The
High Cost of Arthritis…
 Know someone who thinks arthritis doesn’t
affect them? If so, tell them this: A recent
study published in the medical journal Arthritis
Care & Research shows that arthritis
and rheumatic diseases cost the United States
economy to the tune of nearly $125 billion
in medical payments and lost productivity.
The study, which was funded by the Chicago
chapter of the Arthritis Foundation and the
National Institutes of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal
and Skin Diseases, comes in the wake of the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s
announcement that a whopping 70 million adult
Americans (one in three) are affected by
arthritis or chronic joint symptoms. That
means that arthritis can affect everyone.
Easy-To-Use Products
 Have you ever ached to find easy-to-open
food packages or bottles? Utensils and tools
designed to be comfortable as well as easy
to use and effective? Or gadgets that would
make it easier to do many things?
The Arthritis Foundation created a program
to encourage manufacturers to design with "ease
of use" in mind. Cardinal EasyOpen® Ring
Binders and SpineVue® Ring Binders are
among the products, packaging and services
that have voluntarily been reviewed by a
panel of people with arthritis and independent
health professionals, and have received a
favorable review. These products carry the
Arthritis Foundation Ease-of-Use Commendation
Logo and make an annual contribution to the
foundation in support of their mission. |
Rule Out Arthritis Pain
Arthritis can make the simplest tasks a
chore, but making even the smallest changes
can result in big payoffs in preventing and
controlling arthritis. As the nation’s
leading cause of disability, arthritis affects
70 million—or one in three—adults
and nearly 300,000 children. If you
have joint pain or swelling, the Arthritis
Foundation recommends that you:
- Get a Specific Diagnosis. With
more than 100 forms of arthritis, each
requiring different treatments, getting
a specific diagnosis from your doctor is
important. Take action early to prevent
joint damage.
- Use Products that Make Life Easier
for You. Avoid products
that are difficult to grasp, or require
twisting with your fingers to open and
close. Look for products that carry
the Arthritis Foundation’s Ease-of-Use
Commendation.
- Shed Excess Weight. The
more you weigh, the more stress you put
on your joints, especially knees, hips,
back and feet.
- Get Active. Regular
exercise protects joints by strengthening
the muscles around them, lessens pain,
increases range of movement and reduces
fatigue.
- Take Control. For
more strategies to improve health and limit
the impact of arthritis, contact the Arthritis
Foundation for a free copy of the leaflet, Simple
Strategies for Change.
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