Arthritis has an Impact Upon Many Alabamians

Alabama Nurse,  Dec 2003-Feb 2004  

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Arthritis is a group of over 100 diseases and conditions that affects individuals in very different ways. The 2001 Alabama Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a random telephone survey of adults 18 and older in Alabama, indicates that 41 percent of Alabamians have some form of arthntis. Persons aged 65 and older are the fastest growing segment of the population (due to baby boomers' aging). Therefore, the impact of arthritis is expected to increase dramatically by the year 2020.

Two major factors in Alabama's high arthritis prevalence rate are obesity and lack of leisure-time physical activities among our citizens. In addition, there is a shortage of facilities and properly trained professional in arthritis treatment, care, education and rehabilitation in many areas of the state.

The Alabama Arthritis Control Program was established in 1999 to advance the health of Alabamians by improving the quality of life for those who have arthritis. Alabama is one of eight states in the nation to be awarded funds from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at a higher level to implement and evaluate a state-level program for arthritis. This program operates within the Alabama Department of Public Health.

Since arthritis is the leading cause of disability for Americans, it is important to make programs easily available to help people with arthritis better manage it so they will feel better. These include the following: The Arthritis Self-Help Course, which involves small group education with problem solving, exercise, relaxation and communication; promoting physical activity to individuals with arthritis using land-based exercise programs such as PACE (People with Arthritis Can Exercise) or water-based programs such as the Arthritis Foundation's Aquatics Program. These programs are offered in various locations within the state. In order to identify location where these classes are offered, or to find out how you might become a trained instructor, call the Arthritis Foundation, Alabama Chapter, toll free at 1-800-879-7896.

Another resource for information is the Alabama Department of Public Health's interactive Web site at www.adph.org/arthritis. This site provides information about the Alabama Arthritis Control Program and its activities, arthritis facts and figures, tips on self-management, and arthritis-related resources. The site features "Taking Care of Yourself With Arthritis," an individually tailored, Internet-based intervention, designed to encourage persons with arthritis to feel better, experience less pain and enjoy life more.

Contact: Linda Austin

Alabama Department of Public Health

(334)206-5603

laustin(5)adph.state.al.us

Copyright Alabama State Nurses' Association Dec 2003-Feb 2004
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