of specific diseases, such as arthritis, which can be crippling.

A case in point is retired Hamilton Docks Manager Mr. J.B. (Jack) Robinson, who suffers from osteoarthritis in his joints.

"Seventy-three and holding,'' said Mr. Robinson who was committed to a physiotherapy and fitness programme following major surgery for "total replacement'' of a knee.

"After that sort of operation you need physiotherapy to get everything working again,'' he said.

At a fitness centre, Mr. Robinson received a total evaluation from his trainer, who also devised a specific exercise programme for him.

"It took into account my physical challenges, which include arthritis, two spinal decompressions, and the knee surgery,'' Mr. Robinson said.

The first hurdle he had to overcome was getting in and out of the various machines he had to work on -- and there were 13 in his programme. Slowly but surely, however, Mr. Robinson began to make progress during his twice weekly sessions.

"It didn't hurt so much, but the muscles would not respond to the movement because of the limitations of the arthritis and the back, so it took me just a little while before I was able to cope with more on my own,'' he said.

In August, four months after his first session, Mr. Robinson was re-evaluated, and found that his fitness level had improved considerably, particularly his cardio-vascular response.

"Most importantly, I was getting out of the gym and back into my every day life where I could pick things up and put them down,'' he said. "Today, I can also walk more comfortably, and lift and bend better. I have generally improved my capability of doing the physical things we have to do in life.'' While his fitness trainer works on his overall fitness, Mr. Robinson's physiotherapist "takes care of individual parts that hurt''.

"These things never really go away,'' the septuagenarian explained. "All you can do is improve the musculature so that you are able to keep going. You've got to keep at it.'' He described arthritis as "painful and frustrating'' mainly because "you regret all the things you are no longer able to do, but once did''.

"There is a lovely verse I learned from a friend in California who suffered the most terrible spinal problems. He said, `Pain is inevitable but misery is optional'.'' Though pleased at the progress he has made, Mr. Robinson readily admits that it takes discipline to keep going with his fitness regime.

"To be honest, it does require effort, but once you get into the routine it's not so bad. The help you get and the encouragement you receive in being able to get from the machines to real life makes it all worthwhile.'' He continues to work out twice a week at the gym, dividing his time between the machines and a jacuzzi.

"Bearing in mind that unless you use it you are going to lose it, you have got to keep moving. I have improved immeasurably with the fitness and physiotherapy, and it can be fun. What makes the harder things easier to bear is a good therapist.'' Mr. Robinson also watches his diet, gardens, and walks every day -- thanks to his wife's insistence.

"Once you retire, you get half the pay and twice as much husband,'' he joked.

Arthritis is a general term that refers to inflammation of the joints. There are two main types: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is a degeration of the cartilage that acts as a padding between the bones of such joints as the ankle, knee and hip, as well as those in the fingers.

With aging, the cartilage becomes thinner, loses its elasticity, and may become frayed. If the cartilage is damaged enough, it loses cushioning and protective functions. It may be lost entirely, and bone may rub on bone, causing spine-like outgrowths of the bone called spurs.

Usual symptoms are pain and stiffness, which increase in the morning and in cold weather. Sometimes the joints become swollen or deformed from the overgrowth of bone.

Osteoarthritis does not "spread' to other joints. If you do not experience pain in your knee, ankle or hip when you do vigorous exercise, you probably do not have to worry that your present exercise programme will cause arthritis down the line.

Rheumatoid, or inflammatory, arthritis results from a systemic (whole body) condition. Although the exact cause is unknown, there is a hereditary tendency.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, in which the body attacks its own tissues.

Early symptoms are fatigue, weakness, vague aches and pains, weight loss, numbness and tingling of the hands and feet, joint swelling, limited range of motion and early morning stiffness. Other symptoms include fever, skin rash and anaemia.

At its worst, the disease can distort and cripple multiple joints. Exercise is essential to minimise the deformity of the disease and maintain mobility.

Tips on preventing arthritis include: Maintaining a normal body weight.

Protecting joints from degeneration by maintaining good posture.

Training to develop balance between opposing muscle groups around joints.

Maintaining a consistent exercise programme.

Resting when tired or injured.

Not exercising on acutely injured or inflamed joints without a doctor's permission.

Seeking medical care for effective treatment of any form of arthritis.

Further information on arthritis is available from the Bermuda Physiotherapy Association, PO Box HM 2484, Hamilton HMGX .

FIGHTIN' FIT! -- Mr. J.B. (Jack) Robinson has much to smile about.

Physiotherapy and a regular fitness programme allow him to lead an active, productive life despite his osteoarthritis.