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First-ever psoriatic arthritis program in the country comes to Cleveland

Be Joint Smart educates public about devastating disease affecting 87,000 Ohioans

CLEVELAND, Oct. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For the first-time ever, the National Psoriasis Foundation and the Arthritis Foundation will partner to educate Americans about psoriatic arthritis, a chronic autoimmune disease that affects roughly 87,000 Ohioans. To emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and treatment, the Psoriasis Foundation and Arthritis Foundation present the first psoriatic arthritis-specific program—Be Joint Smart—in Cleveland on Saturday, Nov. 3, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Learn more at www.bejointsmart.org.

Up to 30 percent of people with psoriasis—the most common autoimmune disease in the country—actually have psoriatic arthritis, an inflammatory disease that causes pain, swelling and stiffness of the joints and tendons. As many as 2 million Americans currently are diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. However, National Psoriasis Foundation research reveals that nearly one in four people with psoriasis may have undiagnosed psoriatic arthritis. Early diagnosis and treatment of the disease is critical to prevent long-term joint damage and disability.

Through the Be Joint Smart live events, a leading dermatologist and rheumatologist will give an in-depth presentation on psoriatic arthritis, its treatments, tips for a healthy lifestyle and ways to minimize symptoms and limit long-term joint damage. Participants will learn how to set achievable, realistic goals from the National Psoriasis Foundation and an Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program Leader will teach easy exercises to get people moving and to be joint smart.

To learn more about Be Joint Smart Cleveland and to register, visit: http://www.bejointsmart.org/events/cleveland, call 800.723.9166 or email info@bejointsmart.org.

About the National Psoriasis Foundation
National Psoriasis Foundation is the world's largest nonprofit organization serving people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Our mission is to find a cure for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and to eliminate their devastating effects through research, advocacy and education. For more information, call the Psoriasis Foundation, headquartered in Portland, Ore., at 800.723.9166, or visit www.psoriasis.org. Follow the Psoriasis Foundation on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE National Psoriasis Foundation