The ADH, Arthritis Program is pleased to announce the "Physical Activity - The arthritis pain reliever." campaign to promote physical activity as a method of arthritis self-management.  Physical activity can have an important and beneficial effect on arthritis pain and associated disability.  The research conducted on behalf of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that the campaign audience--lower-income African America and Caucasian persons with arthritis, aged 45-64--identifies pain relief as a key concern and is open to learning appropriate arthritis self-management techniques.  The promotion campaign is geared toward a family support environment.      

The Arkansas Arthritis Program has presented the campaign to the Hometown Health Garland County Coalition (Project Hope).  A pilot project for  "Physical Activity - The arthritis pain reliever." campaign is now being implemented in Hot Springs.  The campaign is centered on radio public service announcements and paid radio advertising.  However, print ads will also be part of the campaign and will target senior centers, physician's offices, pharmacies and the general public.

The Garland County (Hot Springs) pilot campaign will take place from June through September 2003. This campaign is intended to raise awareness about arthritis---a public health issue that has not been public in the past and also to encourage arthritis sufferers to take ownership in the self-management of their pain for a better quality of life. 

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