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New CDC Study Reveals One In Three Adults Has Arthritis; New Urgency Needed to Impact Nation's Number One Cause of Disability

    ATLANTA, Oct. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- The Arthritis Foundation called today for
a new sense of urgency and resolve to address the pain, limitations and
disability of arthritis based on alarming new numbers from the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which reveal as many as 70 million -- 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.  However, the latest
estimates 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.
    "These numbers are too big to ignore," said Charles G. Helmick, M.D.,
medical epidemiologist, of CDC.  "Now more than ever, it's crucial for the
nation to focus on arthritis as a public health problem, and for government
agencies, organizations and individuals to set and act on goals to prevent and
manage this disease."
    "The Arthritis Foundation and its chapters, in partnership with CDC and
state health departments, are committed to identifying the millions of
Americans with arthritis and chronic joint symptoms so that we can help them
manage their condition," said John H. Klippel, M.D., medical director of the
Arthritis Foundation.  "Americans must take their joint health seriously and
see a health care provider at the earliest warning signs of arthritis so that
they can continue to enjoy active lives and avoid future limitations."
    Arthritis already was recognized as the nation's leading cause of
disability with a nationwide economic impact of more than $82 billion
annually.  The condition strikes teens, baby boomers and seniors alike, and
nearly 300,000 children are affected.  And as the U.S. population ages, it's
likely that the prevalence of arthritis will continue to climb.

    Congressional Reaction
    Members of the Congressional Arthritis Caucus weighed in on the new data.
"People in every segment of the population -- parents and grandparents alike
-- are struck by the nation's leading cause of disability,"  said Sen. Jean
Carnahan (D-MO), co-founder of the Congressional Arthritis Caucus.  "As the
baby boomers age, this crisis will grow.  This nation must do everything in
its power to prevent more Americans from learning first-hand the pain and
devastation arthritis brings."
    "Arthritis continues to have a devastating impact on our society," said
Sen. Larry Craig (R-ID), ranking member of the Senate Special Committee on
Aging and co-founder of the Congressional Arthritis Caucus.  "Through the
creation of the National Arthritis Action Plan, the federal government, states
and the Arthritis Foundation have made progress in recent years to assist
people of all ages and backgrounds living with arthritis.  We must build on
this progress and continue to rally our resources to combat this crippling
disease."

    Taking Control of Arthritis
    "The CDC numbers are alarming, but we can take control of arthritis if we
take action," said Mantella.  "The Arthritis Foundation and people affected by
arthritis can work together to limit its daily impact in their lives through
education, programs and services.  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.  Maintain an appropriate weight and lose weight as needed
    2.  Exercise to maintain fitness and flexibility
    3.  Most of all, seek early diagnosis and treatment to prevent joint
        damage, disability and ensure an active 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 practical actions to limit the impact of arthritis on your life, contact
the Arthritis Foundation at 1-800-283-7800 or visit http://www.arthritis.org for the
FREE booklet, 51 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, nonprofit 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.

    About Study Methodology
    The CDC study, based on the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
(BRFSS) questionnaire, surveyed adults in all 50 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico
who were 18 years of age or older via telephone.  Questions were asked about
chronic joint symptoms and doctor-diagnosed arthritis, and prevalence
estimates were generated for persons having either or both (arthritis and/or
chronic joint symptoms).  The first-ever prevalence estimates were made for
each of the 50 states and D.C., and these were combined to create a national
estimate.

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