Arthritis Prevalence, Activity Limitations To Skyrocket, Act Now To Reduce Future Disability, Arthritis Foundation Warns, USA

A new report released today by the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed arthritis prevalence and activity limitations will
increase substantially in all but two states and the District of Columbia by 2030. The
announcement comes on the heels of a recent report projecting a nationwide surge in
arthritis prevalence, from 46 million U.S. adults to 67 million by 2030. Americans must
take action now to limit future disability, warns the Arthritis Foundation.


The CDC report, released during National Arthritis Month, indicates that arthritis
and other rheumatic conditions will be a growing problem for U.S. states in the years
ahead due primarily to the aging population. By year 2030, the number of people with
doctor-diagnosed arthritis will increase an average of 16% in 48 states. More alarming,
14 states are projected to have increases ranging from 30% to 87%, including more than a
million new people affected each in Calif., Fla.and Texas. In addition, 25 million adults
are expected to have arthritis-attributable activity limitations by 2030.


According to the Arthritis Foundation, arthritis is the nation's leading cause of
disability and limits activity for 19 million of the 46 million U.S. adults with the disease.
It also exacts a hefty financial toll on the country -- $128 billion annually.


"Sedentary lifestyles, expanding waistlines and aging baby boomers are
contributing to the increasing prevalence of arthritis," said Patience White, M.D., chief
public health officer, Arthritis Foundation. "But there are simple steps you can take now
to decrease pain, improve quality of life and limit disability."


May is National Arthritis Month and there's no better time to take action. The
Arthritis Foundation recommends the following tips to reduce the impact of arthritis.


-- Know Your Type. With more than 100 different forms of arthritis, each
requiring a specific treatment plan, it's important to see your doctor for an early
and accurate diagnosis.


-- Get Active. Regular physical activity helps build and maintain healthy bones,
muscles and joints. Walking just as little as 30 minutes - even 10 minutes three
times a day - can ease joint pain, improve mobility and reduce fatigue. The
Arthritis Foundation offers joint-safe physical activity programs proven to
decrease pain and increase flexibility and range of motion.


-- Control Weight. Maintaining an appropriate weight or reducing weight to a
recommended level reduces the risk of osteoarthritis. Losing just 10 pounds
relieves 40 pounds of pressure on knees, and losing as little as 11 pounds may
reduce joint pain and help prevent knee osteoarthritis. For those living with
symptoms, losing 15 pounds can cut knee pain in half.


-- Prevent Sports Injuries. Young- and middle-age adults should take preventive
measures now to minimize joint injuries, which put them at considerably
increased risk for osteoarthritis later in life.


-- Modify Job Tasks. Repeated use of joints in jobs that require bending and lifting
is associated with an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis. Speak with a
health care professional about ways to reduce strain on your joints.


For a complimentary copy of the Arthritis Foundation's "Arthritis Answers"
brochure, which includes information on preventing and controlling arthritis, along with
tips on making daily activities easier on your joints, visit arthritis


About the Arthritis Foundation


The Arthritis Foundation is the leading health organization addressing the needs of
some 46 million Americans living with arthritis, the nation's number-one cause of disability.
Founded in 1948, with headquarters in Atlanta, the Arthritis Foundation has multiple service
points located throughout the country.


The Arthritis Foundation is the largest private, not-for-profit contributor to arthritis
research in the world, funding more than $380 million in research grants since 1948. The
foundation helps individuals take control of arthritis by providing public health education;
pursuing public policy and legislation; and conducting evidence-based programs to improve
the quality of life for those living with arthritis. Information is available 24 hours a day,
seven days a week at 1-800-568-4045 or arthritis.