world arthritis day 2017

October 12 is World Arthritis Day

Help raise awareness about arthritis during #WorldArthritisDay! Since 1996, World Arthritis Day on October 12th has unified people of all ages, races, and genders to raise awareness of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). On this day, we strive to raise awareness and share information and support with RMD patients and their caregivers. This year’s theme, “Don’t Delay, Connect Today,” initiated by EULAR, aims to highlight the importance of early diagnosis of RMDs. Together, we can work together towards earlier diagnosis and timely access to care!

As the Champion of Yes, the Arthritis Foundation moves forward every day in ways to improve access to care, providing new information and supporting scientific advancements to find a cure. We strive to provide many ways for those with arthritis and their loved ones with ways to keep saying Yes to life – including valuable tools and resources, such as toolkits you can access on the go, a 24/7 helpline, and access to local resources that will help you conquer everyday challenges.

Awareness

Arthritis is the nation’s number one cause of disability, affecting 1 in 4 adults, impacting the economy and causing daily struggles for the many people affected with arthritis.

Economically, over 156 billion dollars annually are lost in wages as well as medical expenses. Surgeries like knee, hip, and other joint replacements generate more and more medical expenses. In 2011 alone, there were 757,000 knee replacements and 512,000 hip replacements!

Arthritis affects our troops and veterans significantly. It is the leading reason for medical discharge from service in the military, and one in three military service members are diagnosed with arthritis, compared to one in five civilians. Members of the military over 40 are twice as likely as civilians to have arthritis. They would be diagnosed two years after a blast injury, while a non-military service member would be diagnosed about ten years later.

The risk of arthritis is increased with the affliction of other chronic conditions. For example, 49 percent of adults with heart disease have arthritis, and one third of arthritic people have anxiety or depression. Other conditions like diabetes, high blood-pressure, and obesity raise the chance of arthritis.

Daily life is impacted as well. Many adults have significant physical limitations: one in 9 adults report trouble climbing stairs, and one in 22 have trouble grasping. People with arthritis are less likely to be physically active than those not affected, although physical activity is effective to relieve pain and can improve function for those with arthritis.

What You Can Do

Today, help us spread awareness about arthritis and the impact it has on families, friends and loved ones. On #WorldArthritisDay, celebrate those with arthritis for their strength and determination.

Share your stories on social media, tag us so we can see your post, and use the hashtag #WorldArthritisDay. You can also find ways to volunteer and get involved and donate to help us find a cure. Join us in our community of Champions to help all those with arthritis to be a Champion of Yes!

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3 thoughts on “October 12 is World Arthritis Day

  1. I have suffered for the last 4 years but it kept getting worse so I went to a rheumatologist and was just recently diagnosed with advanced RA. Opening bottles, cans or boxes are a thing of the past. After having 4 back surgeries over past 10 years, I really didn’t think pain could get any worse but I was thinking wrong. Some days are better than others but most are miserable days and sleepless nights. The doctors have not found a medicine that helps. Methotrexate caused my hair to fall out and I gained 12 pounds in a three week period. So then they put me on a different medicine that makes me so weak I can’t function so I haven’t been taking anything which isn’t working either. I’m looking for help!

  2. World Arthritis Day hopefully helped spread awareness of how prevalent this issue is! It can be debilitating, but it’s worth trying out different products and natural remedies for pain relief. Every person is different and requires different levels of alleviation and therapy! I use Absorbine Jr topical pain relieving liquid on my hands. It’s really helped me deal with this disease

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