CHICAGO, Feb. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- YMCA of the USA announced today a partnership with McNeil Consumer Healthcare, the maker of TYLENOL(R) Arthritis Pain, to help participants in YMCA Active Older Adult programs stay active and reduce arthritis pain. Through this new collaboration, participating YMCAs will introduce members to Keep Moving, a unique program that shows adults with osteoarthritis (OA) how to reduce arthritis pain through simple exercises, weight management and other lifestyle changes.

"YMCAs have long been at the forefront of efforts to improve the health and wellness of individuals, families and communities," said Neil Nicoll, President and CEO of YMCA of the USA. "This new opportunity with McNeil will help us enhance our support of health and well-being to older adults, and provide them with more opportunities to get and stay physically active. We believe the Keep Moving program can have a real impact on helping them overcome some of the obstacles they may face to living a more active lifestyle."

Throughout the month of March, YMCAs around the country will incorporate Keep Moving exercises and wellness tips into existing Active Older Adult activities. Interested members will receive free Keep Moving materials, which provide exercise instruction and health information they can use at home to help in the management of OA pain.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, affecting more than 20 million people in the United States. Keep Moving was developed to increase awareness that the right kinds of exercise can help lessen OA pain in knees and hips and help the joints move more easily. The program also offers advice on weight loss and joint-protection techniques, both of which can reduce stress on joints. Remember, before beginning or modifying any exercise or diet program, talk to your doctor.

To learn more about the Keep Moving program, go to the Web site: http://www.justkeepmoving.com.

ABOUT YMCA ACTIVE OLDER ADULT PROGRAMS: YMCA Active Older Adult programs are designed to strengthen the whole person -- spirit, mind and body. Many older adults have grown up with the Y and think of it as a place where they can develop new skills, new interests and new friends -- in short, a place where they can enjoy life and remain active and vital contributors to their communities. With this in mind, YMCA Active Older Adult programs are holistic in approach and include a variety of offerings such as: arts (reading groups, fine arts, crafts); educational programs; intergenerational programs (with sons, daughters and grandchildren); low-impact exercise; camping; social clubs; support groups; volunteer opportunities; and water exercise and fitness. For more information visit http://www.ymca.net.

ABOUT McNEIL CONSUMER HEALTHCARE: McNeil Consumer Healthcare Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc. markets a broad range of well-known and trusted over-the-counter (OTC) products around the globe. McNeil Consumer Healthcare is most widely recognized for the complete line of TYLENOL(R) (acetaminophen) products, the leading pain reliever brand in the adult and pediatric categories. The TYLENOL(R) product line consists of hundreds of products across a variety of pain categories including: arthritis pain, pain with accompanying sleeplessness and upper respiratory. Other McNeil Consumer Healthcare brands include BENADRYL(R) allergy medicines; IMODIUM(R) A-D anti-diarrheal; MOTRIN(R) IB; PEDIACARE(R) upper respiratory medicines for children; ROLAIDS(R) antacid products; ST. JOSEPH(R) Adult Regimen Aspirin; and SUDAFED(R) and SUDAFED PE(R) nasal decongestants. Visit http://www.tylenol.com for product information and http://www.justkeepmoving.com for more on the Keep Moving program.

ABOUT YMCA of the USA: Based in Chicago, YMCA of the USA is the national resource office for the nation's 2,663 YMCAs, which serve nearly 20.2 million people each year, including 9.4 million children under the age of 18. Through a variety of programs and services focused on the holistic development of children and youth, health and well-being for all, and family strengthening, YMCAs unite men, women and children of all ages, faiths, backgrounds, abilities and income levels. From urban areas to small towns, YMCAs have proudly served America's communities for nearly 160 years by building healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Visit http://www.ymca.net to find your local YMCA.

     CONTACT:
     Diane Hurles                    Bill Pearse
     Donor Relations Manager         Communications Manager
     YMCA of the USA                 McNeil Consumer Healthcare
     312-419-8374                    215-273-8744
     Cell: 312-758-6397              bpearse@mccus.jnj.comdiane.hurles@ymca.net

Source: YMCA of the USA