Arthritis Awareness Month

May is Arthritis Awareness Month

May is recognized each year as National Arthritis Awareness Month. Arthritis is a disease that impacts more than 50 million Americans. For this reason, it the number one cause of disability in the country. That means 1 in every 5 adults, 300,000 children and countless families are affected by arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation is leading the way to conquer arthritis and its effects through advocacy efforts at the state level and on Capitol Hill. In addition, cutting-edge scientific research, tools and resources help arthritis sufferers live their best life. Wear blue for Arthritis Awareness Month. Personalized Cause offers three different types of blue awareness products. These include enamel awareness ribbon pins in both a personalized and non-personalized version, fabric ribbons, and blue silicone awareness wristband bracelets.

Wear Blue for Arthritis Awareness Month

The first steps in conquering arthritis are learning the facts. It’s important to know your condition. Below, you’ll find some telling statistics about the current impact of arthritis on the U.S. population, resources to help you learn more about arthritis, and additional information on how you can help and get involved.

Arthritis by the Numbers:

• Nearly 53 million adults have doctor-diagnosed arthritis. That number is expected to grow to 67 million by 2030.
• Almost 300,000 babies, kids, and teens have arthritis or a rheumatic condition.
• Arthritis is the nation’s No. 1 cause of disability.
• Working-age men and women (ages 18 to 64) with arthritis are less likely to be employed than those of the same age without arthritis.
• 1/3 of working-age people with arthritis have limitations in their ability to work, the type of work they can do or whether they can work part time or full time.
• People with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis –two major kinds of arthritis – miss a combined 172 million workdays every year.
• Arthritis and related conditions account for more than $156 billion annually in lost wages and medical expenses.
• There are nearly 1 million hospitalizations each year due to arthritis.
• 57% of adults with heart disease have arthritis.
• 52% of adults with diabetes have arthritis.
• 44% of adults with high blood pressure have arthritis.
• 36% of adults who are obese have arthritis.
• 1/3 of adults with arthritis age 45 and older have either anxiety or depression.

CDC and Arthritis-Appropriate Interventions – KNOW MORE during Arthritis Awareness Month

Arthritis is one of the most common health conditions in the United States, and a leading cause of disability. Almost 59 million adults (1 in 4), have arthritis that has been diagnosed by a doctor. Nearly 26 million are unable to do everyday activities because of arthritis.

Physical activity can help relieve arthritis symptoms, like joint pain and stiffness, that limit activities. CDC works to improve the quality of life for adults who live with arthritis and other chronic conditions by promoting physical activity and self-management education interventions.

One in three adults with arthritis are not physically active (30%), have fair to poor health (33%), and have severe joint pain (33%), according to a recent CDC study. These rates were highest among people living in the Southeast, particularly Appalachia. Increasing awareness of and access to arthritis interventions can help improve the health and quality of life for adults living with arthritis and other chronic conditions.

Moving Past Arthritis Limitations – Physical Activity Helps Relieve Arthritis Symptoms

Arthritis affects working-age adults, older adults, and even children. The number of adults who live in rural or urban areas and are affected by arthritis is the topic of a published CDC analysis. Researchers found that more adults in rural areas are affected by arthritis with nearly 1 in 3 affected, than in urban areas. Adults living in the most rural areas were more limited by their arthritis, too. Over half reported being limited by arthritis. Arthritis limitations can include difficulties with moving and performing daily tasks, as well as social and work limitations.