Arthritis Awareness Month

There are lots of health observances this month including Employee Health and Fitness Month, National High Blood Pressure Education Month, National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month, National Women's Health Week, and National Senior Health and Fitness Day.  While all of these topics are important, today we will focus on Arthritis Awareness Month.

Do you suffer from arthritis?  Do you know someone who does?  Osteoarthritis (OA), also called osteoarthroses or degenerative joint disease, is the most common type of arthritis.  OA is a chronic condition characterized by the breakdown of the joint's cartilage.  This breakdown causes the bones to rub against each other, causing stiffness, pain, and loss of movement in the joint.  This chronic disease affects almost 27 million Americans.

A report from the Centers for Disease Control in 2009 shows that with the rise in obesity rates, more people are suffering from both obesity and arthritis. Obesity rates are 54% higher among adults with arthritis compared to those without the condition.  Unfortunately, Kentucky is among the top 20 states with the highest rates of obesity among adults with arthritis.  Specifically we are the 16th highest with 39.4%.

Even though arthritis can be a debilitating disease, it is important to remember that movement of the body is crucial to managing the disease.  You might think that because arthritis makes joints painful that it would be wise NOT to participate in physical activity.  However, movement keeps your joints lubricated with important fluid.  Weight training also helps by making the muscles around the joints stronger and able to support the body even though there is a deterioration of the cartilage.  Most importantly, movement/exercise can help reduce body weight, which in turn puts less stress on the joints.

Osteoarthritis can affect anyone but it doesn't mean you can be healthy and active.  Nolan Ryan (National Baseball Hall of Famer), Hank Aaron (National Baseball Hall of Famer), and Joe Namath (NFL Hall of Famer and Super Bowl MVP), all battle with OA yet they all still maintain an active lifestyle.  Don't let OA stop you (or loved ones) from being active.  Stop in at PROMATx Health Club and talk with a fitness professional to find out how you can manage your arthritis through exercise. 

Click HERE to go to the Arthritis Foundation's website to learn more about arthritis and how you can help others affected by this disease.