NOTICES
CDC Study Reveals 36 Percent of Oregonians Have Arthritis
The Arthritis Foundation recently
called for a new sense of urgency to
address the pain, limitations, and
disability of arthritis based on alarming
new numbers from the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
which revealed that 932,000 or 36
percent of people in the state are affected.
The new numbers, taken from the
first state-by-state survey of arthritis
and chronic joint symptoms, also
revealed that as many as 70 million
Americans - or one in three adults -
suffer from arthritis and/or chronic
joint symptoms. This surpasses a
previous estimate of 43 million persons
with arthritis.
“We are a nation in pain. Arthritis
is the number one cause of disability
and affects more people than ever
imagined. It’s time we individually and
as a society fully realize the seriousness
of arthritis and take action to limit its
impact,” said Tino J. Mantella,
president and CEO of the Arthritis
Foundation. “What may start as minor
aches and pains today could end up
affecting your future ability to enjoy the
everyday activities you love, including
work, family, hobbies, and recreation.”
In 1997, CDC reported that 43
million Americans, or one out of six
people, suffered from arthritis and other
rheumatic conditions. The latest
estimates, however, are the most
comprehensive and accurate snapshot
yet of arthritis impact. They are based
for the first time on extensive state-by
state prevalence reports for the entire
nation rather than a national
extrapolation from a random sample.
Because many people don’t see a
doctor for their joint symptoms, the
survey asked about self-reported
chronic joint symptoms as well as
doctor-diagnosed arthritis and captured
people that might have been missed in
earlier surveys. Further, the study
provides the first-ever estimates for
each of the 50 states.
Arthritis already was recognized as
the nation’s leading cause of disability
with an economic impact of more than
$82 billion annually. The condition
strikes teens, baby boomers, and seniors
alike, and nearly 300,000 children are
affected. As the U.S. population ages,
it’s likely that the prevalence of arthritis
will continue to climb.
Taking Control of
Arthritis
“The CDC numbers for our state
are alarming, but we can take control
of arthritis if we take action,” said Cindy
Elliott, president of the Arthritis
Foundation, Oregon Chapter. “The
Arthritis Foundation and people
Jingle with Us During Jingle Bell
Run/Walk for Arthritis
The annual Jingle Bell Run/Walk is a fun-filled nationwide fund-raising event
held during the holiday season. Imagine the sounds of thousands of bells as people
throughout the U.S. run and walk in the Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis®.
Participants receive T-shirts, goodie bags, and jingle bells for their shoelaces,
in addition to free food, entertainment, costume contests, and prize drawings. It’s
a fun way for individuals, families, and teams to get together for a great cause -
the fight against arthritis.
Two events are scheduled in Oregon, in Portland on Dec. 15 and in downtown
Bend on Dec. 7.
To register for the event or for more information, call 1-8OO-283-3OO4 or
503-222-7246, or visit www.arthrtiis.org or www.active.com.
Join us and catch the spirit of the holiday season because now more than ever,
it’s important to join the battle to beat arthritis.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), new arthritis prevalence
1 S FOUNDATION* numbers released last month indicate that 932,000
Take Control. We Can Help.™ Oregonians - or 36 percent of our state’s population
- are affected.
“The CDC numbers for our state are alarming, but we can take control of
arthritis if we take action,” said Cindy Elliott, president of the Arthritis Foundation,
Oregon Chapter. “The Arthritis Foundation and people affected by arthritis can
work together to limit its daily impact in their lives through the many programs
and services we offer locally, including exercise and self-management courses,
self-help groups and other community education activities. They can also change
the future by supporting, advocating for and funding research to prevent and cure
arthritis through events such as Jingle Bell Run.”
A ARTHRITIS
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Siletz News
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December 2002
Bend
What: Jingle Bell Run/Walk
When: Dec. 7, 2002, Noon
Where: Bank of the Cascades,
(comer of Wall and Newport)
Events: 5K run & walk, 1 mile
walk, Kid’s Fun Run; costume
contest, team activities, awards
and prizes
Entry fee: $15 through 12/2, $18
through 12/5; $25 day of event
(kids 10 and under are free!)
Portland
What: Jingle Bell Run/Walk
When: Dec. 15,2002,9 a.m.
Where: World Trade Center,
downtown Portland
Events: 8K run, 5K run and walk.
Kid’s Fun Run; costume
contest, team activities, awards
and prizes
Entry fee: $15 through 12/2; $18
‘ through 12/11; $25 day of event
^^Cids 12 & under: $10 pre
registered or $13 day of event :
affected by arthritis can work together
to limit its daily impact in their lives
through the many programs and
services we offer locally, including
exercise and self-management courses,
self-help groups, and other community
education activities. They can also
change the future by supporting,
advocating for, and funding research to
prevent and cure arthritis.”
Although genetics places a person
at risk for arthritis, there are a number
of proactive, healthy lifestyle measures
that Americans can take to prevent or
manage arthritis. The Arthritis
Foundation recommends the following:
1.
2.
3.
Maintain an appropriate weight and
lose weight as needed
Exercise to maintain fitness and
flexibility
Most of ail, seek early diagnosis
and treatment to prevent joint
damage and disability, and ensure
an aciive life
There are more than 100 forms of
arthritis and related conditions. The
initial signs of arthritis include pain,
swelling, and limited movement that
last for more than two weeks.
To assess your joint health and
learn more about programs and services
to limit the impact of arthritis on your
life, contact the Arthritis Foundation at
503-222-7246, or toll-free 1-800-283-
3004, or visit www.arthritis.org for the
free booklet, 57 Ways to Be Good to
Your Joints, which includes tips and a
12-question joint health quiz. Visitors
also can find out more about arthritis
and its symptoms with the free
brochure, Arthritis Answers.
About the Arthritis Foundation:
The Arthritis Foundation is the only
nationwide,
non-profit
health
organization helping people take
greater control of arthritis by leading
efforts to prevent, control, and cure
arthritis and related diseases. The
Arthritis Foundation also provides a
large number of community-based
services located nationwide to make life
with arthritis easier and less painful.