Arthritis Foundation Releases Progress
Report.
No One Made the Dean's List
ATLANTA, May 3, 2004 PRNewswire
Is arthritis in America misunderstood? Yes, unfortunately not
only by the lay public, but by physicians and legislators as well.
On Tuesday, May 4, the Arthritis Foundation will release the findings
of its snapshot of arthritis in America, illustrating that the
nation must do a better job of increasing awareness about arthritis
and the steps that can lessen its impact.
Arthritis in America: A National Report Card is based on opinions
from experts within the arthritis field, scientific literature
and more than 50 years of experience working with people who are
living with arthritis. The foundation chose to focus on three
key areas, including: *
America's understanding of arthritis and
misperceptions of arthritis Grade = C
* Physicians' use of a comprehensive treatment
approach for arthritis Grade = C *
Ability for Americans to access appropriate,
comprehensive medical care Grade = D
The Effects of Arthritis on America The grades support the underlying
thought that many within the arthritis community have had for
years -- most people don't understand how serious arthritis is
-- including the personal and economic ramifications it has on
our country. Arthritis is the country's leading cause of disability,
affecting one in six people, equal to 15 percent of the population.
In addition, arthritis affects nearly 300,000 children. According
to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number
affected will surge to one in five, or nearly 60 million people,
by the year 2020, due mainly to the aging of the Baby Boomers.
There are also financial as well as personal ramifications that
must be considered. A 1992 study found that arthritis costs the
nation $65 billion each year -- approximately 1.1 percent of the
gross national product and equal to a moderate recession.
America's understanding of arthritis and
misperceptions of arthritis --Grade = C
The Arthritis Foundation Report Card emphasizes that most Americans
believe in the myths associated with arthritis, such as arthritis
affects only the elderly; there is nothing that can be done about
arthritis, so they must learn to live with it; and arthritis is
only minor aches and pains. Many are unaware of the signs and
symptoms of arthritis. These myths are keeping people from taking
action against their arthritis. According to a recent study by
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
* 40 percent who say they have chronic joint symptoms have not
beendiagnosed by a doctor * Up to 57 percent of those, who are
doctor diagnosed, are not currentlyreceiving treatment For many
Americans, it is what they do not know that can hurt them. Irreversible
joint damage often occurs within the first two years of disease
onset, making an early, accurate diagnosis coupled with an aggressive,
comprehensive treatment plan critical to limiting disease impact
both physically and financially. There also are an increasing
number of prevention steps that can be taken, including maintaining
an appropriate weight and avoiding joint injuries.
Physicians' use of a comprehensive treatment
approach for arthritis -- Grade = C
While physicians work hard to render the best possible care,
the Arthritis Foundation believes many primary care physicians
are facing competing pressures of reduced time to spend with patients
and minimal training in arthritis as a specialty. This fact is
compounded by the continual need to stay abreast of rapid improvements
in the treatment of arthritis. A number of studies have evaluated
practice patterns of primary care physicians. These studies show
that many primary care physicians do not use a comprehensive approach
to treatment or are unaware of the most recent and more aggressive
strategies for limiting disease impact in people with arthritis,
which can lead to increased deformity, disability and cost (both
medical and personal). Rheumatologists -- arthritis specialists
-- by virtue of their special training are more aware of the full
spectrum of treatment options and take a more aggressive approach
in treating people with arthritis.
The Arthritis Foundation believes it and the nation must do a
better job in assisting physicians in addressing the full needs
of patients with arthritis and in informing them of the latest
in arthritis treatments, including the use of aggressive and comprehensive
treatment plans for people with arthritis. In fact, studies show
that although medication is critical to treating arthritis, encouraging
people to take an active role as a partner in their own health
care, such as attending support groups, exercise classes and accessing
other complementary therapies, is just as important.
For example, the Arthritis Self-Help Course provided by the Arthritis
Foundation has proven to reduce pain by 20 percent and doctor
visits by 40 percent. By teaching people with arthritis a self-management
philosophy they are able to take control of the disease and lessen
its impact on their life. As arthritis becomes a growing problem
within various medical practices, more physicians are recognizing
the severity of arthritis and the need for a broader approach
toward treatment.
The Arthritis Foundation is working with the American Association
of Orthopedic Surgeons, the American Academy of Family Physicians,
as well as other physician groups.
Ability for Americans to access appropriate,
comprehensive medical care -- Grade = D
This problem doesn't rest solely on the shoulders of the American
public or primary care physicians. For many, the ability to obtain
access to appropriate care is where the problem can start -- referrals
to appropriate physicians/rheumatologists, cost and access to
medications and adequate insurance to pay for various treatment
needs. The federal government has taken a positive step recently
by recognizing the impact of arthritis through allocating funding
to various arthritis- related projects, such as the National Arthritis
Action Plan. In fact, this Plan is a model of partnership between
the Arthritis Foundation and groups that shape health policy and
legislation, both locally and nationally, including the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, the Association of State and
Territorial Health Officials, the National Institute of Arthritis
and Musculoskeletal Diseases, and others within the public health
arena. The Foundation plans to continue and expand its successful
partnerships in order to meet its mission. The Arthritis Foundation
also is gathering a special Think Tank this month to investigate
in-depth issues surrounding cost and access to medications to
better advocate for appropriate positions on behalf of those with
the disease.
Learn about arthritis by contacting the expert -- the Arthritis
Foundation. Call 1-800-283-7800 or visit the web site at www.arthritis.org/arthritismonth/
. * Attend a public forum, self-help class, Web chat or support
group. * Educate others with arthritis or undiagnosed joint pain.
* Write to government representatives to demand more action against
arthritis. The Mission The mission of the Arthritis Foundation
is to support research to find the cure for and prevention of
arthritis and to improve the quality of life of those affected
by arthritis. For arthritis information, call the toll-free Arthritis
Foundation Information Line at 800-283-7800, or visit the foundation's
Web site at www.arthritis.org .
Source: Arthritis Foundation
CO: Georgia Arthritis Foundation