Ring In The Holidays With The Jingle Bell Run/Walk For Arthritis

ATLANTA, Nov. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Arthritis Foundation wants to get people moving together this holiday season with the Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis, a fun and festive 5K that supports the 50 million Americans living with arthritis, the leading cause of disability in the country.

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During November and December, thousands of families, friends, coworkers and seasoned runners will participate in more than 130 Jingle Bell Run/Walk events taking place across the nation. Adults and kids can dress in holiday-inspired costumes, tie jingle bells to their shoes and run or walk a 5K or one-mile course in honor of someone with arthritis. Funds raised from the events will be used to support research, education, advocacy and other vital programs and services aimed at improving the lives of those with arthritis.

"There are 50 million Americans living with arthritis, including 300,000 children," said Arthritis Foundation President and CEO, Dr. John Klippel. "With that number expected to grow in coming decades, the Jingle Bell Run/Walk is a wonderful opportunity for us to come together in the fight against arthritis and encourage everyone to exercise daily for better health."

In addition to its general health benefits, regular exercise can be effective at preventing and treating arthritis. Thirty minutes of physical activity each day can build muscle to support joints, improve mobility and flexibility and even alleviate some of the painful symptoms of arthritis.

As national sponsor of the Jingle Bell Run/Walk, Abbott is proud to support activities that focus on improving education for people with arthritis. "Many forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, are progressive, which means early and aggressive treatment could be key in preventing further joint damage," said Jim Salanty, Divisional Vice President/General Manager, Rheumatology, Proprietary Products Division, Abbott. "This is why we support Arthritis Foundation efforts like the Jingle Bell Run/Walk that are focused on educating and empowering people with arthritis, and encouraging them to live active lives."

To find the Jingle Bell Run/Walk event in your area, visit www.arthritis.org/jingle-bell-run or contact your local Arthritis Foundation field office for more information.

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 unacceptable impact of this serious and painful 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 Abbott
Abbott (NYSE: ABT) is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs nearly 90,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries.

SOURCE Arthritis Foundation