Chronic diseases affecting 25 million Americans account for 70% of the deaths each year. However, many people live with conditions like type 2 Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Cancer, and Chronic Heart Disease for many years. Pain management and financial security are two major concerns for people who suffer the costly burden of these diseases. In addition to full-blown diseases, the CDC estimates that 133 million people (half of all Americans) live with at least one chronic condition, including Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia and obesity. While the cures are still being developed, prevention is still the ideal solution. For those with the disease already, lifestyle modifications, such as eating healthy, exercising, quitting smoking and sleeping well are their best defenses.

One of the most painful and debilitating chronic diseases is Arthritis, which includes over 100 inflammatory diseases affecting the joints and connective tissues. Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Juvenile Arthritis, Gout and Carpal Tunnel Disease are some of the diseases that afflict 46 million adults. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States and represents over $80 billion in medical costs, so it’s important to take steps to reduce the risk.

Those who are most at risk include women (60% of all cases), the elderly (half of all cases), the obese and those who work in sports or repetitive motion occupations. According to a recent study, the Arthritis Foundation Self Help Program reduces Rheumatoid Arthritic pain by 20% and reduces physician visits by 40%. This small group education course offers physical exercises, which can reduce function decline by up to 41% or disability by 47%, weight loss programs that reduce the risk of knee osteoarthritis by 50%, as well as nutritional advice. Participants in the program can also learn about physical therapy, medications and joint replacement therapy options that can help them live a long and robust life.

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This entry was posted on Thursday, September 25th, 2008 at 7:55 am and is filed under Health & Beauty. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.