Cost Of Arthritis Dramatically Increases, Reaching $128 Billion Annually

Forty-six million Americans
are currently living with arthritis, the nation's leading cause of
disability, and paying a high price for it. The Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) today announced that the annual cost of arthritis to
the United States economy was $128 billion in 2003 and increased by $20
billion between 1997 and 2003.



CDC attributes the dramatic increase to the aging of the population,
predominantly baby boomers, and increased prevalence of arthritis. CDC also
estimates an additional 8 million new cases of arthritis will be diagnosed
in the next decade.



"As the nation's largest private, non-profit contributor to arthritis
research, the Arthritis Foundation is enabling treatment advances that help
millions of people with arthritis better manage their disease," said John
H. Klippel, M.D., president and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation. "Providing
useful information to those with and at risk for getting arthritis is
critical. Through Arthritis Today's 2007 Drug Guide, our efforts to
increase research funding and our exercise and self-help programs, the
Arthritis Foundation is providing people with arthritis the information and
services needed to live healthier lives."



Since 1948, the Arthritis Foundation has spent more than $380 million
to support over 2,000 scientists and physicians in arthritis research. The
Foundation funded $13 million in research in 2006.



Arthritis Today, the consumer health and lifestyle magazine published
by the Arthritis Foundation, offers the 2007 Drug Guide, a free
comprehensive reference to help people make informed decisions in dealing
with the pain of arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation has also reviewed
arthritis research results and created "Top 10 Arthritis Advances 2006."



These information resources are valuable tools for people with
arthritis seeking treatments and therapies to help manage their disease.
More information about the 2007 Drug Guide and the Top 10 Advances of 2006
is available at arthritis - keywords "Get the Facts."



About The Arthritis Foundation



The Arthritis Foundation is the leading health organization addressing
the needs of some 46 million Americans living with arthritis, the nation's
number- one cause of disability. Founded in 1948, with headquarters in
Atlanta, the Arthritis Foundation has 46 chapters and 150 community service
points located throughout the country.



The Arthritis Foundation is the largest private, not-for-profit
contributor to arthritis research in the world, funding more than $380
million in research grants since 1948. The foundation helps individuals
take control of arthritis by providing public health education; pursuing
public policy and legislation; and conducting evidence-based programs to
improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis. Information is
available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-568-4045 or
arthritis.


The Arthritis Foundation

arthritis