May is National Arthritis Month. Arthritis and other rheumatic
conditions are the leading cause of disability in the United
States,
affecting 42.7 million persons in 1998, and is projected to affect
approximately 60 million by 2020. This year's theme is "Make This
The
Year You Get Active." The Arthritis Foundation emphasizes early
diagnosis
and treatment of arthritis and the benefits of regular physical
activity
in controlling arthritis pain and disability. The Arthritis
Foundation
also promotes the 1996 Surgeon General's Report on Physical
Activity and
Health by encouraging persons of all ages to engage in regular,
moderate
physical activity to build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and
joints.
Additional information about arthritis, National Arthritis
Month
activities, and ongoing local Arthritis Foundation programs and
services
is available from the Arthritis Foundation, telephone (800)
283-7800, or
the World-Wide Web http://www.arthritis.org. A National Arthritis
Month
Health Professionals Kit and media information are available,
telephone
(404) 872-7100, extension 6225.
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