of arthritis. It discusses flexibility, strengthening, and endurance exercises, describing what each type of exercise is and why it is helpful for relieving symptoms of arthritis. The publication also offers many example exercises, complete with instructions and diagrams. Also includes a list of relevant websites and other helpful resources.

Click here to view Movement is Medicine in PDF format.