May 8, 2008 People with diagnosed diabetes are nearly twice as likely to have People living with arthritis and diabetes can benefit from participating in one …
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2280 S Albion, Denver, CO 80222
Contact: Angie Hager
Arthritis Foundation-Rocky Mountain Chapter
303-756-8622
ahager@arthritisorg
New Report: Arthritis Is a Potential Barrier to Physical Activity for
Adults with Diabetes
Physical Activity is Vital for Successful Management of Both Diseases
May 8, 2008 - People with diagnosed diabetes are nearly twice as likely to
have arthritis, and the inactivity caused by arthritis hinders the
successful management of both diseases, according to a new Morbidity and
Mortality Weekly Report MMWR study released today by the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention CDC This is one of the first studies of
its kind to look at the relationship between arthritis and diabetes and the
outcomes associated with physical activity
The report finds that arthritis appears to be a barrier to being physically
active for people with diabetes Despite the fact that physical activity
helps control blood glucose levels and reduces joint pain, people with both
diseases are more likely to be physically inactive 298 compared to
those with diabetes
alone 201
Arthritis is a frequent co morbid condition for adults with diabetes,
said John H Klippel, MD, president and CEO, Arthritis Foundation But
for both diseases, physical activity is key to effective management A
lack of physical activity actually results in undesirable consequences
including increased pain, stiffness, inflammation, physical limitation and
potential disability
Arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the US, affecting one
in every five Americans 21 percent In Colorado, there are approximately
792,000 people with arthritis Diabetes affects approximately 7 percent of
the American population, with nearly a third unaware that they have the
disease
Everyone faces the same common barriers to being more physically active,
such as lack of time, competing responsibilities, lack of motivation and
difficulty finding an enjoyable activity, said Chad Helmick, MD, CDC
epidemiologist and co-author of the study Those who also have arthritis
face additional disease-specific barriers, such as concerns about
aggravating arthritis pain and causing further joint damage, and knowing
which types and amounts of activity are safe for their joints
The good news
is that safe and effective self-management programs are
available People living with arthritis and diabetes can benefit from
participating in one of the Arthritis Foundations exercise or self-
management programs, such as the Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program, the
Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program and the Arthritis Foundation Self-
Help Program, said Klippel People should contact the Arthritis
Foundation at wwwrockymountainarthritisorg for information about the
resources available
The Importance of Taking Action
Arthritis currently limits activity for 19 million Americans, taking a 128
billion toll on the US economy annually in direct [medical expenditures]
and indirect [lost earnings] costs With the aging of the Baby Boomer
population, the prevalence of arthritis is expected to rise by 40 percent
in the next two decades alone
Despite evidence of the growing need for intervention to stop the rise of
this disabling disease in our population, the level of federal funding for
arthritis public health and research has declined steadily by nearly 28
million over the past six years, said Klippel We are on the verge of a
public health crisis and must take action now
The
Arthritis Foundation is working to help address this ever-growing
problem through the proposal of legislation The Arthritis Prevention,
Control and Cure Act S 626/HR 1283 proposes to strengthen arthritis
public health initiatives, which would ensure that more people are
diagnosed early and avoid pain and permanent disability
Tips for Exercising with Arthritis
Following are several tips for those affected by arthritis to help them
incorporate healthy physical activity into their schedules:
Walk At Least Three Days per Week
Walking for exercise should take low-to-moderate exertion Set a goal to
walk 10 minutes every day, to start Consider increasing your goal to 10
minutes three times a day or 30 minutes a day at least three times each
week
Stretch
It is important to stretch before and after walking Remember that walking
involves more than just your legs, so be sure to also stretch your lower
back, chest and arms as well
Bring a Friend
Having a walking partner is a great way to stay motivated You encourage
each other to stay active, but talking as you walk is a great way to pass
the time
Maintain a Healthy Weight
As people gain weight they increase the stress placed on
their joints,
particularly their knees Not to mention that being overweight may cause a
person to become tired quickly and not able to follow a healthy exercise
regimen
For information about Arthritis Foundation programs or for a complimentary
copy of the Arthritis Foundations Arthritis and Diabetes brochure, which
includes self-management tips for arthritis and diabetes, visit the
Arthritis Foundation, Rocky Mountain Chapter at
wwwrockymountainarthritisorg
About the Arthritis Foundation
Arthritis is the nations most common cause of disability with a nationwide
economic impact of more than 128 billion annually The condition strikes
all ages and knows no racial or ethnic boundaries 46 million people have
been doctor diagnosed and 300,000 children are affected
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
nations most common cause of disability For more information, contact
the Rocky Mountain Chapter, serving Colorado, Montana and Wyoming at 719-
520-5711 or online at wwwrockymountainarthritisorg
ALCOHOL MAY HELP LOWER THE RISK OF RA
March 2008 -Drinking three or more alcoholic beverages per week, preferably
red wine, may reduce the risk of developing Rheumatoid Arthritis RA RA
is a common form of arthritis that involves inflammation in the lining of
joints — leading to warmth, decreased range of motion, swelling and pain
in the joint In a recent article published in the January/February issue
of Arthritis Today, a Swedish study reported that the more alcohol people
consumed the lower their risk for RA However, scientists were quick to
caution that they are not encouraging excessive alcohol consumption
Though the reasons are not fully understood, research suggests alcohol may
reduce inflammation The new study included 1,400 people diagnosed with RA
and 1,700 people who did not have RA Those who reported drinking more
than three alcoholic beverages per week had a reduced risk of RA, whereas
those who drank 10 alcoholic beverages a week received even more
protection
About Arthritis
Arthritis is the nations most common cause of disability with a nationwide
economic impact of more than 128 billion annually The condition strikes
all ages and knows no racial or
ethnic boundaries 46 million people have
been doctor diagnosed and 300,000 children are affected
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
nations most common cause of disability Information found in this
release is attributed to Arthritis Today, a consumer health magazine
published bi-monthly by the Arthritis Foundation For more information,
contact the Rocky Mountain Chapter, serving Colorado, Montana and Wyoming
at 800-475-6447 or online at wwwrockymountainarthritisorg
