Life Improvement Programs Partnership between:Partnership between: DHEC Arthritis Program and SC Recreation and Park Association Statewide Roll Out of Arthritis Foundation Exercise ProgramStatewide Roll Out of Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program

What is Arthritis? Arthritis comprises over 100 different diseases and conditions.Arthritis comprises over 100 different diseases and conditions. Some common forms are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, lupus, and gout.Some common forms are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, lupus, and gout. Symptoms include pain, aching, stiffness, and swelling in or around the joints.Symptoms include pain, aching, stiffness, and swelling in or around the joints. Some forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, affect vital organs and cause widespread symptoms.Some forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, affect vital organs and cause widespread symptoms.

Why Arthritis is a Public Health Issue? It affects almost one third of SC adults, making it one of our most common diseases.It affects almost one third of SC adults, making it one of our most common diseases. As the population ages, this number will increase dramatically.As the population ages, this number will increase dramatically. It is the leading cause of disability among U.S. adults, limiting everyday activities for more than 17.4 million Americans.It is the leading cause of disability among U.S. adults, limiting everyday activities for more than 17.4 million Americans. Each year, arthritis results in 750 thousand hospitalizations and 36 million outpatient visits.Each year, arthritis results in 750 thousand hospitalizations and 36 million outpatient visits. Estimated direct cost of medical care is $80.8 billion, and the estimated total cost is $128 billion.Estimated direct cost of medical care is $80.8 billion, and the estimated total cost is $128 billion.

Importance of Physical Activity Doctors and therapists know that moderate physical activity can improve your health without hurting your joints

Arthritis Foundation The Arthritis Foundation is the only national not-for-profit organization that supports the more than 100 types of arthritis and related conditions.The Arthritis Foundation is the only national not-for-profit organization that supports the more than 100 types of arthritis and related conditions. Nationally RecognizedNationally Recognized Conducts evidence-based programs to improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis.Conducts evidence-based programs to improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis.

Benefits of Evidence Based Prevention Programs Science tells us it worksScience tells us it works Increases the likelihood of positive outcomesIncreases the likelihood of positive outcomes Leads to efficient use of resourcesLeads to efficient use of resources Facilitates the spread of programsFacilitates the spread of programs Uses common performance measuresUses common performance measures Makes it easier to get fundingMakes it easier to get funding

Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program An exercise program designed specifically for people with arthritis that uses gentle activities to help increase joint flexibility and range of motion and to help maintain muscle strength.An exercise program designed specifically for people with arthritis that uses gentle activities to help increase joint flexibility and range of motion and to help maintain muscle strength.

Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program 1 hr, 2-3 times per week, 8 weeks or ongoing1 hr, 2-3 times per week, 8 weeks or ongoing Activities seated, standing or lyingActivities seated, standing or lying Instructors certified by Arthritis FoundationInstructors certified by Arthritis Foundation Developed by AF in 1987, revised in 1999Developed by AF in 1987, revised in 1999

Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program Evidence Improvements in measures, such as:  Pain  Self-efficacy  Self-care behaviors  Mood/depression  Functional ability

Call to Action Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program Leader TrainingArthritis Foundation Exercise Program Leader Training March 10-11, 2011March 10-11, 2011 March 10 will be held in ColumbiaMarch 10 will be held in Columbia March 11 will be a webinarMarch 11 will be a webinar Must attend both daysMust attend both days Application due March 3, 2011Application due March 3, 2011

Contact Information Cora PlassCora Plass (803) Meredith Maliszewski Maliszewski (803)