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April 27, 2006
Little Rock --
Approximately 638,000 Arkansans (32 percent of the state’s population) 18 years or older report they have doctor-diagnosed arthritis. An additional 319,000 possibly have arthritis but remain undiagnosed. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability, which limits daily activity for more than 43 million Americans. The Arkansas Department Health and Human Services, Division of Health, (DOH) Arthritis Health Program is launching the “Physical Activity, the Arthritis Pain Reliever” campaign to promote physical activity as a method of arthritis self-management. Research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) corroborates the importance and beneficial effect of activity on arthritis pain and associated disability. In addition, research shows that the campaign audience—persons with arthritis, ages 45-64--identify pain relief as a key concern and is open to learning appropriate arthritis self-management techniques.
The campaign has been implemented as a pilot in Garland County and Independence County through the DOH Hometown Health Coalitions.
In May 2006, the campaign will be implemented in Pulaski County, where the Arthritis Activity Workgroup will distribute pamphlets, and posters to senior centers, nursing facilities, physician offices and other venues. For more information on the campaign and how organizations and individuals can get involved, contact Debbie Campbell, 661-2797. ###
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