April 7, 2008 Dear Abby P.O. Box 69440 Ms. Phillips: Please let your readers know that May is National Arthritis Month. More than 21 million adults have osteoarthritis, the "wear-and-tear" form that typically begins after the age of 50. Since arthritis is a group of different diseases and conditions, its symptoms can range from mildly stiff joints that we chalk up to old age to complete immobility and pain. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia and gout, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As the Baby Boomer generation ages, osteoarthritis may affect more than 70 million Americans. It involves the progressive wearing away of the smooth surface of cartilage covering the ends of bones, leading to pain and disability. While some types of arthritis have been well studied, osteoarthritis hasn't been researched as intensively. Exercise, especially walking, may be a key part of preventing and managing osteoarthritis. Maintaining a normal weight, keeping joints limber through stretching and strengthening exercises and sound nutrition are all important parts of managing the disease. Please let your many readers know that all of these lifestyle choices are a positive step in the right direction as they deal with osteoarthritis. We would be happy to provide information on osteoarthritis and our study to your readers. They can sign up for free e-newsletters, learn about our research or write to us at Arthritis Research Institute of America (ARIA), 300 S. Duncan Ave., Suite 188, Clearwater, FL 33755. Our toll-free line, (888) ARIA-411 (274-2411), provides a recorded message with information about osteoarthritis research. I would be happy to provide more information about ARIA to your or your staff. Please call me at (727) 461-4054 for clarification. Here's some information about ARIA: Since 1988, the Arthritis Research Institute of America (ARIA) has been conducting the Clearwater Osteoarthritis Study (COS) to determine why some people develop OA and how lifestyle choices can affect the disease's progression. We are close to the end of a 25-year study with 3,700 participants. We are looking forward to a future when our children and grandchildren won't have to live with this disease as a result of our research. ARIA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose osteoarthritis research has been published in medical journals such as Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, Rheumatology and The American Journal of Physical Therapy.) Regards, Frances Vaughn Wilder, Ph.D ARIA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose research has been published in prestigious medical journals such as Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, Rheumatology and The American Journal of Physical Therapy. For information, to volunteer or to make a tax-deductible donation, call (727) 461-4054.
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