Move to Improve Arthritis

ATLANTA, Oct. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Arthritis Foundation is joining a global effort on Oct. 12, World Arthritis Day, to increase awareness of the many forms of arthritis and to call on individuals and policymakers to take action to reduce the burden of arthritis around the world.

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Arthritis affects several hundred million people worldwide. In the United States, it's the nation's leading cause of disability, affecting one in five adults (50 million).  The disease exacts a hefty financial toll, costing the U.S. economy $128 billion annually. As the staggering prevalence of arthritis continues to rise, the Arthritis Foundation is calling on the nation and individuals to "Move to Improve" to reduce the severe health and economic effects of this disease.

"Arthritis now affects 50 million Americans of every age and it's on track to affect 67 million by 2030," says Arthritis Foundation President and CEO Dr. John H. Klippel.  "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."  

Move to Improve

Movement is especially important for people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases and is one of the many ways to fight off arthritis.  As a recently released public service campaign by the Ad Council and Arthritis Foundation highlights, even doing a small amount of extra activity can help.  Walking, biking, swimming or even joining a friend for tennis can help reduce risk and improve pain.  

In commemoration of World Arthritis Day, the Arthritis Foundation and partners are hosting the following initiatives:

• Move Around the World -- Movement is a weapon in the battle against the disease.  Join us, invite your friends and log your movements online. Collectively, we'll move more than 24,000 miles, the circumference of the earth, by Oct. 31.
• Healing Hands for Arthritis -- Massage therapy can help get you moving by easing painful symptoms of arthritis.  On World Arthritis Day, over 700 Massage Envy locations will join the fight against arthritis. Massage Envy, the pioneer and national leader of professional, convenient and affordable massage and spa services, will donate $10 from every one-hour massage and facial to support the Arthritis Foundation's efforts to prevent, control and cure arthritis.  Appointments are now being accepted for the Healing Hands for Arthritis event. To schedule your massage or facial appointment, contact your local Massage Envy clinic.  
• Empire State Building Lighting -- The Empire State Building will honor World Arthritis Day on October 12, 2011 by shining its world-famous tower lights in all blue. 
• Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis -- Form a Jingle Bell Run/Walk team and raise awareness and funds to fight arthritis.  Be one of the first 1,000 people to register on Oct. 12 and receive a free gift.    

To participate in World Arthritis Day activities and to fight back against arthritis, visit www.FightArthritisPain.org/WorldArthritisDay.

About the Arthritis Foundation

Striking one in every five adults and 300,000 children, arthritis is the nation's leading cause of disability. The Arthritis Foundation (www.arthritis.org) is committed to raising awareness and reducing the impact of this serious, painful and unacceptable disease, which can severely damage joints and rob people of living life to its fullest. The Foundation funds life-changing research that has restored mobility in patients for more than six decades; fights for health care policies that improve the lives of the millions who live with arthritis; and partners with families to provide empowering programs and information.

About World Arthritis Day

Observed every year on Oct. 12 since 1996, World Arthritis Day (www.worldarthritisday.org) is part of a global 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.

SOURCE The Ad Council