REDUCING THE IMPACT OF ARTHRITIS AND OTHER RHEUMATIC CONDITIONS

Arthritis encompasses over 120 diseases and conditions that affect joints, the surrounding tissues, and other connective tissues.  The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. Other types include juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, gout, bursitis, rheumatic fever and Lyme disease to mention a few. Severe arthritis can occur in persons with Lupus. While anyone can be at-risk for developing arthritis, prevalence of this disease is higher among women than among men.
 Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in New York State (NYS) and affects the quality of life for approximately 32% (4.7 million) of adult, non-institutionalized New Yorkers.  It is particularly prevalent among the elderly, affecting about 59% (1.5 million) of those aged 65 and up.   Currently, adults with an arthritis-related activity limitation in NYS number around 1.41 million.
 The Arthritis Foundation chapters and various community partners offer the Arthritis Self Help Course (ASHC) and land and water -based exercise courses designed for persons with arthritis.  ASHC is a six- week course for people with arthritis and is intended to help them to better manage their arthritis. The course provides instruction in self-help principles, the disease process, exercise and fitness, pain management and relaxation, dealing with depression and fatigue, communicating with physicians, medications and non-traditional treatments. ASHC is proven to decrease the pain associated with arthritis and the number of arthritis-related physician visits by 20% and 40%, respectively.
The land-based course, or PACE (People with Arthritis Can Exercise), is an exercise program designed specifically for people with arthritis and related conditions that uses gentle activities to help increase joint flexibility and range of motion and to help maintain muscle strength. PACE classes are conducted by specially trained instructors and are available to participants in the standing and seated positions. Hour-long classes are usually held one to three times per week for a series of eight weeks.
The YMCA and the Arthritis Foundation developed the Arthritis Foundation Aquatics Program (AFAP), a water exercise program designed for people with arthritis and related conditions such as fibromyalgia and lupus. Water exercise is especially good for people with arthritis, because it allows people to exercise without putting excess strain on your joints and muscles. The AFAP gives people the opportunity to do gentle activities in warm water, with guidance from a trained instructor. Although it is a non-clinical program (one that will not replace a prescribed regimen of therapeutic exercise), past participants have enjoyed some physical benefits such as decreased pain and stiffness.
In November of 2003, the Arthritis Program released the New York State Arthritis Plan.  The plan addresses the strengths, challenges, and existing capacities of reducing the burden of arthritis and rheumatic disease.  The plan provides a comprehensive framework for addressing arthritis in New York State.
The Alliance has offered both programs to community residents with arthritis and encourages everyone to learn as much as possible about ways to manage this chronic condition.