Olympic gold medal winning gymnast, Mary Lou Retton discusses her battle with debilitating joint pain on a revealing segment of The Balancing Act on Lifetime Television. Known for her amazing smile and powerhouse performances, Retton became America’s sweetheart when she won the All Around Gold at the 1984 Olympics. However, many did not now that she had been born hip dysplasia. That condition, combined with the years of grueling training had taken its toll and left her in excruciating pain. Fortunately, Retton found a solution to her disabling condition when she had her left hip replaced. She has since become an advocate for those with arthritis, urging them to seek help. Retton’s segment will air April 13th, 24th and May 14th, and can also be viewed at http://www.thebalancingact.com//marylouretton.
“The one thing I regret is living with the pain for so long,” she explains. “My problem began with a dull ache in my early 30’s, but it then progressed until routine movements became excruciating and I was unable to perform my daily tasks, even just playing with my four children.”
Arthritis was the cause of Retton’s disabling condition, and like most of the 47 million Americans who are affected, she was not aware of all of the treatment options that could help her.
“Only fifty percent of patients suffering from painful arthritis are aware of treatment options, and only 1 in 5 patients suffering from severe arthritis pain are receiving total joint replacements,” she explains.
For Retton, her hip replacement gave her a new opportunity to enjoy life again and to inspire others to become educated about their options. May is National Arthritis Month. Biomet is a National Sponsor of the Arthritis Foundation walks entitled “Let’s Move Together” and Mary Lou is the Biomet Team Captain.
“We appreciate Mary Lou Retton sharing her inspiring story with our viewers,” said Doug Campbell, Executive VP of Programming at BrandStar Entertainment, the producers of The Balancing Act.
For more information please visit: www.biomet.com/patients
About The Balancing Act: The Balancing Act on Lifetime Television is America’s only morning show about women, for women, trusted by women. Celebrating life and all there is to accomplish, The Balancing Act inspires and empowers with entertaining and educational segments, placing women in the best position to achieve success in every area of their lives. The show is produced by BrandStar Entertainment and airs on Lifetime Television 7 a.m. Eastern/Pacific (check local listings). Additional information and each segment can be accessed on the show’s website, http://www.thebalancingact.com/. Each episode is also available on www.AOL/Video.com, www.Yahoovideo.com, www.Google.com/video, www.YouTube.com, and as a Podcast on www.iTunes.com. Sign up for the show’s newsletter at www.thebalancingact.com/join.php.
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