Thursday, March 28, 2024

Arthritis Foundation encourages North Texans to get moving for World Arthritis Day

AF-infographicECONOMICSDALLAS  – In observance of World Arthritis Day, the Arthritis Foundation is calling on North Texans to get moving by walking and exercising on Saturday, Oct. 12.  The effort aims to raise awareness of arthritis in all its forms and to urge the North Texans to take action to reduce the impact of the most common cause of disability in the U.S.  Although getting Americans walking is a step in the right direction, the Arthritis Foundation is joining a global initiative on World Arthritis Day to encourage physical activity among people with arthritis including more than 1.8 million in North Texas.

Observed every year on Oct. 12 since 1996, World Arthritis Day is part of a global awareness initiative by the United Nations-endorsed Bone and Joint Decade.   A key aim is to increase awareness of the 100+ forms of arthritis and to call on individuals and policymakers to take action to reduce the burden of arthritis.

“Arthritis now affects 50 million Americans of every age and it’s on track to affect 67 million by 2030,” says Susan Carter, Chief Executive Officer, Arthritis Foundation South Central Region.  “The Arthritis Foundation is proud to join the arthritis community around the globe to mobilize and fight back against the unacceptable pain, limitations and economic costs of arthritis.”

“Arthritis exacts a hefty financial toll, costing the U.S. economy $128 billion annually,” says Carter.  “As the staggering prevalence of arthritis continues to rise, we must as a nation and as individuals take action to reduce the severe health and economic effects of this disease.”  According to a July 2013 National Pain Report article, without aggressive treatment 90 % of rheumatoid arthritis patients stop working before retirement age and 10% stop working within a year of being diagnosed. The Arthritis Foundation says one in three arthritis patients experience work limitations.

Importance of Movement

“Being physically active is a giant step toward improving Americans’ health by lowering risk for arthritis, as well as other diseases such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and depression,” says Pam Gill, Regional Vice President Mission Programs for the Arthritis Foundation.   “We know that even small amounts of physical activity benefit people with arthritis by improving their mobility, reducing pain, increasing balance and strength, and improving their overall health.”

While Americans are moving more than in years past, reports reveal fewer than half of all Americans are getting the government-recommended 2.5 hours a week of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity like brisk walking to improve their health. Movement is especially important for people with arthritis and is one of the many ways to fight off arthritis. Walking, biking, swimming or even tennis can help reduce risk and improve pain.

Move to Improve

The Arthritis Foundation is taking steps to increase walking and physical activity to limit the effects of arthritis.  As the nation’s leading cause of disability, arthritis affects one in five adults in the Unites States – more than 20 percent of the adult population. High rates of arthritis among people with other chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, make physical activity an even more important way to manage disease.

In commemoration of World Arthritis Day, the Arthritis Foundation is calling on the nation to:

  • Get Moving —The Arthritis Foundation’s Walk With Ease exercise program is a great resource to start moving.  It’s safe, easy and motivating.  And researchers have found that Walk With Ease can reduce pain, increase balance and strength, and improve overall health.
  • Jingle With Us — Be one of the first 1,000 people to register and raise $100 for the Fort Worth Jingle Bell Run/Walk by October 12 and receive a free shoe wallet. The Fort Worth Jingle Bell Run/Walk is December 7 in Downtown Fort Worth at Burnett Park. There will be a 5K and 1K, so there is something for all skill levels and ages. It’s a great event for kids, adults and seniors!

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