The A-Games Are Here

What are the A-Games?

Perhaps you've already heard about the A-Games -- we've swum in Memphis, splashed in Miami, soaked ourselves in Phoenix, and plunged into Charlotte.

The A-Games are a daylong swimming, aquatics, and exercise event created to help folks battling various forms of arthritis.

The event includes:

• classroom sessions
• pool time
• free food
• and presentations by a physician and CreakyJoints' own health psychologist, Dr. Laurie Ferguson
  
  (Swimming proficiency is not required.)
  

Who attends the A-Games?

At the first A-Games in Birmingham (Alabama, not England), held at the Galleria Woods Retirement Community, our oldest participant was 95 and our youngest was 74. They were not fast swimmers, but they did wonderfully.

Other A-Games events have had kids and, really, people of all ages -- so don't think you're out of luck because you're young or middle-aged.

We can all agree that we're young-at-heart!

Who teaches the swimming portion?

The A-Games staff of nationally-ranked coaches from Total Immersion Swimming gears the day to the abilities of the participants (while wearing trendy CreakyJoints shirts).

These are coaches and exercise experts who are trained to work with people of all swimming and exercise proficiency levels -- from the fastest swimmers in the world to folks who prefer not to get their hair wet.

Why attend?

To learn fun, pain-free ways to keep active -- despite your arthritis diagnosis (rheumatologists tell us staying active is one of the best ways to feel better).

To break the isolation -- meet dozens of folks battling through the same diagnosis as you.

And to have a great time.

The A-Games event will change your life -- at least for this day. And forever, if you can let it (but Dr. Laurie will tell you more about that during her presentation).

What is the schedule?

The event begins between 8 and 9 in the morning (depending on local schedules ... don't worry, we'll tell you when and where to show up) with an introduction of the day and an introduction to exercise.

From there the group is split up according to levels of swimming and exercise -- to accommodate everyone.

Then you'll spend roughly an hour in the water -- just long enough to learn something new, practice what you already know, and of course, have fun.

The pool is always heated and always shallow so you we've eliminated people's #1 and #2 fear of the water. We've ensured, however, that the water remain wet at all times.

After the morning swim program lunch is served (free of charge) and a local CreakyJoints-affiliated physician will speak about growing older and staying healthy.

He or she will give a short presentation about arthritis and answer any and all questions you may have.

Finally, health psychologist Dr. Laurie Ferguson shares a message of inspiration to wrap up the event.

(Dr. Laurie has been working with CreakyJoints since our inception almost 10 years ago -- coaching groups of people on the meaning of their lives, the importance of feeling healthy, and how to work with your doctor more efficiently.  She currently helms our Ethereal Cereal advice column and podcast.)

What can I expect to receive?

As we bid farewell, the free stuff comes out. Thanks to our sponsor -- the makers of an arthritis drug called MOBIC -- we're able to provide not only a day of activities and food for free, but a tote bag filled with all kinds of fun stuff.

The most popular item is a book called Women and Pain: Why It Hurts and What You Can Do, written by CreakyJoints-affiliated physician, Dr. Mark Young. This book is easy to read and provides great insight and tips to stay healthy for you (if you're a woman) or for the women in your life.

You'll also receive a free trial prescription for MOBIC (though please remember:  only your doctor can decide if MOBIC therapy is the right choice for you).

Each bag of freebies totals approximately $50.

How do I register?

Once the date is set, registration is fast and easy -- completed online or by calling our toll-free number:

(877) AGAMES - 8

(877) 242-6378

(Registration is required to participate. For insurance purposes, we need to know who is joining us for the day. All of the information you provide to attend a CreakyJoints event remains confidential.)

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All of us at CreakyJoints look forward to getting to know you and helping you feel better!