Highlights from Jingle Bell Run in Green Bay

Thank you to everyone who made the Jingle Bell Run at the University of Wisconsin- Green Bay a great day. Hope to see you all next year but to hold you over until then here are some of the highlights. You can find the rest of the photos from that day on the Arthritis Foundation Northeast Wisconsin page on facebook. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Arthritis-Foundation-Northeast-Wisconsin/114451255267298?ref=sgm

Snow Didn’t Stop Season’s Last Jingle Bell Runs

With predicted snowfalls in the double digits and winter storm warnings covering much of Wisconsin, many were concerned that the Wisconsin Chapter’s Jingle Bell Runs scheduled for Saturday might not happen. With rescheduling at such a late date impossible, organizers pressed on encouraging others to be safe and practice WI winter weather caution. Those who were able to make it to their local event were not disappointed.

In some areas the blizzards held off and had just the right amount of snow while others got dumped on. All events had participants who made it out for a good cause bringing their Jingle Bell Run spirits. Many felt it was an important event to raise awareness.

“There are over 100 forms of arthritis that affect men, women and children. Our honoree this year is only 4 years old. She’s got rheumatoid arthritis and she’s going to have it her whole life and have an injection every single week,” Judy Miyagawa, Southwest, District Director, told WMSN-TV News at the 25th annual Jingle Bell Run in Madison, WI.

At the run people tie jingle bells to their shoes and many wear holiday-themed costumes as they hit the pavement for a good cause. The Jingle Bell Run is a fun, festive way to kick off the holidays while raising awareness and funds for programs that support the 1 in 5 Americans who battle arthritis.

“It is a serious disease, it effects a huge portion of our population, the population that it effects is only getting greater and greater. It’s not decreasing, and with awareness they will talk about it,” Laura Libert, Northeast WI District Director, told WAOW News at the Wausau, WI, Jingle Bell Run.

Laura also spoke with WSAW News, “This is the 9th Jingle Bell Run/Walk here at Wausau, on a very snowy day. I’ve been doing this for 15 years and this is the first time we’ve had this kind of substantial snowfall for a Jingle Bell Run.”

Participants  were welcomed back from their run/walk with hot chocolate, a warm bowl of soup and warm spirits.

The last of the 2010 WI Jingle Bell Runs will be remembered for the blizzard conditions of the weekend but they will also be remembered for the amazing people who came together to make it happen. The sponsors, volunteers, donors and participants are what make every Jingle Bell Run event a success year after year.

Click on links below to check out scenes across snowy Wisconsin:

In Wausau, WI:

News Coverage by WAOW- Newsline 9, Patrick Manning- Jingle Bell run – WAOW – Newsline 9, Wausau News, Weather, Sports.

News Coverage by WSAW- News, Casey O’Halloran- Hundreds Bundle Up For Jingle Bell Run.

In Madison, WI:

News Coverage by-WMSN FOX 47 :: Newsroom – Top Stories – Thousands raise money for Jingle Bell Run.

In Eau Claire, WI:

News Coverage by WQOW- News, Kevin Keen-Hundreds lace up for a run in the snow – WQOW TV: Eau Claire, WI NEWS18 News, Weather, and Sports.

We were also on WI and MI border in Menominee, MI:

Northeast District’s page on Facebook: Facebook

Arthritis Winter Safety Tips

Its definitely time to dust off those winter safety tips and take a look at them again. That snow has been flying all over Wisconsin and even though our Jingle Bell Run Season will be wrapping up soon,  its just the beginning of the snow season. The Arthritis foundation Wisconsin Chapter wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season.

1. Joints affected by arthritis can be especially achy when it’s cold outside due to the contracting of tendons, ligaments and muscles. Take time to warm up and bundle up!

2. It’s important to keep moving to keep muscles strong so they can support your joints. There are lots of exercises you can do indoors either with the Arthritis Foundation’s Exercise Program DVD or in a class near you. (Ordering info is here – and you can call our Information and Referral Hotline at 800-242-9945 or 414-321-3933).

3. If you’ve been listening to your body and you think you’re up for it, remember to take breaks when shoveling or snow plowing. You don’t want to over do it. There are special shovels on the market that can help relieve strain on your back. Remember to lift with you legs and avoid twisting motions that can aggravate your knees, hips and lower back!

4. When dealing with that shovel or snow plow, you can make the handle bigger and easier to grip by wrapping a towel around the handle and securing it with tape. You often can do this inside before you head out into the cold.

5. If you’re body tells you that you shouldn’t be out removing snow from your sidewalk or driveway, perhaps there is a nice neighbor, local kid or church member who could be called on to remove your snow when you’re unable to. For a fee, there are often snow removal services in most towns.

6. Be extra careful when you’re walking outside so that you don’t slip on ice or slush. Walking slowly, taking your time and keeping areas well-lit can help you see those dangerous spots.

7.  Contact your physician if you are noticing new aches and pains. Open communication leads to better care.

8. If you’re participating in the last four Jingle Bell Run/Walks of 2010 in Wisconsin, please dress for the weather and be careful on those paths. Runners should be in the front at the start line so no one gets tripped up. I’m looking at you Madison, Marinette, Wausau, and Eau Claire.

9. For other questions, feel free to call the Arthritis Foundation at 414-321-3933 or 800-242-9945.

Thanks for an excellent JBR season thus far!

The Arthritis Foundation, Wisconsin Chapter would like to extend a special thank you to our volunteers, participants, and staff who helped make the Jingle Bell Run in Racine possible!

We had an excellent turnout on a chilly December day.  We would like to thank everyone for their cooperation, support, and enthusiasm throughout the JBR season with the Arthritis Foundation.

Don’t forget if you missed any of the Jingle Bell Runs up until this point there are still a few left to participant in!  We hope to see you there with bells on!

 

(12/11/10) – Eau Claire, http://www.jbreauclaire.kintera.org

(12/11/10) – Madison, http://www.jbrmadison.kintera.org

(12/11/10) – Marinette/Menominee, http://www.jbrmm.kintera.org

(12/11/10) – Wausau, http://www.jbrwausau.kintera.org