MARION - The best way, experts say, to combat arthritis and fibromyalgia is to exercise consistently.

That was the message delivered by Paula Reeves on Monday morning to a group of more than 150 seniors during a public forum at the Marion Senior Citizens Center. Reeves is branch director for the Arthritis Foundation, Heartland Region.

She said hundreds of Southern Illinoisans do indeed live in pain every day, but added that pain does not have to rule their lives. It can be eased through medication and exercise.

"There's no magic pill," Reeves said. "What's important is to learn about what causes the pain and how to incorporate exercise into our daily life habits. Exercise will help those in pain get them back on path to taking control of their lives."

Southern Illinois Orthopedic Center therapist Tom Miller said because Americans are living longer lives, there will naturally be more cases of patients suffering from arthritis and fibromyalgia.

"As a therapist, I educate, direct and encourage," Miller said. "I explain to my patients the rewards they can reap through exercise. I tell them that the more active they are, the more it helps them. But it's not easy. I can't make anyone enjoy exercise. People have to want to do it on their own."

State Reps. John Bradley, D-Marion, and Brandon Phelps, D-Harrisburg, hosted the forum. Bradley said the forum was intended to generate awareness of the diseases and provide attendees with information about living with chronic pain disorders through exercise and daily activities that relieve the stresses associated with both arthritis and fibromyalgia.

"Fibromyalgia can be debilitating, yet many people are unaware of symptoms and treatment," Bradley said. "That's why we're working with the Arthritis Foundation of Greater Illinois to provide an opportunity for our community to learn more about living with different chronic pain conditions. The goal is to increase awareness of pain conditions that affect so many Southern Illinoisans and to provide information about services available to patients."

Phelps said baby boomers are at prime risk for developing arthritis-related conditions.

"So we need programs and services today more than ever," he said.

Drs. John Moore and Eugene Pereira with Anesthesia Associates of Belleville also paid a visit to Monday's forum, offering tips for an improved life.

john.homan@thesouthern.com / 351-5805