May is Arthritis Month!

Knee pain. Hip pain. Back pain.

The prevalence of arthritis is projected to increase by more than 50 percent in the next 25 years due to the development of the most common form of arthritis - osteoarthritis - in baby boomers. Knee, hip and lower back pain typically begin as boomers approach 50, or even earlier if risk factors such as family history, joint injury or obesity are present.

As the nation's leading cause of disability, arthritis currently affects 66 million Americans (one in three) including 300,000 children. In Alaska, arthritis affects more than 107,000 adults. It comes with a stiff price tag, costing Alaska more than $129 million dollars per year.

These numbers will skyrocket over the next two decades as aging boomers develop arthritis. By taking action now and incorporating physical activity into their daily routines, baby boomers can both prevent arthritis and limit arthritis pain and disability later.

This May during Alaska Arthritis Month, the Arthritis Foundation organized the first annual Anchorage Arthritis Walk. The Walk took place on May 7th, at the west end of the Delaney Park Strip. There was a 1 mile and 3.1 mile course. The honoree at the Anchorage Walk was Schuyler Ham.

Arthritis Month Activities

• Anchorage Arthritis Walk, May 7th, 1pm at the Delaney Parkstrip
• Arthritis Foundation Leader Training Workshops, May 22nd and 23rd, in Anchorage at H2Oasis:
  • Information
  • Sign up
  • Arthritis Foundation Tuitions scholarship guidelines
• 2nd Annual Public Forum on Living with Arthritis, May 25th, in Anchorage at the Wilda Marston Theater, at the Loussac Library, from 9AM to 1PM
  Featured speakers include Bruce Keissling, MD, and Liz Ferucci, MD

Why this message is important to your audience

• Studies show physical activity decreases joint pain, keeps joints flexible and improves overall health
• Physical activity contributes to weight loss, which decreases the risk of getting osteoarthritis (OA), the most common form of arthritis, in people over their ideal weight
• For every two pounds gained, the risk of OA goes up
• A weight loss of 11 pounds can decrease the risk of knee OA
• Simple activities, like walking your dog, can limit the impact of arthritis now and in the future

Press Release:
FREE PUBLIC FORUM – ARTHRITIS AND YOU

Resources:
MMWR weekly highlighting National Arthritis Month
Physical Activity and Arthritis: You Can Do It!
Arthritis in Alaska Fact Sheet

Related Links:
Alaska Arthritis Month Proclamation
Arthritis Foundation
National Institute of Arthritis and Muculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

For more information, please contact:
Lisa D. Hall, MHS
Coordinator
Alaska Arthritis Program
907-269-8089
arthritis@health.state.ak.us
www.hss.state.ak.us/dph/chronic/arthritis