National Facts about Arthritis

I think it's important to share facts about arthritis, so here are a few national facts I came across in my Jingle Bell Run meeting this evening.

• The term "ARTHRITIS" encompasses more than 100 diseases and conditions that affect joints, the surrounding tissues and other connective tissues
• Arthritis affects women at a much higher rate than men. Sixty percent of all people who have arthritis are female
• Nearly 50 million Americans have been diagnosed with arthritis - That's 1 in 5 people!
• Nearly 300,000 children under the age of 17 are affected by juvenile arthritis
• Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States
• Arthritis prevalence increases with age - Among adults over 65, the prevalence of arthritis is 48%
• Each year, arthritis results in 39 million physician visits, 744,000 hospitalizations and $128 billion in costs of treatment, lost wages and other associated costs