One in every four Colorado residents struggle daily with arthritis, according to the Arthritis Foundation Great West Region office in Denver. Estimates on the number of people affected nationwide are expected to continue to soar, reaching 78 million (26%) adults aged 18 years or older being doctor-diagnosed with arthritis by the year 2040.
As part of CU Health Plan and Be Colorado’s yearlong “Prevention Works!” educational campaign, this month we will commemorate National Arthritis Awareness Month. May is the perfect month to learn (or review) facts about this serious health epidemic because warm weather season is approaching – a great time to get out and walk, because walking is considered one of the best exercises to alleviate pain among sufferers. It’s also important to note that all CU Health Plan Members qualify for membership discounts at a variety of gyms and fitness centers along the Front Range. Many of the facilities on our list of options have pools and some even offer water exercises, which have been shown to be an effective for those with the condition.
Arthritis is an umbrella term encompassing more than 100 conditions affecting joints and connective tissue. As there are different types of arthritis, there is no uniform set of symptoms. In general, arthritis and other related conditions are characterized by:
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Swelling around joints
Symptoms may develop gradually or can appear suddenly. Conditions are clinically diagnosed by assessing medical history, symptoms, radiographs and laboratory results.
This month the Arthritis Foundation is holding several walks nationwide this month, including here in Colorado, to increase knowledge of the nation’s leading cause of disability. The Arthritis Walk is the signature event to build public awareness and raise funds to fight this condition that affects 52.5 million U.S. adults, more than 1 of 5, according to the Centers for Disease and Prevention.
While there are a lot of misconceptions out there about arthritis, the facts are:
- Two-thirds of people with arthritis are younger than age 65.
- In 2003, the total cost attributable to arthritis in the United States reached $128 billion.
- Arthritis is a leading cause of disability among adults in this country.
- Based on 2010-2012 data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), an estimated:
- 52.5 million (22.7%) of adults have self-reported doctor-diagnosed arthritis.
- 22.7 million (9.8% of all adults) have arthritis and arthritis-attributable activity limitation.
- An estimated 35 million adults (44% of those with arthritis) will report arthritis-attributable activity limitations by the year 2040
REFERENCE LINKS
http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/physical-activity-overview.html
http://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/tools-resources/walk-with-ease/about.php
http://www.projectenhance.org/EnhanceFitness.aspx
http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/interventions/physical-activity.html
http://www.walktocurearthritis.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1144991&lis=1&kntae1144991=1E5B2E3A8B074E7E840FCD39C7F0F671
http://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/guide/arthritis-basics
http://becolorado.org/programs/discounts-at-local-gym-fitness-centers#sthash.76fORLvD.dpuf
Sports or occupational based injuries to joints can increase the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis. Jobs that have repetitive motions, for example repeated knee bending, place individuals at higher risk. Avoiding injuries to joints can reduce the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis.
Protect Your Joints
Early diagnosis and professionally guided management is critical to maintaining a good quality of life, particularly for people with inflammatory arthritis. Essential disease modifying drugs are beneficial in rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory arthritis conditions and are available only by prescription.
See Your Doctor
Research confirms that maintaining a healthy weight can limit disease progression and activity limitation. For every pound lost, there is a four pound reduction in the load exerted on the knee. A modest weight loss (5% or 12 pounds for a 250 pound person) can help reduce pain and disability.
Watch Your Weight
Details of the types of physical activity that is appropriate for individuals living with arthritis can be found at: Physical Activity for Arthritis.
There are exercise programs, such as EnhanceFitness and Walk with Ease, that can help people with arthritis increase their physical activity safely and comfortably.
It is recommended that people with arthritis undertake 30 minutes of moderate physical activity at least 5 times a week, or a total of 150 minutes per week. The 30 minutes can be broken down into three ten-minute sessions throughout the day.
Research shows physical activity decreases pain, improves function and delays disability.
Be Active
The promising news is that taking just a few simple steps (literally and figuratively) may help keep pain away: