Orthopedic patients are preparing for the Bellin Run Joints Walk
GREEN BAY — For patients recovering from total hip or knee replacement, the Bellin Run has become both a source of inspiration and part of the recovery process. More than 200 total joint replacement patients will participate in this year’s Joints Walk, part of the 32nd Bellin Run on Saturday, June 14, 2008.
“The walk provides our patients in the Joints for Life program the chance to celebrate their successful recovery from total joint replacement,” said Randy Van Straten, Bellin Run race director. “It is remarkable to see them achieve what once seemed like an impossible goal.”
Joints for Life is a Bellin Health program designed for people undergoing total hip or knee replacement surgery. In addition to preparing patients physically and mentally for surgery, the program also helps patients return to their normal activity level after surgery.
“Walking is an important part of the recovery process for a patient who has undergone a total joint replacement,” said Lindsay Hintz, team facilitator for Bellin’s Joints for Life program and Joint Walk coordinator. “The Joints Walk inspires many recent total replacement patients to jumpstart their recovery process, and it keeps returning walkers active, as well.”
Participants in the Joints Walk can choose to take part in a half-mile, one mile, two mile or the full 10K (6.2 mile) course. It is an event that brings patients and staff in the Joints for Life program together.
“The walk is really a whole team effort,” Hintz said. “Patients and staff challenge other patients to literally go that extra mile if they are ready to.”
All Bellin Health joint replacement patients interested in participating should call
(920) 433-7948.
The Bellin Run, a 10K (6.2 mile) run/walk in Green Bay, Wis., is the fourth-largest timed 10K race in the nation with 12,908 participants. Established in 1977, the Bellin Run features elite runners, a children’s run, corporate challenge, running expo, all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner and a number of other events and activities for runners and their families.
This year’s 32nd annual Bellin Run is June 14, 2008. For more information, or to register, go to: www.bellinrun.com.
